OK, here’s the thing: I hate driving. And even more so in England.
Sitting in traffic, stressing over merging onto the motorway, and second-guessing navigation (while being careful about driving on the opposite side of the road?) No, thanks. For years, I was perfectly happy sticking to trains and buses, letting someone else do the hard work while I scrolled through my phone in peace.
But last year, I got talked into a few weekend getaways that actually involved driving. And to my surprise, I loved it. Maybe it was the freedom of stopping whenever I wanted or the fact I could belt out terrible 80s ballads with no one to judge. Either way, I’ve found a few nice places outside London that I keep coming back to whenever I have the time.
If you’re like me—someone who prefers shorter, scenic drives with a guaranteed great destination at the end—then these road trips are for you.
My favorite places to visit near London
I never thought I’d say this, but I’ve actually come to enjoy day trips from London by car—at least the short ones. Over the past year, I’ve found a few spots that have made driving feel totally worth it. Here are my favorite places to visit outside London by car:
Windsor Castle, Bath & Stonehenge: A classic English road trip
- Distance: ~2.5 hours (varies by stop)
- Best for: History lovers, couples, families
- Must-visit stops: Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Bath
- Perfect soundtrack: Classical music or Bridgerton string quartet covers
I took this trip because I wanted to feel like royalty for a day. I mean, Windsor Castle? That’s where the Queen actually lived. So, I woke up early, grabbed a coffee, and hit the road. The drive to Windsor was smooth, and pulling up to the castle gates felt surreal. The Changing of the Guard was every bit as dramatic as I’d hoped—trust me, those guys do not break character.
From Windsor, I made my way to Stonehenge. I have to admit, I wasn’t sure if I’d be impressed. But standing there in front of those massive stones, feeling the weight of thousands of years of history, was something else. I couldn’t stop wondering how on earth they got there. Magic? Aliens? A very determined prehistoric workforce? Either way, it was worth the stop.
Finally, I drove to Bath, and this was the part of the trip that truly stole my heart. The Roman Baths were fascinating (though no, you can’t swim in them—something about ancient water and microbes, which, honestly, is a little disappointing).
I wrapped up the day with a classic cream tea at a tiny café, sitting by the window and watching the world go by. If you have time, I highly recommend staying overnight—Bath deserves more than just a few rushed hours.
Oxford: Walking through Hogwarts for a day
- Distance: ~2 hours
- Best for: Book lovers and Harry Potter fans
- Must-visit stops: The Bodleian Library, Christ Church College, Warner Bros. Studio Tour (if you make a detour)
- Perfect soundtrack: Hedwig’s Theme (obviously)
Oxford makes you instantly feel smarter just by walking its ancient streets. Every building here tells a story, every book feels older than your great-grandparents, and every professor walking past looks like they might secretly be a wizard. Speaking of wizards, let’s be honest—half the reason I visited was Harry Potter.
My first stop was Christ Church College, where I immediately felt like I entered the Great Hall of Hogwarts. The high ceilings, the long wooden tables—it’s easy to see why they used it as a filming location. I stayed longer than planned, half-expecting an owl to swoop in with my Hogwarts acceptance letter (spoiler: it never came).
Next, I wandered into the Bodleian Library, one of the most beautiful libraries I’ve ever seen. If you’ve watched Harry Potter, you’ll recognize the main Hogwarts Library and the Hogwarts Hospital. But even if you’re not a fan, it’s a breathtaking place to get lost in. It smells like old books and history, and I swear the quiet in there is extra quiet—it’s just you and your thoughts.
On your way back, I highly recommend making a detour to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Seeing the actual Harry Potter sets, props, and costumes was surreal—wandering through Diagon Alley, stepping inside the Gryffindor common room, and even seeing the original Hogwarts Express made my inner child very happy (just maybe don’t spend too much money at the gift shop as I did).
Brighton: Easily the best fish & chips I’ve had
- Distance: ~2 hours
- Best for: A quick escape to the beach
- Must-visit stops: The Lanes, Brighton Pier, Seven Sisters Cliffs
- Perfect soundtrack: The Beach Boys (cliché, but it works)
I’ve always loved the sea—there’s something about the salty air that makes me feel instantly lighter like all my stress gets carried away with the tide. And Brighton? It’s the perfect place for a day (or a weekend) of pure fun. It’s got that messy, carefree, slightly chaotic energy that makes you feel like you’re on holiday the second you arrive.
I spent hours wandering The Lanes, a maze of indie shops selling everything from vintage records to questionable fashion choices and some weirdly expensive handmade soaps. I told myself I was “just browsing,” but somehow still ended up with a bag full of things I didn’t know I needed.
My next stop was the Pier, a place that feels like it hasn’t changed since the 80s in the best way possible. The arcade took all my money, and while the rides looked terrifying, I went on one anyway. Still, the real highlight here? The fish and chips. Worth every greasy, salty, delicious bite—although I quickly realized that in Brighton, eating outside means engaging in battle with the seagulls.
If you have time, make the short drive to Seven Sisters Cliffs—it’s absolutely worth it. The views? Absolutely jaw-dropping. White chalk cliffs plunging into the sea—easily one of the most stunning places near London to visit, especially at sunset.
