Our guide to easy day trips less than 90 minutes from London

As it is getting into the colder seasons and the school holidays are over, these places featured in our article should have fewer crowds, but the weather should still be pleasant and mild.

Whilst all of these places are accessible via public transport, you will not be able to use your Oyster card for journeys to Windsor, Cambridge, Oxford or Brighton and you will need to purchase National Rail tickets before you leave. The Travelcard zone map provides the full details of where Oyster cards can be used.

Hampton Court

Average travel time: 1 hour 

How to get there: Walk 15 minutes to Vauxhall Station, take the South Western Railway from Vauxhall to Hampton Court (average time – 33 minutes). You can use your Oyster card for this journey. 

What to do: 

Obviously, at Hampton Court there is the stunning Hampton Court Palace. Originally the home of one of Henry VIII’s most trusted advisors, Thomas Wolsey,  it was passed over to the King when Wolsey fell out of favour. It was said to be one of Henry’s favourite palaces and he and his queens were often seen there with their court – it was one of the only places big enough to put everyone!  

If you’re a runner, head over on a Saturday morning to join hundreds of runners and walkers at Bushy Park for Parkrun. This is where it all started, and there are often a fair few famous faces that pop up. Remember that it is not a race, it is meant to be enjoyable and that it will wake you up. If you’re not into getting up to run at 9am, the park is lovely for a picnic or a walk around in the autumn sun. Keep an eye out for the deer that graze in the grounds, and you may be lucky enough to spot a parakeet or two as they go darting through the trees! 

After a courtesy call on past royalty, why not head on to the River Thames path and walk from the palace down to Kingston and Teddington Lock. There are two paths that often run parallel to each other. One higher up that is tarmaced and accessible and one that is slightly muddier and lower down.

There are, of course, places on route to stop for a picnic or some local cafes that will serve up teas, coffees and cakes to help keep you energised. 

Windsor

Average travel time: 1 hour and 15 minutes 

How to get there: Walk for 15 minutes to Vauxhall station, take the South Western Railway from Vauxhall to Windsor & Eton Riverside (average time – 49 minutes).

What to do: 

Windsor is the very definition of royal England. At its heart is Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. You can explore the incredibly grand State Apartments, see Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, and step inside St George’s Chapel, where several royal weddings have taken place.

After exploring the castle, why not take a stroll along the famous Long Walk; a tree-lined avenue stretching out from the castle gates into Windsor Great Park. On a crisp autumn day, the views are spectacular. For shopping and a bite to eat, Windsor Royal Shopping Centre is a stylish spot set within a converted Victorian railway station.

Don’t forget to wander across the river to Eton, home to the world-famous college. Its high street is lined with historic buildings, traditional pubs, and bookshops, making it a lovely contrast to Windsor’s bustling centre.

If you’d like to see Windsor from a different angle, hop on a short boat trip along the Thames. The views of the castle from the water are wonderful, especially when the leaves start to turn.

Brighton

Average travel time: 1 hour 15 mins

How to get there: Walk to Victoria Station, which takes about 15 minutes and then take the Gatwick Express to Brighton (average time – 58 minutes). 

What to do:

Brighton is London’s seaside escape and has been for centuries. It’s vibrant, colourful, and full of character. We recommend starting at Brighton Palace Pier, with its funfair rides, arcade games and classic fish and chips. From there, head down to the beach for a bracing walk along the pebbled shore.

The Royal Pavilion is Brighton’s true showstopper. Built for King George IV, it’s a dazzling palace with onion domes and exotic interiors that feel more like India than England. Afterwards, lose yourself in The Lanes; a maze of narrow alleyways filled with independent shops, quirky boutiques, and antique stores.

Even in the cooler months, Brighton has a lively atmosphere and it’s a fantastic place to spend a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of London. Wrap up warm, enjoy the sea air, and if the weather cooperates, stay for the sunset, the view over the Channel is the perfect way to round off the day. If you go between November and February, you may be lucky enough to witness the natural phenomenon of the Starling murmuration which can be seen by the Palace Pier. This is where the birds fly in large groups to create amazing shapes and formations. It’s incredible to see and there are often thousands of starlings flying at once.

If you’re into vintage shopping, North Laine (just a few minutes’ walk from the station) is a treasure trove of retro clothing, record shops and independent cafés and is the perfect spot to explore before heading back to London.

Cambridge

Average travel time: 1 hour 30

How to get there: Walk to Pimlico Station just 7 minutes away, hop on the Victoria line to Kings Cross (11 mins) and then take the Great Northern from Kings Cross to Cambridge (average time – 48 mins)

What to do:

Cambridge is a city famous for its spires, courtyards, and river views. The University of Cambridge dominates the city, and many of the colleges are open for visitors. King’s College Chapel, with its stunning fan-vault ceiling, is an absolute must-see. Cambridge is also famous for its many bicycles, be careful when walking around! If you want to get around quickly, bikes are available for hire in most public areas. Take care on the city’s many cobbled streets! Discover a cycle map of the city here.

For something more relaxed, head to the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, which is a peaceful spot that’s especially beautiful in autumn. For a quintessential Cambridge experience, why not go punting along the River Cam. You can hire a guide to steer for you, or try it yourself for a more adventurous (and occasionally wobbly) outing.

With its mix of historic buildings, riverside views, and cosy cafés, Cambridge is a place to take your time. Even on a day trip, you’ll leave feeling like you went on a time-travelling adventure.

If you’re visiting on a Sunday, head to the Market Square. The farmers’ market is packed with food stalls serving everything from hot mulled cider to fresh pastries, perfect for warming up between sightseeing stops.

Oxford

Average travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

How to get there: Walk to Victoria station, which is about 15 minutes away, get on the Circle line to Paddington (16 mins) and then take the GWR from Paddington to Oxford (50 mins).

What to do: 

Oxford, known as the “City of Dreaming Spires,” is a perfect mix of history and atmosphere. The University of Oxford is the city’s main attraction, with its Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical buildings scattered across the centre, ideal for those with an interest in architecture and history. Christ Church College is one of the most famous, and Harry Potter fans will love seeing the Great Hall in all its glory. 

Take your time and wander down Oxford’s historic streets, from the Sheldonian Theatre to the Radcliffe Camera, and pop into one of the city’s many bookshops or traditional pubs. The Bodleian Library is another must-see, especially for literature lovers.

Compact and walkable, Oxford is easy to explore in a day, and whether you choose to dive into its museums or simply soak up the atmosphere on foot, you’ll quickly see why it has inspired so many writers, artists and scholars.

For a memorable view of the city, climb the tower of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin. The panorama of spires and rooftops is one of the best in Oxford, and it’s especially atmospheric at sunset.