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20 One‑Day Drive Options from Acton Town — Short Day Trips (Round‑Trip Driving ≤ 2h)

Viewed by 87 travelers

Day 1: Royal Windsor

Windsor, United Kingdom on August 23, 2025

8:30am

Drive Acton Town → Windsor

Short westward drive to Windsor; typically 30–45 minutes off‑peak. Aim to arrive before the Castle opens for the best experience.
GBP8, 0h40m

9:15am

Breakfast on Peascod Street

Friendly cafés and bakeries serve breakfast from about 8:00–9:00 — a good local start before sightseeing.
GBP10, 0h30m

10:00am

Windsor Castle & St George’s Chapel

Tour the State Apartments and the chapel; a quintessential royal visit for Londoners. Castle typically opens around 10:00—check Royal Collection site for closures.
GBP28, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch by the Thames (The Boatman or Carpenters Arms)

Riverside pubs are classic choices — seasonal menus and river views are especially pleasant in good weather.
GBP22, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk Windsor Great Park / The Long Walk

Iconic tree‑lined vista to the Castle and open parkland — free and ideal for photos and a gentle stroll.
GBP0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Tea or an early pint in town

Finish with tea or an early dinner in Windsor before heading back to London.
GBP12, 0h45m

5:00pm

Drive Windsor → Acton Town

Return drive (approx 30–45 minutes), keeping round‑trip driving under two hours.
GBP8, 0h40m

Day 2: Hampton Court

Hampton Court, United Kingdom on August 23, 2025

9:00am

Drive Acton Town → Hampton Court

Short drive south‑west to the palace (≈25–35 minutes).
GBP6, 0h30m

9:40am

Breakfast near Hampton Court station

Grab coffee and a light breakfast at a café before palace opening.
GBP9, 0h30m

10:30am

Hampton Court Palace & Gardens

Explore the Tudor rooms, kitchens and formal gardens; palace usually opens ~10:00 (seasonal).
GBP25, 2h30m

1:15pm

Lunch at a riverside pub (The Anchor or similar)

Relaxed riverside or pub lunch close to the palace.
GBP18, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk in Bushy Park

Large park with ponds and roaming deer — a peaceful post‑palace walk popular with Londoners.
GBP0, 1h15m

4:00pm

Tea and cake at a local tearoom

Finish with tea locally before your return drive.
GBP8, 0h30m

4:45pm

Drive Hampton Court → Acton Town

Return to Acton Town (≈25–35 minutes).
GBP6, 0h30m

Day 3: Henley Riverside

Henley-on-Thames, United Kingdom on August 23, 2025

8:30am

Drive Acton Town → Henley-on-Thames

Drive west to the historic riverside town (≈45–55 minutes).
GBP10, 0h50m

9:30am

Breakfast riverside

Enjoy pastries and coffee with river views in town; cafés open from about 8:30–9:00.
GBP9, 0h30m

10:15am

Riverside walk & boathouses

Stroll the Thames towpath, admire classic rowing sights and historic boathouses.
GBP0, 1h0m

11:30am

Short drive to Hambleden / lunch

Charming nearby village pubs serve classic British lunches from noon — a favourite escape for Londoners.
GBP20, 1h15m

1:30pm

Walk Hambleden Valley or visit Mill End

Easy countryside walk with village scenery and rolling hills — peaceful and picturesque.
GBP0, 1h0m

2:45pm

Coffee and shops in Henley

Return to Henley to browse independent shops or have a coffee by the river.
GBP8, 0h45m

4:00pm

Early dinner at a riverside pub

Conclude with an early dinner or a pint at a well‑reviewed local pub.
GBP22, 1h0m

5:15pm

Drive Henley → Acton Town

Return drive (≈45–55 minutes), keeping total driving within your limit.
GBP10, 0h50m

Day 4: Box Hill Views

Box Hill (Surrey), United Kingdom on August 23, 2025

8:15am

Drive Acton Town → Box Hill (Dorking)

Scenic drive to the Surrey Hills (approx 50–60 minutes).
GBP10, 0h55m

9:15am

Breakfast in Dorking or Denbies Café

Local cafés and Denbies Farm Café serve breakfast from around 9:00; a practical start before your walk.
GBP10, 0h30m

