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A day out of London is a fine idea once you have a few city days behind you. Three classics stand out, each an easy train ride away. Part of our London, compared series; see them all in the day trips guide.
For a castle: Windsor
Closest and easiest, Windsor pairs a working royal castle with a pretty riverside town. Ideal for a half or full day.
For dreaming spires: Oxford
Oxford is all honey-coloured colleges, grand libraries and the sense of having walked into a film set.
For the river and the colleges: Cambridge
Cambridge is Oxford's gentler rival, best enjoyed punting along the Backs past the great college lawns.
Whichever you choose, go early and travel light, as our notes on getting around suggest. Or compare London's museums for a city day instead.
