The 5 Best Tours and Excursions from London

Stratford-upon-Avon is Shakespeares birthplace and easily accessible from London
Stratford-upon-Avon is Shakespeare's birthplace and easily accessible from London | © Gregory Wrona / Alamy Stock Photo
Chloe Byrne

There’s another world outside the busy bubble of London. A trip outside the city perimeter promises acres of unspoilt landscape, dotted with picturesque villages and craggy coastal peaks, all with their own unique story. Delve into the rich history of England to discover prehistoric relics casting shadows on the grassy countryside, medieval cities stamped with grand cathedrals and the birthplaces of famous figures. With return transport included, these dynamic tours may just tempt you away for the day.

1. Downton Abbey, Blenheim Palace and Cotswolds Day Trip From London

Tours

Dive into the frills-and-lace world of aristocratic Downton Abbey and discover where Winston Churchill took his first breath on this Cotswolds day trip. Travelling by air-conditioned coach, your first stop will be UNESCO-listed Blenheim Palace. Equipped with an audio-commentary headset, you’ll stroll through the tapestry-adorned walls to find the angelic James Thornhill ceiling mural of Churchill’s birthplace. From there, your guide will take you through the rolling hills and storybook market towns of the Cotswolds – stopping at an enchanting village or two along the way – and on to the fiction-famous Bampton, aka Downton Abbey, to see where the popular show’s weddings, dramas and dalliances took place.

2. Stonehenge and Bath Day Trip From London

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This trip showcases the enduring elements of eras gone by. As you venture into the English countryside, your guide will fill you in on facts about the country’s prehistoric roots before arriving at the iconic Neolithic monument, Stonehenge. Take your time as you amble up winding pathways to the weather-beaten stone circle and learn the story behind its Bronze Age. Then it’s on to the city of Bath, where you’ll be free to explore its Roman baths and Georgian architecture. You can also upgrade your experience to include a visit to the Jane Austen Visitor Centre, which chronicles the life of the beloved Pride and Prejudice (1813) novelist.

3. Full-Day Tour of the White Cliffs of Sussex From London

Tours

Hop on a train to Brighton to witness the natural beauty of the White Cliffs of Sussex in a small group. A deluxe minivan will be your carriage for a scenic drive to Devil’s Dyke National Trust, with your guide providing tall tales of its mythical legend along the way. From there, you’ll stop at the family-owned Middle Farm for lunch and a complimentary tea or coffee from the barn-style tea rooms, before heading to the summit of Beachy Head. Your day out will conclude with the chance to see the rugged chalk-carved cliffs of Seven Sisters.

5. Shakespeare’s Stratford-Upon-Avon and Cotswolds Tour From London

Tours

Shakespeare’s tale-weaving legacy ripples throughout the world. It’s no surprise people are so keen to discover his personal story – with the literary figure’s humble beginnings rooted in the foundations of Stratford-Upon-Avon. Your guide will take you to the playwright’s birthplace and wife Anne Hathaway’s idyllic cottage, conjuring up a sense of what their childhoods may have been like. Tuck into a packed lunch and then you’ll be off to the Cotswolds, passing through fairytale-like villages such as Bibury, Burford and Bourton-on-the-Water along the way.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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