Today I want to share my guide to the best 2-day trips from London with you. There’s no shortage of amazing places to visit in and around the United Kingdom. Whether you’re into city breaks, coastal escapes, or the countryside, there are places in the UK and Europe that will fit your travel style. If you’re looking for your next mid-week break or a weekend trip from London by train, my list will help you choose the perfect destination. I’ve included an interactive map as well.
2-Day Trips from London
My list of 2-day trips from London covers a range of places you can visit. Whether you dream of escaping to the English countryside or the British seaside, a European city or a charming village, there’s a short break you’ll love.
From England to Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, these getaways will whisk you off to the best places to visit in the UK. I’ve included several short trips to Europe, too.
I’ve personally been to every place on my list (many of them multiple times), so I can tell you how worthwhile they are from firsthand experience. There are additional good ideas in the book 52 Great British Weekends, too. You can get it on Amazon here.
You can do these trips independently by train or car, or on a guided tour. If you prefer the former, my guide to UK train travel can help. If you want to do the latter, you can take a look at tours and book one here.
1. 2-Day Trip to Edinburgh
First on my list of the best 2-day trips from London is Edinburgh. The Scottish capital is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, and it’s hard to beat when it comes to aesthetics and charm.
Edinburgh is beloved for its stunning streets, hilltop castle, and pretty village-like areas. The views from the Scott Monument and Calton Hill are breathtaking, the restaurants are some of the best in the UK, and the Royal Mile is steeped in history.
There’s plenty to do here if you have a couple days in town. From Princes Street to Arthur’s Seat, Dean Village, and the city’s great museums, you’ll find lots to keep you busy whether it’s your first visit or your tenth.
Edinburgh is the perfect 2-day trip to Scotland from London. It’s enough time to explore the highlights and see the best secret places in Edinburgh while you’re visiting. If you have more time, you can visit Edinburgh and the Highlands or take a day trip.
You can get to Edinburgh from London by train or flight. It takes around 4.5 hours all-in either way, so it’s up to you how you travel to the Scottish capital. If you choose to go by train, make sure to check for industrial action and rail works before you book. They can impact your journey.
If this trip appeals, you can book a hotel in Edinburgh here. I’ve stayed in the city countless times and my favorite is the Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile Edinburgh. It’s in an ideal location near Edinburgh Castle. You can book your room here.
2. 2-Day Trip to Hampshire
Hampshire is next on my list. It’s one of my top picks for weekend trips in the UK. The county features postcard-perfect villages, bucolic countryside, peaceful woodlands, and impressive cities. You can even make a pilgrimage to Jane Austen’s home here.
There are plenty of places you can visit if you have 2 days in Hampshire. If you’re a fan of urban getaways, Winchester is my favorite place. It’s a stunning cathedral city with historic streets and the Round Table of King Arthur fame.
If villages are your cup of tea, places like East Meon are sure to delight. The pastel thatched-roof cottages here are straight out of a fairy tale.
If you like getting outdoors, the South Downs National Park and the New Forest are fun destinations. The latter has beautiful hotels and restaurants like The Pig in Brockenhurst.
If a short break in Hampshire sounds good, you can book acommodation here. There are plenty of options, from hotels to B&Bs and house rentals.
3. 2-Day Trip to The Cotswolds
When it comes to natural scenery, my favorite getaway from the UK capital is the Cotswolds. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty firmly deserves a place on my list of the best 2-day trips from London.
With some of the most beautiful villages near London, pretty landscapes, and storybook towns, this place keeps visitors coming back again and again.
From exploring villages like Upper Slaughter and Painswick to touring National Trust properties in the Cotswolds, there are plenty of ways to spend your time.
Whether you drive or travel to the Cotswolds without a car, you can do and see a lot in a couple days. There are even tours you can take if you want to travel with an expert guide. You can book one here.
There are fun Cotswolds walks you can go on in places like Moreton-in-Marsh, Charlbury, Kingham, and Burford, too. They’re easy ways to see the best of the region on foot.
