stimpycat

We were thinking about going to Brighton for the day. Is it worth a look? Any other suggestions for places that are a must see outside the city?

Sassafrass

It is a long trip, but Bath is beautiful and interesting.

texasbookworm

Almost too many to list, actually. How long are you there, because that might affect responses--need lots of days in London itself, of course. For us, better than Brighton would be these: Oxford, Dover and/or Canterbury, Salisbury/Stonehenge, York (we did not do this as a day trip but I see how it could be done), Bath, Cambridge comes up as a favorite but we haven't done that yet. Also Greenwich is a good half day, as is Hampton Court, for a full day trip if combined. We did Chatsworth as a day trip, but it took some doing using public transport.

boom_boom

Thanks to the UK's rail network, lots of places are doable as day trip..Bath, Canterbury, Dover (although not much other than the Castle there), we even did Calais from London via ferry as a day trip. Even York if you're willing to put in a long day.

stimpycat

We're actually in London now. Having spent several days here, we're looking for a reprieve from the hustle and bustle that's not too far. We did do half a day in Greenwich which was great! I think we feel we've done enough historical landmarks and museums. Oxford and Dover look interesting. What all is there to see/ do there?

texasbookworm

Oxford--lots of literary connections. Check out their tourist information site and see available walking tours. Tolkien,CSLewis, Lewis Carroll, more poets than can be listed. Pretty city. Walkable.

Dover--Castle and Cliffs.

We posted two very long trip reports with trips to both those places each trip--here are the links if you care to read.

TR from mostly August 2010--the Oxford trip was at beginning and Dover at end of trip http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-and-wales.cfm

TR from July 2008
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-day-trips.cfm

carolyn

In addition to most of the places listed above, we have been to Hever Castle, Stratford on Avon, Warwick Castle, and Rye. All of them were enjoyable, but then we aren't hard to please in England. Hever is pretty close to London.

janisj

"<i>Dover (although not much other than the Castle there)</i>"

That's sort of like saying "The Grand Canyon, though not much more than a canyon there". True, Dover the town isn't much. But Dover Castle is a day's worth by itself. Roman lighthouse, medieval castle, WWII tunnels, looming over the Channel, and more.

Do you want a town experience, or more natural scenery, or some walking/hiking -- what things interest you?

For abeautiful city -- Bath, Oxford or Cambridge.

Or you could do Salisbury or Winchester.

Or you could take a train to Moreton-in-Marsh and then walk in the Cotswolds for the day.

Or anything mentioned above . . . .

Snowflake25

A visit to Windsor is a great day trip. A short train ride and a relaxing day to tour the castle and stroll to Eton. We loved it!!

avalon

We enjoyed a day trip to Portsmouth Harbor. While the Mary Rose Museum is still closed for renovation allthe other museums and shops are open. Train leaves you right at the port. You can even take the boat over to Wight if you like and it's a nice day

lizziea06

Brighton is a great place to stroll around and you can be there from London in less than an hour. Good shopping in the lanes, check out the pier, etc. Good food too!

Morningglory47

Gloucester - Cathedral city - but 2 hours by train from Paddington. Walkable everywhere once you're there.

Cathinjoetown

I don't think anyone has mentioned Hampton Court--great day out, short journey, etc.

WWanderer

If Oxford isn't your cup of tea (I love the place), how about Winchester? Great small city, very historic.

rogerdodger

York, Ely,Cardiff.