Introducing the UK: Day Trip from London

A day trip from London is a great way to spend your time in the UK. A stay in London is a must when visiting England. Besides the culture and magic of the city itself, London also offers many opportunities for a day trip outside the city.

There are so many ideas for a tailor made day trip that we can add to your itinerary in the United Kingdom!

Bella Vita Travels moved beyond the Mediterranean for several years now. We’ve been helping clients plan tailor made dream vacations to different destinations around the world. The United Kingdom offers so much for clients and visitors to see and experience.

As we mentioned earlier this summer, Bella Vita has partnered with the illustrious Travel Experts, a Virtuoso member.

This means that we have access to new perks and new opportunities in the countries we visit – including the nations of the UK.

We have been introducing you to these destinations over the past month. This week, we finish off with some great ideas for a day trip outside the city of London.

As always, all of our trips are completely tailor made. We believe no two getaways should be the same and a busy life deserves the very best. We take the time to get to know you so we can help you find your perfect escape.

Day trip to the beach: Brighton

Brighton is a special mix retro, seaside fun and progressive culture. It is an inclusive, free-thinking city in the heart of Sussex. With a blend of modern culture, exotic architecture and the sea, it is a great day trip from London!

The long stretch of 8 mile pebbly beach is one of the reasons visitors flock here in the warmer months. There is a section by the Palace Pier that has chairs and sun beds from the summer to fall – and even in the colder weather it is busy as well!

With art and music shows, independent shops, and award-winning restaurants, it is a wonderful escape from the bustle of London. Brighton is also in the middle of a UNESCO World Biosphere Region. It also borders the magnificent South Downs National Park, which is itself an International Dark Sky Reserve. It’s a one-hour train journey from London and a half-hour train journey from London Gatwick Airport. It’s the perfect day trip and it couldn’t be easier to get here.

Canterbury and the White Cliffs of Dover from London

This is a longer day trip from London but a worthwhile one!

After departing London, make the first stop of the day in the historic city of Canterbury. There, discover one of the oldest churches in England, Canterbury Cathedral.

While in Canterbury, enjoy plenty of time to visit the cathedral and explore the heart of the city center, the ancient walls, and all the city’s key landmarks.

Next, continue through the charming Kent countryside toward the coast for the next stop in the pretty seaside town of Deal, where the first Roman invasion into Britain landed over 2,000 years ago.

There, soak up the seafront atmosphere, explore the quaint high street, and have some lunch in one of the town’s popular cafes.

In the afternoon, follow the coast toward the world-famous White Cliffs of Dover. It is one of Britain’s most iconic coastal landmarks. On the way, pass Dover Castle, one of the largest and most important fortresses in Britain.

Your day trip ends returning to London in the evening!

Day trip to Oxford

Oxford is one of the most quintessentially English cities in the UK (and the most expensive to live in outside London).

Oxford is a beautiful and bustling university town that’s been around for 1,000 years. It also looks like something out of a film! There are great restaurants (you have to try the famous “cream tea”), antique bookstores and some great independent shopping opportunities. There is some amazing honey and cream colored architecture, and spires reaching to the sky.

Oxford is home to the world’s oldest English-speaking university. The Bodleian Library and so many other sites in the city make it worth a visit. It’s an easy and special day trip from London that can be done on your own, or with our private guide.

Bath and Avebury

Depart London and travel by car to the ancient city of Bath, inhabited for around 2,000 years and full of beautiful Georgian architecture. Visit the famous Roman Baths from the days of the Roman Empire, and admire Bath Abbey. qBath is known for its history, but among the buttery-hued Georgian architecture and ancient thermal springs there’s a fresh independent spirit. When the weather is good, there are a couple of brilliant walking routes to try: the six-mile Bath Skyline, for example, is a short stroll from the city centre and tramps through woodland, meadows and orchards with views of the buildings below.

After a typical lunch of local specialties, you will travel deeper into rural Wiltshire to the village of Lacock, famous for its picturesque streets, historic buildings, and role as a television and film location site. Visit the abbey in woodland grounds and look closer at its fascinating architectural styles. Continue to the pretty village of Avebury, and wander around the largest prehistoric stone circle in the world. After, in the early evening, you’ll return to London with your private driver.

Day trip to the Cotswolds

A great day trip is to explore the quintessentially British countryside of the Cotswolds. This is an area known for its green landscapes, charming villages, and pretty cottages. A day trip here means enjoyinh the highlights of the Cotswolds, as well as some of the quieter countryside.

The first stop will be the small town of Burford. It’s one of England’s most unchanged medieval towns and many buildings are over 500 years old.

The next stop is Bibury, often described as the ‘prettiest village in all of England. Wander along the river and see the Arlington Row, a set of weaver’s cottages that are now one of the symbols of the Cotswolds.

Then, you will go to the picturesque town of Bourton-on-the-water. Also known as ‘the Venice of the Cotswolds’, it’s a popular destination for visitors.

The final stop is Stow-on-the-Wold. It is an enchanting mix of inns and antique shops situated around the ancient market square.

At the end of the day, you’ll return to London in the early evening. 

The New Forest, Hampshire

In just under 2 hours by train, you’ll be able to take a fantastic day trip to the nature of the English countryside. Ancient woodland, heather and flora and villages from “once upon a time”, the New Forest has long been an escape for Londoners. The best time to visit is autumn, when the jeweled colors of the fall come out with the autumn sun. A long walk might have you meet new friends, like New Forest ponies, cattle and even pigs. After, try a typical pub lunch with local beer and great conversation.

New destinations, still your Bella Vita

We hope that this introduction to the UK gave you some travel inspiration. We have so many new experiences and destinations we cannot wait to share with you.

For more information on a tailor made trip, please contact Megan or Kate to learn more!