If you’re traveling at a particular time of year, my spring weekend in the Cotswolds, autumn weekend in the Cotswolds, and winter weekend in the Cotswolds guides can help. My interactive Cotswolds map is a good resource as well.
If you want to take this trip, you can book accommodation in the Cotswolds here. I’ve stayed at The Kingham Plough and I love it. This beautiful property is a historic pub with rooms, and you can reach it by train from London. You can book your stay here.
4. 2-Day Trip to Kent
Another of the best 2-day trips from London is Kent. This county in the southeast of England is packed with spots to escape to for a weekend getaway or a mid-week break.
From oyster-famous Whitstable to picture-pretty Rochester, lovely Deal, beachfront Broadstairs, hipster Margate, harborside Ramsgate, castle-topped Dover, underrated Folkestone, and cathedral-graced Canterbury, there are lots of places to visit in Kent.
You can even go wine, cider, and beer tasting in Kent. It’s a unique way to discover the county through some of its famous English drinks. Many of the best vineyards near London are located here, so you’ll be spoiled for choice.
If you want to take this trip, you can book a place to stay in Kent here. I’ve stayed at The Relish in Folkestone and The Sun Inn in Faversham, and I enjoyed my time at both of them.
5. 2-Day Trip to Bath
Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in England, and it deserves a place on my list of 2-day trips from London. Known for its attractive stone buildings and heritage architecture, it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Britain.
The ancient Roman Baths are worth a special trip, and the city’s Jane Austen connections draw in literature lovers. Add to that the columns of the Royal Crescent and The Circus, and I’m always reaching for my camera.
There are lots of independent restaurants and shops in Bath that make the city a great place to visit as well. From bookstores to cafes, there’s enough to fill a weekend in Bath or a mid-week escape.
There’s lots to see outside the city center as well. If you have a car, you can explore Bath and the Cotswolds in one trip. It will allow you to take in some of the prettiest villages in Wiltshire and other counties.
If you want to take this UK city break, you can book accommodation in Bath here. I’ve stayed at The Yard in Bath and I adore its stylish decor and ambiance. You can book your room here.
6. 2-Day Trip to Brecon Beacons National Park
Another of my favorite 2-day trips from London is Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog) in Wales. I’ve visited many times, and on every trip I’ve gained a better appreciation for its abundance of walking trails, waterfalls, and local towns and villages.
From hiking Pen y Fan to indulging at the annual Abergavenny Food Festival, the area has something for all the weekend breaks in Wales you can think of.
If you’re traveling at a particular time of year, you can take a look at my blog posts about a summer weekend in Wales and a winter weekend in Wales to get ideas for things to do.
If this trip appeals to you, you can book a place to stay in the area here. There’s a variety of options when it comes to lodging and accommodation in and around the national park.
7. 2-Day Trip to Brighton
On the south coast in East Sussex, Brighton is one of the easiest getaways from the UK capital. It numbers among my favorite weekend trips from London by train.
Along with Hove, Brighton is celebrated for its wide pebble beaches, whimsical Royal Pavilion, historic pleasure pier, and narrow lanes bursting with cafes, restaurants, and shops.
An hour by train from the UK capital, the city is one of my go-to places to travel to the seaside near London.
With 2 days in Brighton you can see everything from the English Channel to the sightseeing attractions and the shopping streets. You’ll have time to go to the beach and experience the city’s famous nightlife and street art scenes as well.
If this trip sounds good, you can book accommodation in Brighton here. I’ve stayed at the Brighton Harbour Hotel and Spa and I love its seaside decor and location right on the waterfront. You can book your room here.
8. 2-Day Trip to Salcombe
In Devon, Salcombe is a fun spot for a 2-day trip from London. With stunning scenery, rock formations, and coastal coves, this seaside resort town is the ideal place to get away from the city.
