{"id":7801,"date":"2024-09-02T23:20:02","date_gmt":"2024-09-02T23:20:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/12-best-day-trips-in-england\/"},"modified":"2026-08-04T08:52:09","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T08:52:09","slug":"12-best-day-trips-in-england","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justpaste.in\/blogs\/12-best-day-trips-in-england\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Best Day Trips in England (Historic Towns, Coastal Gems & More)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Honestly, there are a huge number of places in England<\/a> to explore, especially on a sunny day. We\u2019re so fortunate to have a whole heap of the best day trips in England that are dotted all across the country. With everything from tropical-like islands<\/a> to magnificent castles<\/a>.<\/p>\n

That being said, it can be pretty tough to nail down a few of the best day trips in England to head out on. This is especially true when you\u2019ve got such a huge amount to see. This is exactly why I wanted to share some of the best day trips in England that everyone can enjoy.<\/p>\n

Now, rather than just focusing on one area of England (after all, we\u2019re not all based in London<\/a>, Manchester<\/a>, etc), I thought I’d pop a few suggestions that are dotted all across the country.<\/p>\n

This\u2019ll hopefully give you a load of relatively local spots to visit for one of the best day trips in England. With that in mind, take a look at some of the best day trips in England that I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll love. Have the best trip!<\/p>\n

1.) The Cotswolds<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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For me, visiting the Cotswolds<\/a> is easily one of the best day trips in England. This is especially true if you\u2019re based around Bristol<\/a>, Bath<\/a> or further north, too.<\/p>\n

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Nestled within a protected area of outstanding natural beauty, the Cotswolds is filled with rolling hills and quaint little villages<\/a> and towns to boot! It\u2019s the kind of place where you can spend a day driving around the country lanes and randomly just come across the prettiest little places.<\/p>\n

Once here, make sure to explore Bibury<\/a> and see the iconic Arlington Row<\/a>. The houses are so quaint. Afterwards, take a little drive to Stow-on-the-Wold or visit Castlecombe<\/a>, which is equally idyllic.<\/p>\n

\"Inside<\/a><\/p>\n

To make things really easy, book this incredible Cotswolds tour<\/a> from London. Along the way, you’ll stop at Bibury, Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold and more.<\/p>\n

Just be sure to book your tour before arriving in London, as the tour can fill up fast at peak times. Alternatively, check out the tours that have slightly different routes, too.<\/p>\n

For the best hotel in the Cotswolds<\/a>, book this room at The Painswick<\/a>. This period property dates back centuries, and you feel like you’ve stepped back in time… well, not quite, it’s got all the mod cons you’d expect for a luxe hotel. It’s so sumptuous. We loved our stay here.<\/p>\n

Read more: Best places to visit in the Cotswolds<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

2.) Bath<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Not too far from the Cotswolds, Bath<\/a> is a Roman city that\u2019s totally steeped in history. It\u2019s a totally stunning city and one of the best day trips in England, as it\u2019s only a few hours by train from central London.<\/p>\n

Once here, you\u2019ve got to go visit the Roman baths that you can still tour to this day. Also, pop into Sally Lunn’s for some of her iconic buns that are famous in Bath.<\/p>\n

They’re so tasty and a must-have when hunger strikes.<\/p>\n

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Afterwards, take a stroll around the town and see Bath Abbey and the circus, too. It\u2019s a present of houses that are so beautiful and totally unique.<\/p>\n

Finally, after strolling the cobbled streets, pop over to the Thermae Spa pool that\u2019s heated by geothermal activity. Their outdoor pool is just so nice.<\/p>\n

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After a little dip, head inside for one of their massage treatments, too. They\u2019re amazing. Also, be sure to book this Bath walking tour with optional Roman Bath tickets<\/a>. It’s a great way to explore the whole city and see all the main spots.<\/p>\n

Just be sure to book before arriving in Bath; places fill up on weekends, and you don’t want to miss out.<\/p>\n

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Read more: Best things to do in Bath<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

