Best pretty and historic cities close to London

Just an hour or two from London you can step into another world. The nearby cities to London include some of the most beautiful in England, packed with charm and character. Here’s a round up of the nearest cities to London that make great day trips from the capital. You just have to choose which ones to visit.

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Nearest cities to London

If you’re visiting the capital and planning to see one or two cities close to London then you’re likely looking for historic interest, pretty scenery and a traditional British vibe. The following are the closest cities that are famous for a reason! They all offer good sightseeing opportunities, even if the weather is less than optimal.

UK cities vs towns

First of all let’s clear up some confusion. In the UK only certain towns have ‘city’ status. This formal title is bestowed by the monarch and government. ‘City’ in the UK doesn’t necessarily mean large town. In fact some of our cities are tiny.

Historically, a UK city has a cathedral. So Wells in Somerset (population 12,000) has been regarded as a city, England’s smallest, for hundreds of years. But Reading, Berkshire (population 174,000) might be the largest town in England, but it still isn’t classed as a city!

Here’s gov.uk’s list of UK cities. More recently towns without cathedrals have bid for city status by dint of having a large population or a university. Brighton, Chelmsford and Milton Keynes have all joined the ranks of cities near London since 2000.

Should you drive or take the train to cities near London?

Your journey time by road can vary considerably depending on the time of day and month of the year. A drive along the M4 from London to Bath on a Friday afternoon in the summer can take twice as long as it might on a Tuesday morning in the winter. Google maps can give you an estimate if you search according to your date and time of travel. Bear in mind that parking can be an issue in cities close to London too.

All these cities have frequent and direct train services from London. But you do need to book train tickets well in advance to get the cheapest fares.

Windsor, Berkshire

• 25 miles by road from central London.
• 55 mins by train from London Waterloo

Windsor is getting a special mention here because it’s a special case. It isn’t strictly a ‘city’ in the UK sense of the word. Yet it is home to Windsor Castle, the favourite home of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and it’s the most popular destination for day trips from London.

Windsor is one of my top picks if you’re looking for places to visit outside London. It has history, pageantry, pubs and afternoon teas. Plus you can get there easily by train and be back in London in time for the theatre or supper.

Things to do in Windsor

Windsor is only a small town, but it packs in plenty of sights. The obvious one is Windsor Castle itself in the town center. Book a castle tour early in the day before it gets crowded and, if you can, schedule your visit to coincide with a Guard Change at the castle. You don’t even have to tour the castle to see the Guards march through the streets of the town, accompanied by a brass band.

From the gates of Windsor Castle you can stroll the Windsor Long Walk, the ancient tree-lined avenue through Windsor Great Park. Or walk down to the riverside to take a boat trip along the Thames. Alternatively you can cross the footbridge over the river to the village of Eton, home to the elite boarding school for boys, Eton College.

Windsor and Eton are great places to sample traditional British snacks too. Choose from an array of cafes serving afternoon and cream teas, and maybe sample the meringue and strawberry confection, Eton Mess, on its home territory! Or visit one of Windsor’s historic pubs for a locally brewed pint or a traditional pub lunch.

Is Windsor worth a day trip?

Yes, if all the above appeals to you. You can even do Windsor in half a day if you book an early entry to the castle, or skip an interior tour altogether.

Private Transfers between London and Windsor This mini-cab service gets excellent reviews for single journey transfers or round trips between London and Windsor or Heathrow airport. You can check availability here.

Bath, Somerset

• Distance from central London: 115 miles
• London to Bath by train: 1 hr 15 mins direct from London Paddington

Beautiful Bath. There’s a reason this compact city in Somerset so popular with visitors, locals – and film producers. Bath looks stunning. ‘Who can ever be tired of Bath!” asked a character in Jane Austen’s novel Northanger Abbey. The city was a fashionable hub of Regency society and many of its handsome Georgian streets and historic buildings have been preserved today.

Famous from Roman times for its thermal springs, the entire city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage site. In popular culture, it found new fame recently as a location for the Netflix historical romance, Bridgerton.

