Escape the City for a Day
London is perfectly positioned for day trips by car. Within a couple of hours you can reach historic university cities, stunning coastline, ancient monuments, and picture-perfect countryside. While trains serve many of these destinations, driving gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace — especially useful for the Cotswolds and Stonehenge where public transport is limited.
The 10 Best Day Trips
1. Windsor — 1 hour
The closest major day trip from London. Windsor Castle is the world's oldest and largest occupied castle, and the town itself is charming with its cobbled streets. Combine with a walk along the Thames or a visit to nearby Legoland if you have children.
Parking: King Edward VII car park (£12/day) is closest to the castle. Victoria Street car park is cheaper but fills early on weekends. Arrive before 10 AM on Saturdays.
2. Brighton — 1h 30min
London's favourite seaside escape. The Royal Pavilion is unmissable, the Lanes offer great independent shopping, and the seafront is perfect for a stroll. The drive down through the South Downs is scenic in itself.
Parking: NCP Church Street (£18/day) or the seafront meters. The Park and Ride at Withdean (north of city) is £4 all day with bus into the centre — by far the best value.
3. Cambridge — 1h 30min
Punting on the Cam, King's College Chapel, the Fitzwilliam Museum — Cambridge is a superb day out. The city is compact and walkable, and the architecture is stunning. Try to go on a weekday when the colleges are more likely to be open to visitors.
Parking: Do NOT drive into the city centre. Use the Park and Ride at Trumpington, Babraham Road, or Madingley Road (£3/day including bus). City centre parking is extremely limited and expensive.
4. Oxford — 1h 30min
The "City of Dreaming Spires" rivals Cambridge for beauty. Visit the Bodleian Library, Christ Church College (Harry Potter filming location), and the covered market. The Ashmolean Museum is free and world-class.
Parking: Park and Ride is essential — Thornhill, Seacourt, or Peartree (from £2/day). Oxford city centre is largely car-free and what parking exists is eye-wateringly expensive.
5. Canterbury — 1h 30min
Canterbury Cathedral is one of England's most important religious sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The medieval city centre is delightful, with excellent pubs and restaurants. Combine with a stop at Whitstable (20 minutes further) for fresh oysters on the beach.
Parking: New Dover Road Park and Ride (£4/day). Alternatively, Sturry Road car park is a 10-minute walk to the cathedral.
6. Cotswolds — 1h 45min
Honey-coloured stone villages, rolling hills, and quintessential English countryside. The Cotswolds is the day trip where having a car is essential — you can hop between Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bibury, and Burford, none of which are well-served by public transport.
Parking: Free roadside parking in smaller villages (arrive early). Bourton-on-the-Water has a pay car park (£4/day). Stow-on-the-Wold has free parking on the square but it fills fast.
7. Stonehenge — 1h 45min
Britain's most famous prehistoric monument. Book your timed entry ticket in advance — you can't just turn up. The visitor centre and exhibition are excellent. Allow 2-3 hours for the full experience including the shuttle bus to the stones.
Parking: Free at the Stonehenge visitor centre (included with admission). The A303 can be slow past Stonehenge due to rubberneckers — be patient on the approach.
8. Bath — 2h 15min
Arguably the most beautiful city in England. The Roman Baths, Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge, and the Thermae Bath Spa (where you can swim in naturally heated rooftop pools) make this a fantastic day out. A longer drive but absolutely worth it.
Parking: Lansdown Park and Ride (£4.20/day with bus). The SouthGate car park in the centre is convenient but £22/day. Note: Bath has a Clean Air Zone — check if your vehicle is compliant to avoid a £9 daily charge.
9. Stratford-upon-Avon — 2h
Shakespeare's birthplace is a charming Warwickshire market town. Visit the five Shakespeare family homes, catch an RSC performance if you book ahead, and stroll along the Avon. Pairs well with a stop at nearby Warwick Castle.
Parking: Bridgeway multi-storey (£6.40/day) is central. Free street parking is available on residential roads 10-15 minutes' walk from the centre.
10. Winchester — 1h 15min
England's ancient capital, with one of Europe's finest cathedrals. The city is compact and elegant, with great independent shops and the ruins of Wolvesey Castle. Jane Austen's house in nearby Chawton is a 20-minute detour.
Parking: Chesil Street multi-storey (£12/day) is closest to the cathedral. The Park and Ride at Bar End is £3.50/day.
Traffic Tips for London Day Trips
- Leave early: Aim to be outside the M25 by 8:30 AM on weekdays, 9 AM on weekends.
- M25 clockwise: Worst between J6-J16 (south and west). Anticlockwise worst J25-J16.
- Return timing: Start heading back by 4 PM on Sundays. After 5 PM the M25 and M1/M3/M4 approaches become gridlocked.
- Use Waze or Google Maps: Real-time traffic is essential for London day trips. A 15-minute delay leaving can mean an hour's difference in journey time.
- ULEZ: Check your vehicle's compliance at tfl.gov.uk/ulez before driving in Greater London. The zone covers all London boroughs.