10:00am

Walk to Box Hill viewpoint

Short trails lead to dramatic panoramic views across the Surrey countryside — a National Trust favourite for Londoners who love walking.
GBP0, 1h15m

11:30am

Visit Denbies Wine Estate (optional tasting)

Optional vineyard tour and tasting or simply enjoy the visitor centre and views; book tasting slots ahead if needed.
GBP15, 1h15m

1:00pm

Lunch in Dorking (gastropub)

Dorking has a good selection of independent restaurants and pubs — ideal for a relaxed midday meal.
GBP18, 1h0m

2:30pm

Browse Dorking shops or short countryside stroll

Wander independent shops or have a gentle walk nearby to round off the afternoon.
GBP0, 0h45m

4:00pm

Tea or cake at a local tearoom

Finish with tea and cake at a cosy local spot before returning to London.
GBP8, 0h30m

5:15pm

Drive Box Hill → Acton Town

Return drive (≈50–60 minutes) back to Acton Town.
GBP10, 0h55m

Day 5: St Albans History

St Albans, United Kingdom on August 23, 2025

8:45am

Drive Acton Town → St Albans

Northbound drive to this historic city (≈35–45 minutes).
GBP7, 0h40m

9:30am

Breakfast on St Peter’s Street

Popular cafés near the cathedral serve great coffee and pastries from about 8:30–9:00.
GBP8, 0h30m

10:15am

St Albans Cathedral & Clock Tower

Visit the medieval cathedral and (if open) climb the clock tower for panoramic views of the city.
GBP5, 1h15m

11:45am

Verulamium Park & Roman Theatre

Walk the park to see Roman ruins and lakeside scenery — an atmospheric green space close to the centre.
GBP0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at a local gastropub or The Waffle House

St Albans has many popular independent lunch spots, perfect for a relaxed midday meal.
GBP16, 1h0m

2:30pm

Verulamium Museum or Market browsing

Visit the Roman museum (typically 10:00–16:30) or browse independent shops and market stalls (check market day).
GBP8, 1h0m

3:45pm

Tea & cake at a charming tearoom

Finish with cake and tea before your return drive home.
GBP6, 0h30m

4:30pm

Drive St Albans → Acton Town

Return drive (≈35–45 minutes) to Acton Town.
GBP7, 0h40m

Day 6: Marlow & Thames

Marlow, United Kingdom on August 23, 2025

8:30am

Drive Acton Town → Marlow

Drive west to the attractive riverside town of Marlow (≈45–55 minutes).
GBP10, 0h50m

9:30am

Breakfast by the river

Marlow has great riverside cafés and bakeries; enjoy a relaxed breakfast with a view.
GBP10, 0h30m

10:15am

Walk Higginson Park & the Suspension Bridge

Pleasant riverside walk to the iconic suspension bridge and town centre.
GBP0, 1h0m

11:30am

Browse town boutiques & galleries

Marlow’s independent shops and galleries are popular with day‑trippers from London.
GBP0, 0h45m

1:00pm

Lunch at a riverside pub or The Hand & Flowers (book ahead)

Choose a classic pub lunch or, for a special treat, book a table at a renowned restaurant nearby (advance booking needed).
GBP25, 1h15m

2:45pm

Short boat trip or Thames walk to Cookham (optional)

Take a short river trip or walk along the Thames to nearby Cookham for more lovely scenery.
GBP12, 1h0m

4:15pm

Tea & cake in town

Relax with tea before heading home.
GBP8, 0h30m

5:00pm

Drive Marlow → Acton Town

Return drive (≈45–55 minutes) to Acton Town.
GBP10, 0h50m

Day 7: Amersham & Chilterns

Amersham, United Kingdom on August 23, 2025

8:30am

Drive Acton Town → Amersham

Head north‑west into the Chilterns (≈40–50 minutes).
GBP8, 0h45m

9:20am

Breakfast in Amersham Old Town

Charming Old Town cafés open from about 9:00 — a local favourite before countryside walks.
GBP9, 0h30m

