The best day trips from London by train
There are so many great day trips you can do from London and in this guide you’ll find the very best day trips from London by train. All these trips take under 3 hours by train from Central London – with quite a few taking less than 60 minutes.
Choose from stunning historic cities, quaint seaside towns and idyllic countryside escapes – there’s a perfect day trip from London for everyone!
Day trips from London by train
If you’re planning a day trip from London, trains are often the quickest and cheapest way to there. London is very well connected by train and there are so many places in the UK (and mainland Europe!) that you can quickly reach by train.
How to get the cheapest train tickets from London
Be sure to book your train ticket in advance, as it will usually be a lot cheaper (often less than half price) than buying your ticket last minute at the station. If you book with Trainline you’ll be able to get the best priced train tickets and also an e-ticket you can easily use on your phone (for most stations, there are a few that a still a bit behind the times!)
19 of the best day trips from London by train
1. Bath
Bath is a beautiful historic city on the edge of The Cotswolds in West England. It’s quick and easy to get to by train from London and makes one of the best day trips (though you could easily spend a weekend or longer here too!)
If you’re planning a day trip to Bath from London you can find my full guide on the best things to do in Bath here.
How to get to Bath from London by train: You can get to Bath Spa station from London Paddington in around 1 hour and 20 minutes by train. Train tickets to Bath can be on the expensive side so I’d definite recommend booking your train in advance to get cheaper tickets.
2. York
York is another must visit city in the UK. It’s a picturesque city – full of history – in North East England.
While driving from London to York would take around 4 hours, you can get a fast train there in under 2.
You can find my full guide for the best things to do in York here.
How to get to York from London by train: Catch the train from London Kings Cross and you can be in York in around 1 hour and 50 minutes.
3. Oxford
The famous university town of Oxford makes a perfect day trip from London. In less than an hour you can be transported to this city, full of iconic colleges and landmarks. It’s one of the quickest and also most reasonably priced train day trips from London
How to get to Oxford from London by train: for the quickest journey from London to Oxford – get the train from London Paddington station (and you can be in Oxford in less than 50 minutes.) If you don’t mind a slightly longer journey (around 1 hour 20 minutes), but do want to get the best priced tickets – catch the train from London Marylebone to Oxford. If you book in advance you can often find tickets for less than £20.
4. Cambridge
Another English city famous for its prestigious university, Cambridge is a one of my favourite day trips from London. Like Oxford you’ll find lots of historic colleges and sights, as well as pretty streets.
How to get to Cambridge from London by train: For a London to Cambridge day trip get the train from London Kings Cross to Cambridge for the fastest journey – 50 minutes, or you can get a 1 hour 20 train (that’s often a little cheaper) from London Liverpool Street station. Book your train tickets to Cambridge here.
5. Brighton
Often referred to as London by the sea, Brighton is a city on the South Coast that offers you the best of both worlds – vibrant city life and chilled seaside vibes. It’s an easy one hour train trip from London Victoria and one of the absolute best day trips from London.
How to get to Brighton from London by train: You can get to Brighton station in 1 hour from London Victoria, or just over an hour from London Bridge station.
6. Canterbury
Canterbury is a picture perfect city in Kent. It’s a fairly small, easily walkable city with a pretty river running through it, a historic cathedral and cobbled streets. You can also get there in under an hour by train from Central London!
How to get to Canterbury from London by train: Book a fast train from London St Pancras to Canterbury West, and you can be in Canterbury in just 53 minutes.
7. Rye
Rye is a small town in East Sussex, that looks like something out of a fairytale. If you want to swap big city chaos for small town charm for a day – Rye is a perfect option for you. In Rye you’ll find medieval cobbled streets, quaint tea rooms and some great foodie spots.
If you have time – and you’re visiting on a sunny day – you can also take a quick bus ride to Camber Sands – one of England’s loveliest sandy beaches.
How to get to Rye from London by train: You can get to Rye from London St Pancras station in just over an hour.
