Day Excursions Out Of London

Hello. My husband and I have been to London in May, 2009 and 2010. We are going back this September. We have always used and enjoyed Gray Line Tours. They are based here in the U.S. They picked us up right across the street from out hotel (Crowne Plaza Kensington) or we met the tour at a tube station. We have used Gray Line in Canada, Boston, New York, Australia, Switzerland, France, Bruges, Italy, etc. There are numerous tours to Stonehenge, Bath, the Cotswolds, many around London, Windsor Castle, etc. Elaine

Many "day trips" or short stay trips from London are very easy to do on your own- via trains!!! This article might be helpful. http://www.aaacarolinas.com/Magazine/2008/Jan-Feb/britain.htm?zip=28105&stateprov=nc&city=matthews

I have been on a couple of London Walks Explorer Days. www.walks.com. I have done the trips to Constable Country and Colchester and the Cambridge trip. Both were excellent and I plan to try some others.

What about going to Paris for a day? The Eurostar makes it so easy. Last year my hubby and I started our day on the London Eye and ended our day on the Eiffel tower as it was doing its 10 pm "sparkle". It was an amazing day.

Check the train timetables to determine what's doable in one or two days. York is easily doable in one long day from London, and a piece of cake if you stay overnight. It's a two-hour trip. Go up early in the morning, come back the next night. At 4-1/2 hours from London, Edinburgh is a bit of a stretch for an overnight visit, but still possible. As long as it is serviced by regular trains, almost any place in southern England is a very easy day trip from London.

I had a lot of fun going to Greenwich for the day. It's reached by a very enjoyable boat ride (departs from Westminster, about an hour each way, I believe.)

Thanks so much for all of the suggestions. It has been very helpful!