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Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Inspire me!
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Day trips: An amazing adventure on a smaller scale
When you don't have the time or budget for a full holiday, what can you do? Day trips are the answer! These are a great option for families who want a fun day out or couples looking for an unusual date. Your day trip might be to a favourite UK destination, or if you're up for an adventure, you can go on an extreme day trip abroad. Check out these deals and plan an epic 24 hours!
Day trips for families and couples in the UK
A day trip is always a popular choice during half-term or school holidays. There are so many interesting destinations in the UK, and many of them have excellent road or rail connections. Of course, the classic choice for a day trip is London. Even the notoriously expensive capital can be affordable for a day trip, thanks to its free museums and galleries.
UK day trips for families
For a fun family day out, look for destinations with child-friendly attractions. Luckily, the UK has a number of great theme parks, such as Alton Towers, Legoland Windsor and Thorpe Park. If thrill rides aren't your thing, why not go to a destination with some historical interest? The hedge maze at Hampton Court is great fun for youngsters, while the Viking attractions in York are sure to inspire curious minds.
Romantic UK day trips for couples
If you're travelling with your partner, look for picturesque towns with beautiful scenery. The city of dreaming spires, Oxford, is a good choice. Its cobbled streets are very walkable, so you can wander hand in hand past the beautiful university buildings. Stratford-upon-Avon is another romantic option. After all, it's the hometown of William Shakespeare, the author of some of the greatest love stories in history. For sheer indulgence, try taking a trip to the historic spa town of Bath and relaxing together in the hot springs.
Planning your next day trip
Day trips are great fun, but planning them can be a real headache. This is one area of travel where it pays to be organised. On a longer holiday, you might prefer to just go with the flow, but when time is limited, you should be prepared. Here are some tips to ensure your next UK day trip runs smoothly.
Tips and tricks for a stress-free day trip
Check your route carefully. That means double-checking train times or looking at different options for driving. You don't want to be stranded at the station for hours.
Don't go too far, especially if you have young kids to think about. Too many hours in a car can lead to cranky children, which will ruin any day trip.
Prepare something to make the journey go quickly. Fun games that you can play along the way make a day trip a breeze.
Wear comfortable clothes. Day trips tend to involve a lot of walking, so when it comes to footwear, go for comfort over style.
Don't try to cram too much into your day. Take your time to enjoy your destination without rushing from one activity to the next.
Extreme day trips: Do you dare take a day trip abroad?
Extreme day trips take the art of the day trip to the next level. They involve travelling to another country and back in just one day. Yes, that's possible, especially if you can find cheap flights to and from your destination. However, keep in mind that extreme day trips can be draining. Make sure you get enough sleep the night before you set off, and bring an eye mask to snooze on the plane.
European destinations for extreme day trips
There are a number of destinations around Europe that may be suitable for an extreme day trip. Look for a very short flight, as you don't want to waste hours in the air when time is so limited. Consider a trip with your friends to Temple Bar in Dublin or a relaxing visit to Europe's largest spa in Bucharest. Remember to always book travel insurance if you're planning an extreme day trip. A flight delay could cause huge problems.
Check out our range of deals and offers for amazing day trip adventures. Book now for a day out that's just as exciting as a full holiday!
Day trip FAQs
Q: Where can I go for a day out in the UK?
A: That depends on where you're starting from. If you're looking for a seaside day trip, towns like Bournemouth, Whitstable and Blackpool are all popular choices. For a historical or cultural experience, try Oxford or Bath.
Q: What is the best day trip from London?
A: Brighton is one of the best options for a day trip from London. This south coast town has plenty to keep everyone busy: a beach, an amusement park, lots of quirky shops and great dining options. Other choices for day trips include Canterbury, Windsor Castle, Stratford-upon-Avon or Stonehenge.
Q: What are extreme day trips?
A: An extreme day trip is a day trip that involves flights. Rather than just hopping into the car or onto the train, you'll travel to another country and back in a single day. The era of cheap flights in Europe has made this possible, but it can be a challenge if you tend to get tired easily.
Q: Can you get to France and back in a day?
A: Yes. You can take the Eurostar to Paris and come back to London comfortably in a day. The first train of the day usually leaves at 6:01 AM, while the last one departs from Paris at 9:13 PM.
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