London is an incredible city with a wealth of attractions, but sometimes we all need a change of scenery. Luckily, the United Kingdom boasts an impressive transportation network, making it easy to go on exciting day trips from London. Whether you prefer the convenience of a bus or the comfort of a train, we’ve curated a list of 14 amazing destinations that will capture your imagination.
Best coach day trips from London
1 – Oxford
Hop on a comfortable bus from London to Oxford and immerse yourself in the city’s prestigious academic atmosphere. The journey takes around 1h10 and costs an average of £15. Explore the stunning architecture of the University of Oxford, visit the famous Bodleian Library, and take a peaceful stroll along the idyllic River Cherwell.
Tickets from London to Oxford from £13
2 – Cambridge
Catch a bus from London to Cambridge, which takes approximately 1h15 and costs about £15. Admire the exquisite college buildings, go punting on the River Cam, and be captivated by the charm of this picturesque city. Don’t forget to visit the world-renowned King’s College Chapel, a true architectural masterpiece.
Buses from London to Cambridge from £5
3 – Bath
Take a relaxing ride from London to Bath, lasting around 2h40 hours and priced at around £30. Uncover the fascinating history of this UNESCO World Heritage city by exploring the Roman Baths and the elegant Georgian architecture. Make sure to indulge in a rejuvenating soak at the Thermae Bath Spa, Britain’s only natural thermal spa.
Buses from London to Bath from £6
4 – Brighton
Board a coach from London to Brighton and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze on a journey that takes roughly 1 hour and costs as little as £4. Stroll along the famous pebble beach, wander through the charming streets of The Lanes, and take a ride on the iconic Brighton Palace Pier. Don’t miss the Royal Pavilion, an exotic architectural gem.
Buses from London to Brighton from £4
5 – Canterbury
Embark on a bus journey from London to Canterbury, lasting around hour and priced at approximately £10. Explore the captivating Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and meander through the medieval streets lined with timber-framed houses. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of this enchanting city.
Buses from London to Canterbury from £6
6 – Stratford-upon-Avon
Take a scenic train journey from London to Stratford-upon-Avon, lasting approximately 2 hours and priced at around £21. Immerse yourself in the world of William Shakespeare as you explore his birthplace, visit his family homes, and watch a performance by the renowned Royal Shakespeare Company. Enjoy the delightful charm of this historic market town.
Bus from London to Stratford-upon-Avon from £21
7 – Salisbury
The journey from London to Salisbury takes approximately 1.5 hours and costs around £25. Visit the iconic Salisbury Cathedral, home to the tallest spire in Britain, and explore the charming medieval streets. Don’t miss the opportunity to marvel at the mysterious prehistoric site of Old Sarum, a hill fort with a rich history.
Bus from London to Salisbury from £9
8 – Bournemouth
Relax on the sandy beaches, take a stroll through the beautiful Lower Gardens, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Bournemouth. With its seaside beauty, Bournemouth is the perfect escape from city life. The price for the 2h bus ride starts at £8, while you can find train tickets from £23, with the ride lasting about 1h45.
Find your tickets to Bournemouth.
9 – Bristol
Immerse yourself in the vibrant street art scene of Bristol’s famous Stokes Croft area, visit the SS Great Britain, and take a leisurely boat trip on the River Avon. Embrace Bristol’s artistic and nautical delights. Traveling from London to Bristol by bus takes about 2h15, with bus ticket prices starting at only £2 on Busbud. You can also get there by train, with the rail tickets costing about £37 and the trip lasting 1h13.
Book your coach tickets to Bristol
10 – Cardiff
Experience the Welsh culture in Cardiff and explore the beautiful Cardiff Castle. Take a relaxing stroll through Bute Park and visit the National Museum Cardiff. Traveling from London to Cardiff by bus takes from 2h10 to 3h30 depending on the bus you choose, with tickets priced at approximately £16 on Busbud. You can also take the train to Cardiff, with fares starting at £53 for the 1h48 journey.
Book your bus tickets to Cardiff here.
11 – Manchester
Discover Manchester’s rich industrial heritage at the Science and Industry Museum, explore the vibrant Northern Quarter, and enjoy the diverse culinary scene. This dynamic city has something for everyone! Traveling from London to Manchester by train takes about 2 hours, with tickets priced at approximately £34 on Busbud.
Train tickets from London to Manchester from £34
12 – Dover
Visit the breathtaking White Cliffs of Dover and the Dover Castle, and take a calming walk along the coastal paths. Dover’s natural beauty and historic landmarks will leave you in awe. Traveling from London to Dover by bus takes about 2 hours, with tickets priced at starting at £6 on Busbud.
Book tickets from London to Dover from £6
13 – Colchester
Discover Colchester, the oldest recorded town in Britain, boasting impressive Roman ruins such as the Roman Walls and the Colchester Castle. Enjoy the serene beauty of the Castle Gardens for a perfect day trip from London. The travel time from London is about 2h, with tickets starting at £9.
Book tickets from London to Colchester from £9
14 – Whitstable
Indulge in the finest oysters and experience the laid-back charm of Whitstable. Stroll along the beachfront, explore the quaint alleys, and savor the fresh sea breeze. With bus tickets starting at £6 and the journey lasting from 55m to 1h35, Whitstable promises a delightful coastal escape!
Book coach tickets from London to Whistable from £6
Finding the best bus and train tickets using Busbud
Busbud is the go-to place to find the best bus and train tickets to travel around the UK, but also to explore over 80 countries around the world. Here are some of the best tips to find affordable tickets for your great adventures.
- Plan in advance: Booking your tickets early can often help you secure the best prices and availability.
- Use Busbud’s website or app: Busbud provides a user-friendly platform to search for bus and train tickets, compare prices, and find the most convenient routes.
- Be flexible with travel dates: Some days and times may offer cheaper fares, so consider adjusting your schedule if possible.
- Consider different departure points: Depending on your location in London, you may have multiple departure points available, allowing you to choose the most convenient option.
- Keep an eye out for promotions: Busbud frequently offers promotions and discounts, so make sure to check their website or subscribe to their newsletter to stay informed.
Embarking on day trips from London is a fantastic way to explore the diverse beauty and rich history of the United Kingdom. Whether you choose to hop on a bus or board a train, you’ll be treated to captivating destinations, from the scholarly ambiance of Oxford to the sun-soaked charm of Brighton.
Remember to plan ahead, compare prices on Busbud, and take advantage of any discounts or promotions available. Get ready to embark on unforgettable adventures and create lasting memories as you explore these incredible day trip destinations.