As we settle into Spring and with the easing of lockdown restrictions in the UK (finally!), there’s no better time to start planning some UK-based day trips. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be itching to get out of London (as much as we love it) and start exploring again after a very long lockdown Winter. While international borders may be closed for the time being, there is so much to see in the UK and some pretty fab day trips outside London.
Jump ahead: Brighton │ Bath │ Oxford│ The Cotswolds │ Seven Sisters Cliffs
Brighton
If you’ve been missing sandy (or pebbly in this case) toes and sea breezes over the past few months being confined to your house and the 5km surrounding it, then a trip to Brighton is a must! Full of colourful terraced houses, vintage stores, cute coffee shops and pops of street art, Brighton is eclectic and retro and charming. Making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you wander down winding lanes and past merry-go-rounds on the beach, while at the same time being a modern and youthful gem on the English coast.
If you only do 3 things…
- Wander along the Brighton Palace Pier, having been around for more than a century it’s most certainly a must see. There are arcade games, fairground rides and food stalls selling all your fair-faves.
- Spend a few hours wandering through the cutest little shopping lanes in Brighton. Some of the streets I loved were The Lanes, Dukes Lane, Gardner Street, Upper Gardner Street, Kensington Gardens and Snoopers Paradise.
- Make your way to Royal Pavilion Gardens to sit (hopefully in the sun), take in the stunning architecture and people-watch.
- For more ideas, check out my blog on How To Spend A Day In Brighton
How to get there from London
The easiest way to get to Brighton from London is via train and there are lots of trains running each day between the two destinations. The trip takes just over an hour if you’re leaving from London Bridge and generally costs around £13 for an off-peak open return ticket. Head to Trainline to plan your journey.
Bath
Best known for it’s Roman-built baths (who would have guessed?!) and steeped in some impressive history, Bath boasts not only amazing architecture, but also drool-worthy restaurants and a thriving pub scene. Being just 2.5hrs drive from London (or 1.5hrs on the train), Bath is very day-trippable and even better, it’s extremely walkable once you’re there. Fun fact: the whole city was actually declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in the 80’s, so get ready to enjoy the untouched beauty of Bath!
If you only do 3 things…
- Take a wander through the city and check out some of the architectural highlights, including the Roman Baths (although bear in mind there is a cost to get into the Roman Baths), Bath Abbey and the Royal Crescent (one of the best examples of Georgian architecture anywhere in the UK). If you’re a fan of hit series Bridgerton, you could take a Bridgerton-themed walking tour of the city to see all the spots the show was filmed!
- Just 20 minute walk along the river from the city centre, you’ll find The Locksbrook Inn – the perfect spot for lunch and a wine or two. Book your table, sit back and enjoy! If you’re short on time and wanting somewhere more central, check out Green Park Brasserie, The Bath Brew House or The Kingsmead Kitchen.
- If you have time, I’d really recommend checking out one of the many beautiful walks in the Bath area as the scenery is just stunning. The Bath Skyline Walk boasts 360° views over the city of Bath and the surrounding meadows and valleys and takes around 2hrs round trip.
How to get there from London
Again, your best bet for getting from London to Bath is probably the train. Leaving from either London Paddington or London Waterloo, the journey will take around 2hrs one way and set you back between £40 and £50 for an off-peak open return ticket. Head to Trainline to plan your journey.
Oxford
A city steeped in tradition and yet bustling with the youthful energy that comes from being a university town, Oxford would have to be up there with one of the most popular day trips outside of London. There is so much to see and do in this town that you can easily spend a whole day (or more) exploring!
If you only do 3 things…
- If you’re treated to some nice weather on your visit, going punting along the River Cherwell is a beautiful (and relaxing…if you have a good steerer!) way to see the town by water. Hiring a self-steer boat from The Magdalen Bridge Boathouse will set you back round £25 for an hour.
- Take some time to wander and explore the Oxford University campus, which is believed to date back to 1096. One of my personal favourite buildings is the Radcliffe Camera, one of the universities most iconic landmarks. If you can, make your way into one of the college grounds for a wander. They’re not always open to the public (usually they close the grounds around exam times) but if you’re sneaky I’m sure you can find a way!
