Although London has so much to offer during the festive season, it's also nice to step away and head out of the city for a much-needed breather. And there's plenty festive cities outside of London that are less than a two-hour train or car journey away.
Whether you're looking for quaint Christmas markets, glistening light trails in forests or wish to visit one of the UK's famous stately homes that's dressed to the nines this Christmas, then you're in luck. Here are the best Christmas day trips from London.
Best Day Trips From London This Christmas
Waddesdon Manor – 1 Hour From London
Tickets start from £11.50
Just an hour outside of the Big Smoke is Waddesdon Manor – a beautiful renaissance-style country house located in the tranquil village of Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire. Attracting more than 460,000 visitors each year, this historical haven is one of the National Trust’s most visited properties. During the winter months, Waddesdon Manor transforms into a Winter Wonderland doused in light trails, festive projections and a bustling Christmas fair.
Taking inspiration from Sleeping Beauty, this place is a truly magical trip that showcases art installations created by more than 15,000 school children. You can even book a table for one of their festive afternoon teas that start from £35 per person if you’re wanting to make a full day of it.
This winter wonderland makes for one of the best Christmas day trips from London by car.
Blenheim Palace – 1 hour 15 mins from London
From £35 for adults and from £10 for children
The magical light trail at Blenheim Palace has returned for yet another year and it’s even more magical than ever. Branded as one of the UK’s leading illuminated trails, you can expect twinkling lights from trees and plenty of Christmassy sounds to get you in the spirit. They’ve also got a brand-new Neverland adventure in the palace, with plenty of references to JM Barrie’s much-loved story of Peter Pan.
Blenheim Palace have opened an ice rink for the first time too, meaning you can show off all your Dancing on Ice skills in front of your family. Ensure to nab a hot chocolate afterwards (being a pro-skater is thirsty work). You can also indulge in their Neverland afternoon tea, have a ride on the festive ferris wheel to see the sites or have a gander around the palace’s Christmas market.
Prepare to take many snaps as the light display at Blenheim Palace is a stunner.
Hever Castle – 1 hour 5 mins from London
From £23.50 for adults and from £15 for children
Located just 30 miles south east of London is Hever Castle, a 13th century estate that was originally the home of the Boleyn family from 1462 to 1539. Not only is this place a historical wonder, but it’s also a great spot to visit during the festive period.
There’s a Christmas light trail to follow with magical reimaginations of classic fairy tales, fairground rides such as the big wheel and even boat trips around the castle from just £12 per person. You can also visit the Boleyn apartment, which has been sprinkled with Christmas magic to reflect what life would have been like back in the Tudor times. Enjoy all this with a hot chocolate and a festive turkey pie from the Moat Café.
Learn all about the Boleyn family while celebrating Christmas.
Brighton Christmas Markets - 1 hour from London
From free (additional costs for activities)
Quite possibly one of the most popular summer day trips, Brighton also has plenty to offer during the festive season. They’ve just launched their brand-new Brighton Winter Fayre, which is completely free to enter. There’s a whole host of creative workshops on offer, as well as a large Christmas market and live performances from celebrities such as Bez from the Happy Mondays and Shaun Williamson (AKA Barry Evans from Eastenders).
Take a wander around St Peter’s Square for some hearty festive food, including delicious offerings from plant-based kebab company, What the Pitta!, tasty stacked potatoes and sausages from Chubbies and Neapolitan doughs from The Pizza Oven. Plus, if you’re wanting to put your skating skills to the test, then head over to the Royal Pavillion Ice Rink. Tickets start from £15 per person, there’s also a little café on site for you to enjoy a cheeky post-skate mulled wine.
This is one of the best Christmas market day trips from London.
Wakehurst – 1 hour 15 mins from London
From £13 per ticket
Kew Garden’s sister site, Wakehurst, in Sussex makes for the perfect day trip out of London this Christmas. Boasting over 500 acres of beautiful land, Wakehurst has spruced up their botanical gardens for the festive period. Take long strolls around their woodland trail or lights and marvel at the light installations along the way.
Sitting at more than a mile long, the light trail showcases installations from leading artists including a giant flying owl, a hidden dragon and their iconic Christmas tree. You can also head over to try out their street food and even toast marshmallows on a roaring fire to keep you nice and toasty.
If you've done Kew Gardens, then this is the next best thing.
Cambridge Christmas Markets – 48 mins from London
From free (additional costs for activities)
All year round, Cambridge looks like it has been lifted straight from a Harry Potter novel – so imagine what it looks like during Christmas time. The Cambridge Christmas markets are always bustling during the festive period, with amazing attractions on display such as vintage carousels and Christmas tree mazes.
They’ve got a whole host of craft stalls for those last minute Christmas gifts including dream catchers, handcrafted artisan spirits, award-winning fudge and Viking drinking horns. You can also head over to the ice rink to show off your skills (they’ll provide socks and gloves too if it gets too nippy). And if you’re feeling a tad peckish, then be sure to gobble down a Yorkshire pudding wrap.
This beautiful city in East Anglia is one of the best Christmas day trips from London by train.
Highclere Castle – 1 hour 50 minutes from London
From £140 per ticket
Built in the 1600s, Highclere Castle sits on a 5,000 acre estate in Hampshire and was the filming location of much-loved ITV television series, Downton Abbey. You can now visit this iconic location throughout certain seasons of the year, and Christmas time is definitely one of the best.
Experience a Christmas tour and carol service around the grounds of the castle, or book in for a reading of A Christmas Carol by the author's great great grandson, Gerald Dickens. If you’re more of an evening person, then you should attend one of their later tours, which include champagne and canapes – although they’re slightly on the pricier side starting at £175 per ticket and require you to wear formal attire.
A party in the real life Downton Abbey? Yes please.
Petworth House – 1 hour 55 mins from London
From £15 per person
Built for the sixth Duke of Somerset in 1688, Petworth House is a West Sussex staple steeped in history. Owned by the National Trust, the Grade I listed building is home to some of the country’s finest art collections and it’s also a brilliant place to visit during the Christmas period. Eight of the historic showrooms have been transformed into festive displays, with sparkling lights and garlands situated across the rooms.
There’s also a life-sized paper nativity scene set up in the chapel, as well as a sleigh in the courtyard (perfect for a photo opportunity). And if you’re wanting something to take home, then nab a ticket for an amazing wreath making workshop for £50 per person, which includes a tasty hot drink and a mince pie.
Wander around this amazing Grade I listed building and experience all the Christmassy feels.
Beaverbrook – 2 hours from London
From £50 per person for ice skating (must be booked in for dinner, spa or a stay to use it)
Situated in the heart of Surrey Hills is Beaverbrook, a luxury country house and hotel which is definitely worth a visit this Christmas. Their ice rink is back for another year, which you can use if you plan to dine or stay here. If you’re looking for something extra special this December, then try out their skate and dine package.
This includes a 45 minute skate session and either an Anglo-Italian meal in The Garden House Restaurant, a tasting menu experience at the Japanese Grill, or a three-course dinner at The Pizzeria or Mrs Beeston’s. And if that’s not luxurious enough, then opt to stay in one of their gorgeous rooms that also includes unlimited ice skating (starting at £556 per room, per night).
After boujee winter day trips from London? This place is just the ticket.
Explore more of London's best Christmas events that you must try this festive season.
