Guide to day trips from London

Cool coffee shops, endless watersports, and an ever-evolving bunch of independent restaurants are just a handful of the exciting things Eastbourne's got about it. This seaside town on the UK's south coast is ideal for those looking for a beach break only an hour from the Big Smoke. You can expect cutting-edge galleries, like the Towner Gallery, which houses an acclaimed contemporary art collection, and a pier with heaps of arcade games and epic ocean views. It's also home to Little Chelsea, once named one of the country's coolest neighbourhoods by The Times. If you like music, there's also the beachfront bandstand, one of the South Coast's most popular outdoor music venues, boasting sweeping sea views. Looking for nature? There's bucketloads of it here – experience the beauty of the Seven Sisters Cliffs by walking the coastal trail from Eastbourne to Seaford.

Few places in the UK are quite as quintessential as The Cotswolds, and it's easy to reach from London. It encompasses 8,000 square miles spread across five different counties, consisting of rolling countryside, cobbled villages dotted with signature stone houses, and old-world charm. Visit Bourton-on-the-Water, where the River Windrush meanders through the village with five famous arched bridges for getting about; it's often nicknamed 'The Venice of the Cotswolds'. There's also Burford, chock full of traditional pubs and independent shops, and Chipping Campden, which is a larger town with a little more happening, plus many more.

You can reach Surrey in around half an hour by train from London, so a trip here is super convenient for those who might not want to spend a reasonable chunk of their day in transit. Often referred to as the garden of London, the area is a kaleidoscope of rolling green countryside and ample hiking and biking trails. It's also jam-packed with boutique shops, stunning parks, incredible restaurants, and historic houses, with plenty to see and do in one day. Sip on award-winning wine in cosy bars or settle down for a Sunday roast in one of the quintessential pubs in the area. Explore the ancient market town of Godalming or ramble around the Georgian town of Haslemere, dotted with timbre houses and quaint cottages.

Margate, or Shoreditch by the Sea as it's affectionately nicknamed, is easily reachable from St Pancras in around 1 hour and 30 minutes by train. This vibrant little seaside town is chock full of excellent restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and vintage shops. It's also home to the famous Turner Contemporary Gallery, inspired by the life and work of the renowned artist who found inspiration in the town's skies and light. Some of the town's top eats include Angela's for local and sustainable seafood, Peter's Fish Factory for traditional fish and chips, and Dive for the best tacos and zesty Mexican dishes.

Head to Whitstable on the East Coast for oysters, historic landmarks, and charming waterfront activities. This seaside town is home to seafood markets, a beachfront promenade, a pebble beach, independent shops and galleries, and a thriving arts and cultural scene. It's also home to historic spots such as the Old Neptune Pub, a traditional seaside pub right on the beach. If you visit at the right time, you might even catch the Whitstable Rock Oyster Festival, where you can enjoy various events and activities, including parades, live music, and, of course, oyster-related festivities. Whitstable also offers plenty of opportunities for water sports, such as sailing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding.

Cambridge is just a stone's throw from London and is easily reachable by train in around an hour and a half. It's home to the iconic University of Cambridge, one of the world's oldest and most renowned universities where Isaac Newton studied. There's also King's College Chapel, an architectural masterpiece, and the Mathematical Bridge, a fine example of mathematical and engineering precision. The city is also where Stephen Hawking spent much of his career studying black holes and cosmology. But aside from magnificent architecture and world-famous icons, the city is a lovely place to take a breather from fast-paced London life. The Botanical Gardens, where more than 8,000 plant species reside, are well worth a visit. Cambridge is also great for shopping and boasts countless high street and independent shops, as well as charity and vintage shops.

Bristol is a lively cultural city with a rich history dating back centuries. Not only does it house the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge and the SS Great Britain, the ship that changed the world, but it's also a hub for street art with iconic works by the elusive Banksy and many more. It's really easy to reach Bristol by train from London, offering a refreshing change of scenery in around an hour and 45 minutes by train. It's a great choice for those who like spending time outdoors, as it has several parks and green spaces. It also has a thriving music and creative scene, with venues hosting everything from live bands to all-night DJ sets.

Just a stone's throw from Bristol lies Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage site known mostly for its well-preserved Roman baths and beautiful Georgian architecture, including the iconic Royal Crescent and the Circus. There's also the magnificent Bath Abbey, a striking Gothic masterpiece that's been a place of worship for over a thousand years. Bath is surrounded by lush green spaces, gardens, independent boutiques, and artisanal shops. It's also where various cultural events take place throughout the year, including the Bath Literature Festival.

Oxford is easily accessible from London by train, with a journey time of approximately one hour. If you're a fan of Harry Potter, you're in the right place, as the city served as inspiration for the films. Besides Christ Church College, you can visit the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford, home to Duke Humfrey's reading room, which doubled as the Hogwarts library in the movies. There's also the Sheldonian Theatre, a work of art by Sir Christopher Wren, and a diverse range of museums, including the Ashmolean Museum, filled with art and artefacts spanning thousands of years.

