What to do with an extra day outside of London?

For a day trip, Dover might be stretching it. Leeds castle is nice, but not sure how one gets there using public transportation. Since York is out, Canterbury or Windsor would be good options for day trips. While Warwick castle is nice, to me it was too Disneyland like. It is a very pretty castle and well maintained.

Windsor is an easy and enjoyable day trip by train.

St. Albans is only 20 min from central London by train, has sites dating back to the Romans, and has been described by London Walks as “England in miniature “. I’m planning a day trip there in May. The St Albans website lists highlights for a day trip.
https://www.enjoystalbans.com/

I had a lovely day in Winchester a few years ago. Again, easy trip by train. I used this travel article as a starting point:
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/may/04/winchester-walk-cathedral-alfred-castle-hampshire

I’ve never been to Bath in 7 trips to England over the past 2 years but it seems to me that there’s plenty there to justify an overnight stay thus using up your extra day.

Here’s a website of day trips from London you might find helpful.
http://www.beenthere-donethat.org.uk/londondaytrips.html

Have fun!

Why is York out? It is faster to get there than a Cotswold village without a car, and faster and easier than Dover.

Canterbury is a very nice, laid-back day-trip. In addition to the cathedral (which has an interesting stained-glass museum upstairs--no elevator access), there's a very attractive--though touristy--historic district. I took a walking tour organized by the local tourist office. I don't know how often those run in early March. I don't think Canterbury would be as attractive a destination if the weather was iffy.

York would get my vote. It’s 1 hour 50 by train, so it would be a long day, but is possible. Bath is 1 hour 30 by train from London. See York Minster, walk the old city walls and visit the excellent Railway Museum. Have tea at Betty’s.

Maybe one of these strikes your fancy.
https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/ten-chocolate-box-villages-within-reach-of-london

If it's medieval history you enjoy then you really can't go wrong with Winchester, it was the capital of medieval England after all.

I was thinking York is out because we will have already been in Edinburgh and are flying into London. Seemed silly to go all the way back North?

I was thinking York is out because we will have already been in Edinburgh and are flying into London. Seemed silly to go all the way back North?

Are your flights booked? If not then why not consider the train from Edinburgh to London, stopping off at York en route?

If not there's still no reason not to backtrack. If it was me and there was a choice between York and Winchester it would be a difficult one to make but I'd probably settle on Winchester as it is closer and the medieval link is stronger there than it is in York which tends to focus more on its Vikiing history. However, the decision is only marginal as they are both fantastic cities to visit, with York probably being the more friendlier city whereas Winchester is more quietly assured. You'll definitely see more Hen and Stag parties in York and weekend evenings will be raucous but usually well behaved.

Bath is all about the Roman ruins, which are very interesting and worth the trip. Cannot recommend much other than the ruins though, other than the town is quaint and has some decent restaurants. We were introduced to Nepalese food there.

Hampton is a shorter day trip and is a much, much smaller in size. It is all about the castle and it is close to the station. You will need about 2-3 hours there. It can be done in a half day, albeit a busy day. Very much worth the trip, especially if you are into history. Also, if you saw the movie, The Favorite, much of the scenes were shot there.

We are going back for a day in a few months and have Dover on the docket. We wanted York, but it seems like more of a place you want a couple of days, rather than a day trip. Anyway, hope you have fun, both Bath and Hampton are worthy of a day, depending on what you are interested in.

We decided to go to Winchester because of the love of the medieval times vibe.

Thanks everyone!

I visited Winchester last April and enjoyed my day there very much.

We love the idea of York, but won't be able to make it.

As a heads up, York is much more interesting than Winchester and is an easy day trip from London. Outside of London, York is my favorite spot in England. If your heart is set on Winchester, you won't be disappointed but York is in a class all of its own with the Minster, the railroad museum, the Shambles, the Roman wall, the restaurants/pubs, etc.

We took a Red Lion tour through the Cotswolds out of Bath. I am not a fan of organized tours at all, either, but our driver was amazing and customized it to the few of us on the trip. I'd hate for you to be so near and miss them because you don't want to drive. Our driver with Red Lion Tours was Paul, and he was wonderful. He allows plenty of time at each village and you can wander around on your own if you want, or stick with him and he will point some amazing things out to you. My friend and I even went to pubs in some of the towns and nobody cared:)

Also, near London and worth day trips, IMO:

Blenheim Palace (and you get to see a bit of Oxford on the way)
Windsor Castle (BTW they are showing Megan's wedding dress right now, I was just there a couple of weeks ago)

I am actually heading back March 1, and will be visiting Rochester Castle and Hever Castle, both as day trips from London. I will also spend a couple of days in Rye, and will visit Dover, Hastings and Bodiem from there. (all using public transport) If you want me to report back, let me know:)

Jetsetter911 - I'm not the original poster, but would love an update of your trip... I'm heading to Hever Castle for a day out from London in late March and would love any tips or insight! Particularly if you're taking public transportation to Hever, as I will be doing. I can't wait!