10:15am

Walk the Chiltern Hills (short circular route)

Enjoy easy rolling‑hills walking with classic Chiltern views — ideal for a half‑day outdoor option.
GBP0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at a village pub

Choose a cosy pub in Amersham or a nearby Chiltern village for local seasonal food.
GBP16, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Chesham or local antique shops

Browse independent shops, antiques and craft stores — a slow afternoon activity enjoyed by Londoners escaping the city.
GBP0, 1h0m

3:00pm

Coffee and a stroll in the Old Town

Relax with a coffee and enjoy the historic streets before the return drive.
GBP8, 0h45m

4:00pm

Drive Amersham → Acton Town

Return to Acton Town (≈40–50 minutes).
GBP8, 0h45m

Day 8: Ashridge Estate

Berkhamsted / Ashridge, United Kingdom on August 23, 2025

8:30am

Drive Acton Town → Ashridge Estate (Berkhamsted)

Drive north to the National Trust Ashridge Estate (≈40–50 minutes).
GBP8, 0h45m

9:30am

Breakfast in Berkhamsted

Local cafés in Berkhamsted serve breakfast from around 8:30—good base before your walk.
GBP9, 0h30m

10:15am

Walk Ashridge Estate

Large wooded estate with rolling commons, spectacular views and historic buildings — great for a 2‑3 hour walk.
GBP0, 2h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at a local pub

Enjoy a hearty pub lunch in Berkhamsted or nearby village after your walk.
GBP16, 1h0m

2:15pm

Explore Berkhamsted High Street & castle mound

Browse independent shops and see the historic motte and bailey castle mound in town.
GBP0, 0h45m

3:15pm

Coffee & cake before departure

Relax at a café with cake before the short drive home.
GBP8, 0h30m

4:00pm

Drive Berkhamsted → Acton Town

Return drive (~40–50 minutes).
GBP8, 0h45m

Day 9: Virginia Water & Savill

Virginia Water / Windsor Great Park, United Kingdom on August 23, 2025

8:30am

Drive Acton Town → Virginia Water

Short westward drive to Virginia Water Lake in Windsor Great Park (≈35 minutes).
GBP7, 0h35m

9:15am

Breakfast at the Visitor Centre café

Enjoy coffee and pastries before a lakeside walk; opening times generally from 9:00.
GBP8, 0h30m

10:00am

Walk around Virginia Water & Savill Garden

Circular walk past the lake, waterfalls and Savill Garden — a beautifully landscaped National Trust/HM site popular with Londoners.
GBP6, 1h45m

12:00pm

Lunch at a nearby country pub

Several good pubs and cafés serve lunchtime meals near the park entrance.
GBP18, 1h0m

1:30pm

Short drive to Ascot or Windsor area for a stroll

Combine with a quick visit to Ascot village or the nearby town for shopping and a further wander.
GBP0, 0h45m

3:00pm

Tea & cake at a local tea room

Finish with tea locally before your return drive to Acton.
GBP8, 0h30m

4:00pm

Drive Virginia Water → Acton Town

Return drive (≈35–45 minutes) to Acton Town.
GBP7, 0h40m

Day 10: RHS Wisley Gardens

RHS Garden Wisley, United Kingdom on August 23, 2025

8:30am

Drive Acton Town → RHS Wisley

Head southwest to Wisley (approx 40–55 minutes depending on route).
GBP9, 0h50m

9:30am

Breakfast at the Wisley café

Onsite café opens early for light breakfast and coffee; good base before exploring the extensive gardens.
GBP9, 0h30m

10:15am

Explore Wisley Gardens

Large RHS gardens with seasonal displays, rock gardens and glasshouses — ideal for horticulture lovers and a popular day trip for Londoners. Garden hours usually from 10:00 (seasonal variations).
GBP13, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at the Garden Restaurant

Seasonal menu and light meals on site — convenient and relaxed for a midday break.
GBP15, 1h0m

1:45pm

Short walk in nearby Surrey countryside

Enjoy a gentle countryside stroll in the surrounding area; local footpaths are well signed.
GBP0, 1h0m

