No matter where you are in the country, there are amazing day trip destinations available. Here are some magical places that can be visited in a day, being only up to an hour outside major towns and cities.
From London – Strawberry Hill House, Twickenham
Located in a pretty leafy suburb of London is an incredible house that looks more like a fairytale castle. It’s one of the most interesting and magical destinations to visit within a short distance of the capital. Construction began at Strawberry Hill House in 1749 by Earl Horace Walpole and it is a fine example of the beginning of the Gothic Revival movement.
From Bristol – Blaise Hamlet, Bristol
Only a few miles outside of Bristol, Blaise Hamlet is home to 9 thatched cottages which are owned by the National Trust. They look like they’ve come straight out of a fairytale and make a picturesque day out.
From Newcastle – Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
This castle boasts more than a thousand years of history. A visit here will include access to the giant treehouse with its own restaurant, a fascinating garden full of creepy, poisonous plants and a chance to see the castle that played a role as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies. Book your next day trip with Coach Hire Dorset. For coach hire in Dorset visit Turners Coaches.
From Truro – Merlin’s Cave, Tintagel Castle, Cornwall
Before Harry Potter came along, Merlin was the famous wizard in the country. One of the main characters of the Arthurian legends, Merlin’s Cave can be found in the cliffs beneath the castle.
From Birmingham – Warwick Castle, Warwick
Just a short train ride from Birmingham, Warwick Castle is a must-visit attraction full of lore and legend. History is well and truly alive here, with a year-long calendar of events, jousting contests and re-enactments.
From Chichester – Halnaker Windmill, West Sussex
Located on the ancient Roman road between London and Chichester, it’s the kind of place you’d expect to see Lord of the Rings characters passing beneath the arches on this tree-lined avenue.
From Salisbury – Stonehenge, Wiltshire
One of the most iconic landmarks of the UK, this mysterious site should be on everyone’s bucket list. The true origins of the Neolithic monument are unknown, but the site has held importance for over 4,000 years, once being used as a ceremonial burial site.
From Manchester – Mermaid’s Pool, Peak District
Legend has it that a visit to the Mermaid’s Pool during Easter means you could be given the gift of immortality from the mermaid who is thought to live there. Not too far outside of Manchester, you’ll find the pool at the Kinder Scout in the Peak District.
From Bath – Longleat House and Safari Park, Wiltshire
The magnificent Longleat House is a magical experience to visit and only 20 miles from the city of Bath. The Victorian country manor has a large maze to keep visitors stumped and when you’ve escaped the maze, you can visit the animals at the safari park too.
