Our Favourite Day Trips Outside of London

By Megan Hills

See more of Britain with these fantastic day trips outside of London below

With an amazing range of fantastic attractions both inside and outside the city, there's plenty to see when visiting London. Venture a little further outside central London and you'll find beautiful historic castles, royal residences and nature reserves. Discover some of the country's most popular landmarks with some of our favourite day trips outside of London.

Windsor Castle

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Venture beyond the city limits and see one of England's most famous castles, Windsor Castle. With 39 monarchs inhabiting its grandiose halls for over a thousand years, it was originally built in the 11th century and is the largest occupied castle in the world. Since then, it has seen a number of face lifts and additions, which make the structure a blend of Gothic, Victorian amongst other architectural styles. Queen Elizabeth still organises regular weekend visits to the castle and frequently entertains visiting politicians there - an easy way to check if she's around is to keep an eye out for her standard fluttering above the castle, which is only raised when she's in residence. Highlights include St George's Chapel, a stunning building which houses numerous royal tombs and honours the Order of the Garter, the lavish State Apartments which are decorated with artistic masterpieces by the likes of Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto.

Hampton Court Palace

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Formerly the home of King Henry VIII who was renowned for his love of pomp and grandeur, Hampton Court Palace's sprawling grounds and massive medieval structure is worth a visit. In fact, King Henry VIII's crown has since been reconstructed and is now on display in the castle at the Royal Pew. There's an entire day's worth of activities: spend hours exploring the massive Tudor Kitchens, imagine Shakespeare's theatre troupe performing for the court amidst the Great Hall and get lost in the emerald hedges of its world famous maze. In the spring and summer, the Hampton Court Gardens are nothing short of beautiful with over 20,000 bulbs blooming and transforming the grounds into an explosion of colour.

Stonehenge

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Take a train out to Bath, a beautiful city steeped with history and Georgian architecture. Full of popular tourist attractions like the Bath Abbey, Roman Baths and the Jane Austen Centre, it's a slower pace of life than London and a city made for leisurely strolls with something picturesque on every corner. Once you've finished in the city, make your way to Stonehenge: a gigantic stone prehistoric stone structure and one of England's greatest mysteries. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's well protected and remains a symbol of English history.

Harry Potter Studio Tour

Step into a world of movie magic at the Harry Potter Studio Tour, which provides a sneak peek behind the scenes of the iconic film franchise. Bringing to life iconic locations like Diagon Alley, the Great Hall and Privet Drive, this massive trove of Potter treasures includes real costumes worn by the actors, fantastic props and even a cheeky Butterbeer stand for a taste of Hogsmeade's favourite brew. Be enthralled by their recent expansion dedicated to the Forbidden Forest! Home to fantastical creatures such as Hippogriffs and Acromantula, the Forbidden Forest will take you deep into Harry Potter's world. With several hours of magical entertainment, it's a reason to get away from the bustle of central London and the perfect way to keep the whole family entertained. Remember to bring a bit of extra pocket money for the gigantic merchandise store at the end of the tour, where you'll be able to buy your own Hogwarts robes and choose your favourite wand.

Stratford Upon Avon

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Discover the charming hometown of William Shakespeare, one of Britain's greatest literary legends. Located further north in the Midlands, it's a quiet market town filled with old pubs, colourful boutiques and even the home where Shakespeare was born in. See the barges lined up on the River Avon and take in the old architecture before venturing to the RSC, home to the world-renowned theatre troupe Royal Shakespeare Company, and see one of Shakespeare's masterpieces come to life in its intimate theatre.

Leeds Castle

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Travel a little ways outside of London and discover the hidden gems of Kent. With almost 900 years of history, Leeds Castle boasts a beautiful 500 acres of parkland that includes an intricate garden maze, grotto, adventure playgrounds and moat. Built in 1119, the castle was a royal residence for over 300 years before becoming a private country home. Used by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon, Leeds Castle is one of the most popular historic buildings in Britain.

Megan Hills
London Travel Expert

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10 Shakespeare Facts We Bet You Didn’t Know

"Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon 'em." Born in Stratford-upon-Avon in April 1564, William Shakespeare is arguably the greatest playwright of all time. Generations of schoolchildren have - sometimes begrudgingly - studied his plays. Theatre lovers around the world turn out to see them come alive. But what do we actually know about his life? Check out some interesting Shakespeare facts we bet you didn't know. And if you can't read, or simply hate reading, why not go see for yourself at the Globe? Crazy Wordplay According to the folks at the Oxford English Dictionary, Shakespeare introduced almost 3,000 new words to the English language. As well as completely original words, he changed nouns into verbs and verbs into adjectives. Through combining existing words in new ways, as well as by adding prefixes and suffixes, he also gave new meanings to existing vocabulary. In fact, the term ‘box office’ was coined at the Globe theatre. Presumably, their ticket office was a box, or box-shaped. Sounds comfortable. Translations Through The Nations Shakespeare’s plays have been translated into dozens of languages and performed around the world. There's even Shakespeare in Klingon. Surely as beautiful as originally intended. Famous translators include Catherine the Great, who translated The Merry Wives of Windsor into Russian. Thanks, Catherine, you truly were great. And the first president of Tanzania, Julius Nyerere, translated two plays into Swahili. Plague Poetry An outbreak of the plague in Europe closed all of London’s theatres between 1592 and 1594. Since there was little demand for new plays, Shakespeare instead turned to poetry, writing many of his much-loved sonnets during this time. Turns out the plague was responsible for at least one good thing. Not sure if that outweighs all the...plagueness. But it's something! Names In The Stars Several moons orbiting Uranus are named after characters from Shakespeare plays. The likes of Titania, Oberon and Puck are plucked from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. And Ariel and Miranda from The Tempest. So there you go. Bet you didn't know that fact, did you? No. You did not. Birds Of A Feather The first starlings were imported into the US in 1890 by Eugene Schiffelin. Schiffelin was such a Shakespeare fan that he imported all birds mentioned in his plays. Well, at least the ones that didn't already exist in the United States, at least. From Playwright to Copyright Copyright didn’t exist in Shakespeare’s time, so scripts had to be carefully guarded. Actors often only got their lines once the play was in progress, courtesy of lots of careful cues. In fact, many of Shakespeare’s plays weren’t formally published during his lifetime. Perhaps they banned ink, quills and parchment from the audience, too? Otherwise, any old clever clogs would simply take notes and get rich. Shakespeare Or Shakespear..? No list of Shakespeare facts would be complete without some questions regarding the name. The first English dictionary was published in 1604 and only contained 2,449 words (none beginning with the letters W, X or Y). During most of Shakespeare’s lifetime, spelling was not standardised - he even signed his name inconsistently. In fact, there are no records of him ever having spelt it "William Shakespeare", as we do today. Stirred, not Shaken? No, that sounds silly. Lend Me Your Quotes Shakespeare is the second most quoted writer in the English language. Unsurprisingly, only the Bible is more popular. According to the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations, Shakespeare wrote close to a tenth of the most quoted lines ever written or spoken in English. “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.” Will-i-Learn Over a million visitors come to the Stratford-upon-Avon theatres of the Royal Shakespeare Company each year. This is in addition to 530,000 children and young people who take part in the Company’s education work. Globe Today, Gone Tomorrow The Globe Theatre in London is built near the site of the original Tudor building. That's because it sadly burned down in 1613. Like the original theatre, it has three levels of seating as well as the ‘pit’. The original theatregoers who paid just a penny to stand and watch a performance were called ‘groundlings’ or, in summer, ‘stinkards’. Lovely... Love the Bard and all things theatrical? Be sure to pop by Shakespeare’s Globe for an incredible behind-the-scenes look and tour of the iconic playhouse. A reconstruction of the original Elizabethan playhouse built in 1599, Shakespeare’s Globe is a timber frame building with an open-air stage, maintaining the authentic feel of Shakespeare’s time.
Dom Bewley
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London tours

The best London tours - check out all the best ways to tour the city! Let expert guides show you iconic and lesser-known attractions while providing insight that even the locals don’t know. Whether you’ve got a whole day spare or just a few hours, The London Pass® has curated the best city tours for you.  Hop-on, hop-off bus tour Sit back. Relax. And let the city come to you. This London Pass 1-day bus tour showcases the very best of London’s iconic sights, taking you past the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Trafalgar Square. An expert tour guide will commentate the history of the area and the attractions as you cover nine bus routes around the city. If you want to explore, simply hop off and re-join the tour at any point during the day. It’s effortless sightseeing at its best. Discover more Bicycle tour – Up to 3 hours A bicycle tour is a good way to sightsee London while getting fit. Choose a Classic Tour, which takes you past the iconic London landmarks, from the Southbank Centre to the London Eye and Big Ben, up to Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Or, the 3-hour Love London Tour, which takes you through London’s bustling West End and through the cultural heart of the city, from Covent Garden to Chinatown and Carnaby Street. Discover more Wembley Stadium Tour – 1 hour 15 minutes The London Pass® has a number of sports tours that any enthusiast won’t want to miss. The Wembley Stadium tour takes football enthusiasts around London’s largest and most prestigious sporting stadium. Home of the England football team, it has hosted the world-famous FA Cup and both the 2011 and 2013 UEFA Champions League Finals, and this immersive tour a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse of life as a premier league footballer. Opened in 2007 this impressive structure took over 4 years to build at a cost of over £790m and has over 90,000 seats. Be a part of the audience, experience the tension of the tunnel and climb the 107 steps to the Royal Box as if you’re collecting the winning trophy. Show your London Pass in the Stadium Store to receive a 15% discount. Discover more Kia Oval Tour – 1.5 hours If you know your Martin Crowe from your Sunil Gavaskar, the Kia Oval Tour is an unmissable tour for you. The Kia Oval is one of the world’s most famous sports grounds and the birthplace of cricket’s Ashes. Immerse yourself by exploring the famous ground with a behind-the-scenes tour, step onto the outfield, see the commentary box and celebrate the club’s achievements. Discover more Brit Movie Tour – Up to 2.5 hours Learn about London’s rich muggle history or explore locations from Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic Sherlock Holmes books. Choose from Brit Movie Tours to discover the reality and the legend behind England’s much-loved fictional characters: Doctor Who Walking Tour of London Harry Potter Walking Tour of London James Bond Walking Tour of London Sherlock Holmes Walking Tour of London Paddington Bear Walking Tour The Crown Walking Tour Bridget Jones Walking Tour Downton Abbey Walking Tour Discover more Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Tour - 40 minutes Situated on London’s Bankside, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre reconstructs the open-air playhouse where the playwright penned his greatest work. Explore this faithful recreation of William Shakespeare's iconic Globe Theatre: once the centre of London's famous Bankside entertainment district.  Discover more
Kirsten McCroskrie
Kirsten McCroskrie
London Buckingham Palace view
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Kensington Palace vs Buckingham Palace Comparison