- Once you’ve worked up an appetite, make your way to Turf Tavern, which is notoriously where former Australian Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, set the Guinness World Record for downing a yard glass of ale in 11 seconds back in the 60’s. I’d highly recommend the trying one of their pies, and ducking when you head to the bar as the roof is very low!
How to get there from London
Head to either London Marylebone or London Paddington to catch a train out to Oxford. The journey generally takes just under an hour and costs approximately £30 for an off-peak open return. Head to Trainline to plan your journey.
The Cotswolds
Quaint, ridiculously pretty and a breath of fresh air (literally) are just some of the ways I would describe The Cotswolds! Nestled among the rolling countryside hills and spanning over Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire, Oxfordshire and Somerset, The Cotswolds offer an idyllic escape from reality…even if just for a day. There is so much to see and do in The Cotswolds so you may even want to consider extending your day trip to a weekend away!
If you only do 3 things…
- Castle Combe would have to be up there with one of the most picturesque towns I’ve ever visited. Walking down the quaint streets lined with iconic chocolate box cottages, you feel like you’ve stepped back to a quieter, simpler and more tranquil time. A must visit in my opinion!
- One of the larger towns in The Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water is a stunning place to wander around for a few hours. With the gently flowing River Windrush snaking its way through the middle of the town, you can check out the shops and stop for a bite to eat (I recommend grabbing a pastry from The Cornish Bakery and sitting by the river).
- It’s time to stretch your legs! Make your way to either Upper Slaughter or Lower Slaughter and enjoy a leisurely stroll between the two towns. It’s just over 1.5km each way so doing a round trip is very achievable and you’ll be rewarded with pretty little riverside cottages dotted along the River Eye, craft shops, watermills and let’s not forget the tea rooms!
How to get there from London
While usually I’m a huge advocate for train travel in the UK, this is one destination where I would definitely recommend hiring a car. The towns that make up The Cotswolds generally aren’t that well connected by public transport so a car will mean you’re able to make the most out of your day trip. Check out Turo to find car hire options near you (I’ve linked the car I used, I’d really recommend it especially if you’re wanting to carry bikes, etc).
Seven Sisters Cliffs
If you’re looking to stretch your legs somewhere other than your local park, it’s time to lock in a trip to the South Downs and tackle the Seven Sisters Cliffs Walk. Stretching along the coastline between Seaford and Eastbourne, the Seven Sisters are absolute breathtaking and you’ll feel so refreshed after spending a day with good ol’ mother nature.
If you only do 3 things…
- Check the tides! The traditional walking route has you crossing the Cuckmere River however if you’re trying to pass during high tide this will be next to impossible (unless you’re happy to carry your bag over your head and get a bit wet). But don’t fear – you can take a detour inland to avoid the river if needed.
- If you do have to make the high tide detour, you’ll be walking right past the Cuckmere Inn, which is a perfect spot for a mid walk beer or some lunch. If you’re not looking to do the full walk, this could also be a good midway point before you head back to Seaford.
- Just before you reach Eastbourne, you’ll be treated to a sighting of the Beachy Head Lighthouse, the cutest little lighthouse you ever did see! Stop for a breather and take a few snaps before heading on your way.
How to get there from London
By car – The walk starts at the Seaford Esplanade, so hire yourself a car and make the 1.5hr trip out to Seaford. I’d recommend ending your walk in East Dean if you do drive, as you can then catch a local bus (12, 12A or 12X) right back to Seaford. Check out Turo to find car hire options near you (I’ve linked the car I used, I’d really recommend it especially if you’re wanting to carry bikes, etc).
By train – If driving’s not for you, catching the train is another great option. Head to London Victoria and hop on the train to Seaford Station. You’ll want to finish your walk in Eastbourne as you can then catch the train back to London from Eastbourne station. Head to Trainline to plan your journey.
These are my personal favourite day trips that I’ve taken while living in London, and I’ll keep adding to the list…especially over the coming few months/year when I’m sure UK-based travel will be far easier than anything international! I hope you enjoy and be sure to let me know if you get a chance to visit any of these beautiful spots.
Jess x
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So many great ideas for places to see in the UK! Thanks for the fab itinerary ideas 🙂
So glad you liked it! You’ll have to let me know if you visit any 🙂