10 Best Road Trips Near London

A trip to Windsor Castle, Bath and Stonehenge takes you to several epic landmarks in England, just a few hours' drive from one another. Spend the morning exploring the longest-occupied palace in Europe with a visit to the venerable Windsor Castle. Your next stop is Salisbury where you can examine the mysteries of Stonehenge.

For a perfect finish, make your way to the beautiful city of Bath and check out the Roman-era baths. By car, you can complete this tour in about 12 hours; by public transport it’ll take a bit longer, so do plan ahead. Luckily, you can find some amazing hotels in the area, so book yours now.

The Cotswolds tour to Burford and Bourton-on-the-Water welcomes you to discover England's famous pastoral charm on full display. This trip takes you through the quaint villages and rolling hills of the picturesque Cotswolds. 

You’ll stop at towns like Burford, Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water where stone cottages date back to the Reformation. This storybook scenery hints at fairy tales come to life. Spend a joyous day experiencing the peace and beauty that lies away from the bustle of the city of London. It takes about 10 hours by car or public transport to complete this charming tour. 

If you're in a mood to visit the southeast and see its iconic sites, embark on a trip to Greenwich, Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Dover. Start your journey with a step across the Greenwich Meridian in London. Then, make your way to Maidstone to marvel at the Tudor-style Leeds Castle. 

In Canterbury, take your time to admire the Gothic spires of the famous Cathedral. Finally, appreciate one of England’s most defining features, the English Channel and the White Cliffs of Dover. This tour will take about 10 hours by car. By public transport, it’ll take a bit longer with multiple changes. So, book an overnight stay in one of the picturesque towns in Kent before heading back to London. 

If you're a fan of J.K. Rowling's best-selling books and their blockbuster cinema adaptations, then you’ll love our 'Making of' Harry Potter Tour with a visit to Oxford. It’s a unique chance to explore the real-world roots behind the famous magic school. 

A visit to the Warner Bros. studio features the film sets, props, costumes and makeup that came together to bring the wizarding world of Hogwarts to life. To top it off, a trip to Oxford shows you England's venerable contribution to the history of education and gives you the opportunity to walk the halls of one of the oldest universities in the world. Reserve 10 hours for this trip, either by car or by public transport. 

Get to know the storied city on the banks of the Mersey where the Fab Four rose to fame on a Beatles-themed trip to Liverpool. This tour gives you plenty of free time to explore the old haunts of the Merseybeat era, relive the iconic band's history at the Beatles Story exhibition, and get to know the town that served as their home, venue, and inspiration. 

In the afternoon, your own Magical Mystery Tour carries you to a host of landmarks from the Beatles' former homes to the legendary Cavern Club, which hosted some of their earliest shows. It takes about 4 hours to reach Liverpool from London by car and about 3 hours by train. 

A unique and quintessentially English collection of sights awaits you on a journey to the storied city of Chester. A leisurely train ride carries you across the English heartland for a day of exploring the characteristic black-and-white architecture, medieval buildings, and ancient city walls of Chester. 

You can get a look at landmarks like the Roman amphitheatre while you learn about the city’s history during an open-top bus ride. Then, take your time to explore the shops and walkways of the Rows before the train ride back to London. A train from London takes you to Chester in about 3.5 hours.

Hop on a 2.5-hour train ride from London to York and see York’s medieval towers and pastoral landscapes rest side-by-side on a practical hop-on hop-off bus tour. In the historic county of Yorkshire, you’re surrounded by English history and iconic landmarks. 

A tour bus takes you to the grand York Minster cathedral and the medieval shopping street of the Shambles, come rain or shine. You can admire the scenery along the shores of the River Ouse. Save some time for a visit to the Jorvik Viking Centre, which gives you a glimpse into the lives of the Norse people who shaped the history of Northern England. 

Scotland's capital city Edinburg offers one of the most beautiful cityscapes in Britain, and a tour bus is a convenient way to see its major sites, including the Edinburgh Castle. Venture to Edinburgh on a 5.5-hour scenic train ride from London and spend a couple of days discovering this historic gem. 

An open-top, double-decker bus takes you on a loop through the city from the towering hill of Castle Rock to the Greek Revival buildings that add a distinct character to the Athens of the North. Hop off the bus to take a closer look at sights like the Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Visit the majestic Edinburgh Castle for a glimpse at the onetime home of Scottish kings. 

An easy 2.5-hour ride on the Eurostar takes you from London to Paris for a romantic day trip in the city of love. It’s a great way to appreciate both cities in a short amount of time. 

In Paris, the Neoclassical grandeur and tree-lined boulevards take your breath away. To catch your breath, treat yourself to a tasty lunch in one of the picturesque cafes before you head to the Eiffel Tower for some magnificent views. At the Louvre, see the enigmatic smile of Mona Lisa and the marble sculpture of Venus de Milo. With a return to London by day's end, you can compare the special charms of each city. 

One of the best road trips near London takes you to the picturesque Lake District by train and invites you to a charming cruise on the breathtaking Lake Windermere. Made famous by the bucolic prose in Beatrix Potter's children's books, the Lake District will hardly disappoint. 

A train ride carries you into the rolling hills and calm waters of England's northwest, where you’ll visit peaceful communities like Oxenholme and Hawkshead and admire the glacier-carved beauty of the Langdale Pikes. Take a cruise across Lake Windermere and stop for afternoon tea in Bowness-on-Windermere. For a romantic overnight stay, book a room at the Lindeth Howe Hotel, a charming country cottage once owned by Beatrix Potter herself.