You don’t have to be a royalist to be awed by the stunning palaces owned by the royal family. In total, they own 30 estates, but Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace are perhaps two of the finest. From the Changing the Guard to the opulence of the buildings, the rich history to the natural beauty of the gardens, they’re both stunning constructions. If you want a little background information before visiting, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll discuss the similarities and differences, their respective histories, how to get to each, and what to do when you’re there.   A Brief History of Kensington Palace Kensington Palace is a royal residence in West London and the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The palace has undergone many changes throughout its history and housed many famous royals, including being the birthplace of Queen Victoria and the home of Princess Diana. The palace, originally named Nottingham House before being renamed Kensington Palace in 1689, suffered extensive damage by bombing in the Second World War, with restoration taking place in 1952. A Brief History of Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace is one of the most famous buildings in the world. It is the official London residence of the King and one of the largest palaces in Europe. This palace has witnessed many important historical events and served as the residence for important British monarchs like Queen Victoria and King George III. Built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, Buckingham Palace has undergone several important renovations and expansions. Today, it serves as a symbol of the monarchy and its history. For perspective on just how big Buckingham Palace actually is, it has 775 rooms, and the garden is the largest private garden in London.   Where is Kensington Palace and how do I get there? Kensington Palace, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, is open to the public on selected days, so anyone can visit Kensington Palace and see its magnificent state rooms. The palace is just a short walk away from Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, which makes it a great day out for the whole family. How to get to Kensington Palace by tube: The nearest underground tube stations are High Street Kensington and Queensway. Both will require around a 10-minute walk from the station to the palace. Where is Buckingham Palace and how do I get there? Buckingham Palace is in the City of Westminster, central London, close to Westminster Palace and Westminster Abbey. It’s open to the public for tours during the summer months. The palace also hosts many state banquets, receptions, and ceremonies throughout the year. How to get to Buckingham Palace by tube: The nearest tube station to Buckingham Palace is Westminster, where you’ll need to take a short walk, 3 or 4 minutes, to reach the royal grounds. Things to do at Kensington Palace Take a guided tour of Kensington Palace to learn about the fascinating history of this London landmark. The tour includes the State Apartments, the King’s and Queen’s Staircases, King’s Gallery, sunken gardens, and more. Keep your camera handy as you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take jaw-dropping photos. For example, The King’s Gallery is maintained to a level that looks exactly as it did when transformed for King George I in 1725. An almost 300-year-old time capsule.   The Jewel Room at Kensington Palace is home to an incredible display of jewelry, including specially commissioned gems for Queen Victoria, a diamond and emerald tiara, an emerald necklace, and so much more. The level of opulence and craftsmanship is a feast for the eyes. Kensington Palace Gardens is a treat for all the family. You’ll need comfortable shoes to explore the 240 acres, including the wildflowers, formal garden, and cradle walk. It’s a vast property, so allow yourself 2 hours for the Palace, and another 2 to fully enjoy the gardens. Things to do at Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace is the residence of the King of England and the administrative headquarters of the royal family. Buckingham Palace is also one of the most iconic and recognized structures in the world. Time your visit for the Changing the Guard. It’s free to view at 11.00 AM on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday and daily in the summer.   Inside the grounds, you have the option to tour The State Rooms, Royal Mews, gardens, and more. The Royal Mews are a working stable, steeped in royal history, with the opportunity to view the iconic 260-year-old Gold State Coach. Tour The Queen’s Gallery to cast your eyes on priceless artistic pieces and artifacts. There are also fabulous global exhibitions, including a collection exploring 300 years of cultural exchange between the British and Japanese royal and imperial families, including rare pieces of porcelain, samurai armor, embroidery, and diplomatic gifts. With so much to see and do, it’s recommended to spend between 2-4 hours. Conclusion Both Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace are incredible buildings. If you’re a history buff, art lover, jewelry aficionado, or just looking for some great photos to boost your feed, you won’t be disappointed after visiting these 2 iconic landmarks. They’re also both perfectly situated, surrounded by plenty of other attractions such as Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, The Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben.
Adam Fraiel
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