Staying in Earls Court when visiting London puts the best that the English capital has to offer right on your doorstep. Buckingham Palace, The Houses of Parliament, The British Museum, these, and many other London landmarks are only a stone’s throw away.

Yet that’s not to say you need be confined to the capital when planning your London city break. With Earls Court Station based right next to your hotel, you’ve essentially got the whole of Britain at your disposal, with a number of iconic landmarks only a few hours away by train.

Whether you’ve already seen everything you could want to see in London on previous trips and are now thinking of venturing further afield the next time you come to stay, or if you’re simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London for the day, here’s our guide to the top five British city day trips to take when staying in Earls Court, London.

Stonehenge, Salisbury,

Let’s get the most obvious one out of the way first shall we? As famous throughout the world as the Neolithic stone circle may be, not everyone who visits London for the first time is aware that they can visit the legendary landmark and still be back in the capital in time for dinner.

Based in the heart of Salisbury, Stonehenge has both captivated and confused historians for several centuries, and makes for one of the most fascinating experiences Britain has to offer.

Windsor Castle

You’ve seen Buckingham Palace, you’ve walked just a few minutes down the road from your Earls Court hotel to check out Kensington Palace, now it’s time to venture further afield to visit the oldest, and largest, occupied castle anywhere in the world.

Head from Earls Court Station to Waterloo, where a direct train will get you to Windsor within the hour. Once there, you’ll not only have the castle itself to enjoy, but also the delights of Legoland Windsor, perfect for those of you visiting with small children.

Thorpe Park, Surrey

Another ideal day trip for families, this popular theme park is only 20 miles from Central London, and takes less than an hour to reach from Earls Court Station.

On arrival, you and your young ones can enjoy up to 27 different rides suitable for different ages, including the thrilling Stealth, where you’re shot 205 feet into the air at an eye-watering 80 mph, and the brand new Derren Brown Ghost Train, based on the TV star’s spookiest performances.

Epping Forest, Essex

Available via both train and the London Underground (take the Central Line), Epping Forest is an area steeped in wonder, magic, and history. Here, you’ll find Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, an otherwise unassuming building built on commision for King Henry VIII back in 1534 before being bequeathed to his daughter, QUeen Elizabeth 1st.

The lodge itself is open for visitors on several days each week, though even if you go when it’s closed, there’s still lots to enjoy in Epping Forest, including the fascinating Iron-age hill forts and the mystical glades of High Beach and Ditches Ride.

Stratford-Upon-Avon

One for the history buffs and literature lovers alike, Stratford-Upon-Avon takes a little under two hours to reach via train from London, and it’s here where you’ll find the birthplace of England’s most celebrated Wordsmith, William Shakespeare.

After visiting the Shakespeare Houses and Gardens, take a tour around one of the most picturesque parts of Britain before watching the world-famous Shakespeare Theatre Company performing one of The Bard’s many classics.