There’s no denying that the UK’s most popular cities have plenty to offer visitors, from great shopping and dining to culture and sightseeing. Look just beyond them though, and you’ll find plenty of amazing day trip opportunities, offering the perfect chance to escape the urban sprawl and enjoy things at a slower pace. Discover our round up of historic sites, characterful towns, stunning countryside and more – all within easy reach of 10 of the UK's most popular cities. 

Click through the gallery for a selection of great UK day trips, reachable from the country's best-loved cities...

For a relaxing day trip from London, head to Canterbury in Kent. This charming cathedral city is steeped in history. As well as magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, you can enjoy a boat trip on the River Stour and a stroll in tranquil Westgate Gardens.

Trains run direct from St Pancras to Canterbury. The journey takes just under an hour and includes a stretch through the lovely Kent Downs National Landscape.

Want to escape to the coast from London but don’t fancy the bustle of Brighton? Try Hastings in East Sussex. The main draws are the beautiful beach and three-mile (4.8km) seafront. Other highlights include the Old Town, the ruins of Hastings Castle and the Smugglers Adventure attraction, an underground network of ancient caves and caverns dotted with secret tunnels that were once used to store goods by the smugglers of Hastings. 

Trains run direct to Hastings from London Bridge. Fast trains take around 95 minutes, passing through historic Royal Tunbridge Wells and High Weald National Landscape.

The UK’s second largest city is a great jumping off point to enjoy the stunning Cotswolds. Head south from Birmingham to explore rolling countryside and quaint villages such as Broadway (pictured), Chipping Campden and Stow-on-the-Wold.

By road from Birmingham, it takes a little over an hour to reach the edge of the Cotswolds. Several of the villages are served by train, such as Moreton-in-Marsh.

Take a break from the city to explore the Bard’s birthplace. Even if you’re not a fan of William Shakespeare, there’s plenty to enjoy in the Warwickshire market town of Stratford-upon-Avon, with its Tudor buildings, open spaces and vibrant arts scene.

Jump on a direct train here from Birmingham or hop in the car – the journey time for both is around 50 minutes.

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The lively seaside resort of Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset is a great family-friendly day out from Bristol. Head to the 42-acre Apex Park for picnicking and wildlife spotting and explore nearby Berrow Beach.

Burnham-on-Sea is around 50 minutes by road from Bristol. If you’re travelling with kids, you might like to detour a few miles north to Brean Theme Park – with free admission – or drop by Puxton Park on your way back to the city, which has an adventure area and indoor soft play. 

For a nature-themed day out, it’s hard to beat Cheddar Gorge and Caves. Marvel at the views from the lookout tower, head underground to explore the caves or enjoy walks and trails along the limestone cliffs. There are also fun activities to enjoy, from rock climbing to an adrenaline-pumping freefall experience. 

Cheddar Gorge is around 45 minutes by road from Bristol. However, you might like to spend some extra time enjoying the scenery of the Mendip Hills en route.

Enjoy a day out in the bustling Northumberland market town of Alnwick. The big highlight is Alnwick Castle, which dates to 1309 and remains the UK’s second largest inhabited castle. Fans of the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey will also recognise it – in fact, it’s been used as a backdrop for several movies and TV shows.

From Newcastle, Alnwick is about 45 minutes by road, with public transport options also available.

Newcastle is also a great base from which to explore a portion of Northumberland National Park – home to the remains of historic 73-mile (117km) Hadrian’s Wall. Good starting points are Housesteads Roman Fort and Walltown (pictured).

You can reach the park by car in less than an hour. Various public transport options are available, including the Hadrian's Wall Country Line which runs between Newcastle and Carlisle.

Cross the majestic River Forth to explore Dunfermline in Fife. The final resting place of Robert the Bruce, Dunfermline served as Scotland’s ancient capital but only received city status in 2022 as part of the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Highlights include Dunfermline Abbey and the heritage quarter.

Driving here from Edinburgh takes around 40 minutes. You can also take the train – the journey time is around 35 minutes and crosses the famous Forth Bridge.

