London might be on the right track as life returns to pre-pandemic normality, and while some of us might be planning far-away trips, there are some incredible spots to visit closer to the capital.
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Staycations can be fun, but if you're looking for some escapism from the city, and don't want to commit to an overnight stay, we've got you covered. From historic royal towns to shopping trips, stunning seaside restaurants, country spas and dreamy boat trips, who said a holiday had to use up your annual leave?
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We've put together a list of stunning destinations for a UK day trip, perfect for a solo retreat, a couple's adventure or some family fun. The best part? They're all reachable from London by train in under a couple of hours.
Best day trips in the UK reachable from London
Brighton
Get there: 1 hour by train from London Bridge
Best things to do in Brighton
Arguably one of the UK's most vibrant cities, Brighton boasts a bustling high street and unbeatable seaside escape for the curious city dweller. Stroll through Brighton's Lanes for the best vintage finds, or indulge in the history of Brighton's Pavilion. Be warned, the beach is pebbled, but still ample enough to lay down your towel, soak up the sun (when it shines) and tuck into a bag of freshly baked donuts – just beware of the seagulls!
The best way to explore a city? By bike of course! Experience Brighton on two wheels on a leisurely 2.5-hour guided cycling tour, allowing you to explore the artistic back streets of the North Laines, the flamboyant architecture of the Royal Pavilion, quaint Fishing Quarter, Georgian architecture of Brunswick Square, and more.
Grand Brighton Bike Tour, £29.99, Get Your Guide
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Perfect for a romantic day trip or family-friendly day, take a ride on Brighton's futuristic i360 followed by the opportunity to dine in style at Browns Brasserie in the Lanes.
British Airways i360 & Dinner for Two, £88, Experience Days
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If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London, you'll love this forest bathing experience in Brighton's Stanmer Park. The perfect opportunity to observe nature and reduce stress on a relaxing day trip.
Outdoor Yoga & Forest Bathing, £28, Virgin Experience Days
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Best places to eat in Brighton
Tuck into a decadent afternoon tea for two at Brighton's Malmaison with unbeatable views of Brighton's Marina.
Afternoon Tea for Two at Malmaison Brighton, £40, Experience Days
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For those trips when the day rolls into the night, Burnt Orange is a relaxed all-day and late-night destination with a delicious menu of crudo, small plates and wood-fired sharing dishes to accompany a luxe cocktail menu and music curated by Brighton's own Fatboy Slim.
Calling all pizza lovers, Purezza is easily the best pizza restaurant on the south coast. For those who don't eat a plant based diet, don't let the deceptively vegan menu put you off – these stone baked pizzas are pretty hard to beat.
Stroll down to Shelter Hall on Brighton's seafront for a delicious array of food vendors and unmatchable sunset views. From Kenny Tutt's mouthwatering OxBlock dishes to Lost Boys Chicken mouthwatering signature sauce, this laid back location is home to seven unique kitchens from local chefs, craft beer, cocktail and wine bar, and weekly line-up of live music. This is the best of Brighton.
For the best seafood and unbeatable oceanside views, Rockwater is the ultimate spot to soak up the city from sunrise to sunset. Tuck into buttery scallops, delicious small plates and Instagram worthy cocktails whilst you dance to live music. A vibey hangout with an air of luxury, this stunning rooftop spot is not one to miss.
Bicester Village
Get there: 50 minutes from Marylebone
Best things to do in Bicester Village
Shop, of course! For those of you who haven't been to Bicester Village, you're in for a real treat. The open-air luxury shopping destination is the perfect day out for anyone who loves a designer splurge. With over 160 brands to choose from, including the latest additions: 111SKIN, Elemis, Jil Sander, Off White, Isabel Marant, you can't beat a shop until you drop day out. Pick up a Burberry beauty or a Versace va-va-voom number, and if you get lost, Olympia Olympitus has created a downloadable map.
Bicester Village is a designer outlet destination in Oxfordshire
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Best places to eat in Bicester Village
After a day of shopping you'll definitely need to rest those weary legs and refuel. Whether you're in the mood for a fancy dining experience (we can recommend Café Wolseley) or a light lunch (definitely try the fresh pasta at La Tua Pasta) or a coffee on the go from London Grade Coffee, you can't put a foot wrong. The most popular dining destination has to be Soho House & Co's farmshop which serves local British and seasonal food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Fancy delicious pancakes at farmshop?
Windsor
Get there: 30 minutes from London Paddington
Best things to do in Windsor
This stunning town just west of London is not only home to Windsor Castle, a residence of the royal family, but it's also full of a fascinating history waiting to be explored by the avid day tripper. For a royally good day out, be sure to visit the Queen's residence, take in the beauty of St George's Chapel where both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank tied the knot, or stroll along the Thames path.
Kids will love LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, a theme park full of thrilling rides and awesome attractions for the whole family to enjoy.
LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort for Four, £156, Virgin Experiences
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Embark on a historical walking tour of Winsdor and explore the history of the royal residence's and Windsor's finest Gothic architecture. After your tour, indulge in all things quintessentially British with a delightful afternoon tea at The Castle Hotel, complete with finger sandwiches, an array of cakes, and homemade scones.
Winsdor Castle & Afternoon Tea for Two, £99, Virgin Experiences
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Best places to eat in Windsor
Relax on the Thames and take in the stunning surroundings at Oakley Court with a delicious Sunday lunch for two. Afterwards, you can spend some time exploring the magnificent riverside grounds. Oakley Court ticks all the boxes for an afternoon of stylish dining.
Three Course Sunday Lunch for Two, £79, Virgin Experience Days
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For a regal experience, Windsor's Royal Pub boasts a beer garden with unbeatable views of Windsor Castle. Specialising in freshly-cooked traditional dishes, delicious cocktails made using house-infused spirits, with a wide selection of craft beer, this lunch spot is hard to beat.
Bath
Get there: 1 hour 20 minutes from London Paddington
Best things to do in Bath
Loved for its rich culture, ancient heritage, fabulous nightlife and picturesque views, Bath has something to entice visitors both young and old, and you can capture the best of this historical down in a glorious day trip.
You cannot visit Bath without a trip to the iconic Roman Baths. Built in around 70AD as a grand bathing and socialising complex, this is one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world. There are at least 1,170,000 litres of steaming spring water, reaching 46°C, which still fill the bathing site every single day. Indulge in a tempting afternoon tea after your dip at five-star Royal Crescent Hotel.
Visit to Roman Baths with Afternoon Tea, £130, Virgin Experience Days
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Calling all Bridgerton fans! Make haste on this two-hour tour that will see you walk in the footsteps of Simon and Daphne as you promenade through the city, visiting some of its most famous and photographed spots.
Bridgerton: The Unofficial Walking Tour, £32, Virgin Experience Days
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Best places to eat in Bath
Wind down the day with a lovely meal at Comptoir Libanais. This bustling restaurant offers an excellent mix of Lebanese dishes and cocktails.
For your evening meal, be sure to visit The Bird's Plate. The restaurant, just a ten-minute walk from the centre, is all about great food and drink and having fun whilst also enjoying a relaxed place to unwind. Head Chef Leon Smith is at the helm providing the incredible dishes created with ingredients sourced from renowned suppliers on the restaurant's doorstep.
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