Updated on July 14th, 2025
If you’re a royal-watcher, history buff or British music fan, then London is probably on your travel bucket list. What most tourists don’t realize is that while renting a strategically-placed furnished apartment in London, you can easily take day trips to these seven exciting destinations outside of London proper.
1. Oxford
Just one hour away from Marylebone Station is the home of one of the world’s most famous universities, Oxford. Visit for the beautiful architecture and the history (walking tours are available as well). The University of Oxford Botanic Garden has family-friendly trails, and picnics are encouraged! For a taste of history, visit Oxford Castle, a 1000-year-old Norman medieval castle. Art lovers will enjoy the Ashmolean Museum (the world’s first university museum) which houses ancient and modern art and antiques — and admission is free! At Carfax, the center of Oxford, you can enjoy the view from St Martin’s Tower — also known as Carfax Tower — the highest building in central Oxford!
Just a 13-minute walk from Marylebone Station, this 2-bedroom duplex vacation rental in Paddington is great for families. This contemporary apartment has a crisp minimalist design with high ceilings and large windows for natural light. The living room has plenty of seating for a family, with two couches around a decorative fireplace and a flat-screen TV for entertainment. Wooden doors separate the living room from the fully-equipped kitchen with dining table, which is perfect for family meals. A washing machine/dryer also adds convenience when traveling with a family.
2. Cambridge
Fifty minutes away from King’s Cross Station is another university town by the name of Cambridge. Top sights to see include the University of Cambridge (which has educated 15 British prime ministers) and Mathematical Bridge, a wooden footbridge over the River Cam. Get a unique view of Cambridge and all its famous landmarks when you take a Punting Tour — a guided tour down the River Cam by boat. Art lovers will have plenty to explore with the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Museum of Cambridge, and the Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology, all of which are in town.
This 1-Bedroom furnished rental in Kilburn, blends airy design with calming, Asian-inspired decor for a truly unique London stay. Located on the 1st floor of a 20th-century building with a security system, this bright and spacious home welcomes you with high ceilings, natural light from numerous windows, and a peaceful atmosphere. The living room is designed for relaxation, featuring a serene reading nook, and a harmonious mix of vintage and modern furniture. The tranquil vibe continues into the bedroom, furnished with a king-size bed and soft, neutral tones. A wooden bathtub, hardwood floors, and natural materials throughout the apartment enhance the zen ambiance. You’ll also enjoy practical comforts like a full kitchen with stainless steel appliances, cable TV, and an in-unit washer and dryer. Looking for a quiet moment in the city? This peaceful retreat is just the place. Craving more tranquil corners of the city to match the peaceful vibe of this loft, , discover more off-the-beaten-path places to visit in London on our blog.
3. Windsor
Another fun-filled day trip that awaits you just outside London is just a 45-minute ride from Paddington Station; magical Windsor! Windsor Castle will dazzle royalty enthusiasts, since it’s a working royal palace that the King uses for state ceremonies and official entertaining. While you’re in Windsor, pay a visit to historic Eaton College, where Prince William and Prince Harry went to school.
For nature lovers, there’s Windsor Great Park, once a Norman hunting forest and now home to 600 deer. Thames boat trips are another favorite activity — you can find self-drive power or row boats, guided trips and lunch, afternoon tea and dinner cruises.
If you have kids with you, don’t forget a stop at Legoland Windsor, a child-oriented theme park based on the Lego toy brand.
If you’d like to stay near Paddington Station for quick access to Windsor, we recommend this 1-Bedroom furnished apartment in Mayfair, next to famed Hyde Park, for solo travelers or couples. Complete with a double bed, fully equipped kitchen, access to laundry facilities, and complimentary WiFi in the building, this modern Mayfair apartment is a comfortable and convenient base for exploring both London and beyond.
