Feeling a little bored of London? Why not venture out on these short day trips to further maximise your holiday? Offering a range of activities from historical sightseeing to nature appreciation, memories made on these day trips will surely accompany you in time to come.
1. Visit the world-famous university and marvel at its grand buildings (from USD 24.0)
Posted by University of Oxford on Saturday, 29 October 2016
Oxford University, the second oldest university in the world and the pinnacle of intellect throughout history—who wouldn’t want to study there? Luckily, it’s only a short distance from London to the university town of Oxford. Oxford’s colleges are also famous in their own right. Notably, Christchurch College was where Harry Potter was filmed. All Potterheads out there, get excited to see Hogwarts come to life!
A symbol of creme de la creme education, be sure to visit Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum, established in 1683—the oldest museum in the UK and one of the oldest in the world. It houses the University’s extensive collection of art and antiquities, dating back over four millennia! The Bate Collection of Musical Instruments may also interest music enthusiasts out there. The collection celebrates the history and development of the musical instruments of the western classical tradition, from the medieval period to present day.
Make sure to also sit down with a picnic mat and take a stroll through Christ Church Meadow. A large area of tranquil pasture, in the heart of the busy city of Oxford, it is owned and maintained by Christ Church. A herd of beautiful Longhorn cattle are maintained by Christ Church, on the meadow, and spend most of the year here.
Book a Viator tour, in order to explore the entirety of Oxford, with transportation already prepared from London. At only $20.42 USD, the City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Tour is highly worth it.
Oxford University
Address: Oxford OX1 3PA, UK
Website: Oxford University
City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Duration: 40 minutes
2. Explore villages off the beaten path that provide a glimpse into rustic life
The Cotswolds is a magical world stashed away from the rest of bustling England, where the rolling hills contrast starkly to concrete London. The area is notable for its bedrock of Jurassic limestone which creates a type of grassland habitat, rare in the UK and that is now quarried for its golden-coloured stone. It has a predominantly rural landscape that contains stone-built villages, historical towns, stately homes and gardens. Isn’t that perfect to get away from the touristy crowd and neon lights of the city?
Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1966, Cotswolds is a feast for the eyes. Built into the gorgeous scenery, trek the Garden of Sudeley Castle at Winchcombe, built in the 15th century and which may be on the site of a 12th-century castle. It is simply rich in history. Another notable mention is the Tetbury Market House, built in 1655.
Why not book a Viator tour to travel from London to the Cotswolds?
Cotswolds Tour from London
Website:
The Cotswolds
Website: The Cotswolds
3. Enjoy nature in the park and literature at the Jane Austen Centre in Bath
BATH UK
Posted by Sotto un unico cielo on Tuesday, 11 April 2017
Bath, a city in Somerset, is known for its Roman-built baths and possesses the UK’s only natural hot springs. Given both its natural wonder and rich history, the city became a World Heritage Site in 1987. These Roman baths are not only still operational up till today, but also a beautiful sight to take in. Designed originally as luxurious accommodation for visiting aristocrats and royalty, this handsome residence has been impeccably restored to its original glory. It offers a fascinating insight into 18th-century life.
For those into greenery, try out Alexandra Park. The finest, all-embracing views of Bath are a sight to see at Jacob’s Ladder, a challenging walk up long steps. Nonetheless, there’s plenty of parking for those who prefer the scenic driving route!
For all Jane Austen buffs out there, visit the Jane Austen Centre for a glimpse of life during Regency times and explore how living in Bath affected Jane’s life and writing. You can even stay in the same house where Jane and her family once lived, the 18th-century Georgian apartment, at Number 4, Sydney Place. Alternatively, take part in the annual Jane Austen Festival, where the Netherfield Ball is utterly romantic. Stroll along Gravel Walk with your beau, which was known as something of a Lover’s Lane, in Jane Austen’s day.
Bath
Address: Bath, Somerset, England
Website: Bath
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Marvel at medieval architecture while strolling through gardens and witnessing falcon exhibitions (from USD 134.0)
A castle has been on the site since 1119, providing a snapshot of Medieval and Tudor history. Termed “the loveliest castle in the world” on the Leeds page, it is clear as to why. The The Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden Terrace is on the site of Lady Baillie’s original aviary the garden is a favourite destination for visitors to the Castle. With its south facing aspect and Mediterranean style, visitors can relax and enjoy superb views across the Great Water. Alternatively, get lost in one of the magical mazes on site.