3:15pm

Tea and plant shop browsing

Browse the plant centre and pick up a souvenir plant or gift before heading home.
GBP8, 0h30m

4:00pm

Drive Wisley → Acton Town

Return drive (≈45–55 minutes) to Acton Town.
GBP9, 0h50m

Day 11: Polesden Lacey

Polesden Lacey (Great Bookham), United Kingdom on August 23, 2025

8:15am

Drive Acton Town → Polesden Lacey

Drive to the National Trust estate near Great Bookham (≈45–60 minutes).
GBP10, 0h50m

9:15am

Breakfast at a local café or estate café

Local cafés serve breakfast from about 9:00; the estate also has a visitor café when open.
GBP9, 0h30m

10:15am

Explore Polesden Lacey house & grounds

Edwardian house with gardens and estate walks — popular with Londoners for a cultured country day out. National Trust hours typically start 10:00; check the site for seasonal details.
GBP12, 2h0m

12:45pm

Lunch in nearby Dorking or Bookham

Choose a village pub or café for a relaxed midday meal.
GBP16, 1h0m

2:00pm

Short Surrey Hills walk or visit a garden

Take a short walk in the nearby countryside or visit a nearby community garden.
GBP0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Tea & scones before departing

Finish with traditional tea and scones at a local tearoom.
GBP7, 0h30m

4:15pm

Drive Polesden Lacey → Acton Town

Return drive (≈45–60 minutes) back to Acton Town.
GBP10, 0h50m

Day 12: Denbies Wine

Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, United Kingdom on August 23, 2025

8:15am

Drive Acton Town → Denbies (Dorking)

Drive into the Surrey Hills to the vineyard and visitor centre (≈50–60 minutes).
GBP10, 0h55m

9:15am

Breakfast at the Denbies Café

Onsite café opens early for breakfast — handy before a vineyard tour or walk.
GBP9, 0h30m

10:15am

Vineyard tour & tasting (book ahead)

Guided tours and tastings run on set times — a relaxed wine experience close to London.
GBP18, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at the estate or neighbouring pub

Enjoy seasonal dishes on site or sample local pub food in Dorking.
GBP18, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk Box Hill trails or visit nearby viewpoints

Combine your wine visit with short scenic walks on Box Hill (National Trust).
GBP0, 1h15m

3:00pm

Coffee and wine shop browsing

Browse Denbies’ wine shop and enjoy a coffee before heading home.
GBP8, 0h30m

4:00pm

Drive Denbies → Acton Town

Return drive (≈50–60 minutes) to Acton Town.
GBP10, 0h55m

Day 13: Cliveden Estate

Cliveden, Taplow (near Maidenhead), United Kingdom on August 23, 2025

8:30am

Drive Acton Town → Cliveden

Drive west to the Cliveden estate near Maidenhead (≈40–50 minutes).
GBP9, 0h45m

9:30am

Breakfast in nearby Cookham or Cliveden Café

Local cafés and the estate café serve breakfast; a good base before exploring gardens and riverside.
GBP10, 0h30m

10:15am

Explore Cliveden House grounds & riverside

Historic estate with formal gardens and sweeping river views — popular with Londoners for a stately country day out. Grounds open seasonally; check opening times.
GBP12, 2h0m

12:45pm

Lunch in Cookham or at the estate

Cookham offers pubs and cafés, or dine at an estate restaurant if available.
GBP18, 1h0m

2:15pm

Walk the Thames path to Bourne End

Pleasant riverside walking to neighbouring villages and locks — a gentle afternoon option.
GBP0, 1h0m

3:45pm

Tea & cake in Cookham village

Relax in a village tearoom before your return drive.
GBP8, 0h30m

4:30pm

Drive Cliveden/Cookham → Acton Town

Return drive (≈40–50 minutes) to Acton Town.
GBP9, 0h45m

Day 14: Cookham & Bourne End

Cookham / Bourne End, United Kingdom on August 23, 2025

8:30am

Drive Acton Town → Cookham

Short drive west to Cookham on the Thames (≈40–50 minutes).
GBP9, 0h45m

9:30am

Breakfast in Cookham High Street

Charming village cafés open early for coffee and pastries — a peaceful riverside start.
GBP9, 0h30m