Things to do in Bath

One of the joys of Bath is that you can see all the major sights in a day’s stroll. Hit the ground walking, from Bath station, and in 5 minutes you can reach the Roman Baths. Start here as it’s a popular tourist attraction and can get very busy. After you’ve viewed the original Roman thermal baths you could have a contemporary spa experience yourself at Thermae Bath Spa next door.

Like Jane Austen and her characters you can also visit the elegant Pump Room. Here you can sample the spa water as the Georgians did, or you might prefer brunch or a traditional afternoon tea.

The National Trust have recently taken over the Assembly Rooms, another of Austen’s favoured ports of call. A small group guided tour here really brings the place to life. Whilst the magnificent Royal Crescent, a majestic sweep of terraced Georgian town houses, is worth a visit too.

Fashionable Georgians enjoyed snacking on brioche-style buns called Sally Lunns when they visited Bath. You can too at the Sally Lunn bakery, one of the oldest houses in Bath in North Parade.

Is Bath worth a day trip?

There’s plenty to see in Bath and if you’re a Jane Austen or Bridgerton fan then put it top of your list of cities near London to visit.

Bath is very easy to reach from London by train. But it’s also worth considering day trips that combine visits to Bath and prehistoric Stonehenge. Since Stonehenge is not well-served by public transport – and to be honest can be a pain to get to – this is a great idea if you’re keen to see both. Check out this tour which has excellent reviews: Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London

Brighton East Sussex

• Distance from central London: 82 miles
• London to Brighton by train: 1 hr direct from London Victoria; 1 hr 15 mins from London Blackfriars

One of the closest cities to London, Brighton is often nicknamed London-on-Sea because of the high numbers of Londoners who’ve moved there or visit regularly, Brighton is a fun day out. Stripy deckchairs flap on the pebbly beach and there are plenty of quaint and quirky streets and shops to explore. This university city by the sea combines traditional coastal attractions with a diverse and alternative vibe.

Things to do in Brighton, Sussex

Hippies and hipsters alike love Brighton with its jumble of cobbled alleys, independent shops, retro and vintage finds, artisans, galleries and seriously good coffee shops. You could literally spend all day roaming the Lanes, North Laine or the rest of Brighton’s little enclaves.

If weather permits you might fancy a dip in the sea. Or perhaps get some lengths in at Brighton’s Sea Lanes Open Water Swimming Centre, right by the beach on Madeira Drive. It’s for proper swimming though, no lilos or sunbeds here!

For traditional seaside fun check out the Palace pier, or for a glimpse of Brighton’s regal past visit the flamboyant Indo-Oriental Royal Pavilion. It was the Prince Regent’s holiday hideaway and helped cement Brighton’s raffish charm.

For coastal views hire a bike to cycle along the Undercliff, or get a bird’s eye view from the BAi360. You’ll be spoilt for choice for restaurants: try newcomer Shelter Hall, the seafront food market with seven independent kitchens and live music.

Is Brighton worth a day trip?

Yes if you fancy a mix of seaside nostalgia, cultural sights and the spirit of ‘anything goes’. You might even be tempted to spend a weekend in Brighton.

Or you could kill two sightseeing birds with one stone by taking a full day tour of the South coast. Try this one: Brighton & Seven Sisters Tour From London (Small-Group) This small group tour spends 3 hours enjoying the best of Brighton before travelling to one of the most iconic views in Britain: the Seven Sisters white cliffs overlooking the English Channel. Click here to check availability and to book

Oxford, Oxfordshire

• Distance from London: 63 miles
• London to Oxford by train: 1 hr from London Paddington; 1 hr 20 mins from London Marylebone

This beautiful and ancient university town is not called the city of dreaming spires for nothing. Oxford University is made up of more than 30 colleges, groups of buildings that form communities where students live and study. Some colleges are modern but most are historic and they were built to impress! The architecture is ravishing and many are grouped together in the city centre. Oxford is one of the nearest cities to London to give you that feeling of stepping into another world.

