- Canterbury, Kent: Medieval History Day Trip
- Whitstable, Kent: Day Trip for Seafood Lovers
- Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire: For Literature Lovers
- Rye, East Sussex: Home of the Prettiest Street in Britain
- The Cotswolds: Day Trip from London for Natural Beauty
- Highclere, Hampshire: For Downton Abbey Fans
- Elmley Nature Reserve, Kent: Eco-Friendly Day Trip from London
- FAQs
Heading to London and renting a car? You’re in for a treat. The capital city of England is huge in and of itself and has plenty to offer. If you’ve got a car, though, you can also get off the beaten path and easily explore the surrounding region. It’s easy to get a rental car in London as soon as you land at London Heathrow Airport or London Stansted Airport. Pick up the best car in London for your needs and hit the road right away.
If you’re looking for a trip to the English coast, hoping to explore quaint villages, or eager for some Shakespearean history, you’ll find the perfect day trip from London on this list. For a more relaxing trip, be sure to check out our driving tips for the UK before hitting the road!
So, let’s explore the 7 best places to go from London by car.
Canterbury, Kent: Best Day Trip from London for Medieval History
- Distance from London: 62 miles
- Drive time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Main route: M2 and A2
Situated in southeast England, Canterbury is a cathedral city and was a popular pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages after the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket. In fact, Geoffrey Chaucer wrote the famed novel The Canterbury Tales about the pilgrimages people made in the late 1300s. The Canterbury Cathedral, built in 597 A.D., is still the main attraction of the city and is the seat of the Church of England. The building itself is in the Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles. The cathedral isn’t the only historic attraction here, though. The medieval city center is surrounded by ancient Romanesque walls.
After you explore the historic city center, you can head to the Westgate Gardens for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. This park is located right on the river and is home to gorgeous flowers and a Victorian Tower House.
SIXT pro tip: Before heading back to London, you’ll want to have dinner at the Old Weavers House, a restaurant known for serving delicious local cuisine in a 16th-century house.
Whitstable, Kent: Perfect Day Trip from London for Seafood Lovers
- Distance from London: 61 miles
- Drive time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Main route: A2 and M2
Located along the English coast, this seaside town was actually the port of arrival for many of the pilgrims coming to visit Canterbury. This is perhaps the best place in the UK to feast on fresh seafood like oysters, mussels, shrimp, lobster, and more. You’ll find plenty of charming and very popular seafood shacks right along the beach, including the colorful Wheelers Oyster Bar. Once you’ve eaten, you can take a stroll along the pebbled beach and admire the quaint beach huts dotted along the shoreline. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can take a dip or get out on the water in a kayak.
Exploring the High Street here is also recommended, as you’ll find plenty of vintage shops and unique, independent boutiques. Whitstable Castle and Gardens is another prime attraction. Built in the late 1700s, the castle now serves as a gorgeous event venue. Stop at the Orangery Tearooms on site for a dessert, a light lunch, or traditional English afternoon tea.
SIXT pro tip: For a picnic on the beach, grab a ready-to-eat box from Wheelers Oyster Bar and sit by the sea on a blanket.
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire: A Great Day Trip for Literature Lovers
- Distance from London: 101 miles
- Drive time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Main route: M40
Just a few hours northwest of London, you’ll find William Shakespeare’s hometown. Shakespeare was born, raised, and eventually buried here, so you’ll want to explore this charming medieval town to experience what it was that inspired some of his greatest works. The historic city center is home to more than five attractions directly related to his life. You can visit his birthplace and childhood home, which now serves as a museum dedicated to the continuing influence of his work. The cottage of his wife, Anne Hathaway, is also preserved and available for touring. It holds five centuries of Hathaway family history. Finally, you can visit Shakespeare’s and Hathaway’s resting place at the Holy Trinity Church. If you’d like to watch one of his plays, head to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Shakespeare aside, the architecture of the Tudor homes and cottages is stunning, and the Museum of Mechanical Art is a popular destination. You can also take a rowboat out on the canal and experience the romance of quaint old England in this town that has a history spanning about 1000 years.
SIXT pro tip: Visit the Garrick Pub Restaurant for a meal before heading back to London—it’s supposed to be the oldest pub in town!