Salcombe has everything from beaches to coastal walking trails. North Sands beach is home to the famous Winking Prawn restaurant and a heritage castle steeped in English Civil War history.
If you like the water, you can go sailing in Salcombe or take a ferry ride to South Sands beach. They’re great ways to see the area from a unique perspective.
If you prefer to stay on land, there’s plenty to do in town. Shops and boutiques line the high street, and hidden stairways will take you up and down the hills. The local seafood is delicious, too.
If that all appeals, you can book accommodation in Salcombe here. I’ve stayed at South Sands Hotel and I’m a fan of the beach-themed rooms and views over the water. You can book your room here.
9. 2-Day Trip to Belfast
Belfast is another of the top 2-day trips from London. Known for everything from the lively pubs to the Titanic Quarter and the Peace Wall, there’s a lot to entertain visitors here.
Add to that the seaside scenery along the Causeway Coastal Route and the Glens of Antrim, and Belfast makes for a fun weekend escape.
If this trip sounds like your cup of tea, you can book accommodation in Belfast here. I’ve stayed at the Malmaison Belfast and I like its beautiful exterior and location in the heart of the city. You can book your room here.
10. 2-Day Trip to Southwold
In Suffolk, another of my favorite 2-day getaways from London is Southwold. This seaside town has big beaches, a pleasure pier, and picturesque streets with cute cottages.
Southwold offers a mix of waterfront entertainment, fun boutiques, and lively pubs and restaurants. It’s also beloved for its colorful beach huts, which make for good photo opportunities.
There are so many things to do in Southwold that it’s the perfect place to go for a weekend getaway or a mid-week escape.
If all that sounds good to you, you can book somewhere to stay here. From cottages to hotels, there are a lot of great options in and around the town.
11. 2-Day Trip to North Norfolk
North Norfolk is another of my top picks for 2-day trips from London. Whether you want to tour stately homes like Sandringham and Holkham Hall, shop, go to historic pubs, or head to the beach, there’s something in this part of England for you.
From Burnham Market to Wells-next-the-Sea, there’s no shortage of places to spend a weekend in Norfolk or a mid-week break. Add to that cities like Norwich and the famous Holkham Beach, and there’s a lot to love about this area.
If all that appeals, you can book a hotel here. I’ve stayed at a number of places in the area, and my top pick is The Hoste in Burnham Market. You can book your room here.
12. 2-Day Trip to Yorkshire
Another great place to go for a 2-day trip from London is Yorkshire. Up in the north of England, this region is graced with important cities, beautiful towns, and dramatic landscapes.
The city of York is the ideal spot if you like history and enjoy urban escapes. It has some of the most photogenic streets in the country, not to mention good shopping. York Minster makes it one of the most important cathedral cities in England as well.
The historic spa town of Harrogate is also a great place to spend a couple days in Yorkshire. I once combined it with a trip to Leeds, where I had a good time exploring the famous shopping arcades.
And that’s to say nothing of seaside towns like Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby, and the North York Moors National Park. They’re great places if you love a mix of coast and countryside.
If you want to take this trip, you can book accommodation in Yorkshire here. I’ve stayed at a number of spots, and my favorite is The Lawrance in Harrogate. You can book your room here.
13. 2-Day Trip to West Sussex
Next on my list of the best 2-day trips from London is West Sussex. This county in the south of England is an easy trip from the UK capital and a fun place to escape to for a couple days.
There are lots of different West Sussex weekend breaks and mid-week getaways you can take. I love the South Downs National Park, the Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and Arundel with its stunning castle.
Petworth, a pretty town full of picturesque streets and shops, is also fun to visit. It’s home to the famous Petworth House, a 17th-century stately home near London.
Petworth House has an amazing art collection and grounds designed by renowned landscape architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. It’s worth a special trip when you’re in the area.
There are a lot of West Sussex walks you can do while you’re here as well. From Cissbury Ring to Knepp Castle Estate and West Chiltington, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
And that’s to say nothing of the wineries, many of which welcome visitors to their cellar doors. From Tinwood Estate to Kinsbrook Vineyard, I’ve enjoyed tours and tastings at a range of them.
