5 Best Day Trips from London (Without A Car)
Looking for the best day trips from London without a car?
Some of England’s most charming towns and villages are just a short and easy train ride from the capital.
As a Brit now living in the U.S., I’ve spent years helping visitors discover places beyond London. Here are five of my favorite day trips from London — no car required.
1. The Cotswolds
First up on my list of the 5 best day trips from London is the Cotswolds.
It’s one of the destinations visitors most often ask me about as an add-on to London.
I visited again recently and was reminded why this corner of England is so popular — it’s simply gorgeous.
The good news? It’s also an easy day trip from London.
Why the Cotswolds Is One of the Best Day Trips from London
This corner of England is full of honey-colored cottages, rolling green hills, and charming villages.
It feels like stepping straight into a storybook!
How to Get to the Cotswolds from London Without a Car
Getting there is easy.
A direct train from London Paddington will get you to Moreton-in-Marsh in less than 90 minutes.
Best Things to Do in the Cotswolds on a Day Trip from London
The Cotswolds is a wide area to cover in just one day.
To make the most of you day trip from London, I recommend joining this award-winning COTSWOLDS IN A DAY TOUR.
It’s an effortless, stress-free way to see the highlights of this picture-perfect corner of England.
Your driver-guide meets you at Moreton-in-Marsh train station — no extra transfers required — and takes you on a scenic driving tour, visiting some of the Cotswolds’ most charming villages in a single day, including:
- Chipping Campden
- Stow-on-the-Wold
- Bibury (known as the most beautiful village in the world!)
- Bourton-on-the-Water (called the “Venice of the Cotswolds” and my personal favorite)
Why This Cotswolds Day Tour Is Worth It
This tour is the opposite of a typical big bus experience.
Instead, you’ll enjoy a small-group tour in a comfortable vehicle, led by an experienced local guide who knows the Cotswolds inside and out.
Prices start at around £70 per adult, making it an affordable way to see several villages in a single day.
When a day trip turns into an overnight stay…
If your day trip turns into an overnight stay (because, trust me, you’ll want to stay longer), I highly recommend you check into The Bell Inn on Moreton-in-the-Marsh High Street.
This 200-year-old coaching inn is full of Cotswolds character. It’s a must for J.R.R. Tolkien fans (it inspired The Prancing Pony from The Lord of the Rings).
They serve a wonderful breakfast too!
2. Windsor
Up next on my list of the best day trips from London (no car required) is Windsor.
Why is Windsor One of the Best Day trips from London?
Home to Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of King Charles III, it’s one of the best places to visit in England, and only a short distance from central London.
This quintessential English town is full of charm. You’ll can walk cobbled streets, immerse yourself in centuries of royal history, and experience that quirky mix of tradition and pageantry that us Brits do best!
How to get to Windsor from London without a car?
To get to Windsor from London, take the train from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Central.
This is the best station if you want to be closest to Windsor Castle.
The journey requires 1 change at Windsor & Eton Riverside, and takes about 1 hr 8 minutes depending on the service.
If your staying closer to London Paddington, you can also take the train to Windsor & Eaton Central in as little as 28 minutes.
Both Windsor & Eton Central and Windsor & Eton Riverside stations get you to Windsor, but if you want quick access to the Castle, Windsor & Eton Central is my top recommendation.
What I did (and why I recommend it)
If you’re in Windsor, a visit to Windsor Castle is a must.
Explore the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and the beautiful castle grounds — be sure to book tickets ahead of time, especially in summer. 👉 Book your castle entry tickets
After you’ve explored the castle, take a stroll along The Long Walk, a stunning 2.6-mile tree-lined avenue that stretches from the castle gates to the Copper Horse statue — it’s worth doing this for the incredible views.
Then, head into Windsor Great Park, or cross the bridge into Eton, home to one of England’s most prestigious schools. It’s a lovely detour.
Plus, with a ton of things to do in Windsor town itself, you won’t be bored!
Have a drink and a bite to eat at The Two Brewers pub close to the castle. They serve a traditional Sunday roast, but the food’s good any day of the week. If you’ve watched the Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy on Apple TV, this is the pub where he sat down with Prince William to have a chat over a pint!
3. Cambridge
Another destination on my list of the best day trips from London by train is Cambridge.
Why you should visit Cambridge on a day trip from London?
For me, a visit to Cambridge is all about seeing historic colleges and getting on the River Cam.
This city is compact, walkable, and you can see a lot without needing a car.
How to get to Cambridge from London without a car?
Take a train from London Liverpool Street to Cambridge in as little as 1hr 10 minutes. I did this route last year and it’s really easy.
There’s also direct trains from London St. Pancras and London Kings Cross, both of which take around 1hr 30 mins.
When you arrive into Cambridge, I recommend you take an Uber or taxi to the city centre (because it’s about a 20-minute walk).
What I did (and why I recommend it)
Go Punting on the River Cam
I paid a little extra for a private punt tour with Scudamore’s Punting Company — and it was worth every penny!
They have 2 locations in Cambridge.
My guide was a friendly student who shared interesting stories as we peacefully wandered along the college “backs” while taking in the views.
It was one of my favorite things to do in Cambridge!