What’s even more exciting is the free flying demonstrations that take place in the Falconry Arena in front of the Maze. The demonstration lasts 30 minutes and features a range of birds including Hawks, Vulture, Falcon and Owls. From April to September, they are at 2pm daily while from October to March, it is only available at weekends and school holidays . Book a Viator tour to Leeds and more at $117.95 USD to explore the castle fully! Rated 4.5 out of 5 by 608 reviews, the quality of the tour is assured.
Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Tour from London
Duration: 10 hours
London Tour Guide
Robert Woolf
I am a London tour guide and my tours include talking about people who have shaped the city plus the many connected places such as Hampton Court Palace, The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the commercial centre of the city: the City of London, and London’s world class museums and galleries. I have been guiding for 12 years. I am a licenced London Blue Badge Tour Guide, a City of London Gu... Read more
Tours by Robert
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5. Visit the classic historical monument of Stonehenge (from USD 126.0)
Tick Stonehenge off your bucket list in 2017! http://buff.ly/2hNRAM8
Posted by Stonehenge on Wednesday, 4 January 2017
One of the world’s greatest (and most famous) mysteries, Stonehenge consists of multiple stacked stones, standing in the middle of a field in Wiltshire. Unclear as to who built them, or why, Stonehenge continues to attract visitors who have come to see this preternatural monument. Archaeologists believe it was constructed between 3000 to 2000 BC and speculate that it may have been a burial site. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in 1986 and a British cultural icon, Stonehenge is simply a must-see for tourists coming to England. Snap your pictures, for this is a moment not to be missed.
For those seeking to visit Stonehenge from London, why not book a Viator tour, which also brings you to Windsor Castle and Bath. Rated 4.5 stars out of 5 by 4856 reviews, it is clear that the full-day tour is worth every minute. Book from 134 USD!
Stonehenge
Address: Wiltshire, England
Website: Stonehenge
Tip from tour guide
When you visit Stonehenge, look out for Gertrude. She is a Great Bustard. Great Bustards were hunted to extinction by the early 1800s. This species of bird has been recently re-introduced back to this area, and Gertrude is one of them. She is very friendly and may come up to you, if you call her. The Great Bustard is represented on the flag of Wiltshire, the county where the Stonehenge is located.
Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath Coach Tour From London
Duration: 11 hours
6. Visit an ancient town with an impressive 800 year old cathedral (from USD 75.0)
Salisbury, (pronounced saws-bury), is a medieval cathedral city in the southern English county of Wiltshire, where its famous cathedral was built in the 13th-century. Possessing a 123 metre (403.5 foot) spire, a working 14th-century clock and an original copy of the Magna Carta, a key document from 1215 AD, the city is indeed rich in history. Enjoy strolling through medieval streets and admiring the history and heritage, while traipsing along the footpaths in the pretty countryside, surrounding the city. Take part in other leisure activities from cycling to golf or even skydiving for the adrenaline seekers out there!
Otherwise, do attend the world-renowned Salisbury International Arts Festival which takes place each Summer, inside the beautiful deconsecrated church building.
Book a Viator tour to explore Salisbury for only 45.87 USD!
Salisbury
Address: Salisbury, Wiltshire, England
Website: Salisbury
Salisbury Plain Experience Off-Road Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Take a quick breather outside of London
With so many beautiful places in close proximity to London and the sheer range of attractions from history to sport, one might not need to even travel out of England! Be sure to catch a break from time to time, conveniently, with one of these day trips!
Bask in the beach vibes in Whitstable
Contributed by Content Creator, Yari
Whitstable is one of my favourite getaways from London. If you’re lucky, you can spend a gloriously sunny long weekend in this lovely town by the sea, and be officially sold on the power of a British staycation. It’s less than two hours from London and comes with oysters, beach huts, craft beers, an impressive sea breeze and glorious sunsets.
We booked ourselves a caravan—a first for me—and now I truly get the appeal of van life!
History
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