If all that appeals to you, you can book accommodation in West Sussex here. There are lots of good places to stay in the area, from hotels to inns and beyond.
14. 2-Day Trip to the Wye Valley
On the border of England and Wales, another worthwhile 2-day trip from London is the Wye Valley. The first organized tour in Britain took place here, leading to the area being known as the birthplace of British tourism.
The Wye Valley is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it’s full of pretty towns and bucolic countryside. From shopping for antiques in the market town of Ross-on-Wye to walking through the ruins of Tintern Abbey in Monmouthshire, there’s plenty to see and do here.
If you like the outdoors, Symonds Yat Rock is a fun place to walk and take in the panoramas over the River Wye. There are trails through the Forest of Dean from Symonds Yat as well.
If you want to go on this getaway, you can book accommodation in the Wye Valley here. There are lots of great places to call home-away-from home.
15. 2-Day Trip to Oxford
The famous university city of Oxford is next on my list of 2-day trips from London. Not only is this place known for academics, but also architecture.
From Christ Church to Magdalen and St John’s, there are famous college buildings everywhere you look within the University of Oxford. You can do my self-guided walking tour of Oxford to see the best of them.
Beyond the colleges, the city is full of historic pubs, museums, and markets. Oxford is also popular for its Alice in Wonderland connections and Harry Potter filming locations.
If you want to spend a couple days in town, you can book accommodation in Oxford here. I’ve stayed at the Malmaison Oxford, which is unusual in that it’s housed in a former prison. You can book your room here.
16. 2-Day Trip to Cambridge
Oxford’s rival Cambridge is next on my list of the top 2-day getaways from London. One of the best university cities in the UK, this place is not only beautiful, but also an important center of British academics and heritage.
If you have 48 hours in Cambridge, you can see the highlights and experience the best things to do. From touring the colleges to attending evensong at King’s College Chapel and punting on the River Cam, there’s a lot to keep visitors entertained.
While you’re here, you can do my self-guided walking tour of Cambridge. It will show you the big attractions and hidden side streets in addition to the colleges.
If you’re feeling ambitious or you’ve been here before, you can take the train or drive from Cambridge to Ely when you’re in town. It has a famous cathedral and lots of historic streets to discover.
If all that appeals, you can book accommodation in Cambridge here. I’ve stayed at the Clayton Hotel and I love its contemporary decor and proximity to the train station. You can book your room here.
17. 2-Day Trip to Cornwall
Cornwall is next on my list of 2-day trips from London. The pretty town of St Ives is one of my favorite places to go to the seaside in England, and one of my favorite weekend trips in the UK. With stunning coastline, delicious restaurants, and great beaches, it’s hard to beat.
St Ives is known for its artistic connections, too. From Tate St Ives to the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, it’s the perfect place to channel your inner culture vulture. There are lots of local art galleries in town as well.
I took a weekend trip to St Ives by sleeper train from London once. It was an ideal way to take a short trip to the southwest without a car. I highly recommend it if you want to spend 2 days in Cornwall.
If all that sounds good to you, you can book accommodation in St Ives here. From hotels to cottages, there are lots of good places to stay.
18. 2-Day Trip to Chester
In northwest England, Chester is next on my list of the top 2-day trips from London. It’s hard to beat this city for history and aesthetics.
Chester has Roman walls, medieval churches, and a half-timbered high street. Add to that lovely side streets and one of the most impressive cathedrals in the UK, and the city is stunning. There’s a famous zoo here, too.
If you want to go on this city break, you can book accommodation in Chester here. There are plenty of options when it comes to places to call home-away-from-home.
19. 2-Day Trip to Aberdeenshire
In Scotland, Aberdeenshire is another of my top picks for 2-day trips from London. This port city on the east coast is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a mix of urban adventures and coastal castles.