10:15am

Walk the Thames Path & explore the village

Scenic walks along the river and painters’ cottages that inspired local artists — popular with London day‑trippers.
GBP0, 1h15m

12:00pm

Lunch at a riverside pub or The Fat Duck area (Bray nearby)

Choose a relaxed pub lunch in Cookham or travel a few minutes to Bray for more options (book ahead if going to a popular restaurant).
GBP22, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit nearby Bourne End & Boulter’s Lock

Short drive to Bourne End for classic riverside scenes and lockside walking.
GBP0, 1h0m

3:00pm

Coffee and riverside relaxation

Enjoy coffee by the river and watch boats pass before your return trip.
GBP8, 0h30m

4:00pm

Drive Cookham → Acton Town

Return drive (≈40–50 minutes) to Acton Town.
GBP9, 0h45m

Day 15: Leith Hill Walk

Leith Hill (near Dorking), United Kingdom on August 23, 2025

8:00am

Drive Acton Town → Leith Hill

Drive south‑west into the Surrey Hills toward Leith Hill (≈50–60 minutes).
GBP10, 0h55m

9:00am

Breakfast in a nearby village café

Small village cafés open from about 9:00 — a practical start before the hill walk.
GBP9, 0h30m

10:00am

Hike to Leith Hill Tower (highest point in Surrey)

Short but rewarding hike to the tower for sweeping views across the Weald and Thames estuary on clear days — popular for countryside day walks.
GBP0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Picnic or pub lunch in Coldharbour

Pack a picnic or enjoy a lunch at a nearby pub in a small Surrey hamlet.
GBP15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit nearby chocolate or farm shop (seasonal)

Some local artisan producers and farm shops are open in the area — nice for browsing local goods.
GBP0, 0h45m

3:00pm

Tea at a local tearoom

Relax with tea before heading back to London.
GBP7, 0h30m

4:00pm

Drive Leith Hill → Acton Town

Return drive (≈50–60 minutes) to Acton Town.
GBP10, 0h55m

Day 16: Epping Forest

Epping Forest (High Beach / Loughton), United Kingdom on August 23, 2025

8:30am

Drive Acton Town → Epping Forest (High Beach or Loughton)

Drive north‑east to the ancient woodland of Epping Forest (≈35–50 minutes depending on route).
GBP7, 0h45m

9:30am

Breakfast at a village café near the forest

Local cafés serve breakfast from about 9:00 before you head into the woods.
GBP8, 0h30m

10:15am

Woodland walk & viewpoints

Wide tracks, ponds and viewpoints make Epping Forest a favourite for Londoners seeking nearby nature — pick a 1–2 hour circular route.
GBP0, 1h45m

12:15pm

Lunch at a local gastropub

Forest‑edge pubs do good seasonal food — a restful place to refuel.
GBP16, 1h0m

1:45pm

Visit Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge (Waltham Abbey) or local museum

Historic lodge/museum nearby offers a compact cultural visit if open (check times).
GBP6, 0h45m

3:15pm

Coffee and a short stroll

Finish with a coffee by the forest edge before returning to London.
GBP7, 0h30m

4:00pm

Drive Epping Forest → Acton Town

Return drive (≈35–50 minutes) to Acton Town.
GBP7, 0h45m

Day 17: Wendover & Coombe

Wendover / Coombe Hill, United Kingdom on August 23, 2025

8:00am

Drive Acton Town → Wendover

Drive northwest to Wendover and Coombe Hill in the Chilterns (≈50–60 minutes).
GBP9, 0h55m

9:00am

Breakfast in Wendover High Street

Independent cafés open early for coffee and pastries — a good base before hill walking.
GBP9, 0h30m

10:00am

Walk to Coombe Hill monument

Short climb to the monument with excellent Chiltern views — an invigorating half‑day walk popular with locals.
GBP0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at a Wendover pub

Traditional pub or café in Wendover for a satisfying lunch.
GBP16, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Wendover antiques & crafts

