If you’re Lon-done with London for a day (although, it’s difficult with how much the city has to offer), there are plenty of day-trips you can easily do via train.

Whether you prefer laying out by the beach, visiting historical ruins, seeing art, or simply indulging in different culinary tastes, there’s sure to be a day-trip that’s perfect for you!

WINDSOR

Windsor possesses interest for both past and present royal history enthusiasts.

Windsor Castle - more specifically St. George’s Chapel - was the recent venue for the Royal Weddings of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as well as Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank. In the past, this famous 11th century built Norman castle has housed many reigning British monarchs, from Henry I and Henry VII, to Elizabeth I and Elizabeth II. In fact, this palace is the longest-occupied in all of Europe - talk about longevity!

After you’ve quenched your hunger for royal history, there are plenty of afternoon tea spots in Windsor to quench your thirst. Before leaving, a stroll along the River Thames is a must.

Check out more information on Windsor Castle and St. George’s Chapel.

Strawberry Hill

In 1764, Horace Walpole published the first gothic novel, entitled The Castle of Otranto. In doing so, he unearthed and established an aesthetic that would greatly influence the realm of the “gothic”.

Within Strawberry Hill (located in Twickenham) lies Strawberry Hill House, the Gothic Revival villa in which Walpole lived, whose architecture and aesthetic later inspired his gothic novel. Walpole had a key part in redesigning the villa, and added elements that are now regarded as pertaining to the “gothic” - towers, stained-glass windows, turrets, and intricate decor. He described these elements as giving his home “gloomth”, and each visitor will notice the gloomth (and oomph) indeed upon visiting this magnificent building!

oxford

I am severely biased, as I studied at Exeter College in Oxford, but, this city still holds an undeniable charm. The history, hallowed halls, and hushed whispers from scholars and celebrities alike make this a wonderful day trip for anyone.

If you like the outdoors, punting or visiting the gorgeous college gardens is a great choice. If you prefer culture, visit one of the local museums, or spend a day strolling through the various college campuses.

When you’re thirsty, be sure to pop by one of the many, many cafés throughout town. A few personal favourites that I often frequent? Newground, Society Café, and Coffeesmith. You’re welcome!

Bath

Whether you pronounce it /bɑːθ/ or /bæθ/, there’s not denying the undivided desire to visit this phenomenal English city.

This splendid destination a short train ride from London has a lovely river, a beautiful cathedral, and - you guessed it - multiple baths for you to visit.

Whether you prefer visiting historical ruins of ancient Roman baths, or taking the relaxing plunge into modern thermal baths (on a rooftop, no less), there is definitely something to intrigue any visitor here. Jane Austen even considered it a perfect city, stating in her novel Northanger Abbey: “Who can ever be tired of Bath?"

If it was good enough for Jane Austen, it’s good enough for you!

Stonehenge

I won’t lie, I majorly doubted Stongehenge. I mean, I felt as if I was paying for a bunch of rocks. And to be fair, I was. And… that’s what you get. Rocks. Lot’s of them. In a circle. Who really knows, besides hypotheses, how they ended up that way?

Even if you think they’re kind of random, it’s still kind of intriguing to visit these rocks because they make for a #FLAWLESS backdrop to Instagram photos (proof: below). Also… druids like it. That’s pretty cool!

You, too can proclaim that you have been to this mystical place.

All the advertisement for Stonehenge ask “What is the mystery of the stones?” Although I once replied “Why anyone would pay to visit them”, I gotta admit it’s pretty fun to tell people you’ve been to Stongehenge. So, pay for those bragging rights, sweetie!

Cotswolds

For information on Chambord, the castle that inspired Disney’s castle in Beauty & the Beast, press this link. If you want to know about Chenonceau, the castle that sparked the design for the Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, click here.

Cambridge

You don’t need to be enrolled in Cambridge University to merit a visit to the charming city!

Pleasing architecture, relaxing punting along the river, and seeing ancient manuscripts (Sir Isaac Newton’s notebooks, the first edition of Winnie the Pooh!) are some of the things tourists can except from this day-trip.

GREENWICH

Straddle the two hemisphere when you plop yourself between the world’s Prime Meridian at Greenwich’s Royal Observatory.

