Although London has so much to offer during the festive season, it's also nice to step away and head out of the city for a much-needed breather. And there's plenty festive cities outside of London that are less than a two-hour train or car journey away.
Whether you're looking for quaint Christmas markets, glistening light trails in forests or wish to visit one of the UK's famous stately homes that's dressed to the nines this Christmas, then you're in luck. Here are the best Christmas day trips from London.
Best Day Trips From London This Christmas 2025
Waddesdon Manor – 1 Hour From London
- Price: tickets start from £15.50
- Location: Waddesdon, Aylesbury, HP18 0JH
- Dates: Saturday 22nd November 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026
Just an hour outside of the Big Smoke is Waddesdon Manor – a beautiful renaissance-style country house located in the tranquil village of Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire. Attracting more than 460,000 visitors each year, this historical haven is one of the National Trust’s most visited properties. During the winter months, Waddesdon Manor transforms into a Winter Wonderland doused in light trails, festive projections and a bustling Christmas fair.
This year, the manor is taking visitors on a trans-European tour exploring holiday traditions across the continent. The tour will showcase festivities from different cities at every stop, while the gardens will be illuminated with their brand-new immersive light show. And if you're wanting to make the experience that tad more luxurious, then book in for their festive feast for £165 a pop.
This winter wonderland makes for one of the best Christmas day trips from London by car.
Blenheim Palace – 1 hour 15 mins from London
- Price: from £41 for adults and from £24 for children
- Location: Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1UL
- Dates: Friday 14th November 2025 to Saturday 3rd January 2026
The magical light trail at Blenheim Palace has returned for yet another year and it’s even more magical than ever. Branded as one of the UK’s leading illuminated trails, you can expect twinkling lights from trees and plenty of Christmassy sounds to get you in the spirit. This year, the palace has transformed into 'The Palace of Oz' where you can follow the yellow brick road, discover Emerald City and you might even bump into Toto.
Blenheim Palace's ice rink is also back for the second year, meaning you can show off all your Dancing on Ice skills in front of your family. Ensure to nab a hot chocolate afterwards (being a pro-skater is thirsty work). You can also indulge in their Emerald City-themed afternoon tea, have a ride on the festive ferris wheel to see the sites or have a gander around the palace’s Christmas market.
Prepare to take many snaps as the light display at Blenheim Palace is a stunner.
Hever Castle – 1 hour 5 mins from London
- Price: from £24.50 for adults and from £16 for children
- Location: Hever Road, Hever, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG
- Dates: Friday 21st November 2025 to Friday 2nd January 2026
Located just 30 miles south east of London is Hever Castle, a 13th century estate that was originally the home of the Boleyn family from 1462 to 1539. Not only is this place a historical wonder, but it’s also a great spot to visit during the festive period. This year, the castle is transforming into the Land of Oz where you can wander around with the characters of the famous story and even visit Dorothy's house (don't worry, there's no tornados here).
There’s a Christmas light trail to follow with magical reimaginations of classic fairy tales, fairground rides such as the big wheel and even boat trips around the castle from just £12 per person. You can also visit the Boleyn apartment, which has been sprinkled with Christmas magic to reflect what life would have been like back in the Tudor times. Enjoy all this with a hot chocolate and a festive turkey pie from the Moat Café.
Learn all about the Boleyn family while celebrating Christmas.
Wakehurst – 1 hour 15 mins from London
- Price: From £13.50 per ticket
- Location: Ardingly, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6TN
- Dates: Thursday 27th November 2025 to Saturday 3rd January 2026
Kew Garden’s sister site, Wakehurst, in Sussex makes for the perfect day trip out of London this Christmas. Boasting over 500 acres of beautiful land, Wakehurst has spruced up their botanical gardens for the festive period. Take long strolls around their woodland trail or lights and marvel at the light installations along the way.
Sitting at more than a mile long, the Glow Wild light trail showcases installations from leading artists including a giant flying owl, a hidden dragon and their iconic Christmas tree. You can also head over to try out their street food and even toast marshmallows on a roaring fire to keep you nice and toasty.