8. Hastings
If you’re looking for old English seaside charm Hastings is a lovely option. I’d suggest skipping the main town centre and heading straight for the charming old town and the seafront.
How to get to Hastings from London by train: You can get to Hastings station from London St Pancras or London Charing Cross in just over an hour and a half.
9. Whitstable
Whitstable in Kent is another very cute quintessentially English seaside town. In Whitstable you’ll find a pretty coastline with colourful houses and beach huts and lots of great fresh seafood.
How to get to Whitstable from London by train: You go from London St Pancras station to get to Whitstable by train and the journey takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
10. Windsor
A Windsor Castle day trip from London is another brilliant day out. You can to get to Windsor in less than an hour from London, and then you can spend the day exploring the historic market town, Windsor castle and Windsor riverside.
How to get to Windsor from London by train: To get to Windsor from London by train you can get a direct train from London Waterloo, and arrive in Windsor in just under an hour.
11. Bristol
Bristol
Bristol – in the west of England – is one of the UK’s biggest cities. If you have just one day there I’d highly recommend spending it in the Clifton area. Clifton in Bristol is home to lots of pretty colourful streets, independent cafes and restaurants and the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge.
How to get to Bristol from London by train: get the train from London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads – it takes just over 1 hour and a half.
12. The New Forest
The New Forest is an idyllic area in Southern England with beautiful countryside and New Forest Ponies.
New Forest train stations: even though it’s very rural the New Forest has 9 different train stations to choose from – Ashurst, Beaulieu Road, Brockenhurst, Hinton Admiral, Lymington Town, Lymington Pier, New Milton, Sway and Toon.
How to get to The New Forest from London by train: You can get from London Waterloo to Ashurst New Forest station in 1 hour 30 minutes.
13. Margate
Margate is another great option for a seaside day trip from London. It’s a coastal town in Kent that’s home the vintage theme park Dreamland and lots of great foodie spots.
How to get to Margate from London by train: Get the train from London St Pancras station to Margate, the journey takes 1 hour 30 minutes
14. Deal
Deal is another great seaside town in Kent – it’s less touristy than Margate and Whitstable, so perfect if you want a more peaceful seaside escape.
How to get to Deal from London by train: Trains from London St Pancras to Deal take around 1 hour and 20 minutes
15. Arundel
Arundel is a charming market town in West Sussex, with a castle and cathedral. If you want to visit a small historic English town – Arundel is a perfect option. On a day trip to Arundel you can visit Arundel Castle, Arundel Town Centre, explore the pretty town centre , walk by the River Arun, then finish off at a cosy pub.
How to get to Arundel from London by train: The train from London to Arundel takes just under 1 hour and a half, from London Victoria station.
16. Winchester
Winchester is a lovely cathedral city in Hampshire. You can get to Winchester fro London by train in less than one hour, making it one of the best day trips from London. As well as the cathedral, Winchester as ancient streets to explore and is also on the edge of The South Downs National Park, so close to lovely countryside.
How to get to Winchester from London by train: Catch the train from London Waterloo to Winchester and you can be in Winchester in just under 1 hour.
17. Warwick
Warwick is a market town in the West Midlands, famous for its medieval castle – founded by William the Conqueror. A town full of historic charm, Warwick is another destination that’s well worth the train ride from London.
How to get to Warwick from London by train: You can get a direct train from London Marylebone station to Warwick and it takes just under 1 hour and 30 minutes.
18. Paris
Easy day trips from London don’t need to be restricted to the UK. Did you know you can get from Paris to London in just over 2 hours by train? Catch the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord station for an extra special day trip.
How to get to Paris from London by train: You can get a direct Eurostar train from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord and the journey takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes.
19. Brussels
You can also get to Belgium from London by train in less than 2 hours! A Eurostar trip to beautiful Brussels makes another magical day trip from London.
How to get to Brussels from London by train: You can get to Brussels from London St Pancras station by Eurostar in less than 2 hours
How to book the best day trips from London by train
Train journeys in the UK are usually much cheaper if you book in advance, plan your journey and book your tickets with Trainline here.
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