The Cotswolds: Villages that look straight out of a fairytale
- Distance: ~2 hours
- Best for: A cozy, countryside escape with plenty of pub stops
- Must-visit stops: Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, Castle Combe
- Perfect soundtrack: Anything that makes you want to twirl in a meadow
If you’ve ever seen a postcard of England and wondered if places like that actually exist—spoiler alert, they do. And they’re just a 2-hour road trip from London.
The Cotswolds are unreal. I started in Bibury, which is so picturesque it looks Photoshopped. The Arlington Row cottages are straight out of a postcard, and yes, I shamelessly took a million photos.
From there, I made my way to Bourton-on-the-Water, aka “The Venice of the Cotswolds” (which is a bit of a stretch, but it’s charming nonetheless). No gondolas here, but plenty of little stone bridges over a charming river—close enough.
I wrapped up my trip in Castle Combe, a village that feels untouched by time like it’s waiting for a period drama film crew to roll in at any moment. No streetlights, no modern buildings, just honey-colored cottages and winding lanes. Driving through the Cotswolds is an experience in itself. You don’t need a plan—just stop wherever looks inviting and make a day out of it.
Surrey Hills & Vineyards: Countryside escape without a long drive
- Distance: ~1 hour
- Best for: Wine lovers, nature seekers, and foodies
- Must-visit stops: Denbies Wine Estate, Silent Pool Gin Distillery, Box Hill
- Perfect soundtrack: Acoustic folk or jazz
This trip started as an excuse to drink wine in a vineyard and somehow turned into one of the most relaxing days I’ve had in ages. While it’s just an hour outside of London, Surrey Hills feels like stepping off a plane straight into the south of France.
My first stop was Denbies Wine Estate, one of the largest vineyards in England. They offer tastings and breathtaking views, so I took a tour and sampled some surprisingly good wine.
Next, I headed to Silent Pool Distillery, because why stop at wine when you can also have gin? Their tasting room looks like something out of a Pinterest board, and after trying a few samples, I can confirm their gin is dangerously good.
The last stop was Box Hill, which involved a short but steep walk to one of the best panoramic views in Surrey. I sat on the grass with a snack and watched cyclists struggle their way to the top, feeling very smug about my choice to drive.
Info guide: How to prepare for the best road trips from London
What to wear?
Short answer: depends on the location. Long one:
- Windsor/Bath/Stonehenge: Layers! The UK weather changes hourly.
- Oxford: Smart casual—most places are historic and kind of fancy.
- Brighton: Windproof layers (seaside breeze is no joke) and comfy shoes for walking.
- The Cotswolds: Something Instagram-worthy as you’ll want pictures.
- Surrey Hills: Walking shoes for Box Hill. If you’re wine tasting, something nice but comfortable.
What I’d do again (and what I’d skip)
Some of the places to go near London are worth coming back to. For example, I would return to Brighton Pier whenever I have the chance to get fish & chips—but I’d definitely pass on eating it outside to avoid seagull battles.
Another one of my favorites is strolling through the Cotswolds with zero agenda—just stopping wherever looks cute—and wine and gin tasting in Surrey Hills, which works for any reason or occasion.
On the other hand, some of these places outside London to visit are great once, but don’t need repeating. If you’ve already been to Stonehenge, I’d probably say skip it next time—it’s cool once, but not somewhere I need to revisit. Same for the Changing of the Guard in Windsor—it’s iconic, but if you’ve seen it once, you get the idea.
Anything else?
- Driving tip: Rent a small car if possible because village roads are tiny and parking can be tricky.
- Book in advance: For big attractions like Warner Bros. Studio or Windsor Castle, this will save you a lot of hassle.
- Account for traffic: London can be hectic and this can delay your arrival time, so plan your tickets accordingly.
- Expect extra costs: Parking fees, tolls, and congestion charges can add up, so budget for these when planning your trip.
- Pack snacks: Some areas (like the countryside) have long stretches with no food options, so come prepared.
My thoughts on road tripping near London
I used to think road trips weren’t for me, but I get it now. There’s something about having zero schedules, stopping for random coffee breaks, and ending up in places I never planned to be that makes the whole thing feel like an adventure.
Would I do it again? 100%! Some of these spots have become my go-to getaways. If you’re looking for places near London to visit for an easy day trip or weekend escape, these road trips are absolutely worth it.
So pick a place, hit the road, and try not to miss your exit off the M25 like I always do.
Places to visit around London — FAQs
What are the best places to visit outside London by car?
Some of the best places to visit from London include Brighton for the seaside, Oxford for history, the Cotswolds for countryside charm, and Surrey Hills for wine and gin lovers.
Are there good places to visit around London without a car?
Yes, there are. Oxford and Brighton are easy to reach by train, but for places like the Cotswolds and Surrey Hills, a car makes a huge difference.
What’s the best time to go on a road trip adventure from London?
Spring and early autumn are the best times for scenic road trips from London, offering great weather and fewer crowds. Winter can be magical (especially in the Cotswolds), but some attractions may have limited hours.
Do I need cash for a road trip from London?
Yes, you do. While most places accept cards, it’s good to have some cash on hand, especially if you’re stopping at small villages, traditional pubs, or parking in rural areas. That said, most places will take cards, so don’t stress about it if you forget to visit an ATM!
