6 affordable and amazing day trips from London.

While London is an incredible city with so much excitement to offer, taking a day trip away from the UK’s cosmopolitan capital allows budget travelers to see more of England.

Luckily, many amazing cities and towns lie within a short distance of London, and cheap, reliable public transport makes these destinations easy to access.

Here are a few great day trips from London.

1. Dover

This charming coastal town is the closest point to continental Europe in England.

Easily reachable by coach buses like National Express, a trip to Dover is the perfect way to escape the stuffiness of the city and breath in some fresh, ocean air.

The iconic White Cliffs of Dover are the highlight of this area, and they are completely free to visit.

Spend the afternoon hiking atop the cliffs while mingling with wild ponies and gazing out over the English channel.

Many people flock to this peaceful area for a picnic or to read a book.

Dover also acts as a major port town with ferries traveling to and from France every day.

2. Bath

This peaceful and historic town, which is also a World Heritage Site, lies a short coach bus ride away from London.

The 18th-century Georgian architecture scattered throughout the town makes for extraordinary sightseeing.

Walking tours are a great way to learn about the interesting history of the area.

The Roman Baths, the Bath Abbey, and the Royal Crescent are not to be missed when seeking impressive architecture.

Click here to book a 1.5-hour walking tour with a licensed guide for $12

OR

Click here to book a guided walking tour combined with a ticket to the Roman Baths for $50.

Indoor market halls in Bath are great places to find unique gifts, and traditional cafes are perfect spots for enjoying a classic British afternoon tea.

If the weather is nice, stroll through the numerous parks and gardens, or walk along the River Avon which winds through the city.

3. Brighton

A one-hour train ride south of London will bring you to Brighton, a lively seaside town with lots of outdoor markets, exciting nightlife, and the glorious fresh ocean air.

Enjoy lunch in a beachfront restaurant or walk along the bustling Brighton Pier for a wonderful afternoon.

You can also experience the vibrant bars and clubs along the water at nighttime.

Brighton is packed with shops and attractions and is always hosting tons of entertainment and events.

Check out the Royal Pavillion’s magnificent architecture. Or wander through the quaint rows of colorful houses and marvel at the captivating street art.

4. Birmingham

Located in the West Midlands of England, Birmingham is one of the biggest cities outside London.

Birmingham is packed with things to see.

The gorgeous Victoria Square sits in the city center and is filled with beautiful government buildings, flowers, fountains, and street musicians.

With crowded shopping streets, a majestic cathedral, a modern and eccentric library, and many interesting museums, Birmingham can easily entertain travelers for a day.

Be sure to check out the outdoor flea markets for fresh produce and useful goods.

Or meander through Chinatown for some authentic and delicious Chinese food.

5. Eastbourne

Just a short train ride from London is Eastbourne, a seaside town similar to Brighton but far less touristy.

In order to take full advantage of the ocean, stroll along the pier, walk along the rocky beaches, or eat a classic meal of fish and chips in a restaurant by the sea.

Eastbourne also boasts stunning coastal scenery.

Hike through the rolling green hills that make up the edge of the South Downs, or visit the Birling Gap scenic lookout point and see the towering chalky white cliffs of the Seven Sisters.

6. Oxford

Take the train northwest from London to reach Oxford. This city is famous for its prestigious universities.

School buildings, churches, and monuments are all crafted with beautiful detail. The city is also crawling with greenery and flowers.

Points of interest and attractions in Oxford are countless, with museums, universities, shops, markets, and gardens scattered around the area.

Some highlights include the Bridge of Sighs, the Botanic Garden, and the Bodleian Library (where some scenes in Harry Potter were filmed).

Oxford is unbelievably scenic. So a simple afternoon of walking or biking around and absorbing the lovely sights can be fulfilling to any traveler.

Check out this list of Things To Do In Oxford for more ideas!

Thanks for reading about some of my favorite day trips from London!

All of these day trips are easily doable using public transport.

Guided tours are a bit more expensive, so I personally prefer to do them on my own. However, group tours are super fun if you’re a solo traveler who wants to make some friends!

I did some of these day trips alone, and some with friends. If you are a nervous solo traveler who wants the security of a group tour, go for it! Or if you want to meet new people and share your journey with other travelers, group tours are great.

I love Get Your Guide for finding affordable group tours. Most day trips from London have high ratings and cost around 100 USD.

(As originally published on Student Universe )

Traveling to the UK? Visit iVisa.com to find out if you need a visa.

To read more articles I wrote while living in London, check out:

London: The Ultimate Budget Travel Guide

London’s Three Most Colorful Corners

9 Food Markets To Try In London

18 Things I’ll Miss About London