A day trip to London from Southampton is a journey full of adventure. This part of England is home to many famous attractions, from mysterious monuments to royal castles.

Most people book one of these tours as a seamless transfer between the two cities. The bonus stops along the way just add a dash of magic to the experience.

Here's all you need to know about visiting London, one of the most exciting destinations for day trips from Southampton.

How to get to London from Southampton?

London is just a couple of hours away from Southampton and is easy to reach by road. You can drive yourself, use public transport or book a guided tour.

From Southampton to London by car

It’s fairly straightforward to drive between these two southern cities. Just jump on the M3 and head north. The journey to London from Southampton takes around 2 hours, depending of course on your final destination.

From Southampton to London by train

If you prefer to use public transport, you can travel to London from Southampton by train. There are several direct trains every day – these arrive into London Waterloo Station. The journey lasts about 1.5 hours.

Guided tour to London from Southampton

For the ultimate hassle-free day out, a guided excursion is your best option. These day tours to London from Southampton usually take the basis of a transfer, with a drop-off in the capital at the end.

If you’ve arrived in Southampton after a cruise, you will be picked up from the port. Hotel collections are also possible. Tours that finish in London will usually include a transfer to your hotel if it’s in zone one.

Guided day trips to London from Southampton last up to 9 hours, including stops at multiple attractions along the way.

What is the typical itinerary?

Your day tour to London from Southampton begins with a pickup at your cruise terminal or hotel. After boarding the luxury coach and meeting your fellow travelers it’s time to head north through the English countryside toward London.

There will be a knowledgeable local guide giving onboard commentary at key points during the journey. Along the way, you’ll stop at two or three different attractions. These can include Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral, Windsor, Oxford or Blenheim Palace, depending on your chosen route.

Guided tours are available at Salisbury, while at other sites you’ll have free time to explore and stretch your legs. You will have the chance to purchase lunch at various points during the day.

Then, after a grand day out, you’ll arrive in London during the late afternoon. Tours finish either at a central city hotel or at Heathrow Airport for onward travel.

What kind of tours are available to go to London?

You have a couple of different options when it comes to a day trip to London from Southampton. Here are the most common choices:

Guided tour to London from Southampton

Most excursions to London from Southampton run as transfers between the cities. This is a popular option for cruise passengers who are disembarking their ship in Southampton.

On these day trips you’ll be able to combine sightseeing in London with convenient transportation to your final destination. It’s an easy way to travel whilst ticking off famous attractions along the way.

You will be traveling by coach with up to 50 passengers on board to keep the experience cost-effective.

Private tour to London from Southampton

For the ultimate London day tour from Southampton, choose a private experience for the full VIP treatment. On these excursions, you’ll travel in an exclusive vehicle rather than a coach.

You can opt for a simple transfer between Southampton and London or add on a sightseeing tour for a longer day out. On the latter trips, you will be able to visit places like Windsor Castle and Stonehenge or Oxford and Blenheim Palace. The choice is yours.

At the attractions, you will have time to explore or take an audio guide tour. Entry to the attractions can be included in the package price, or you can pay on the door if you prefer.

You’ll be dropped off at your London hotel at the end of a fun-packed day out.

How much does a day trip to London from Southampton cost?

A full-day tour to London from Southampton with stops at multiple attractions like Windsor Castle and Stonehenge costs from £170 per person. Pickups, drop-offs and attraction entry fees are included in this package. This price is on a group basis with coach transportation provided.

For a private London day trip from Southampton, expect to pay between £350 and £600 per person depending on the tour length. Entry tickets to attractions are usually extra so check the details carefully at the time of booking. You will have an exclusive vehicle and driver-guide for the duration of your trip.

Private transfers without stopping at attractions are priced from £140 per passenger including hotel pickups.

What will you see and do?

Many day trips to London from Southampton operate as a scenic transfer between the two cities. This means you’ll have more time to take in the sights without having to factor in return travel. Here are some of the highlights of a jaunt to London.

Stonehenge

No one knows for sure why Stonehenge was built. Some believe it was a temple, others think it was an ancient clock, while many suggest it was a burial site. Whatever its original purpose, Stonehenge is probably the most famous ancient stone circle in the world.

During a stop here you can walk around the circle, explore the neolithic village and pop into the visitor center.

Salisbury Cathedral

The historic town of Salisbury is home to one of England’s most ornate cathedrals. Here, you’ll admire the Gothic architecture of Salisbury Cathedral, which boasts the tallest spire in the country.

Inside you’ll discover the world’s oldest clock which dates to the 14th century, as well as one of the original copies of the Magna Carta.

Windsor Castle

Sitting pretty above the River Thames, Windsor Castle has over 1,000 years of history under its belt. This royal pile has been home to British monarchs for centuries and was the favorite residence of Queen Elizabeth II.

During a visit to Windsor Castle, you will discover the famous St. George’s Chapel. This is the final resting place of the queen and many royals before her.

You’ll also be able to explore the state apartments to see how the other half live. Audio guides are available to help you make the most of your experience.

When is the best time to visit London?

London is a year-round destination, with plenty to enjoy no matter the weather.

To experience the London region at its warmest, come in summer between June and September. Winters can be chilly and sometimes wet but you’ll be fine if you wrap up warm and take a raincoat.

Travel tips

The English capital is an extremely popular destination so book your day trip to London from Southampton as soon as possible.
Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll probably be doing a fair amount of walking. Take a jacket if you’re visiting outside of summer and an umbrella if it looks like rain.
Lunch is not usually included in the tour package but there will be ample opportunity to purchase food during the day.
Make sure your camera batteries are fully charged the night before – there’s a lot to see on these London excursions.

London: Day Trips and Tours from Southampton