From Camden's punk atmosphere to lush Hampstead Heath and ancient Big Ben, London's unmatched combination of history, customs, and influences make it an irresistible destination for tourists. The capital is a wonderful city, but there is so much more to discover in the United Kingdom. However, whoever established London cleverly placed it in the heart of a slew of wonderful road trip destinations to areas outside it, all of which are less than two hours distant by car or rail. Here are the best 10 day-trips outside London that shall not be missed.

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10 Winchester

Winchester's magnificent Cathedral, College (which claims to be the oldest school in the United Kingdom), and City Mill are all worth a visit if travelers cherish the splendor of such beautiful architecture. While they are there, they can also visit Jane Austen's house, see King Arthur's original round table in the middle ages Great Hall, and wander through the UK's largest farmers' market.

  • Distance from London: 90 minutes by car or 1 hour by train.

9 Bath

Exactly as pleasant as it sounds, Bath has been a spa town since 3000 years ago. Tourists may wander around the beautiful Roman hot spring baths before diving into the relaxing water at this naturally warmed rooftop pool. There are almost a dozen museums and galleries to visit. They can also enjoy a show at the prestigious Theatre Royal Bath, fly over the city in a hot air balloon, trek through the city's meadows, and hike to the top of Bath Abbey's tower to watch the enchanting sunset.

  • Distance from London: 2 hours 30 minutes by car or 1 hour 20 minutes by train.

8 Oxford

Oxford has first place in both fantastic museums and breathtaking architecture. Tourists are invited to climb the tower at St. Mary's for the greatest view of the bewitching spires and the legendary Radcliffe Camera. Then they can visit the Pitt Rivers Museum to see the shrunken heads and Irish bread stamps; the splendid Ashmolean to see Guy Fawkes' lantern; the hypnotic Botanic Garden to see how it compares to The Other Place. They can also walk along the river, have an afternoon tea at England's oldest coffee house, and wander around the wonderful Museum of Natural History.

  • Distance from London: 2 hours by car or 1 hour by train.

7 Cambridge

This famous university town is a popular day excursion outside of London for a good reason. Visiting prestigious institutions such as the mesmerizing King's and Trinity Colleges would keep tourists busy for an entire day. However, they should also take the time to see some of Cambridge's other wonderful attractions, such as the marvelous Botanical Gardens and Fitzwilliam Museum. If they visit the town during the summer, they shall make sure to book a punt and enjoy the traditional activity of kayaking in the River Cam.

  • Distance from London: 1 hour by car or 45 minutes by train.

6 Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a must-see for anybody interested in learning about great leaders who helped preserve humanity from the Nazi threat during the 1940s. If travelers want to explore more than Europe's history, lakes, and elegant, extravagant interiors. On the other side, there is a regular calendar of festivals, musical fiestas, light trails, horse riding, Christmas markets, and more.

  • Distance from London: 2 hours by car or 1 hour by train.

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5 Windsor

Windsor's many other beauties are sometimes neglected because it is the location of the royal palace Windsor Castle. Windsor is well-known for being one of the most enjoyable day excursions from London. Nonetheless, many people take the train, wait in very long lines for Windsor Castle just to have a look around, and then return home. Windsor visitors tend to forget about the gorgeous riverfront town, the haunted Tudor mansion, Cliveden, and other marvelous places that deserve their attention.

  • Distance from London: around 45 minutes by car or 40 minutes by train.

4 Rye

Rye is the residence of Britain's most beautiful strip, Mermaid Street, and a slew of newcomers have joined the charming old-timers in creating sophisticated interiors businesses and artisan bakers alongside marvelous antique tea houses and souvenir shops. Travelers shall also visit Camber Sands, one of the greatest beaches near London, with its windswept dunes and bracing seas, but it is recommended to return in time for a rustic meal at Tuscan Rye, where excellent pasta lures faithful residents.

3 Canterbury

It is the location of the dazzling Canterbury Cathedral. If the beauty of this jaw-dropping village doesn't tickle the tourists' fancy, the unique punting tours along the city's waterways will: floating past the splendid cottages, bewitching gatehouse turrets, and colorful flowers is like something out of a Disney movie. If travelers can take a trip a few miles out of town, they can go on a pleasant vineyard tour and mouth-watering English wine tasting with the Goodenough family.

  • Distance from London: 90 minutes by car or train.

2 Stratford-Upon-Avon

Stratford Upon Avon is a quaint small Tudor village built around the River Avon and is the birthplace of Shakespeare. The Royal Shakespeare Company's Theatre is undeniably the most important building in town. On one of the many stages, there's always something spectacular to behold. Aside from the theatre, the astonishing Stratford Upon Avon's Tudor architecture provides a window into the past. Tourists may see Shakespeare's retirement house.

  • Distance from London: 2 hours by car or train.

1 The Cotswolds

This area contains 124 hiking routes of various durations that tourists may filter based on their starting point and accessibility needs. It's not only the sublime part of The Cotswolds; its villages are breathtakingly beautiful, with cobblestone alleys, wonderful honey stone cottages, and impressive trickling brooks. Travelers could very much select any location on the map, but Castle Combe, where the enchanting and most contemporary structures date from the 1600s, is one of the most popular.

  • Distance from London: 2 hours by car.