7 of the Best Autumn Day Trips from London
Craving an autumn escape from London? These 7 pretty places are all perfect for a dreamy day trip (or weekend away) from the city. Whether you fancy a picturesque market towns surrounded by English countryside, or an iconic historic city with lots of great foodie spots, there’s a perfect London day trip for you.
Each destination is easy to reach by train (no car needed), making them ideal for spontaneous weekend getaways.
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1. Saffron Walden
This colourful market town is tucked away in the rolling countryside of Essex and feels a world away from London’s bustle. Saffron Walden is sometimes overlooked as one of the best day trips from London – due to not having its own train station – but it’s actually very easy to get to, with the nearest station just an 8 minute bus ride away.
Stroll through its medieval streets lined with half-timbered houses, explore Bridge End Garden, and browse the traditional Saturday market, one of England’s oldest.
the besT things to Do in saffron walden
- see the rainbow coloured timber framed houses in Castle Street
- visit the nearby Audley End – a stunning historic house & gardens
- browse the high street & its side streets and discover great cosy cafes & independent shops
- make a quick visit to Wendens Ambo village (where the nearest train station is located) and see the cute cottages in Church Path
- if you’re coming from London you can take this Medieval England small group tour, that combines a visit to Cambridge with a trip to Saffron Walden and other nearby small towns
where to stay in saffroN walden
Braybrooke Cottage – a very cute two bedroom holiday home
Miller Cottage – a cosy historic cottage with a terrace and a garden
Pounce Hall – a stunning 6 bedroom home, close to Saffron Walden
where to eat & drink in saffroN walden
Chaters – for perfect bakery/ small plates/ wine bar vibes
Cozy Bistro & Cafe – cosy cafe with delicious fresh food and friendly service
New World Wine – independent wine shop & tasting room in the heart of Saffron Walden
How to Get to Saffron Walden from London by train
take a train from London Liverpool Street to Audley End (55 minutes) – Saffron Walden is an 8 minute bus, or 50 minute walk from the station
2. bath
A UNESCO World Heritage city, Bath is always worth visiting, but autumn makes it magical. Crunch through fallen leaves in Royal Victoria Park, admire Georgian architecture framed by amber trees, and relax in the Thermae Bath Spa.
the best things to do in bath
- visit the historic Roman Baths
- see Bath Abbey
- stroll across Pulteney Bridge
- find the cities historic crescent streets – The Circus and Royal Crescent
- visit some of the very pretty nearby Cotswolds villages
where to stay in bath
Eight – a boutique townhouse hotel in the heart of Bath’s old town
Hotel Indigo – a stunning hotel set in an 18th century Georgian townhouse
The Curator’s Apartment – a beautiful home-away-from-home design-led apartment
where to eat& drink
Colonna & Small’s – an award winning speciality coffee shop
Landrace Bakery – a beautiful bakery, shop & cafe
Corkage – natural wine and contemporary European dishes
How to Get to bath from London
Bath Spa station is around 1 hour 20 minutes from London Paddington
3. bradforD-on-avon
This beautiful Wiltshire town often feels like a miniature Bath, with honey-coloured cottages, quaint lanes, and a peaceful riverside setting. Autumn is the perfect time to plan a day trip from London to this pretty golden-hued small town
Best Things to Do in Bradford-on-AVon
- visit the 14th-century Tithe Barn
- take a scenic canal walk
- go to Ilford Manor – a beautiful estate and gardens, 10 minutes from Bradford-on-Avon
where to stay in bradford-on-avon
The Hall – a Grade I listed luxury Jacobean mansion hotel
Timbrell’s Yard – a historic hotel on the banks of the River Avon
Cosy Cottage – a cute holiday home with private parking
where to eat & drink
Little Rituals – gorgeous plant-filled coffee shop
Pipit – for incredible pastries
Bridge Tea Room – an iconic traditional English tea room
How to Get to Bradford-on-AVon from London
Bradford-on-Avon is about 1 hour 45 minutes on the train from London Paddington station. You just need to change trains once in Bath (then Bradford-on-Avon is 18 minutes away), so you can easily combine a trip to both places for a great little weekend away.
4. arundel
Set beside the River Arun in West Sussex, Arundel is one of the most picturesque small towns near London. In Arundel you’ll find a stunning castle, a pretty high street and lovely river and countryside walks nearby.