The birthplace of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) offers visitors an informative, immersive, and fun glimpse at the discovery of this essential tool. It’s well worth it to check out the museum and the attached planetarium during your visit.

Other things that are intriguing to visit in Greenwich include The Fan Museum, The National Maritime Museum, and the gorgeous open park that overlooks the iconic London skyline (sans tourists everywhere). Fun!

Cardiff

Are you busting to get out of England? Look no further than Wales, whose capital city, Cardiff, is easily accessible via train from London.

Cardiff has many attractions of merit. Most notably, its castles, of which it has the highest-density in the world - wow!

Whether you prefer your castles more imposing and defensive (Caerphilly Castle), or charming and fairytalesque (Castle Coch or Cardiff Castle), there is sure to be something to tickle your fancy. Besides castles, Wales has some local cuisine and dialects that are sure to charm you into coming back!

You’ll always receive a warm wale-come (sorry) when you pop over to the Welsh capital, and if you’re in luck, a proper cwtch!

Bournemouth

If you want a beach without the crowds, Bournemouth is the place to go!

The city along the Jurassic Coast is so much more than it’s Beach, however: there are unique art museums (Russell-Cotes), tea-themed attractions (The Afternoon Tea and Tea Bus by Frida’s), and esteemed author Mary Shelley’s gravesite (you know, the creator of Frankenstein).

Check out other attractions in Dorset, and also view the majesty that is Durdle Door!

Canterbury

If you can’t-bury your desire to visit Canterbury, I can’t blame you! The gorgeous destination known for it’s cathedral is also the home of the Caterbury Tales, pleasing architecture, and punting rides along the river.

This town easily has enough things to fill an entire day of exploring. When you’re done, there are loads of fish n chip shops that have offishially gone too far with the “fish” puns (Canterbury Tails… I love it).

Startford-upon-avon

The birthplace of renowned British author William Shakespeare is the quintessential quaint, quiet, and rather quietus English town.

All the homes and buildings are what North Americans would describe as “full of character” and “English charm”. The town is aware of it’s star-status thanks to the author’s influence, and there are many nods to Willy Shakes throughout - statues, plaques, stores.

If you are a fan, it’s an interesting place to further understand the mysterious man behind the many literary works.

Durdle Door

Take a trip to the Jurassic Coast and visit one of there world’s natural wonders - Durdle Door!

This rock formation extending into the ocean inspires awe in all the tourists who come to visit. The best part is that it’s not an attraction that you must admire from afar - you are welcome to swim in the sea surrounding this magnificent structure. Plan a trip to sea from London, followed by a pleasing lunch in the nearby town of West Lulworth. I’m personally a fan of The Castle Inn - it’s dog friendly!

Read up about Durdle Door to plan the perfect visit!

Brighton

Brighten your day with a day-trip to Brighton. Throw the old notion that Britain has no beaches or good weather away by visiting this destination - this city houses one of the most famous beaches in the U.K.

Have some fun before a dip at the Brighton Palace Pier, or check out the British Airways i360 Viewing Tower for some uber-touristy views. Need some culture thrown in? The Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is also available to visit. Fun!

Charles Darwin’s House (Orpington)

Science aficionados will adore being able to see the home and garden of one of the most celebrated scientists of our time - Charles Darwin.

See the residence and learn about the history of this enigmatic man who had a love of discovery. There are plenty of artefacts, from finches to journals, to really bring it all to life. Take the train from London to Orpington, and then grab a bus to his house. The garden itself is worth it.

When it comes to day-trips, this is a place you should select, naturally.

Don’t forget the Eurostar:

Paris

Who can forgo a chance to visit Paris?

Although it’s impossible (yes, I said impossible) to visit even a quarter of the things one should see in the Parisian capital on a day-trip, it is possible to pop over and whet your appetite for future trips by taking the Eurostar under the English Channel.

Paris is bustling, thriving, and magnificent to see in any season. Whether you wish to see art, architecture, fashion, inventions, or just take in the culinary scene, there is always something awaiting you.

If you need help narrowing down your choice for what to see in Paris, check out French posts!