Browse independent shops, antiques and crafts in the market town.
GBP0, 0h45m

3:00pm

Tea & cake at a tearoom

Relax with tea before the drive back to Acton.
GBP7, 0h30m

4:00pm

Drive Wendover → Acton Town

Return drive (≈50–60 minutes) to Acton Town.
GBP9, 0h55m

Day 18: Ascot & Sunninghill

Ascot, United Kingdom on August 23, 2025

8:30am

Drive Acton Town → Ascot

Short westward drive to Ascot and Sunninghill area (≈35–45 minutes).
GBP7, 0h40m

9:15am

Breakfast in Ascot High Street

Local cafés provide a relaxed start; Ascot village has a refined small‑town atmosphere.
GBP9, 0h30m

10:00am

Walk in the Ascot Heath / Windsor Racecourse vicinity

Pleasant heathland and parkland walking; check events if you’re visiting on a race day (book ahead).
GBP0, 1h15m

12:00pm

Lunch at a local gastropub

Sunninghill and Ascot have good pubs and restaurants for a relaxed midday meal.
GBP18, 1h0m

1:45pm

Visit nearby Savill Garden or Runnymede

Combine with a short visit to nearby gardens or the Runnymede Magna Carta site (both within a short drive).
GBP6, 1h15m

3:30pm

Tea at a village tearoom

Finish with tea locally before heading back to Acton.
GBP7, 0h30m

4:15pm

Drive Ascot → Acton Town

Return drive (≈35–45 minutes) to Acton Town.
GBP7, 0h40m

Day 19: Bray & Maidenhead

Bray / Maidenhead, United Kingdom on August 23, 2025

8:30am

Drive Acton Town → Maidenhead / Bray

Drive west to Maidenhead and the famed foodie village Bray (≈40–50 minutes).
GBP9, 0h45m

9:30am

Breakfast in Maidenhead

Town cafés open early and are handy before riverside walking or a village visit.
GBP9, 0h30m

10:15am

Boulter’s Lock & riverside walk

Classic Thames scenery and boating views popular with London day trippers.
GBP0, 1h0m

11:45am

Short drive to Bray for lunch (book if visiting top restaurants)

Bray has some world‑class restaurants (book well ahead) and good village pubs for a special meal.
GBP30, 1h30m

2:30pm

Stroll Bray village or visit a local riverside walk

Small village charm and riverside paths make for a pleasant afternoon wander.
GBP0, 0h45m

3:30pm

Coffee in Maidenhead or a riverside café

Relax over coffee before your return journey.
GBP7, 0h30m

4:15pm

Drive Maidenhead/Bray → Acton Town

Return drive (≈40–50 minutes) to Acton Town.
GBP9, 0h45m

Day 20: Runnymede & Magna Carta

Runnymede (near Egham), United Kingdom on August 23, 2025

8:30am

Drive Acton Town → Runnymede

Drive west to Runnymede on the Thames, site of the Magna Carta memorial (≈35–45 minutes).
GBP7, 0h40m

9:15am

Breakfast at a nearby café (Egham/Runnymede)

Local cafés are a short drive from the site and open early for breakfast.
GBP8, 0h30m

10:00am

Visit Runnymede, the Magna Carta Memorial & Ankerwycke Yew

Historic riverside meadows with the famous memorial and ancient yew tree — peaceful and thought‑provoking, popular for short heritage walks.
GBP0, 1h15m

11:30am

Walk along the Thames towpath

Pleasant riverside walking and photographic spots; a quiet, green escape very close to London.
GBP0, 1h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at a local pub in Egham or nearby village

Local pubs offer classic seasonal pub lunches and are convenient for a relaxed midday stop.
GBP16, 1h0m

2:15pm

Optional: Visit Cooper’s Hill or nearby gardens

Short local attractions or gardens can be slotted in depending on interest and opening times.
GBP0, 0h45m

3:30pm

Tea & cake locally

Finish with tea and cake before driving back to Acton.
GBP7, 0h30m

4:15pm

Drive Runnymede → Acton Town

Return drive (≈35–45 minutes) to Acton Town, completing your short heritage day trip.
GBP7, 0h40m
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