Things to See and Do in Arundel
- tour Arundel Castle and Gardens
- walk along the River Arun
- explore antique shops and cosy cafes in town
- join this Arundel antiques foraging walking tour that includes visiting some of the town’s best antique & vintage stores, eating at a historic eatery then finishing off with a traditional English afternoon tea
where to stay in arundel
St Mary’s Gate Inn – cosy rooms in a historic pub
The Swan Hotel – rooms in a traditional country pub in the heart of Arundel
The Bakery – a beautiful 2 bedroom holiday home
where to eat & drink
Juniper – a gorgeous independent cafe, bakery & restaurant
The Black Rabbit – country pub nestled on the riverbank
Tarrant Street Espresso – a great little coffee spot
How to Get to arundel from London
Arundel is about 1 hour 30 minutes by train from London Victoria
5. rye
Visit this small town East Sussex town in autumn for optimum cosy vibes. With its cobbled streets, timber framed medieval cottages and historic pubs, Rye is perfect for a weekend mini break or an autumn day trip from London
The best things to do in rye
- climb St. Mary’s Church Tower for panoramic views
- explore Mermaid Street
- browse Rye’s galleries and antique stores
- visit the nearby Camber Sands beach (one of the only sandy beaches in the area)
- take a private guided walk and discover all the best secrets of this pretty small town
where to stay in rye
The George in Rye – a charming historic boutique, hotel in the heart of the tow
Whitehouse – beautiful bed & bed breakfast rooms in a heritage building, with a lovely bakery and cafe downstairs
Mermaid Inn – cosy accommodation in a 12th century inn
where to eat & drink
The Mermaid Inn – historic inn with cosy dining
Whitehouse – a modern all-day eatery, with a great in-house bakery
The Cobbles Tea Room – a cosy tea room in a cobbled lane
How to Get to rye from London
Rye is just over 1 hour from London St Pancras station (you’ll just need t0 change trains once at Ashford International)
6. cambridge
Visit in autumn to see Cambridge’s historic colleges cloaked in golden ivy and the city’s cobbled streets lined with fallen leaves. Take a walk along The Backs for beautiful riverside views, or go for a gentle punt along the River Cam to see the bridges and colleges from the water. Spend some time exploring the Fitzwilliam Museum or the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, both of which are especially lovely at this time of year. Afterwards, warm up with tea and cake at a riverside café or stop by one of the city’s traditional pubs for a cosy lunch before heading back to London.
the best things to do in cambridge
- Explore Cambridge’s historic colleges, including King’s College and its famous chapel
- Browse the exhibitions at the Fitzwilliam Museum or the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
- Stroll through the Cambridge University Botanic Garden to see the autumn colours
- Stop for tea and cake at Fitzbillies, known for its sticky Chelsea buns
- Walk or cycle along the river to Grantchester, a charming village with cosy pubs and meadow views
where to stay in cambridge
Graduate Cambridge – chic, central, and river-adjacent.
The Varsity Hotel & Spa – modern hotel with rooftop views over the city
Turing Locke – stylish and great value aparthotel
where to eat & drink
Rocca – for great super smooth coffee, cake and foccacia sandwiches
Bould Brothers – artisan coffee roastery with a minimalist vibe
Pages – cute coffee shop with perfect cosy vibes
Getting to Cambridge from London
Direct trains from London King’s Cross or Liverpool Street to Cambridge take around 50–70 minutes.
7. lewes
Nestled in the South Downs National Park, Lewes blends small town charm with incredible English countryside views. Browse vintage shops, climb Lewes Castle, and hike up to Mount Caburn for panoramic autumn views. Visit in early November for the town’s legendary Bonfire Night celebrations, one of the most famous in the UK.
the best things to do in lewes
- browse the vintage & antique shops in Cliffe High Street
- climb Lewes Castle
- hike up to Mount Caburn for panoramic autumn views
- visit the historic Anne of Cleves House & Museum
- walk through the pretty Southover Grange Gardens
where to stay in Lewes
The White Hart – cosy historic former coaching inn
Black Tile Cottage – stylish self-catering cottage
where to eat & drink
Taith – beautiful coffee shop with South Downs views
Tigermoth Roastery – lovely independent coffee roatsers
Caccia & Tales – great little focaccia & cocktail spot
Getting to lewes from London
Lewes is 1 hour by train from London Victoria.
Frequently Asked Questions About Autumn Day Trips from London
What are the best autumn day trips from London by train?
Some of the best autumn day trips from London by train include Bath, Cambridge, Rye, Lewes, Arundel, Bradford on Avon, and Saffron Walden. All are under two hours from London and offer a mix of historic streets, riverside walks, and countryside scenery.
Where can I see autumn colours near London?
You can enjoy stunning autumn colours near London in places like Arundel Castle Gardens, Bridge End Garden in Saffron Walden, Royal Victoria Park in Bath, and along The Backs in Cambridge. The South Downs National Park near Lewes is also spectacular in late October.
What is the best time to take an autumn day trip from London?
The best time for autumn day trips from London is from late September to early November, when the trees are turning gold and the weather is still mild enough for walking and sightseeing.
Can I visit these autumn destinations without a car?
Yes! All seven destinations — Bath, Cambridge, Rye, Lewes, Arundel, Bradford on Avon, and Saffron Walden — are easily accessible by train from London. Each town is compact and walkable, perfect for a car-free day out.
What should I pack for an autumn day trip from London?
Pack comfortable walking shoes, a light waterproof jacket, and a camera to capture the autumn scenery. Layers are key, as the weather can shift from sunshine to drizzle throughout the day.
Which autumn day trip from London is best for couples?
For a romantic escape, head to Rye for cobbled streets and cosy pubs, or Bath for elegant architecture and spa indulgence. Arundel also makes a dreamy choice with its castle views and riverside walks.
Which autumn day trip from London is best for families?
Families will love Cambridge for punting and museums, Lewes for countryside walks, and Arundel for its impressive castle and nearby wildlife park. All offer plenty of family-friendly cafés and open spaces.
