10 Best Road Trips Near London

One of the great things about travel in England is how many landmarks rest within a few hours' drive from one another. You can spend the morning exploring the longest-occupied palace in Europe with a visit to the venerable Windsor Castle, move on to the open field that hosts one of the oldest structures in the world for a chance to examine the mysteries of Stonehenge, and then check out the Roman-era baths in the city of Bath. With this combination of classic destinations, you can check off some of the most famous spots around the country.

England's famous pastoral charm is on full display when you take this journey through the quaint villages and rolling hills of the Cotswolds. With stops at towns like Burford, Bibury, and Bourton-on-the-Water— where stone cottages date back to the Reformation and the storybook scenery hints at fairy tales come to life—you spend a day enjoying the peace and beauty that lies away from the bustle of the city.

If you're in a mood to visit the southeast, then there's an array of iconic sites there waiting for you. This tour starts with a trip across the Greenwich Meridian and a look at the lakeside battlements and Tudor-style manor of Leeds Castle, and then shows off the Gothic spires of Canterbury Cathedral. You can look out over the English Channel from the White Cliffs of Dover to appreciate one of the island's most defining features before you head back to town.

If you're a fan of J.K. Rowling's best-selling books and their blockbuster cinema adaptations, you shouldn't pass up the chance to explore the real-world roots behind the famous magic school. A visit to the Warner Bros. studio features the film sets, props, and makeup that came together to bring the wizarding world of Hogwarts to life. To top it off, a trip to Oxford shows you England's venerable contribution to the history of education and gives you the opportunity to walk the halls of one of the oldest universities in the world.

Get to know the storied city on the banks of the Mersey where the Fab Four rose to fame. This tour gives you plenty of free time to explore the old haunts of the Merseybeat era, relive the iconic band's history at the Beatles Story exhibition, and get to know the town that served as their home, venue, and inspiration. In the afternoon, the Magical Mystery Tour carries you to a host of landmarks from the Beatles' former homes to the legendary Cavern Club, which hosted some of their earliest shows.

A unique and quintessentially English collection of sights awaits you on this journey to the storied city of Chester. A leisurely train ride carries you across the English heartland for a day of exploring the characteristic black-and-white architecture, medieval buildings, and ancient city walls of Chester. You can get a look at landmarks like the Roman amphitheatre while you learn about the city’s history during an open-top bus ride. Then, take your time to explore the shops and walkways of the Rows before the train ride back to London.

Medieval towers and pastoral landscapes rest side-by-side in the historic county of Yorkshire, where you can surround yourself with English history. A hop-on hop-off bus ride carries you to sights like the grand York Minster cathedral and the medieval shopping street of the Shambles, and you can admire the scenery along the shores of the River Ouse. Save some time for a visit to the Jorvik Viking Centre, which gives you a window into the lives of the Norse people who shaped the history of Northern England.

Scotland's capital city offers one of the most beautiful cityscapes in Britain—from the towering hill of Castle Rock to the Greek Revival buildings that add a distinct character to the Athens of the North. Venture to Scotland on a scenic train ride, and then explore the sights for yourself. An open-top, double-decker bus takes you on a loop through the city, where you can hop off for a closer look at sights like the Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and you can step inside Edinburgh Castle for a look at the onetime home of Scottish kings.

A speedy ride on the Eurostar is all that lies between London and Western Europe's other great historic capital, making a day trip to Paris one of the best ways to appreciate each city. Your guide shows you the Neoclassical grandeur and tree-lined boulevards, treats you to lunch on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, and points out the original Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo at the Louvre. With a return to London by day's end, you have a great way to compare the special charms of each city.

Made famous by the bucolic prose in Beatrix Potter's children's books, the Lake District will hardly disappoint. A train ride carries you into the rolling hills and calm waters of England's northwest, where you visit peaceful communities like Oxenholme and Hawkshead and admire the glacier-carved beauty of the Langdale Pikes. Take a boat across Lake Windermere and stop for afternoon tea at the Lindeth Howe Country House, once owned by Potter herself, to round out the scenic journey.