Welcome to the September installment of our month by month guide to the best day trips from London. September is perhaps my favorite time for a day trip as the holidays are over but the university towns are quiet as the students are yet to return. Here is a run down of the places we think you will be able to take advantage of visiting in September
1. Oxford
There is a sweet spot for visiting oxford between the summer holidays and they start of the university year! It is about as quiet as oxford ever gets! Enjoy wondering around the colleges, hunting for Harry Potter or going punting on the river! Oxford is the perfect day trip either by train or by car using the city’s great park and ride service! You may run the risk of rain in September but just pack a brolly and you are good to go!
For a full Oxford Itinerary check out this post!
2. Cambridge
Photo credit Bavarian Sojourn
Like the above you want to be heading to Cambridge before the students get back to town so September is ideal! While visiting Cambridge going punting is an absolute must!
3. Canterbury
Canterbury is a quaint city that can be reached easily by car or train! No visit to the city is complete without a trip to the cathedral!Looking for other great churches around the world – check out this list
4. The Cotswolds
The picturesque towns and villages of the Cotswolds are a must for anyone wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of London. The Cotswolds will give you a dose of English charm with its quaint buildings and kids will love exploring Birdland at Bourton on the Water!
Hopefully you’ll get better weather than us!
Full a full itinerary check out this post!
5. York
This one can be done in a day but Id recommend a whole weekend! Hop on the train from Kings Cross and you will be there in under two hours! There is so much to see in York from great museums, York Minster, river and ghost walks there is literally something for every age and taste!
For a full York itinerary check out this post!
6. Stratford upon Avon
Summer is a terrible time to visit Stratford as it is just so full of tourists but jump in the car and head to this quaint town to see the theatre and Shakespeare’s birthplace without the summer swells!
7. Stonehenge
This is literally one of my least favorite places to visit during the summer holidays as the crowds are immense and the traffic around it (on the Road that leads holiday makers from London to Cornwall) however in September you will find it a much more pleasant experience! Stonehenge and the surrounds are a great trip from London.
8. Bath
Photo credit athalos
Bath is another great trip by car or train whether for the day or weekend! One of the reasons that September is a great month to go is because the Jane Austen festival takes place in Bath annually in September! So go and get in the full Georgian spirits and see the Georgian city filled with people in traditional garb!
Another great way to see the city is via the hop on Hop off bus!
9. Windsor
If I have one rule it’s not to go to Windsor in the summer holidays so now they are over September seems like the perfect time to head there! And if you fancy making a weekend of it why not head to legoland Windsor aswell!
Worried about your budget visiting Windsor – check out this great guide on free things to do
Looking for more castles in and around London to visit then check out this guide
Where is your favorite place to visit for a day trip from London in September