Brighton is one of the most popular day trips Londoners like to take since it can be reached in around an hour from the city centre. Its beachside location offers a literal breath of fresh air, making it particularly popular throughout the summer months. People flock here for the arcades, bars, pubs, shopping (especially vintage and second-hand), restaurants, and music and art, making it a hit with the creative types and those who love the great outdoors.

The medieval walled city of Canterbury can be reached under an hour by train from London and has welcomed visitors for more than a thousand years. Home to a huge variety of independent shops, museums, renowned restaurants, breweries, cafes, and the iconic Canterbury Cathedral, the city is a must for discerning culture seekers. Plus, it's only a stone's throw from the coastal towns of Whitstable and Herne Bay.

Lewes is a traditional English town with a rich history dating back to the 5th or 6th century. It's peppered with stunning medieval buildings and narrow cobbled streets, such as Lewes Castle, built in the 11th century, and the Lewes Priory ruins. For beer enthusiasts, a visit to Harvey's Brewery is a must. It's one of the oldest independent breweries in Sussex, and you can take a guided tour to learn about the brewing process and sample some of their traditional ales. Lewes also hosts a number of cultural events throughout the year, like the famous Lewes Bonfire. It's also close to South Downs National Park, offering ample hiking and biking opportunities in the surrounding countryside.

The New Forest, located in the South East of England, is a stunning and diverse region consisting of a unique mix of landscapes, ancient woodland, wetlands, and open heathland scattered with free-roaming wild ponies. It's home to many rare species of plants and wildlife and is one of Europe's most important locations for nature and conservation. The New Forest offers a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and water sports. There are also historical sites, such as Beaulieu Abbey, an ancient Cistercian monastery, and the medieval Beaulieu Palace House, alongside plenty of restaurants, cafés, and quaint villages to explore.

If it's historic architecture, local boutiques, and a picturesque seafront you're after, then bookmark Deal as one of your must-visit day trips from London. This Kent-based town has a beautiful seafront with a long pebble beach, well-preserved Georgian and Victorian buildings, and many quaint local pubs and restaurants. There's a real community spirit here and many seaside activities you can get stuck into, like sailing, windsurfing, and coastal hiking and biking. Plus you can get there easily in around two hours by train.

Rye is a small town located in East Sussex, chock full of everything from breath-taking nature and beaches to swish restaurants and cafés. This picturesque town is a hip seaside hangout where quirky shops and trendy restaurants take centre stage. Make your way around the pubs on a pub crawl, or head to Rye Nature Reserve to glimpse local wildlife. Take a trip to nearby Camber Sands to enjoy some beach time, or explore the ancient Rye Castle for a helping of history.

This corner of the Kentish coast is a breath of fresh air from the busy city of London. It's a cultural hub with scenic shorelines and breath-taking natural beauty. Delve into culture at Folkestone's famous Creative Quarter, where streets are lined with shops, galleries, studios, and entertainment venues. Pop your history hat on to visit the Martello Towers, built to defend the coast throughout the Napoleonic war, and swing by St Leonard's Church to see a collection of more than 1,000 skulls. Soak up the rural beauty of the Kent coastline simply by strolling along any of the beaches of the North Downs.

Mersea Island offers an abundance of activities for outdoor lovers. You can enjoy everything from paddle boarding and hiking to boat trips and walks in nature, with bird watching to boot. Mersea is split into two parts, East and West; the west is a small fishing town with beaches, restaurants, and pubs, while the east is more rural with large beaches and vast landscapes. The area is also famous for oysters, harvested from the waters around Mersea since Roman times.

Take a leap back in time on a trip to Hastings, a historic town scattered with ancient ruins, including a Norman castle built by William the Conquerer in 1067. It serves as a reminder of England's tumultuous past and boasts incredible views of Sussex and beyond. There's also a three-mile seafront, which is ideal for walking and taking in the sights and sounds of the ocean. Enjoy freshly caught seafood in local restaurants, or browse the shops in the modern new town. Explore the old fishing quarter or take a stroll around the Victorian park. There are also heaps of festivals and events taking place throughout the year, from theatre performances and art exhibitions to live music and more.

Home to incredible art galleries, a hard-to-beat music scene (hello, Oasis), and world-famous football stadiums, Manchester makes a great day trip for those looking to explore the lively culture of another city. This northern powerhouse was once right at the heart of the Revolution and was, in fact, the first industrialised city in the world. Nowadays, it's a thriving metropolis made up of hip neighbourhoods, like the Northern Quarter, chock full of vibrant street art, independent bars and boutique shops. The nightlife here is also excellent, as are the restaurants and the surrounding landscape –  Manchester is close to the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, and the Lake District. Plus, the locals are notoriously friendly up this way.