Best Day Trips from London
Things to do near London; zoo's, castles, cool cars and James Bond
Apr 19, 2009
The following five suggestions are accessible from London's centre and can be done as return day trips.
They are cheap and will please families, mature travellers and backpackers.
Leeds Castle
This is the castle to visit in the south east of England. Built over 900 years ago on a massive grounds, it’s the authentic castle experience; surrounded by a moat, restored in detail to the times when King Henry VIII feasted there, Leeds Castle is for the whole family. The grounds include a huge hedge maze, an aviary, falconry displays, picnic facilities with play equipment, a golf course and in-season jousting events. A National Express Coach leaves from Victoria Station and takes under 1 ½ hours with price of admission included in the ticket. For information on the best Castles to visit in the UK, check out this article
Colchester Zoo
London Zoo may be a nice day out, but Colchester Zoo wins hands down in terms of range, size and value. A huge African section is the highlight, with daily opportunities to feed the Elephants and Giraffes. The amazing up-close penguin feeding sessions must be seen to be believed - if you get the chance: this Zoo is huge and may require subsequent visits. Only an hour by train on National Express from London Liverpool Street station.
Beaulieu’s Gardens and the National Motor Museum
Beaulieu is a classic English town, famous, amongst many other things, for its gardens. It’s a town with more than just aesthetics to offer; most notably the National Motor Museum, with over 250 classic and modern vehicles. On a similar theme, there’s The James Bond Experience with displays of Bond cars and other props from the films. For history lovers there’s the Secret Army Exhibition; a museum of old World War II secret operative information, or for the lover of classic history there’s Beaulieu Abbey and Palace House, dating from the 13th century. This amazing visit is only 1 ½ hours from Waterloo Station in London. Further details on the full range of activities in Beaulieu can be found on their Website.
Thorpe Park
For adventure seekers, younger travellers, or just the young at heart, Thorpe Park is a fantastic theme park only 45 minutes south of London. Taking the train from Waterloo Station to Staines, Thorpe Park is one of England’s biggest and most action-filled theme parks, with dozens of rides to choose from. Rides cater for the true stomach-churning thrill seeker to a good range of more laid back ride options for junior visitors.
Blenheim Palace
This is arguably the most impressive mansion home in England and former residence of Winston Churchill, who is now buried there. The 2000 acre property near Oxford is wonderfully maintained with austere paintings and tapestries throughout the many stately rooms. The grounds themselves offer a variety of entertainment from a secret garden, a butterfly house, hedge maze and an adventure playground. Only 1 ½ hours from London’s Paddington Station, it can be a great day out just on its own or coupled with a weekend trip to Oxford.
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