Our Favourite Day Trips Outside of London

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 facelifts and additions, which make the structure a blend of Gothic and Victorian, with a few other architectural styles thrown in for good measure. King Charles still organises regular weekend visits to the castle and frequently entertains visiting politicians there - an easy way to check if he's around is to keep an eye out for his standard fluttering above the castle, which is only raised when he's in residence. 

Highlights include St George's Chapel, a stunning building that houses numerous royal tombs and honours the Order of the Garter, and the lavish State Apartments, which are decorated with artistic masterpieces by the likes of Rembrandt, Rubens, and Canaletto.

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 are 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.

Take a train out to Bath, a beautiful city steeped in 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. If you’re looking for boutique buys without the crowds, Bath’s the perfect place to window shop. 

Hit up Bath in the morning, grab a bite to eat, and then head to Stonehenge in the afternoon. Taking around an hour to reach via train or car, it’s the perfect afternoon scene if the sun’s out. For those who don’t know, Stonehenge is a gigantic 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.

Bring a camera or make sure your phone’s got enough charge, because Stonehenge demands to be photographed. There are guided tours of the site that can give you some insight into what we know about the structure, but you’re also free to wander, read, and snap to your heart's content.

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 recognisable 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. For the kids, right? Don’t worry, we won’t tell.

Discover the charming hometown of William Shakespeare, one of Britain's greatest literary legends, in Stratford-upon-Avon. Located further north in the Midlands, it's a quiet market town filled with old pubs, colourful boutiques, and even the birthplace of Shakespeare. It’s still standing, so get to snapping.

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.

Travel a little way 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 a 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. And, weirdly enough, it isn’t located in the city of Leeds, despite its name. For those not in the know, Leeds is quite far north of London, so at least we’re not asking you to travel that far.