If you've done Kew Gardens, then this is the next best thing.
Cambridge Christmas Markets – 48 mins from London
- Price: from free (additional costs for activities)
- Location: Parker’s Piece , Cambridge, CB1 1NA
- Dates: Thursday 13th November 2025 to Wednesday 31st December 2025
All year round, Cambridge looks like it has been lifted straight from a Harry Potter novel – so imagine what it looks like during Christmas time. The Cambridge Christmas markets are always bustling during the festive period, with amazing attractions on display such as vintage carousels and Christmas tree mazes.
They’ve got a whole host of craft stalls for those last minute Christmas gifts including dream catchers, handcrafted artisan spirits, award-winning fudge and Viking drinking horns. You can also head over to the ice rink to show off your skills (they’ll provide socks and gloves too if it gets too nippy). And if you’re feeling a tad peckish, then be sure to gobble down a Yorkshire pudding wrap.
This beautiful city in East Anglia is one of the best Christmas day trips from London by train.
Highclere Castle – 1 hour 50 minutes from London
- Price: from £135 per ticket
- Location: Highclere Park, Highclere, Newbury, RG20 9RN
- Dates: bookings for afternoon tea from Wednesday 19th November 2025
Built in the 1600s, Highclere Castle sits on a 5,000 acre estate in Hampshire and was the filming location of much-loved ITV television series, Downton Abbey. You can now visit this iconic location throughout certain seasons of the year, and Christmas time is definitely one of the best.
Experience a Christmas tour and carol service around the grounds of the castle, or book in for a reading of A Christmas Carol by the author's great great grandson, Gerald Dickens. If you’re more of an evening person, then you should attend one of their later tours, which include champagne and canapes – although they’re slightly on the pricier side starting at £175 per ticket and require you to wear formal attire. You can also book in for one of their festively regal afternoon teas for £135 per person.
A party in the real life Downton Abbey? Yes please.
Petworth House – 1 hour 55 mins from London
- Price: from £15 per person
- Location: Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 9LR
- Dates: Saturday 29th November 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026
Built for the sixth Duke of Somerset in 1688, Petworth House is a West Sussex staple steeped in history. Owned by the National Trust, the Grade I listed building is home to some of the country’s finest art collections and it’s also a brilliant place to visit during the Christmas period. Eight of the historic showrooms have been transformed into festive displays, with sparkling lights and garlands situated across the rooms.
This year, Brambly Hedge is coming to Petworth House - inspired by Jill Barklem's 'Winter Story'. In the Little Dining Room, you can discover an oak tree home with festive decorations to reflect the magic of a woodland Christmas. And if you’re wanting something to take home, then nab a ticket for an amazing wreath making workshop for £55 per person, which includes a tasty hot drink and a mince pie.
Wander around this amazing Grade I listed building and experience all the Christmassy feels.
Beaverbrook – 2 hours from London
- Price: from £55 per person for ice skating (must be booked in for dinner, spa or a stay to use it)
- Location: Reigate Road, Leatherhead, KT22 8QX
- Dates: ice skating is open from Thursday 30th November 2025 to Sunday 1st February 2026
Situated in the heart of Surrey Hills is Beaverbrook, a luxury country house and hotel which is definitely worth a visit this Christmas. Their ice rink is back for another year, which you can use if you plan to dine or stay here. If you’re looking for something extra special this December, then try out their skate and dine package.
This includes a 45 minute skate session and either an Anglo-Italian meal in The Garden House Restaurant, a tasting menu experience at the Japanese Grill, or a three-course dinner at The Pizzeria or Mrs Beeston’s. And if that’s not luxurious enough, then opt to stay in one of their gorgeous rooms that also includes unlimited ice skating (starting at £556 per room, per night).
After boujee winter day trips from London? This place is just the ticket.
Explore more of London's best Christmas events that you must try this festive season.