4. Brighton
Even a day trip to the beach is within reach from London! Brighton is an English resort town with amusement rides and Regency-era buildings that’s just an hour’s trip from Victoria Station. Brighton Pier, Royal Pavilion and Brighton Palace are top spots to visit, and the British Airways i360 observation tower on the seafront will give you a bird’s eye view of everything! Check out some more fun ideas for a summer trip to London on our blog.
This 3-bedroom/2 bath apartment in Westminster near Victoria Station is great for families and also provides jaw-dropping views of the London Eye and other London monuments right from your window or the balcony! Another option just a street away from Big Ben is this 1-bedroom vacation rental in a luxury building in Westminster, complete with on-site gym, Jacuzzi, and pool.
Another option just 0,7 miles away from Big Ben is this 1-bedroom furnished rental in Westminster. Perfectly situated for sightseeing, commuting, or simply soaking up the city’s charm, it offers comfort and convenience in equal measure. From the private balcony to the sleek kitchen and inviting living space, everything is designed to make you feel right at home while enjoying one of London’s most iconic neighborhoods.
5. Bath
Rent an apartment near Paddington Station and you can transport yourself to the English countryside and the lovely city of Bath, just a 90-minute train trip away. Known for its Roman-built baths, natural hot springs and 18th-century Georgian architecture, you’re sure to be enchanted. For the best views, head to Alexandra Park or Prior Park, both with magnificent, panoramic views of the city. Must-see museums include the Jane Austen Centre and the Fashion Museum.
If you’re planning on heading to Bath, 1 Bedroom vacation rental in Bayswater is a convenient rental option available by the night, week or month. The neighborhood of Bayswater offers Victorian architecture and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Set in a Grade II listed building overlooking Sussex Gardens, it’s just moments from Hyde Park and surrounded by restaurants, shops, and leafy streets. Inside, the apartment features traditional decor with a Scandinavian twist. Think soft tones, clean lines, and natural wood accents. A marble-tiled bathroom, queen-sized bed, and weekly housekeeping add to the comfort of this fully serviced space, ideal for a relaxing stay in the heart of the city.
6. Portsmouth
An hour and a half away from Waterloo Station is your next day trip destination — Portsmouth — known for its maritime heritage and historic dockyard. If you are a boat enthusiast, don’t miss the Mary Rose Museum, dedicated to the 16th-century Tudor navy warship Mary Rose and the HMS Warrior, a Victorian museum ship. Before you leave, don’t miss the attention-grabbing Emirates Spinnaker Tower for the best view.
Rent this this 3-Bedroom vacation rental in Southwark and you’ll be just a 7-minute walk from Waterloo Station. You’ll also be near the Sea Life London Aquarium, Benjamin Franklin House and London Transport Museum. A private patio offers a peaceful spot to relax, while the fully equipped kitchen makes cooking easy. Each bedroom has a comfortable double bed and built-in storage, and the two bathrooms include both a bathtub and a walk-in shower.
7. Canterbury
Last but not least, a trip to England wouldn’t be complete without a trip to fairytale-like Canterbury — just 90-minute train ride from St. Pancras International/King’s Cross Station. This UNESCO World Heritage Site lies on the River Stour and features dreamy landscapes as well as Canterbury Castle, St. Augustine’s Abbey and Howletts Wild Animal Park.
Located just a short walk from King’s Cross Station, this 1-bedroom furnished rental in Islington, perfectly blends urban convenience with stylish living. Featuring large black-framed windows that flood the space with natural light, the apartment showcases exposed brick walls and hardwood floors for a trendy yet cozy atmosphere. The open-plan living and dining area includes a sectional sofa that converts into a bed, while the modern kitchen boasts farmhouse sink details and stainless steel appliances. With in-unit laundry and a rustic wooden bedframe in the bedroom, this apartment offers both comfort and character in one of London’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
Now that you know all of these exciting day trips are just a train ride away from London, you can planing your trip and book one of our unique furnished apartments or vacation rentals to make your stay a truly immersive experience!
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