Rye, East Sussex: Home of the Prettiest Street in Britain
- Distance from London: 77 miles
- Drive time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Main route: A2 and M20
This southern coastal town used to be England’s pirate port and, as such, has a compelling history. You can visit Rye Castle, an ancient moated castle that’s home to the Women’s Tower and the Medieval Gardens. The 13th-century Ypres Tower is also part of the castle museum and at one point served as the town’s courthouse, morgue, and prison. If you want to learn more about the town itself, the East Street Museum is ripe with exhibits about local industry. For more medieval buildings, check out the 12th-century St. Mary’s Church as well as the Landgate, which once guarded the town.
If you go to see the prettiest street in Britain, head straight to Mermaid Street. Appropriately named for a pirate port, Mermaid Street is famous for its cobblestone lanes and historic, quaint buildings that now house tearooms, vintage boutiques, and plenty of flowers and foliage.
SIXT pro tip: If you want to get closer to the sea, head to Camber Sands—it’s about 10 minutes from the town center by car and is considered to be one of the best beaches near London.
The Cotswolds: The Best Day Trip from London for Natural Beauty
- Distance from London: 101 miles
- Drive time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Main route: M4
The Cotswolds isn’t necessarily a single city—it’s a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that spans 800 square miles, and it’s up to you which part or parts you want to visit. Overall, the area is characterized by rolling green hills, quaint, idyllic villages, unique limestone buildings, and gorgeous gardens. There are more than 120 walking trails in the area, and you can choose one based on your starting location and how far you’re looking to go.
The village of Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most popular villages in this area thanks to its bridges and canals, earning it the nickname of the “Venice of the Cotswolds.” Cirencester is another village you can visit that dates back to Roman times, while the town of Castle Combe boasts a plethora of buildings dating back to the 1600s.
SIXT pro tip: You can break the Cotswolds up into several day trips if you find you really like the area—and be sure to bring a bag in case you visit any village markets!
Highclere, Hampshire: The Perfect Day Trip for Downton Abbey Fans
- Distance from London: 66 miles
- Drive time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Main route: M4
A drive directly west of London, Highclere is located in another Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known as the North Wessex Downs. Its most well-known attraction is the privately owned Highclere Castle. The estate itself dates back to Anglo-Saxon times in 749 AD. In the late 1600s, the medieval palace was transformed into Highclere Place House, and then it was renovated again in the 1800s into what it is today. This Victorian castle sits in a huge green park that was designed in the 18th century. You can tour the castle and the gardens, and there’s even an on-site café. Those familiar with the TV show Downton Abbey will recognize the main state rooms of the castle.
If you’re a die-hard Downton Abbey fan, you can combine a trip to Highclere Castle with a trip to nearby Bampton, just a 50-minute drive from Highclere. Much of the TV series was filmed in this town. You’ll find filming locations at Bampton Library, which served as Downton Cottage Hospital; Church Green, which served as Downton Village Square; Churchgate House, which served as Crawley House; and many more.
SIXT pro tip: If you’re heading to Highclere Castle, it’s recommended to book your tour in advance, and the dress code is smart casual.
Elmley Nature Reserve, Kent: The Best Eco-Friendly Day Trip from London
- Distance from London: 52 miles
- Drive time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Main route: A2
This massive nature reserve is located on the Isle of Sheppey in southeastern England, next to the Thames Estuary. The Elmley Nature Reserve boasts 3300 acres of unspoiled nature, including wetland landscapes and a wide variety of native species. The family-run estate puts sustainability and conservation at the forefront of everything it does, so it’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for an eco-friendly day trip.
There are plenty of walking trails where you’ll be able to come face to face with more than 40 species of birds as well as other wildlife like frogs, cows, hares, and much more. You can also book guided tours, such as the group walk nature safari.
SIXT pro tip: If you want to relax and unwind a little more, you can also explore the wellness treatments that the reserve offers, including massages, facials, and reflexology.
FAQs
What is the best day trip outside of London?
The best day trip outside of London for you depends on your preferences. Think about what you want to see and how far you want to drive. If you want to visit a seaside town, consider Whitstable or Rye. Those more interested in nature may want to go to the Cotswolds or Elmley Nature Reserve.
Where can I visit within 2 hours of London?
There are plenty of places to go within 2 hours of London by car. Elmley Nature Reserve, Highclere Castle, Canterbury, and Whitstable are all great options that are about 1.5 hours from London by car.
Where can I go within 1 hour of London?
If you’re looking for a very short day trip from London, Windsor is your best option. Just under an hour’s drive from London, Windsor is home to the 11th-century Windsor Castle, which now serves as a residence of the British Royal Family.