Known as the Granite City for its stone buildings, Aberdeen offers visitors everything from a historic university to a charming old fishing village. There’s a vibrant street art scene here, too.
Seaside fortresses like Dunnottar Castle are quick and easy train trips from Aberdeen as well. They add a legendary element to a trip to this part of Scotland.
If this city break appeals to your inner traveler, you can book accommodation in Aberdeen here. There are lots of great places to stay in and around the city center.
20. 2-Day Trip to Rye
In East Sussex, Rye deserves a place on my list of 2-day getaways from London. This place is full of cobbled streets, half-timbered facades, haunted inns, and cute cottages. It’s one of the prettiest towns in England.
While you’re here, there are a lot of fun things to do in Rye. From climbing the church’s bell tower to visiting the former home of writer Henry James, the town has a lot to see and experience.
Rye is also a short walk from Camber Castle, a historic fortress with connections to Henry VIII. It’s one of the top castles near London. And that’s to say nothing of the town’s location near Camber Sands, one of the best beaches in East Sussex.
If this sounds like your kind of escape from the city, you can book accommodation in Rye here. If you want something unique, the Mermaid Inn is said to be haunted. You can book your room here to find out.
21. 2-Day Trip to Durham
Next on my list of the best 2-day trips from London is Durham. In the north of England, this famous city is worth a visit for its important cathedral, university, castle, cobbled streets, and riverside scenery.
Bursting with heritage, the side streets around Durham University are ideal places to get a glimpse of Britain’s past. The city has cool cafes and river walks, too.
If all that appeals to you, you can book accommodation in Durham here. I’ve stayed at a few places, and my top pick is The Townhouse. I’m a fan of its themed rooms and historic surroundings. You can book your room here.
22. 2-Day Trip to Stratford-upon-Avon
Spending 2 days in Stratford-upon-Avon is another fun overnight trip from London. Located in Warwickshire, this historic town is known for its Shakespeare connections.
Stratford is full of houses The Bard and his family lived in, theaters showing his plays, and historic streets and riverside pubs ripe for drinking and dining.
Spending a weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or a mid-week break will give you ample time to visit all the Shakespeare houses, see a play, and explore the historic streets, shops, and river.
If this short break sounds good to your inner travel lover, you can book accommodation in Stratford here. There are lots of great places to stay, including hotels and house rentals.
23. 2-Day Trip to Eastbourne
On the south coast, Eastbourne is another good 2-day trip from London. If you’re a fan of the British seaside, there are big beaches all around, a pleasure pier to discover, and live music on the waterfront.
A mid-week escape or a weekend in Eastbourne will give you enough time to see the best of this resort town and the surrounding area at a relaxed pace.
Places like Beachy Head and its famous lighthouse are worth the short drive or bus ride from the town center, too. And that’s to say nothing of the chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters.
If you want to take this trip, you can book accommodation in Eastbourne here. I’ve stayed at The Lansdowne Hotel and it’s in an ideal location by the waterfront. You can book your room here.
24. 2-Day Trip to Manchester
Another of the best 2-day trips from London is Manchester. That’s not least because it’s one of the best student cities in the United Kingdom. With lively restaurants, shops, and streets, it has a fun atmosphere and a famous nightlife scene.
There’s heritage in Manchester as well. The Castlefield area’s 18th-century canal system is just the place to take in the city’s textile history.
Additionally, the Salford Quays dockyards are home to the Daniel Libeskind-designed Imperial War Museum North and The Lowry arts center.
If this sounds like your kind of city break, you can book accommodation in Manchester here. I’ve stayed at the Malmaison Manchester, and I love its buzzing atmosphere and central location. You can book your room here.
25. 2-Day Trip to Leicester
Leicester isn’t an obvious choice for most travelers, but it’s a great 2-day trip from London. This city in the Midlands has fascinating Richard III connections. The infamous king died here, and there’s a museum dedicated to him in the city. He’s buried in Leicester Cathedral, too.
