Stay in one of our London serviced apartments or apart hotels and you’ll not only be in a prime location for visiting the London sights, but you’ll also be within reach of some fantastic days out. Despite London’s enormous size, you can hop on a train, hire a care, or join an organised trip and explore other areas of England. In fact, London is an ideal base for exploring most of the country.
If you’ve come to England to experience history and want to see it displayed on a grand scale, then a visit to Hampton Court Palace is a must. Just a short distance from central London (45 min by train), to the southwest, and still on the Thames, is Henry the VIII’s famous court. Not all of the Palace dates from Henry’s time but the Great Hall does. It’s destined to take your breath away. Indeed two of his wives are said to haunt the Palace as well! Do make time to visit the gardens, especially if you are visiting in spring or summer.
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Whilst on the subject of Henry VIII, another wonderful day trip from London will take you to the childhood home of Henry’s second wife, Anne Boleyn. Hever Castle is a picture perfect English castle, complete with moat, maze, boating lake and picturesque gardens. Again accessible by train or coach, Hever Castle frequently holds seasonal events, including re-enacted jousting tournaments in the summer.
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In Richmond, Surrey, you’ll find the expansive and astounding Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. An incredible number of plants are grown here and you can explore glass houses and other structures as well as art works. It’s also home to a library with a staggering 50,000 botanical volumes. You can drive here, join a tour, or even access the gardens by river cruise on the Thames.
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If you’re a Harry Potter fan, then you can’t miss out on the opportunity to discover the Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Wander down Diagon Alley, have your picture taken riding a broomstick, or sample Butterbeer for yourself. Many coach companies arrange tours from central London, but make sure you give yourself a full day if you’re a real Potterhead as there is so much to see.
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Home to The Queen, Elizabeth II, Windsor Castle, is a place to be immersed in majesty and regal pomp and ceremony. Here you’ll find the infamous St George’s Chapel, where construction started in 1474. The State Apartments will leave you mesmerised and you’ll be amazed by the art collection on show. It is definitely a place for British Royal Family fans.
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- Canterbury Cathedral and City
Canterbury, a beautiful medieval city in Kent, is known the world over for its Cathedral which is a UNESCO Word Heritage Site. Also here you can explore the charming lanes which wend their way around the Cathedral and enjoy some eclectic shopping opportunities. If you can’t make it to Oxford or Cambridge, then Canterbury is also a place to enjoy the English classic river-boating experience of punting.
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Stonehenge welcomes around 800,000 tourists per year, many arriving on coach day trips from London. Stonehenge, despite its visitor numbers, brings to many a sense of mystery and magic. The enormous stones which rise out of Salisbury Plain are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and have been in situ here for over four millennia. You can listen to an audio guide, in your chosen language, which will guide you around the site, including exploring many ancient artefacts.
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Famous as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is in easy reach of London. Shakespeare, a man responsible for many a turn of phrase in the English language, and familiar to many, provides the reason for many to visit this town. There are a great number of charming timber homes to gaze on, but you must of course visit Shakespeare’s preserved home as well as the very picturesque cottage of his wife, Anne Hathaway.
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There is a direct train which will take you from London to Oxford, one of the oldest university towns in Europe. Many come here to walk amongst the historical academic buildings of Oxford University, and if this is what brings you, then make sure not to miss the Christ Church College (now also famous from the Harry Potter films) and the Bodleian Library.
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The other world famous university you can visit from London is Cambridge. Slightly further afield, it is still possible as a day trip. What’s fantastic is that you can access much of the city centre on foot (or bike if you wish to travel like a local). The River Cam, running through the city is famous for its punting. Often guided by current students, punting can be great fun.
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Want to get your adrenalin pumping? Then Chessington World of Adventures is a theme park within easy reach of central London. Originally famous for its zoo, you’ll also find a Sea Life Centre, Treetop Adventure and plenty of rides and rollercoasters for big and small kids alike. With theming including Pirates Cove (complete with stunt shows) and Transylvania (home of the Gruffalo Ride and the Vampire), there’s something for everyone.
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Leeds Castle is a quintessentially picturesque English castle. Named the ‘loveliest castle in the world’ the setting is fantastic and you simply won’t stop taking photos. With its surrounding moat and ever changing looks according to the seasons, it’s a magical place to visit. It was the home of Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon. Make sure you don’t get lost in the hedge maze and let the children run off steam in the wonderful themed playground.
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Claremont Landscape Garden is a Grade I listed garden in Esher, Surrey. It’s a National Trust Property and famous for showcasing the designs of many well-known 18th century British landscape designers, including Capability Brown. It’s an enjoyable place to wander and appreciate a relaxed day, not too far from London itself.
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- Whitstable
You can’t come to England without enjoying a traditional day at the seaside. A perfect place to do this is in Whitstable in East Kent. Here you’ll get to enjoy fresh seafood by the harbour or watch the world go by on the beach, seeing the comings and goings of the beach huts. Whitstable is famous for its oysters and it is a delightfully small town to wander about.
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A highly themed castle experience within reach of London is Warwick Castle. A very classic castle with its imposing ramparts, the site is huge; complete with towers and dungeons. There are always events and interactive experiences to be enjoyed, making it a popular castle experience for those with children. You’ll get to watch falconry shows and may even get to try your hand at different medieval skills.
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With natural spring baths giving their name to this city, it’s easy to imagine something of this UNESCO World Heritage city. The 2000 year old Roman baths are central to the culture and architecture of this beautiful place. With further growth in the Georgian and Regency periods, this is an incredibly beautiful and history-rich city to explore. Bath has also been made famous by its iconic resident, author Jane Austen. Sometimes a trip to Bath is combined with a trip to Stonehenge by many coach companies in London.
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English hit TV series Downton Abbey fans won’t want to miss the chance to visit the filming location at Highclere Castle. You can enjoy a guided tour of this remarkable English manor house. You’ll get a chance to explore bedrooms, see the Red Stairs, and wander its majestic rooms. Many tours will also include excursions to other nearby Cotswolds locations from the show, such as ‘Downton village’ (Bampton) and Cogges Manor Farm, known as the location for Lady Mary’s wedding.
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Brick lovers will be desperate to enjoy a day out at Legoland near Windsor. Particularly geared towards younger children in terms of rides, there is plenty for the whole family to enjoy here. Make sure you take some time to explore Mini Land where you can be amazed by the brick miniatures of famous UK locations, including London itself as well as Edinburgh and Stonehenge. Star Wars fans will also find plenty to entertain them at Legoland.
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While not the closest National Park to London, the New Forest is within easy reach. The New Forest is just 90 minutes by train from London, yet you’ll feel like you’re in somewhere much more remote given the freely roaming ponies, deer and cattle. The landscape is idyllic, with secret glades in ancient woodland, panoramic coastlines and brooding open moors. If you’re looking for a peaceful day trip away from London then you won’t go wrong with the New Forest.
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Brighton is accessible by train from London (60 min) and is where many head for a seaside jaunt. With its classic pier and pebble beach, this is a classic British seaside resort. It’s also a bustling and contemporary city with outstanding shopping, dining and clubbing experiences. Brighton is the place to go if you want to snaffle some infamous British fish and chips in the right setting.
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Book your London accommodation with us, and stay in a London serviced apartment, and know that all of these day trips are within reach. Just make sure you stay for long enough to enjoy them and all the London sights you’ll want to see! Give us a call on +44 (0) 208 004 0007 if you’d like some help deciding the best place to stay in London.
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