They offer add-ons too, like a bottle of Prosecco.
If you’re visiting in winter, my guide told me they also offer umbrellas, cozy blankets and even hot chocolate!
Take a Walking Tour & Visit King’s College
If you’re anything like me, you love to get your bearings in a new city with a small-group guided tour. I highly recommend this Alumni-led Cambridge University Walking Tour 👉 Book Your Tickets
The route takes in all the major landmarks, including the Corpus Christi Clock, and is led by graduates who really bring history to life.
One thing I liked about this tour is that offers an optional add-on to enter King’s College (for an additional fee). Not all tours offer this.
I also recommend attending Evensong at King’s College Chapel (its free to enter).
Stop for lunch at The Eagle. It’s one of Cambridge’s most historic pubs. The RAF bar still bears markings on the ceiling from Allied airmen in WWII. They serve classic British pub food and it was delicious. Afterward, treat yourself to a scoop from Jack’s Gelato — hands down the best ice cream in town!
If you’d like more ideas on what to see and do in Cambridge (and more) take a look at my full guide: Is Cambridge Worth Visiting? 5 Reasons To Go
4. Oxford
To me, Oxford has a very different feel to Cambridge — both are worth a visit (just don’t ask me to pick a favorite!)
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, Oxford is a great choice as a day trip from London.
Why is Oxford one of the best day trips from London?
Like Cambridge, Oxford has rich history and academia at it’s center, but Oxford to me feels a bit more cinematic.
If you love British detective dramas as much as I do, you’ll love wandering the same streets where Inspector Morse and Endeavour were filmed.
How to get to Oxford from London by train?
Direct trains run from London Paddington to Oxford and take around 45–75 minutes, depending on the service.
Trains are frequent, making Oxford one of the best London day trips by train.
What I did (and why I recommend it)
I’ve visited Oxford many times, almost too many to count!
It’s an easy stop off on my way to London Heathrow Airport, after visiting family in the north of England.
But, no matter how many times I visit, there’s always something to new discover.
Here are some of my recommended things to do in Oxford for first-time visitors:
- Radcliffe Camera & Bodleian Library
- Ashmolean Museum
- Oxford Covered Market
- If you have extra time: the Bridge of Sighs, Christ Church College, or a rooftop view from the University Church of St Mary the Virgin
If you’re a Harry Potter fan (or traveling with one), I recommend you take this student-led Harry Potter Walking Tour (including New College).
It’s 1hr 30 minutes long and you’ll get to see a lot of places that inspired scenes in the books and movies. 👉 Book your tickets.
For lunch, I recommend Vaults & Garden Café, just opposite the Radcliffe Camera — they serve locally sourced food in a casual, historic setting.
5. Canterbury
Last but not least on my list of the 5 best day trips from London (without a car) is the cathedral city of Canterbury.
Why you should visit Canterbury on a day trip from London?
It may not be the most obvious choice, but Canterbury is a real UK hidden gem, and a wonderful day trip from London.
This historic and medieval city in the county of Kent oozes charm with its timbered buildings, medieval center, and literary history.
Plus it has one of the most famous cathedrals in all of England!
How to get to Canterbury from London without a car?
Take the train from London St Pancras or London Victoria to Canterbury West (or Canterbury East) in about 55–75 minutes.
Once you arrive, the major sights are all within walking distance — no car needed.
What I did (and why I recommend it)
It may be small, but there’s still plenty to do in Canterbury.
For your day trip, I recommend you hit up the main sites, including:
- Canterbury Cathedral. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that has and been a center for visiting pilgrims since the 12th century
- Wandering the Cathedral Quarter
- Stroll along the River Stour and enjoy a boat or punt tour
- Explore the medieval Westgate Towers, the largest surviving city gate in England
- Visit the covered market, independent shops and cafés of the King’s Mile
To get the most out of your day trip to Canterbury from London, I recommend you to join this excellent tour: Canterbury: Walking Tour with Green Badge Guide 👉 Book your tickets here.
I recommend it because you’ll get to learn more about Canterbury’s medieval history. It’s really fun and my guide was a great storyteller! It’s affordable too at just $20 per person.
Try The Goods Shed for lunch. It’s a farmers’ market and restaurant inside a converted railway shed.
My Top Tips & Travel Resources for Stress-Free Day Trips from London
Planning day trips from London doesn’t need to be stressful.
Here’s what I use to make my own travel easier. These are the same resources I recommend to my clients.
- Trainline – book tickets in advance and download the app.
- National Rail Enquiries – for live train times and platform info.
- Google Maps – download maps offline in case of poor service.
- Citymapper – helps you navigate London life a pro!
- GetYourGuide – my go to resource for small-group tours and skip-the-line tickets.
- Booking.com – if you’re not booking a hotel through me (and you really should for the VIP perks!), this is the resource I recommend for finding great places to stay.
🧭 Before You Go
- Book trains and attractions in advance. They’re often cheapest about 6 weeks out.
- Travel off-peak to save money and avoid crowds.
- Bring snacks and water (always)
- Pack layers and a waterproof jacket; UK weather changes fast, no matter what time of year you visit.
- Wear comfy shoes — all destinations on this list of the best day trips from London are best explored on foot.
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