We know London is great and has many extraordinary places to visit. If you need a break from the noise of the city or want to relax in nature, rent a car and drive outside the city to one of the places suggested below.
You can plan day trips over the weekend or a city break to any of these destinations. Plan a relaxing holiday and spend a few days on the road soaking up the sun while exploring London's surroundings.
The list for day trips, extended weekends or a road trip holiday.
Stonehenge and Bath
Discover two gems of southern England. Travel to Stonehenge which rises imposingly from Salisbury Plain two miles west of Amesbury. We recommend taking a morning or afternoon walk around the ring or the 13-foot-tall standing stones to avoid the daytime crowds. For a more romantic experience, you could view the beautiful Stonehenge sunrise or Stonehenge sunset. Once you are there, marvel at the gigantic stones and learn how the monument was used.
Plan your next stop in the magnificent city of Bath, built in the 18th century. Stroll through the elegant Georgian streets and see Bath's top attractions. The city is famous for its Roman-built Baths, which lie below modern street level and have four main features; the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman Bath House and finds from Roman Bath. You can enjoy Bath's rich history with guided tours or even indulge in one of the special offers i.e. dine in the elegant Pump Room and bathe in the natural thermal waters or experience the Roman Bath by torchlight followed by a three-course meal.
Southend-on-sea
Hire a minibus and head to the beach with your friends and family! Southend-on-sea is a great seaside resort with the long Southend Pier. At 1.34 miles long, it is the longest pleasure pier in the world. You can take a walk or a small train to the end to enjoy the sea breeze.
If you are visiting the city with your kids, Adventure Island is the place to go. It is a free-admission amusement park with rides and water slides. The Cliff Lift, a century-old funicular, clings to the mountainside and offers views of the coast. Sea Life Adventure Aquarium is home to otters, clownfish and turtles.
For visitors who prefer to walk along the Thames, the beach extends west to Leigh-on-Sea, a historic fishing village where wooden cockle sheds sell seafood. Head to a restaurant and enjoy a great meal with a beautiful view.
Oxford
A very popular day trip from London is to visit Oxford University City (about 1.5 h one way). The city has a mix of mediaeval and modern charm and the most visited place is of course Oxford University with a history dating back to the 11th century. You can explore the colleges, most of which are housed in their original historic buildings, and admire the university resources, such as the magnificent Bodleian Library and the world-class Ashmolean Museum.
If you're a Harry Potter -fan, don't miss the opportunity to visit Christ Church. It was this renaissance magnificence that prompted the makers of the Harry Potter films to build a replica of the hall in their London studios.
End your visit to a Great British Pub and discover some of the strange storeys about Oxford's past while sipping excellent English Ales.
Canterbury
Canterbury hosts a free two-day music festival for May Day (May 4 and 5). City Sound Project in the park features some of the most exciting music and artists from around the world. So, don't wait to visit, May is just perfect for it!
Canterbury Cathedral was built around 597 AD and is set in beautiful gardens. Whether you join a guided tour or take things at your own pace, don't miss the shrine of Thomas Becket in the cathedral crypt and the fantastic 12th-century stained glass collection.
Liverpool
If you're a Beatles fan, Liverpool is the place for you. It is packed with more than 30 attractions dedicated to John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. The city offers everything from Beatles tours to museums, from visits to their homes to trips to the stages they played on - the choice is huge.
Even if music isn't your thing, Liverpool is a beautiful maritime city where the River Mersey meets the Irish Sea and offers world-class attractions, a proud sporting history and beautiful squares. If you're a culture vulture, Liverpool has more museums and galleries than any other UK city outside the capital. But if you live for sport, you already know that Liverpool is home to three historic football clubs
One thing a trip to Liverpool just isn't complete without is a ferry ride across the Mersey with the best views of Liverpool's world-famous waterfront.