Things to do in Oxford

You may well feel like you’re on a film set, especially as you walk through Christchurch or New College. That’s because Oxford is a favourite movie location. Many iconic scenes from the Harry Potter series were filmed in the venerable cloisters and courtyards of Oxford colleges.

Some colleges are open to the public at certain times of day, check here for info and timetables. But others are only open to official tours. And it goes without saying that Harry Potter fans will want to book a walking tour like this one: Harry Potter Film Locations walking tour.

Another fun thing to do in Oxford is to go for a punt on the river. A punt is a flat-bottomed boat propelled by a single pole to the river bed. If that sounds a bit daunting, don’t worry, you can hire a ‘chauffeur’ for your adventure. Don’t forget to pack some Pimms!

On the subject of drinks, as an historic student town you can be sure that Oxford’s pubs are up to scratch. Check out The Bear, said to be the oldest in the city. Or hunt down an alleyway near Hertford College for the hidden gem that is the Turf Tavern.

Alternatively take a walk through lovely Port Meadow, along the banks of the river. You could aim to have lunch at the waterside pub The Perch in Binsey, or (a longer walk!) The Trout in Wolvercote.

Finally if you decide to stay longer in Oxford then check out the Headington Shark House, it’s a beautiful period rental with a thought-provoking difference. You know you want to!

Is Oxford worth a day trip?

This depends what you’re hoping to find. If you’re happy to roam the golden streets, peer through gates into ancient colleges, float gently along a river on a punt, then you can fill a day.

Or you could combine Oxford with another location: Downton Abbey fans will love this tour which couples Oxford with a visit to Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey itself) and the village of Bampton. From London: Day Trip to Downton Abbey, Oxford and Bampton Since Highclere and Bampton are tricky to access via public transport this is a completely hassle-free way to visit them. Click here for availability, reviews and to book

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

• Distance from London: 77 miles
• London to Cambridge by train: 50 mins from London Kings Cross; also trains from Liverpool Street and St Pancras International

Like Oxford, Cambridge is a beautiful and historic city close to London with an other-worldly feel. And these ancient colleges aren’t just carefully preserved time capsules. The halls and libraries are fully functioning workplaces and the homes of some of the world’s brightest students.

Things to do in Cambridge

Step into the world that fostered great minds like Sir isaac Newton and Alan Turing. As with Oxford, the historic colleges are the main attraction in Cambridge. The city is more compact and arguably more picturesque than Oxford and it is easily walkable. Although it doesn’t have those iconic Harry Potter locations.

You can book a tour of the colleges or visit independently, though not all are open to the public: here’s more information on opening times etc. Of all the colleges, King’s, with its glorious chapel, is probably the best known. Visitors can also attend the choral services at King’s which are a really special experience.

It’s no surprise that Cambridge has lots of museums. The Fitzwilliam museum is the most famous, but Kettle’s Yard, the contemporary art gallery that was once the home of its founders, is a fascinating visit.

As in Oxford, punting is a fun thing to do in Cambridge, whether you’re a student or a visitor. Hire your own punt, or a chauffeured punt, and you can glide along the river Cam in a most idyllic way. Although it’s a little less idyllic if the river is very crowded. You get a wonderful view of the colleges from the water and you can get close up to Cambridge’s famous Bridge of Sighs and Mathematical Bridge.

After all this exercise you’ll be needing refreshment. Cambridge is well served with restaurants, cafes and pubs. Head to Fitzbillie’s for the famous Chelsea buns or pop into The Eagle for a pint. It was in this traditional Cambridge pub, in 1953, that Watson and Crick announced they’d discovered DNA.

Is Cambridge worth a day trip?

If you’d love an insight into this rarefied and beautiful academic city then Cambridge is definitely worth a trip. As with Oxford, I’d just say that the colleges themselves can seem intimidating to an outsider. That’s why a guided tour is a great way, not just to gain access but to unlock the stories and some of the mystery that surrounds these hallowed halls.