For a different vibe, head to the picturesque seaside town of Aberdour to enjoy its two beautiful beaches, golf course, harbour and castle. It’s also a great spot to tackle a portion of the Fife Coastal Path – an 8.4-mile (13.5 km) circular route starts and ends in Aberdour, taking you via Burntisland.

Located across the River Forth, journey times from Edinburgh are 40 minutes by road and 30 minutes by rail.

Leave Manchester behind for a day to explore the historic city of Chester on the River Dee. Highlights include the 1,000-year-old cathedral, the ornate Eastgate Clock and the most complete city walls in the country. Also be sure to visit the unique 700-year-old Rows – two-tiered timber-framed galleries which line the high street.

Chester is around 60 minutes by rail from Manchester or 80 minutes by road.

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Located in the Calder Valley, Hebden Bridge has a charming town centre with independent shops, galleries and cafés. You can also enjoy walks along the Rochdale Canal and River Calder.

The easiest way to reach Hebden Bridge from Manchester is by rail – trains run regularly, with a journey time of just 30 minutes. If you want to see more of Calderdale, Halifax is a few stops further along the line.

Spend a day exploring glorious the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. It offers great walking and climbing, caves to discover, boat trips and plenty of family-friendly outdoor activities, including a trip on the Brecon Mountain Railway.

From Cardiff, it takes around 60 minutes by road to reach Libanus, where you’ll find the park’s visitor centre. The popular tourist village of Talybont-on-Usk is around an 80-minute drive.

Enjoy a day out at the popular seaside resort of Barry. Wander the sandy beach, have fun at Barry Island Pleasure Park or browse Goodshed – a collection of funky stores housed in repurposed shipping containers. You can even walk a portion of the Wales Coast Path.

By car, Barry is up to 40 minutes from Cardiff. Or simply hop on one of the regular trains – the journey time is less than 30 minutes.

Whitby combines the charm of a traditional seaside fishing village with a gothic vibe and an interesting history of smugglers and pirates. It’s also home to Whitby Abbey, which inspired Dracula.

The best way to get here is by road – it’s an 80-minute drive from York, which takes you through the North York Moors. If you want to get your seaside fix without the car, Scarborough is 50 minutes by train from York.

A popular excursion from York, this magnificent 18th century country house and gardens welcomes visitors and hosts regular events. Make a longer day of it by heading out to explore the surrounding Howardian Hills (part of the North York Moors) or the nearby market town of Malton.

The property is around a 30-minute drive from York. Regular trains run to Malton, with local buses to Castle Howard.

Glasgow is an excellent base for exploring majestic Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Simply drive out to enjoy the scenery or, if you want a focus for your day, the lakeside villages of Luss (pictured) and Balmaha are great options.

Both villages are around a 50-minute drive from Glasgow. Meanwhile – for intrepid climbers – Ben Lomond is just over an hour away.

For a day out from Glasgow which combines the best of all worlds, Ayr is a great option. It boasts a beach, a bustling town centre and a rich history, including a connection with poet Robert Burns, who has a museum in his honour in the town.

By road and rail, Ayr is around an hour from Glasgow. It has good public transport links, thanks to its proximity to Prestwick Airport.

One of the country’s smallest cities, by virtue of its magnificent cathedral, Ely offers a delightful day out. Compact enough to explore on foot, highlights include Oliver Cromwell's House and Ely Museum, as well as the historic high street.

The city also boasts a lovely marina, green spaces and lots of quaint cafés. The best part is that Ely is just a direct 15 to 20-minute train ride from Cambridge.

England’s smallest national park, the Broads features 125 miles (201km) of tranquil waterways and abundant wildlife. Enjoy a drive or stroll through the peaceful landscape dotted with charming villages and windmills, or take a leisurely boat tour.

From Cambridge, the Broads is around 90 minutes by road, with Wroxham and Hoveton the closest villages. The route takes you close to Norwich, which is also well worth a visit thanks to its 900-year-old castle and bustling market selling everything from antiques to food and drink. 

Now check out these jaw-dropping images of the UK from above