One of the world’s great metropolises it may be, but within easy reach of London are also a number of places of interest that make for perfect day trips.
(Photo: Go Tours Ltd / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”, Samuel Johnson, the author of the first-ever dictionary, famously said. But for anyone visiting the UK capital who might feel the need for some respite from its incessant buzz, there are a wide number of day tours that take you beyond the city confines to some of the UK’s most alluring and historically rich spots. We’ve picked out 7 unique small-group day tours from London below.
Full-Day Cotswolds Tour
Around a 2.5-hour drive from London, the Cotswolds offers a quintessential taste of the British countryside. Teeming with green landscapes, charming villages, narrow country lanes and honey-coloured stone cottages, the region attracts huge numbers of visitors every year. As part of a group of up to 15 fellow guests, you’ll be transported by air-conditioned minibus from Central London to this magical part of the country, where you’ll spend the day exploring its finest spots in the company of an expert guide. Highlights include stop-offs in Burford, one of England’s most unchanged medieval towns; Bourton-on-the-water, boasting a scenic riverside setting; and Stow-on-the-Wold, with its jumble of inns and antique shops dotted around an ancient market square. From $108 per person.
Canterbury & White Cliffs of Dover Tour
(Photo: Go Tours Ltd / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Kent may be known as the Garden of England, but this tour takes you to parts of the region less known for their bucolic beauty. After departing London by air-conditioned minibus with your group of up to 15, you’ll travel for about two hours by road before making your first stop of the day in Canterbury, home to one of the oldest churches in England, Canterbury Cathedral. While here, you can follow a self-guided walking tour, or simply wander about at your leisure. In the afternoon, you’ll follow the coast toward the world-famous White Cliffs of Dover, passing Dover Castle, one of the largest fortresses in Britain, along the way. At the cliffs, you’ll get to walk along the clifftops soaking up the views across the English Channel before returning to London in the evening. From $115 per person.
James Bond Classic Tour
Created for dedicated 007 aficionados, this fully-guided private day tour takes you to several film locations from across the James Bond catalogue. After departing from London, you and your select group of up to four family or friends will be chaperoned by coach to Buckinghamshire, where you’ll visit the 12th-century country home featured in the 1987 Bond movie The Living Daylights. Over the remainder of the day, you’ll be taken to several other notable spots which the eagle-eyed may recognise from the iconic film franchise. There’ll also be a stop for lunch and plenty of opportunities for photos. The tour price includes pick-up from your London hotel. From $124 per person.
Stonehenge & the Stone Circles of Avebury Tour
(Photo: Anderson Tours / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
The mystery of how Stonehenge was constructed continues to perplex the world. If you fancy yourself to crack the code, then what better way than to get up close and personal with the iconic landmark yourself? On this fully-guided day trip from London with a maximum of 19 fellow guests, you’ll visit the medieval village of Avebury, home to the largest stone circle in the world, and tour the Neolithic burial chambers at West Kennet Long Barrow, before the jewel in the crown – a look around world-famous Stonehenge complete with an audio guide. Return transport from and to London will be via luxury coach. From $141 per person.
Brighton & Seven Sisters Tour
With its seaside setting, charming streets and buzzing nightlife, Brighton is one of the UK’s most popular coastal destinations. Nestled on the south coast, about a 2-hour drive from London, visitors can explore it for themselves during this small-group tour from the capital. You and your group will travel by air-conditioned vehicle, and on arrival in the city you’ll have ample time to look around. Highlights include the famous Brighton Pier, the shop-laden ‘Lanes’ and the Royal Pavilion. For lunch, the choice is yours, but for a quintessential British seaside experience you can’t beat Fish & Chips. Before returning to London, you’ll also visit the Seven Sisters, a collection of stunning chalk cliffs where you can walk along the coast paths. From $115 person.
Bath, Avebury and Lacock Village Day Trip
(Photo:UK London Chauffeur / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
The ancient Roman Spa town of Bath is teeming with historic wonders, including its still-operational baths. This guided day tour will see you and your group venture out of London aboard a high-end Mercedes minibus and make your way to the village of Avebury, where you’ll get to see the largest prehistoric stone circle in the world and admire the manor houses. After lunch (not included), you’ll continue on deep into rural Wiltshire to Lacock village, famous for its picturesque streets, historic buildings, and role as a television and film location. The final stop of the day will be in Bath, where you can explore at your own pace, with the option of visiting city attractions at your own cost before your return transfer to London. From $98 per person.
Downton Abbey and Village Tour
One of the most successful TV shows to hit British screens in recent memory, Downton Abbey has developed a dedicated fanbase. And those who love the famous small-screen historical drama, set in a rural Oxfordshire village, can trace the footsteps of its main protagonists on this full-day tour that takes you to many of the locations that viewers will recognise from the show. The tour price also includes a visit to the real-life Downton Abbey of Highclere Castle and explore its rooms independently. Transport from and to London is by mini coach and includes live onboard commentary. From $213 person.