This walking and punting combo tour, led by a graduate, ticks these boxes and gets great reviews. Cambridge: Walking & Punting Tour with King’s College Option

Canterbury, Kent

• Distance from London: 61 miles
• London to Canterbury by train: 1 hr from London St Pancras, also trains from Victoria and Charing Cross

Canterbury’s most famous and obvious draw is its magnificent cathedral. But Canterbury is also a pretty and historic town with many buildings dating back to medieval times. It’s one of the closest cities to London and easily accessible by train.

Things to do in Canterbury, Kent

First established in the sixth century, Canterbury Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. It was here that Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170, probably at the command of Henry II. He was subsequently made a saint and his shrine became an important place of pilgrimage. It is the destination at the heart of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, written in the 1300s.

Spend some time visiting the Cathedral with its gorgeous architecture and stained glass. Then stroll through the town centre, where you’ll find independent shops, cute cafes, a Roman museum and medieval buildings. It’s hard to miss the famously crooked Sir John Boys House in Palace Street. This jettied and half-timbered 17th century building is now home to a charity bookshop. And look out for Old Weaver’s House in St Peter’s Street, overlooking the river. It’s a restaurant serving a varied menu including breakfasts and traditional British roasts.

Just outside the city walls are the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey. Run by English Heritage it’s a short walk from the cathedral and has a small museum which explains its importance. Along with the cathedral it’s part of the UNESCO World Heritage site at Canterbury.

Summer is a great time to visit Canterbury when you can picnic in pretty Westgate Gardens on the banks of the Stour. Or book a guided boat trip, or even a punt, along the river that takes a scenic route through the city. Canterbury is also one of the closest cities to London that is also near a beach: Whitstable is just 15 minutes away by bus.

Is Canterbury worth a day trip?

If you have limited time, rather than spend a whole day in Canterbury I’d be inclined to pack a bit more into your trip. From Canterbury you could catch a bus to Whitstable for an afternoon at the seaside, oysters at Wheelers or fish and chips with the sunset.

Or take an organised trip, like this small group tour which gets rave reviews and gives you a real flavour of the charming Kent countryside. From London: Canterbury, Dover, and Kent Villages Day Trip

More historic cities near London

These lovely British cities all date back to Roman times. They aren’t tourist magnets in the same way as Bath or Brighton, but they still have historic sights and characterful streets. If you’d like to visit a nearby city to London that is less touristic than some of the others, then consider these.

St Albans, Hertfordshire

• 25 miles by road from central London.
• 30 mins by train from London St Pancras International

The nearest city to London by train is St Albans, once the Roman city of Verulamium. Its cathedral, named after Alban, Britain’s first saint, is 1000 years old and stands on the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain.

The Cathedral is a must-visit for history lovers with its beautiful combination of architectural styles and rare medieval wall paintings. If you join one of the free daily guided tours you can see light projections that show their original colours.

There’s more of the city’s history in Verulamium Park. As well as a pretty lake you’ll find the remains of the city’s Roman wall and the mosaic floor and hypocaust heating system of a major Roman town house. Nearby the Roman museum displays more finds from the area.

Or you could just shop! Get your history fix by walking the streets of St Albans where beautiful Tudor buildings house plenty of tempting boutiques and independent stores. The regular Charter market has over 150 stalls from street food to crafts. And you’ll find great restaurants and pubs in St Albans, including the medieval Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, which lays claim to being the oldest pub in England.

Winchester, Hampshire

• 68 miles by road from central London.
• 1 hr by train from London Waterloo

Winchester has been a settlement for more than 2000 years. It was a Roman town and then an important centre under the Saxon King Alfred the Great. Nowadays the cathedral city of Winchester attracts plenty of London commuters thanks to its close proximity to the South Downs and the New Forest, as well as regular trains which bring this rural city close to London.

Take a tour of the beautiful medieval cathedral, one of the finest in Europe. Look out for the statue of the diver, who spent 5 years reinforcing the flooded foundations, and also see the tablet marking the resting place of Jane Austen.

