Top 5 Scenic Day Trips from London, England

As an American who has been to London twice during the last decade, I can tell you there are many places in and around London that you simply don't want to miss. A week can easily be spent touring the famous landmarks within London and experiencing British culture. You'd be doing yourself a disservice though, if London was all you experienced. Here are five easily doable day trips from London, England some of which can be combined into a single day.

Bath

The ancient Roman city of Bath is a popular destination from London, much as it was two millennia ago when England was under Roman rule. In Bath, you can tour the ancient roman baths that have been uncovered and see some, much as the way they were in antiquity. They have also unearthed coins and other items sacrificed for luck or as a way of cursing enemies. Premium Tours offers a package on their website for travel to both Bath and Stonehenge, plus Windsor Castle for 59 pounds, which is about $100 with trips departing by 8am.

Stonehenge

In North America, we don't really have any notion of antiquity. Our east coast was settled in the 15^th and 16^th centuries, and some structures exist from that time. In England, however, reachable by bus or a quick highway drive, is Stonehenge, the inner stones of which were placed into formation over 4,000 years ago. The outer circle was completed approximately 3500 years ago, according to Brittania History. Over the years, the elements and vandals have taken their toll on this magnificent structure, and portions of it are worn away. If you go and expect to be amazed by an enormous, colossal structure, you'll be disappointed, as it's not as big as American movies make it out to be. But, taken in context, as a historically significant wonder of primitive building techniques, you'll walk away impressed. The scenic countryside you'll travel through to get there is also worth the trip! Also on Premier Tours, it can be purchased solely for 19 pounds.

Salisbury Cathedral

Built in the 13^th century, Salisbury Cathedral is one of few remaining medieval cathedrals and boasts the tallest cathedral spire in England, according to the Stonehenge Tour Company. Behind thick panes of glass, you can see one of the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta. The ornate carvings of the cathedral and beautiful spires make this a must-see destination while you are in England. If you're already touring Salisbury Cathedral you're only 2 miles away from the next day trip from London, England!

Old Sarum Castle

Old Sarum Castle is the site of the former city of Salisbury and the foundation of this once awesome structure remains atop a windswept hill overlooking the newer Salisbury. For a treat, be sure to take your best camera and shoot some pictures in black and white or have them developed on matte black and white finish film. The original location of Salisbury was founded nearly 5,000 years ago, and the remains of the castle date back to the 11^th century. It was largely abandoned in the 13^th century as Salisbury Cathedral was moved about 2 miles away to the new site of Salisbury.

Avebury

The sleepy little Hamlet of Avebury, home to England's largest stone circle, or henge rounds out the last four day trip ideas from London, England. The stones themselves are massive bluestones similar to those at Stonehenge, although they don't appear to be carved into massive monoliths like those at Stonehenge. The countryside is beautiful however, as are the homes in the pastoral village of Avebury. The little country church and surrounding old cemetery also make for some stunning photography.

All of these trips can be made on your own in a car, or purchased from one of the many travel companies operating out of London. For these and many other London day trip opportunities, check out vendors such as Premier Tours and Evan Evans.

Sources:

Premium Tours.
Old Sarum, Salisbury.
Stonehenge - Britannia History.