3.) Peak District<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Being the oldest national park in the country, the Peak District<\/a> is a totally gorgeous area to explore.<\/p>\n

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Plus, it\u2019s one of the best day trips in England if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.<\/p>\n

Once here, make sure to ramble around Winnats Pass<\/a>, visit the underground river<\/a> and take a tour in a historic car<\/a> across the hills and valleys. It\u2019s so picturesque.<\/p>\n

Read more: Exploring the Peak District<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

4.) Cambridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Now, after living in Cambridge<\/a> for a year, I\u2019ve come to realise how special this place is. You see, it\u2019s not only steeped in history but it also has a shed load of gorgeous foodie spots and stunning university grounds to see, too.<\/p>\n

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Only 45 minutes from central London by train, it\u2019s totally easy to visit if you want to see one of England\u2019s prettiest little cities.<\/p>\n

Yeah, it\u2019s much smaller than the likes of London or Birmingham<\/a>, but it has a charm that is well worth experiencing.<\/p>\n

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After arriving in Cambridge, make sure to head over to King\u2019s College Chapel and see the ornate works that have stood for centuries.<\/p>\n

Afterwards, book these tickets and hop on board a guided punting tour of Cambridge<\/a> at your own pace. It\u2019s so much fun, even in the colder months when you wrap up warm. Alternatively, check out the tours of Cambridge<\/a>, which are great options, too.<\/p>\n

Powered by GetYourGuide<\/a><\/div>\n

Read more: Best things to do in Cambridge<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

5.) The Jurassic Coast<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Nestled on the south coast of England, the Jurassic Coast<\/a> is a UNESCO-protected area of England that\u2019s pretty unique.<\/p>\n

You see, what makes the Jurassic Coast so special is its geological formations and the fact that you can go fossil hunting<\/a>, too.<\/p>\n

Once here, take a stroll on the beach and keep your eyes peeled! If you\u2019re patient, you\u2019ll end up finding quite a few fossils that you\u2019re actually allowed to keep. Though digging into the cliffs is not allowed.<\/p>\n

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Some people have even found dinosaur skeletons, too. It\u2019s such a special place and a perfect spot for one of the best day trips in England.<\/p>\n

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After scouring the beach, head over to Corfe Castle<\/a> for a wander around this ancient village.<\/p>\n

Finally, pop over to see Durdle Door<\/a> and ramble to Old Harry Rocks<\/a>, which is totally beautiful on a sunny day.<\/p>\n

Read more: How to go fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

6.) York<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Situated within Yorkshire, York<\/a> is a Viking city that\u2019s got a history dating back over 1,000 years.<\/p>\n

Plus, it\u2019s also a relatively small city which makes it one of the best day trips in England if you\u2019re already in the area.<\/p>\n

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After arriving in the city, take a wander over to York Cathedral and climb the stairs to the views from the roof. You\u2019ll get a gorgeous view of the walled city from up here.<\/p>\n

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Afterwards, head on over to the Shambles<\/a>, that\u2019s a street that\u2019s so quaint and pretty. It almost looks like it has fallen out of Harry Potter! Afterwards, take a wander around the city walls, visit the castle, and even head to Roots<\/a> for a delicious seasonal meal.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s one of my favourite spots; plus, they have the tastiest cocktails.<\/p>\n

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Finally, if you want to take to the water, book these self-drive boats around York<\/a>. It’s so much fun for a morning; we loved it. <\/p>\n

Also, for a stunning hotel in York<\/a>, make sure to book this room at Jorvik House<\/a>. This house is almost 300 years old, but the decor is not! It’s a totally luxe and design-led boutique hotel that you can’t miss in York<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in York<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

7.) Newcastle<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Being England\u2019s most northerly city, Newcastle<\/a> is one of the best day trips in England if you\u2019re heading up (or down) the east coast. You see, over the last few decades, Newcastle has really made a name for itself as a great little city break, especially with all the things to do there.<\/p>\n

\"16<\/a><\/p>\n

If you love art, then check out the Laing Art Gallery or the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. These are great spots to visit, especially if the weather gets a little wet!<\/p>\n