Then stop by the Great Hall, the surviving remnant of Winchester castle, which contains Henry VIII’s replica of King Arthur’s Round Table. But above all, one of the best things to do in Winchester is to stroll its old streets and admire its history.

Winchester has a farmers market and excellent restaurants, cafes and pubs. We had a lovely lunch at the 18th century inn, The Old Vine, on our last visit.

And one of the nicest walks in Winchester is through the Water Meadows alongside the River Itchen. This beautiful and tranquil route inspired Keats to write his most famous sonnet, To Autumn.

Pretty Towns near London

Smaller than the landmark English cities near London, these pretty towns are well worth a visit.

Greenwich

• 9 miles by road from central London.
• 25 mins from Tower of London by Uber boat

Close to London on the southern bank of the river Thames, is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Maritime Greenwich. And it is packed with things to see and do.

An historic town centre and Royal park are only the start: Greenwich is home to the Meridian Line, dividing the east and western hemispheres of the world. Amongst the ensemble of historic buildings in the park are the National Maritime museum and the Royal Observatory. The Cutty Sark is in Greenwich too, an 18th century tea clipper that was one of the fastest ships in the world. Or head into town to the centuries-old covered market to browse the vintage and craft stalls.

It seems fitting to visit Greenwich by boat and you can catch the regular Uber boat service that runs up and down the Thames. Otherwise take a train from London Bridge or a Jubilee line tube.

Rye, Sussex

• 76 miles by road from central London.
• 1 hr 10 mins by train from London St Pancras International

Rye, a picturesque coastal town near London, was one of the important Cinque Ports in medieval times. But the port silted up and was replaced by marshland and the town went on to become a hotbed of smuggling!

With cobbled streets and pretty historic buildings, Rye has views that are straight out of a picture book. Don’t miss pretty Mermaid street with its jumble of half timbered black and white houses, antique shops and the ancient Mermaid Inn. Novelist Henry James lived close by in handsome Lamb House which is now owned by the National Trust.

You can enjoy browsing Rye’s independent shops and discovering local makers like Rye Pottery. Explore Rye Harbour nature reserve or catch a bus to the big and blustery beach at Camber Sands. Then eat at quirky, cosy Globe Inn Marsh, that serves local produce and cooks over locally coppiced chestnut wood.

Richmond upon Thames

• 10 miles by road from central London.
• 20 mins from London Waterloo

Richmond upon Thames stepped into the spotlight when it became the backdrop for Netflix sports comedy drama Ted Lasso. The series showcases the riverside charm of this small town near London and you can have fun spotting the film locations as you explore.

Richmond is only a short trip by Tube from the city centre. And it has plenty to offer visitors, especially on a sunny day when you can enjoy a riverside walk, a boat trip on the river or lunch on the outdoor deck of one of its historic pubs. Or head to the 2500 acres of Richmond Park where wild deer still roam.

Richmond has centuries of history under its belt. You’ll spot the old streets in the town centre and can walk along the riverside to the National Trust’s 17th century Ham House.

Richmond upon Thames was voted the happiest place to live in the UK in 2023, and it’s worth a visit to find out why!

Modern cities near London

These contemporary British cities close to London have modern amenities and easy access to the capital. This makes them top commuting towns and young professionals are drawn to them by excellent transport links, plenty of green space and affordability.

Chelmsford, Essex Offering quality of life at affordable prices for London commuters, Chelmsford is one of the newest cities in the UK. But it was once a Roman settlement and its market dates back to the 11th century. Chelmsford is close to London’s M25 ring road and has quick train links to Liverpool Street station.

Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire To the north west of London, Milton Keynes was purpose built in the 1960s on a grid system. This makes it very unlike most older British cities which have grown organically over hundreds of years. You may pay it a visit if you plan a trip from London to nearby Bletchley Park, centre for the WWII codebreakers.

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Please note that all visitor information here is for guidance only. Please check the relevant websites for the most up to date information eg. accommodation details, tickets, entrance requirements, opening times etc.

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