This summer, the landscape of travel is set to look very different, with staycations and day trips the adventure of choice. Over the past few months, people everywhere have begun to fall in love with their local area, exploring familiar places from new perspectives, and favouring the tranquillity of the countryside over the vibrant buzz of a big city.
Even London, the UK’s thriving capital, is surrounded by miles of lush greenery, beautiful beaches and quaint country villages – all just a short journey from the city centre. Heading north from London into the Hertfordshire and Essex areas, the English countryside is almost untouched by tourists, yet offers some of the country’s most picturesque views and traditional, rustic scenes.
From the candy-cane beach huts of Mersea Island to the manicured lawns of Knebworth House, here are 10 of the best day trip destinations from London.
Saffron Walden
A medieval market town located just 15 miles south of Cambridge, Saffron Walden is the perfect place to spend a sunny Saturday. The town’s tight-knit community centres around its bi-weekly market, which offers a range of locally-sourced foods and produce, as well as more exotic dishes.
Just a mile from Saffron Walden town centre lies Audley End House & Gardens: a 17th-century manor house once renowned as being one of the most elegant Jacobean buildings in England. Today, the house belongs to charity English Heritage, and is open to visitors for events, private functions, or just for an afternoon stroll.
Distance from central London:
- By car: 1 hour 40 minutes
- By train & bus: 1 hour 20 minutes
Seven Sisters
You will probably recognize the beautiful white chalk cliffs of Seven Sisters. This is a great day trip located in Southern England along the coast of Sussex South Downs.
Take the train from London Victoria to Lewes, then change to get to the little seaside town of Seaford. From there, you can do a great walk to see the amazing cliffs for yourself. Grab an ice cream, keep an eye out for the little red lighthouse and make a day of the 22 km walk along the coast!
For more information, you can read our complete guide to visiting the Seven Sisters from London!
Distance from central London:
- By car & train: 2 hours
Castle Hedingham
Nestled deep into the countryside of north-eastern Essex, Castle Hedingham is a tiny village known – unsurprisingly – for its hilltop Norman castle, which dates back to 1100.
With only 1000 inhabitants, this village is picture-book perfect: rows of crooked, pastel houses frame the quiet high street, punctuated by the odd pub or tea room. For traditional English scones, make sure to stop at Buckley’s Tea Rooms.
Distance from central London:
- By car: 1 hour 30 minutes
- By train & bus: 2 hours 30 minutes
Finchingfield
Best enjoyed during the summer months, idyllic Finchingfield is characterised by its lush Village Green, with its quaint duck pond and gently-trickling river.
This central lawn is surrounded by a collection of stunning Georgian and medieval cottages and houses, the wooden tables of The Fox Inn spilling out onto the street. Take a picnic to enjoy by the river, or grab a coffee at Winners Tea Rooms.
Distance from central London:
- By car: 1 hour 30 minutes
- By train & bus: 2 hours
Bath
Bath is the largest city in Somerset, and is the perfect spot if relaxing in a thermal bath sounds like your ideal day trip.
Located an easy train ride from London, Bath got its name from the roman thermal baths all throughout the city. Visiting bath feels like a true city escape, as you can spend the day admiring the gorgeous architecture and quaint shops.
Take in the history, get a unique thermal spa treatment, and explore some of the best restaurants in England!
For more information, be sure to read our Ultimate City Guide to Bath.
Distance from central London:
- By car: 2 hours 30 minutes
- By train & bus: 1 hour 20 minutes
Hatfield Forest
One of England’s few remaining Royal Hunting Forests, Hatfield Forest is a vast expanse of well-maintained greenery, boasting a range of walking routes and a large, tranquil lake.
Managed by the National Trust, the forest is home to over 3,500 species of wildlife, with some of its ancient trees over 1000 years old. Hatfield Forest is an ideal location for a family day trip, with a variety of child-friendly activities and events available. There is an on-site café offering food and drink, as well as a gift shop and a discovery room.
Distance from central London:
- By car: 1 hour 30 minutes
- By train & bus: 1 hour 35 minutes
Mersea Island
So far-removed from many British seaside towns, Mersea Island is unique mainly in its unusual location.
A small island settled into the Blackwater and Colne estuaries, Mersea’s long stretches of sandy beach are bordered by a row of whimsically-colourful wooden beach huts. The sea may not boast the crystal-clear waters of Greece or Portugal, but what Mersea lacks in tropicality it makes up for in delicious, fresh seafood. Head to Seaview Café for traditional fish and chips or a cup of coffee.
Distance from central London:
- By car: 2 hours
- By train & bus: 2 hours 20 minutes
Knebworth House
A striking country house in the Hertfordshire countryside, Knebworth House stands out from other stately homes with its unique architectural style.
Although historically home to a noble family, Knebworth House was used throughout the late 20th century primarily as a concert venue, before also opening its house and gardens to the public.
With a number of activities and areas dedicated to children, Knebworth House is a popular destination for families, as well as catering to those who are interested in the rich history of the house itself. Admission to the gardens costs only £10, whilst entry to both house and gardens will cost £14.
Distance from central London:
- By car: 1 hour 20 minutes
- By train & bus: 1 hour 10 minutes
Southend-On-Sea
A quintessential British seaside town, Southend-on-Sea is hailed as being one of Essex’s most fun locations.
Whilst it won’t bestow you with breathtaking views or country homes, Southend’s relaxed beachside atmosphere and friendly locals will make you feel right at home.
Along the promenade, Southend proffers a row of retro-style arcades, pubs, and fish-and-chip shops, which overlook the stretch of stony beach. Its pint-sized theme park, Adventure Island, will leave you reminiscing the long summer days of your childhood.
Distance from central London:
- By car: 1 hour 20 minutes
- By train & bus: 1 hour
Maldon
Overlooking the Blackwater estuary, Maldon is an ancient fishing town on the Essex coastline.
Famous mainly for its fresh seafood – particularly its oysters – and its renowned sea salt, Maldon is rich in natural beauty and is a far cry from the typical commercial seaside towns which can be found nearby.
The rustic Heybridge Basin juts into the still waters of the River Blackwater, overlooking the two tiny, largely-uninhabited islands: Northey Island and Osea Island. Take a walk along the Essex Waterways pathway, framed by long grasses which are rippled by the sea breeze, before stopping at The Old Ship for lunch.
Distance from central London:
- By car: 1 hour 45 minutes
- By train & bus: 1 hour 30 minutes
We hope that this article has helped inspire you to visit some of these day trips from London. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below.
Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Go to our Contribute page for guidelines and to submit your article.
Read More About England
- London As A Local, The Best Non-Touristy Things To Do
- Ultimate City Guide to Bath, England
- Complete Guide To Visiting The Seven Sisters
- The Ultimate London Travel Guide
- A Guide To The Best Afternoon Teas In London
We Are Travel Girls Ambassador Abi Prowse of Viaggio Magazine
Connect with Abi Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter
Pin For Later
This article may contain affiliate links, if you purchase something using one of our links we may receive a commission. Please see our Disclosures for more information.
mseijas says
Great post! I was in London for a couple of days and did the typical Windsor day trip. I did enjoy it, but I can’t help but feeling like I missed out when I read this post! Seven Sisters looks particularly beautiful.
The Pahadi Traveller says
Greetings, I love your content, and do follow your posts as well. You are fantastically capable, dedicated, and moving! .Thank you. Much Respect