Cosy autumn day trips from London

Autumn brings cooler days, warm colours and the need for cosy vibes. For me, academia and history feel like they belong in the autumn season. To experience these things to the full, escape the city for charming autumn day trips from London. Cambridge’s university vibes fit the bill perfectly, as does the spooky stone circle at Avebury and the vast parkland of Petworth. Here are some of my favourite autumn destinations for day trips in the UK.

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Petworth, Sussex

c. 1hr30 minute drive from SW London

Visiting Petworth, Sussex

Petworth is a market town in Sussex with a charming atmosphere and is a true hidden gem in the West Sussex countryside. The South Downs National Park surrounds Petworth, embracing it in natural beauty.

Petworth is a hub for art lovers, collectors, and antiques. Dozens of galleries, boutiques, antiques shops and charming tearooms fill the town, making it a perfect destination for a day trip from London.

The jewel of Petworth is the National Trust property of the same name, which offers extensive parkland as well as an interesting interior including an art gallery and a famous portrait of Henry VIII. The parkland is also home to many deer which makes wandering around the paths a fun discovery.

Autumn at Petworth House

Petworth House is a 17th-century stately home known for its impressive neoclassical architecture and picturesque landscapes, which attracted the painter JMW Turner to stay for a time.

The estate spans 700 acres and features a vast parkland including woodlands, a lake, and is home to herds of deer. In the autumn months the landscape comes ablaze with colour and the extensive grounds are perfect for a ramble. Petworth is certainly one of the National Trust’s most impressive properties in the South East, so don’t forget to add it to your National Trust Passport!

The extensive art collection at Petworth is one of its main attractions. The art gallery displays paintings and sculptures from the period against dark red walls, creating a cosy historical feeling perfect for autumn.

JMW Turner, the celebrated romantic painter, returned to Petworth year after year to be inspired by its landscapes. He was close friends with the 3rd Earl of Egremont, who commissioned Turner to create paintings specifically for the Carved Room.

The Carved Room is an intricately decorated room featuring wood carvings, Turner’s paintings, and a classic portrait of Henry VIII.

There are many more opulent state rooms to discover in Petworth House. It has been used several times as a filming location, including the art gallery in Bridgerton, so I always feel like I am in a period drama while here.

How to get to Petworth

The simplest way to get to Petworth is by car, and it is a direct and easy journey from London via the A3 and A283. The drive is scenic and passes through many small and charming villages.

To get to Petworth via public transport, it’s possible to take a train from London to Pulborough and then a bus or taxi into Petworth. The train takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, and the bus around 20 minutes.

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Wimpole Estate

c. 1hr45 minute drive from SW London

Near Cambridge — will be much quicker to get to from North London

Visiting Wimpole Estate

Wimpole Estate is another charming National Trust property with plenty of parkland for an autumn walk. The countryside is punctuated with its follies, made to look like medieval castle ruins.

Wimpole Estate dates back to the 16th century and was originally owned by the Chicheley family. It became an impressive manor house in 1740 when it was redesigned by Henry Flitcroft in a neoclassical style.

The estate was also progressive in its agriculture and pioneered new techniques in the 18th century to improve productivity.

Wimpole Estate became a National Trust property in 1976, so is free for members to enter.

Autumn at Wimpole Estate

The woodland at Wimpole is bright with fall colours during the autumn months, and there are many leisurely walks to be had around the extensive parkland.

The Walled Garden continues to flourish in the autumn, with late blooming flowers and fruits and vegetables being harvested at this time.

Be sure to take part in a tour of the manor house, which has opulent rooms and fascinating history. The library is particularly beautiful and the cosy vibes there are fitting for an autumn day. Be sure to check the opening times of the house, it often closes earlier than the grounds.

How to get to Wimpole Estate

It’s advised to drive to Wimpole Estate, via the MII and A14 from London. It’s an easy drive from Cambridge.

It is also possible to take a bus (number 75) from Cambridge to Wimpole estate, but this takes around 45 minutes so is much slower than driving.

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Cambridge

c. 1hr30 minutes from London by train

Visiting Cambridge on a day trip

Cambridge is rightly one of the most popular day trip destinations from London. It’s remarkable history dates back 800 years and its eponymous university is one of the oldest in the world, founded in 1209.

The city is filled with stunning architecture, from King’s College Chapel to the Mathematical Bridge. The River Cam offers punting experiences to experience Cambridge from the water and see corners of the university not visible any other way.

Aside from the university, the quaint streets lined with beautiful shops and cafes makes the city a delight to explore. The city is filled with bicycles as students go to and from classes, and is a great way to get around the city.

There are charming markets held regularly, from the Market Square to smaller Sunday Arts and Crafts Market.

There are ample reasons to visit Cambridge, and one could be kept busy here for much longer than one day. For more tips, see this guide to art and architecture in Cambridge.

Autumn in Cambridge

The academic atmosphere of Cambridge makes it the perfect destination for an autumn day trip from London. Exploring the colleges is the first order of business when visiting on an autumn day. Some charge for entry, while others are free to have a wander around. Check out this full guide to visiting Cambridge’s colleges.

The Cambridge University Botanic Gardens are a lovely place to explore in the fall. The fall foliage and late flowers are beautiful, but there are also several small glasshouses with cacti creating a warm escape from the changing weather.

