Free June 21st? Check out these European day trips from London – that cost less than the train to Manchester

Looking for an adventure in June but struggling with limited time? The team at hotukdeals.com have found three day trips from London you can take on 21st June, for less than £70.

Take advantage of the solstice, the longest day of the year, when the sun reaches the highest point in the sky for the northern hemisphere, with a flying visit to Ireland, France or Poland.

1. Wander the Wild Atlantic Way in Shannon, Ireland

The team at hotukdeals.com have found three day trips from London you can take on 21st June, for less than £70.

placeholder image — The team at hotukdeals.com have found three day trips from London you can take on 21st June, for less than £70.

Fly from London Stansted at 8:40am, return at 7:05pm

Flights cost: £31.25

Airline: Ryanair

Itinerary:

10:10am: Land in Shannon and catch the Expressway 51 bus to Limerick (~30 mins).
11:00am: Explore King John's Castle and the medieval quarter.
1:00pm: Lunch at the Milk Market with local artisanal fare.
2:30pm: Visit the Hunt Museum or take a riverside walk along the Shannon.
4:30pm: Coffee in a local café and browse shops on O'Connell Street.
5:30pm: Return bus to Shannon Airport.

For just over £30, enjoy a relaxed cultural day in Ireland's underrated riverside city, all via easy public transport.

Plus, as a bonus, did you know that Shannon airport has the world’s first ever duty-free shop? So, even if you don’t leave the airport, you can claim to have sampled some history. Nice one.

2. Sip Wine & Stroll the Loire in Nantes, France

Fly out from London Gatwick at 6:25am, back via London Stansted at 9:55pm

Cost: £55

Airlines: Easyjet (Gatwick-Nantes) and Ryanair (Nantes-Stansted)

Itinerary:

8:50am: Arrive in Nantes and grab breakfast by the river.
10:00am: Visit the surreal Les Machines de l'île.
12:30pm: Lunch at a local bistro in the Bouffay district.
2:00pm: Explore the Château des Ducs de Bretagne.
4:30pm: Stroll along the Loire or take a short boat cruise.
7:00pm: Enjoy early dinner and a glass of Muscadet.

A day of food, history, and art in the Loire Valley for less than your UK rail fare.

3. Baltic Beauty in Gdansk, Poland

Depart London Stansted at 7:30am, return at 10:00pm

Cost: £66.92

Airline: Ryanair

Itinerary:

10:35am: Land in Gdansk and head to the Old Town.
11:30am: Walk the Royal Route and Long Market.
1:00pm: Lunch on Polish specialties like pierogi.
2:30pm: Visit the WWII Museum or Solidarity Center.
5:00pm: Relax at Brzeźno Beach or along the Motława River.
7:30pm: Dinner with a view before heading back.

This Baltic gem offers a full cultural deep dive and seaside serenity without the tourist overload.

There we have it. Three countries, one long summer day, and all for less than a train to Manchester. With budget flights and smart planning, Europe's at your doorstep. So go on, seize the solstice and the deal.

For more travel deals follow the travel thread on hotukdeals.