Afterwards, pop down to Sage and wander the Riverside to see the Tyne Bridge. It\u2019s an iconic part of Newcastle. You honestly can\u2019t miss it.<\/p>\n

Powered by GetYourGuide<\/a><\/div>\n

Read more: Best places in Newcastle to visit<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

8.) Northumberland Coast<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Northumberland<\/a> has a nickname as \u2018castle country\u2019 and it\u2019s easy to see why once you arrive. It\u2019s the county that has the most castles out of any in England, and they\u2019re totally stunning.<\/p>\n

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Once here, make sure to check out Bamburgh Castle<\/a>, which is huge and so imposing. Also, don\u2019t forget to see Dunstanburgh Castle and Alnwick Castle, too. Now, you probably won\u2019t have enough time to visit them all when searching for the best day trips in England, but you can certainly give it a shot.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, stay for a few days and head out to see Holy Island<\/a>, which is totally unique! It\u2019s a tidal island that gets cut off from the mainland every day, so be sure to plan your trip in advance.<\/p>\n

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Once here, you can visit Lindisfarne Castle<\/a> and even try some of the monks’ mead that they produce on the island (which is made from honey).<\/p>\n

Read more: Best places in the north of England to visit<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

9.) Lake District<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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One of England\u2019s newest UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Lake District<\/a> is just beautiful.<\/p>\n

With around sixteen lakes in all, the Lake District is a great place to visit if you love the outdoors and you\u2019re already in the northwest of England.<\/p>\n

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Now, the most famous lake to visit has to be Windermere, but if you want to avoid the crowds, pop over to the quieter (but still big) Ullswater.<\/p>\n

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From here, you can stay in places like Another Place<\/a><\/em> and ramble around the hills and countryside before heading out onto the lake itself.<\/p>\n

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We decided on paddleboarding and also taking the traditional steamer across the lake itself. It really is a stunning area of England and, if I\u2019m honest, a great place to spend longer than just one day.<\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in the Lake District<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

10.) St. Ives<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Cornwall<\/a> is a totally beautiful area within England to explore. Better still, it\u2019s a really easy place to visit for one of the best day trips in England when you\u2019re already in the southwest of the country.<\/p>\n

Whilst here, make sure to check out the sandy beaches of St. Ives, take a wander around the town and find some of the best places to eat. Pop into the Cellar Bistro for their freshly-caught sea bream and haddock, which is always so tasty.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, pop into the Mermaid Seafood Restaurant, which serves some tasty seafood, too. Their hake is so yummy and the restaurant is so cute.<\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in Cornwall<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

11.) Arundel<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Situated around a 100-minute drive from central London, Arundel<\/a> is dominated by its incredible castle, which is something to behold!<\/p>\n

Occupied by the Howard family, it has a history that dates back almost 1,000 years. Nowadays, you can head inside the grounds and the grand rooms that still overlook the town of Arundel itself.<\/p>\n

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Once here, make sure to scale the Norman Motte and see the views of the quadrangle and courtyard of the castle itself.<\/p>\n

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Afterwards, head into the staterooms and libraries to get a glimpse of what castle life is really like. It\u2019s totally incredible.<\/p>\n

Read more: Visiting Arundel Castle in West Sussex<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

12.) Windsor<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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If you\u2019re already in London, Windsor<\/a> is probably one of the easiest, and arguably one of the best day trips in England. You see, it\u2019s only about 30 minutes on the train, right from the heart of central London.<\/p>\n

Before arriving, be sure to book these tickets and head inside Windsor Castle<\/a> and explore some of the staterooms and iconic grounds, which the royal family call home. You\u2019ll likely spend about 3-4 hours here, so plan your day trip.<\/p>\n

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Afterwards, pop over to Eton and take a boat trip down the River, too. It\u2019s a great way to relax and see more of the area on a sunny day.<\/p>\n

Read more: Best things to do in Windsor<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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20 Prettiest and Best Places to Visit in England (Ultimate Travel Guide)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n