If the weather takes a turn, Cambridge has several world-class art museums that are free to enter and offer incredible collections.

The Fitzwilliam Museum houses art from ancient Egypt to modern painting, and its stunning interiors are quite a spectacle. Kettle’s Yard is a modernist house museum filled with treasures and is one of the best house museums I’ve ever visited. The gallery attached shows exciting contemporary art exhibitions alongside.

How to get to Cambridge

To travel from London to Cambridge, there are several convenient options. The quickest way is to take a direct train from London King's Cross Station to Cambridge. Trains run frequently, and the journey takes approximately one hour. There are also slower (and therefore cheaper) trains from Liverpool Street, as well as coach connections.

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Bath

c. 2hr30 minutes from SW London by train or car

Visiting Bath

Bath, a city steeped in history, owes its name to the ancient Romans who established a spa town called Aquae Sulis around natural hot springs. Here, impressive baths and a temple dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva drew visitors seeking relaxation and healing.

During the Georgian era in the 18th century, Bath underwent a significant architectural transformation. Influenced by classical Roman and Palladian styles, the city's streets and buildings were redesigned, resulting in the iconic Royal Crescent and other beautiful crescents, terraces, and squares.

In recognition of its exceptional blend of Roman and Georgian architecture, Bath was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The city's historic buildings, such as the Roman Baths and Georgian Assembly Rooms, are a testament to its cultural heritage and architectural splendor.

Bath's literary connections have also left a mark. The esteemed writer Jane Austen resided in Bath for a considerable time, and the city's Georgian backdrop features prominently in her novels "Northanger Abbey" and "Persuasion." Literary enthusiasts can explore the Jane Austen Centre and visit locations mentioned in her works.

Autumn activities in Bath

Explore the sights of Bath’s architecture alongside the beautiful fall foliage. The Royal Crescent, Prior Park and Pulteney Bridge are three iconic locations offering beautiful autumn vistas.

Warm up in Bath’s wonderful museums, such as the Holburne Museum, Fashion Museum, or No. 1 Royal Crescent.

For Jane Austen fans, September is transformed into the Georgian era during the Jane Austen festival. Austen enthusiasts converge on the city dressed in Georgian garb, and there’s plenty of events such as period balls to attend. This event alone makes Bath worth visiting.

The natural hot springs are a great way to spend an autumn day in Bath. The thermal waters contain mineral-rich thermal waters believed to have numerous health benefits. Don’t miss Thermae Bath Spa, a modern spa complex that offers rooftop pools with stunning views of the city.

How to get to Bath from London

Bath is a pretty direct 2 hour drive from London via the M4. Even quicker is the train, arriving in Bath from Paddington in 90 minutes.

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Avebury

c. 2 hours from SW London by car

Visiting the enchanting village of Avebury

Avebury is a mysterious village known for its ancient stone circle enveloping the area, making it a perfect location for a mystical Autumn day trip from London.

Grazing sheep mill about amidst the imposing stone circle, and village houses mingle with the monumental stones. It’s a unique location that sparks curiosity about ancient civilisations and their rituals.

Avebury has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the Neolithic stone circle dating back to 2600 BCE.

Autumn in Avebury

The stone circle is free to enter but the parking is managed by the National Trust (so is free for members). Wandering the stone circle, and being up close and personal in a way that is impossible at Stonehenge, is a bucket-list experience in the UK.

Avebury is also home to Avebury Manor which is a spectacular property cared for by the National Trust. This country house blends Tudor and Georgian architecture and shows a glimpse into the past in this unique village.

Another unusual site nearby is the Westbury White Horse carved into the hills of Wiltshire and measuring 180 feet long.

How to get to Avebury

Avebury is about a two-hour drive from London. It’s near enough to Bath to combine the two on a day trip, or with the charming village of Lacock where parts of Harry Potter was filmed.

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Windsor and Eton

c. 1 hour drive or train from London

Visiting Windsor and Eton

Windsor and Eton are two charming towns in the county of Berkshire. Windsor is of course known for Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Visiting the castle is an insight into the British Royals and a top tourist destination for visitors to London.

What visitors may not necessarily have on their list is Eton, a historic town home to Eton College, one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the world. The small town is interesting to visit to see the architecture and academic atmosphere.

Windsor and Eton in the Fall

The Great Park surrounds Windsor Castle and the parkland creates a beautiful backdrop to the stunning architecture of the castle and surrounding town.

Windsor Castle itself is great to visit in the Autumn months as the crowds will be thinner and the gardens still beautiful with fall foliage.

Eton will be buzzing with dark academia vibes, and it’s so interesting to walk the high street and see the uniforms for the boys being sold in shop windows.

How to get to Windsor and Eton

Windsor is an easy train ride from London and trains depart on a regular basis throughout the day. Eton is about a 20 minute walk from the centre of Windsor, making it an easy and interesting stop during a day trip in Windsor.

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Final thoughts on Autumn day trips from London

Not venturing outside of the city is one of the biggest mistakes to avoid when visiting London. There’s a number of adventures waiting to be had on autumn day trips from London. Petworth, Cambridge, and Windsor all offer cultural and historical days out plus beautiful scenery with the changing fall colours. When you’ve experienced enough autumn in London, make sure to venture out to these autumnal destinations in the UK.

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