Beyond royalty, Leicester is known for its Arts and Crafts Movement connections. The Leicester Museum and Art Gallery houses an important collection, and leading figures like architect-designer Ernest Gimson were born here.
Furthermore, Leicester has impressive historic architecture to take in. If you look up as you walk around during your mid-week break or weekend in Leicester, it will impress you. There are even ancient Roman ruins here.
If you’re interested in seeing an underrated part of Britain, you can book accommodation in Leicester here. I’ve stayed at St Martins Lodge, which is housed in a renovated Grade II-listed building in the heart of the city. You can book your room here.
26. 2-Day Trip to Derry / Londonderry
In Northern Ireland, Derry / Londonderry is another fun 2-day trip from London. There are direct flights from the UK capital, so it’s easy to get here for a city break or a weekend escape.
Derry / Londonderry is known for its riverfront scenery, fun pubs and restaurants, and panoramic views. If you’re looking for somewhere different to visit, this is a great choice.
The city is a good place to do everything from stand-up paddle boarding on the River Foyle to exploring the side streets and hidden courtyards with their independent cafes and shops.
If you want to get off the beaten path, you can book accommodation in Derry / Londonderry here. I’ve stayed at the Bishop’s Gate Hotel, and I like the friendly staff, decor, and great location. You can book your room here.
27. 2-Day Trip to Newcastle-upon-Tyne
In the north of England, Newcastle is another of my favorite 2-day trips from London. Like Manchester, this city is known for its student population. It has a legendary nightlife scene, too.
But there’s more. Grey Street was once voted the finest street in Britain by BBC Radio 4 listeners. Museums like BALTIC ensure Newcastle has a good mix of art exhibitions on throughout the year as well.
Newcastle’s bridges are worth seeing, too. They span both the River Tyne and the centuries. Then come the city’s pubs, many of which have heritage interiors and lively atmospheres.
While here, you can also see some of the local area. Taking a Hadrian’s Wall tour from Newcastle is a great way to discover Britain’s ancient Roman past. Seeing Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North sculpture is a must for art lovers, too.
If this city break appeals to your inner traveler, you can book accommodation in Newcastle here. I’ve stayed at Hotel Indigo, and I like its central location. You can book your room here.
28. 2-Day Trip to Glasgow
In Scotland, Glasgow is another of my favorite 2-day trips from London. My grandmother grew up here and I’ve been coming to this part of the United Kingdom all my life.
A spirited city, Glasgow features a great mix of historic and contemporary architecture, a delicious food scene, and lively nightlife.
The city is also known for friendly locals, vibrant markets, cool street art, and world-class museums. It’s a great place to go for a mid-week break or a weekend in Scotland.
If you’re interested in taking this trip, you can book accommodation in Glasgow here. I’ve stayed at the Grand Central and I like its convenient location by the train station. You can book your room here.
29. 2-Day Trip to Nottingham
The famous city of Nottingham may be better known for Robin Hood than city breaks, but it’s still one of my favorite places to spend two days in the UK.
Home of the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, this place is known for being a student city.
Beyond the academic institutions, there’s a hulking castle, one of the oldest pubs in England, lots of historic streets, great shopping, and a famous statue of Robin Hood.
If that all appeals, you can book accommodation in Nottingham here. I’ve stayed at the Lace Market Hotel, and I’m a big fan of the unique rooms and central location. You can book your room here.
30. 2-Day Trip to Birmingham
In the Midlands, Birmingham is an easy 2-day trip from London by train. This city has everything from centuries-old pubs to cool creative areas.
Birmingham’s contemporary library gets my inner architecture (and book) lover excited on every visit, and I always enjoy seeing the pre-Raphaelite masterpieces in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
The city first won me over when I visited for the Birmingham Christmas markets. Since then it’s lured me back for its heritage architecture, historic shopping arcades, scenic canals, and colorful streets.
