London Day Trips - Oxford, Bath, & Windsor
Staying in London offers a wide variety of activities and historic sites, but can also offer you a way to easily explore other cities just by hopping on a train. Whether its the honey-colored Georgian architecture and ancient thermal springs in Bath, or exploring the historic Bodleian Library and wandering through the majestic Great Hall in Oxford that famously inspired Harry Potter - there’s tons of options! Check out our travel guide below with more details on what to do and where to eat in each of these cities.
Oxford
Oxford, famously known as the "City of Dreaming Spires," is a world-renowned academic hub defined by its stunning Gothic architecture and 38 historic university colleges. Visitors are drawn to the city's unique blend of intellectual heritage and cinematic charm, where ancient libraries and cobblestone streets look much like they did centuries ago. You should visit to explore iconic landmarks like the Radcliffe Camera, experience the tranquility of punting on the River Cherwell, or discover the filming locations for famous stories like Harry Potter. With its world-class museums and vibrant cultural scene, Oxford offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in England’s deep-seated scholarly and literary history.
We found the best way to explore Oxford was via a guided tour. We utilized ‘Get your Guide’ and booked an Oxford University walking tour which included a visit to Christ Church College, the Bodleian Library, and several other sites. This was a great way to see the city and learn some of the history of the college. Exact tour linked below!
Covered Market - The covered market is a landmark that has been operating continuously since 1774, housing over 60 independent shops and stalls in the heart of the city. It is celebrated for its unique architectural charm, featuring traditional cast-iron roofs and stone-flagged floors that preserve the character of 18th-century Oxford. Unlike the standard high street, the market is a hub for independent specialists selling everything from bespoke jewelry and vintage fashion to artisanal soaps and local crafts.
Blackwell’s Bookstore - Founded in 1879 it has served generations of Oxford students and locals alike. The Norrington room contains a massive underground cavern containing over 160,000 volumes in a single open-plan space. Blackwell’s was the first to publish J.R.R. Tolkien. You can still see the original 1879 bookcases on the first floor, marked with a commemorative plaque.
Bath
Bath is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage city that seamlessly blends 2,000 years of history, from its ancient Roman roots to its refined Georgian golden age. It is the only place in the UK where you can still experience natural thermal hot springs, which were first channeled by the Romans into the beautifully preserved Roman Baths complex. You should visit to marvel at the uniform, honey-colored limestone architecture of the Royal Crescent and The Circus, or to walk in the footsteps of Jane Austen, who immortalized the city’s high-society charm in her novels. Whether you are soaking in the modern rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa or exploring the medieval Bath Abbey, the city offers a unique atmosphere that feels both aristocratic and incredibly cozy.
Similar to Oxford, we recommend booking a guided City tour to get the most out of your day. Most tours will give you a walking tour of the city including some of its most famous Georgian architecture and also a visit to either Bath Abbey or the Roman Baths. We utilized the below tour from ‘Get Your Guide’ and loved it!
Jane Austen Center - This museum celebrates the city's most famous resident, who lived in Bath for several years and set two of her novels here. While the museum is small it is allows you to learn some interesting facts about the author, her book and modern adaptions.
Prior Park Landscape Garden - This was our groups favorite thing to do in Bath. This is a stunning 18th-century valley garden featuring a rare Palladian Bridge. This park provides visitors a peaceful retreat with sweeping, iconic views of Bath.
Windsor
Windsor is a picturesque and historic market town situated on the banks of the River Thames, famously known as the home of the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle. It seamlessly blends nearly a millennium of royal heritage with a charming atmosphere defined by cobbled streets, traditional pubs, and the sprawling greenery of the Great Park. Its unique position, directly across the water from the prestigious Eton College, makes it a quintessential destination for experiencing British culture and history.
For a half-day in Windsor, the biggest attraction is to tour the Windsor Castle and grounds. Admission to Windsor Castle includes access to the opulent State Apartments, the historic St. George's Chapel (except on Sundays), the world-famous Queen Mary's Dolls' House, and the Semi-State Rooms during the winter months. A ticket also provides a multilingual multimedia guide for a self-guided experience and the opportunity to witness the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony on scheduled days.
