So you’ve started planning your UK trip and want to make the best out of your days. As most people start with London, it’s easy to plan a couple of days downtown and add some day trips to the mix. The best part is that you don’t have to go far to change a little bit of scenery for the day.
You Want to Go to the Coast
You feel like throwing some pebbles in the sea and feeling that refreshing breeze for the day. Brighton is the place to go. First step, get on the train at Victoria Station or St. Pancras Station to Brighton. Second step, when arriving in Brighton, hop on a bus or walk about 15 minutes to the beach.
Now, you can stop anywhere to get a little bite. Eat it there or take it to go and eat it on the beach. After you can go take some pictures with the colourful beach huts. After this, go try your luck at the Brighton Pier. It’s a great place to feel like a kid again with all the arcade games. Better yet, this would be a great family outing. Another great thing in Brighton is the shopping. Head over to The Lanes, do a little bit of shopping and stop for a warm drink in a little coffee shop. Brighton is a great sea city where you can unwind and take in all the beauty that the city has to offer.
Relaxing Day Strolling Through University Colleges
As you probably know, Cambridge is a beautiful university city so why not spend a day walking through their halls and discover the building’s beauty. Most of them are open to the public for just a small fee! To make your experience even better, we suggest to buy a ticket for a punting tour. All you have to do is sit back and relax on a boat while your guide brings you to the famous colleges.
If you love museums or it’s a rainy day, another great activity would be to spend an afternoon in one of Cambridge’s museums. Lastly, to finish the day, take a relaxing stroll through the Cambridge University Botanic Garden where you will find plant varieties from all over the world!
Feel like Harry Potter for the Day
Have you ever wanted to know what it feels like to walk through Hogwart’s halls? Well, here is your chance! The Great Hall in Hogwarts was actually modeled after the Great Hall at Christ Church in Oxford. If you want to see all of the Oxford shooting locations, there are some Harry Potter walking tours where you can learn more about everything related to the famous movie series.
Other great activities in Oxford include visiting the Oxford Castle and the Oxford Botanic Garden. Finally, if you want a great view then go to the top of University Church of St. Mary the Virgin, pay the little extra and be amazed!
Dive Deep into British Culture
Winchester is a place rich in British culture. Start your day off by visiting one of the largest churches in all Europe: Winchester Cathedral. Then, if you are a big fan of Merlin, be sure to stop by the Great Hall and admire King Arthur’s Round Table. While you’re there, take your time to relax by walking through the Queen Eleanor’s Garden.
If you love English literature, stop by Jane Austen’s House Museum. It is the only house where she lived that is open to the public so if you are a big fan of Pride and Prejudice, don’t miss the chance of seeing where the creative mind behind this classic lived. Other great cultural activities include taking the walk that inspired John Keat’s poem “To Autumn” and trying to find all 19 bollards around town that are painted into famous artworks.
Lastly, if you are a gin fanatic make sure to stop by Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery and learn all about what makes the blue bottled gin so popular!
Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site
If you want to get out of the busy city, Canterbury is a great destination. Most people go to Canterbury to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Canterbury Cathedral. Due to the city’s medieval architecture (small alleyways and city walls), it’s a great place to discover Britain’s past. Other great activities include walks along the water, going to a local market and visiting Canterbury’s labyrinth where you can take in a beautiful view of the city.
Let’s Talk Practical
How to Get There?
We offer multiple rail passes and point to point tickets to fit your transport needs in the UK. Will you be visiting Great Britain? England? Only London? Here are the passes that we offer:
You want to explore destinations throughout England, Scotland and Wales and at your own pace? Book a BritRail Pass that will give you the flexibility to travel from city center to city center around the UK. Book your Britrail Pass here!
If your focus falls on England, home to nine distinct regions including London, this pass will make it possible to include all the major attractions and cities on your itinerary. Book your Britrail England Pass here.
Center your travel around London and fan out to visit your choice of vibrant destinations such as Brighton, Bath, Cambridge, Oxford, Salisbury and Stratford-Upon-Avon. This pass is perfect for day trips in the South East of England. With unlimited rail trips on each travel day, you can hop on and off the trains as you wish! Book your Britrail London Plus Pass here.
If you don’t think you will be leaving London a lot and only want to do a few day trips you can book Point to Point tickets here.
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