If this city break appeals to your inner travel lover, you can book accommodation in Birmingham here. There’s a wide variety of places to call home-away-from-home in and around the heart of the city.
31. 2-Day Trip to Bristol
Another of the best 2-day trips from London is Bristol. It’s one of my favorite weekend getaways from London, and it’s a fun mid-week break as well. Out in southwest England, the city is known for its independent spirit, student population, and riverside attractions.
Converted 19th-century riverfront warehouses shelter cool restaurants, shops, and galleries. Harbourside is home to the contemporary M Shed museum, which explores Bristol’s industrial and social heritage.
Clifton is full of elegant crescents, Georgian townhouses, and the eye-catching Clifton Suspension Bridge. It’s a great place to take photos and videos.
The city is an easy train ride from London, and with 2 days in Bristol you can see all the best bits. There’s even a famous zoo here.
If this appeals to you, you can book accommodation in Bristol here. I’ve stayed at the Hotel du Vin and I’m a fan of its spacious rooms and location. You can book your room here.
32. 2-Day Trip to Paris
Outside the United Kingdom, Paris is my top pick for a 2-day trip from London to Europe. The City of Light makes a great escape from the UK capital by train. It’s one of my favorite romantic weekend getaways to Europe, too.
There’s a lot to keep you entertained in Paris. World-class museums, shopping and dining, nightlife, and landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame are just a few. It’s worth a mid-week break or a weekend in Paris to see the highlights.
If you’re up for taking this trip, you can book accommodation in Paris here. I’ve also written about the best areas to stay in Paris if you want specific recommendations.
33. 2-Day Trip to Amsterdam
With direct rail services and short flights between London and the Netherlands, Amsterdam is another of the best 2-day trips from London. This city is known for its scenic canals, narrow houses, art museums, and lively nightlife scene. It’s one of my favorite weekend trips from London to Europe.
Two days in Amsterdam will give you plenty of time to stroll through the streets, take a canal boat ride, browse the markets, and cycle out to the countryside. If it’s spring, you can visit Keukenhof Gardens to see the tulips, too.
If a European escape sounds like your kind of trip, you can book accommodaiton in Amsterdam here. I’ve visited several times, and my favorite place to stay is the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel. You can book your room here.
34. 2-Day Trip to Brussels
Also on the continent, Brussels is one of the easiest mid-week or weekend trips from London to Europe by train. I spent a summer living and working here, and I can vouch for its worthiness as a place to spend a couple days.
Brussels is known for everything from delicious food and drinks to street art, amazing museums, Art Nouveau architecture, and fun markets. The Grand Place is one of the most awe-inspiring city squares in all of Europe, too.
If you want to spend a mid-week break or a weekend in Brussels, you can book accommodation in the city here. I’ve visited many times, and my top pick for a place to stay is the Hilton Brussels Grand Place. You can book your room here.
35. 2-Day Trip to Dublin
In Ireland, Dublin is another of my favorite 2-day trips from London. The city is known for its lively pubs, riverfront, historic castle and cathedral, and green parks.
A couple days in Dublin is enough time to see the highlights and take in treasures like The Library of Trinity College Dublin and the Book of Kells. There are museums and shops galore, too.
If this sounds like your kind of city break, you can book accommodation in Dublin here. I’ve stayed at a number of hotels in town, and The College Green Hotel Dublin is my favorite. I love its great location and atmosphere. You can book your room here.
Map of 2-Day Trips from London
As promised, I created an interactive Google map of all the destinations I covered in this blog post. You can see it here. If you click on the pins, you can find more information and my blog posts about each one. I hope it helps you plan your getaway!
Best 2-Day Trips from London
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading through my list of 2-day trips from London, and that it’s helped you find new-to-you places to travel from the city.
If you have extra time, you can look at my blog posts about 3-day trips from London and 4-day trips from London for additional ideas. They include fun places like the Lake District, the Isle of Wight, and the Yorkshire Dales.
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