There’s no denying that we love London but we also love to explore beyond the capital. Fortunately, it’s easy to leave the city and there are lots of easy day trips from London by train.
Not only is train travel easy, it’s a far greener way to travel. Just make sure to book your train tickets in advance to ensure you get the best deals.
From seaside towns and cultural centres to famous cities and historical sites, these are some of our favourite day trips from London.
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Best day trips from London
There are 10 main train stations in central London offering services across the country. The main stations are:
- Waterloo Station
- Paddington
- King’s Cross
- St Pancras
- London Euston
- Charing Cross
- Victoria Station
- London Bridge
- Fenchurch Street
- Liverpool Street
These train stations all have luggage storage options and all have direct Tube links except for Fenchurch Street, which is close to Tower Hill and Aldgate Tube stations.
When travel planning do look at the Trainline website. You can buy tickets in advance, reserve a seat and save money. The National Rail website has information on timetables, connections, stations and fares. Most rail services offer First and Standard Class accommodation.
Day trips 1 hour or less from London are marked in purple
Day trips within 2 hours from London are marked in yellow
Popular day trips 1 hour (or less) from London
Hampton Court Palace
One of the most popular day trips from London by train is to Hampton Court Palace, the former home of Henry VIII on the banks of the River Thames. The palace is actually in London, located in the borough of Richmond upon Thames, but you still need to travel by train from the city center to reach it.
Hampton Court is a fantastic place for a day out. Among the many things to see and do don’t miss Henry VIII’s state apartments, which gives an insight into the palace’s Tudor period and Henry’s life here with his six wives and children.
The largest room in Hampton Court Palace is the Great Hall, where banquets were held and up to 450 guests could be entertained at any one time.
The Tudor kitchens – including the Boiling House where large joints of beef and mutton were prepared – is a fascinating look at what life would have been like for the cooks and serving staff.
Hampton Court Palace is also home to the UK’s oldest serving hedge maze, the largest known vine in the world and a fantastic playground the Magic Garden.
Hampton Court Palace is one of the easiest day trips from London by train; trains depart every 30 minutes from London Waterloo.
Travel time from London Waterloo: 35 minutes
Lewes
The little town of Lewes in East Sussex is known primarily to historians as the setting for the Battle of Lewes and to archaeologists as the site of a settlement since at least 961 AD. But for travellers the town’s main claim to fame is as a centre of fiery celebration: Lewes Bonfire Night; the Britain’s most dangerous Guy Fawkes celebration.
As locals and visitors Remember the 5th of November, the streets of Lewes turn to smoke and fire. Six separate Lewes Bonfire Society organisations host parades and bonfires around town, all in celebration of the death of Guy Fawkes and the failure of the Gunpowder Plot.
The remainder of the year, Lewes remains a quaint countryside town capped by a Norman castle and several sites of historic architectural interests.It also lies along the South Downs Way footpath, and can serve as the beginning or end of a day of walking in the surrounding countryside.
The Lewes to London train is operated by Southern Line and runs into London Victoria.
Travel time from London Victoria: 1hr
St. Albans
If you are looking for a unique day trip from London then St Albans is definitely a great choice. St Albans is a small, but charming city located about 20 miles from London.
One of the biggest attractions there is the St. Albans Cathedral, but you should also spend a few hours in the Verulamium Park, which is a perfect place to have a picnic.
The Clock Tower from the beginning of the 15th century is also a key landmark in the city. It’s one of the few medieval towers in England. It’s worth climbing its narrow stairs – a great panorama of the city stretches from above.
St Albans hosts a traditional street market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Over 150 stalls make it definitely one of the most colourful markets in the south of England. To finish off your day trip, visit Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, one of the oldest pubs in England, and enjoy a typical British dinner.
Travel time from London St. Pancras: 32min
East Grinstead
The town of East Grinstead is most famous for the role it played during WWII. During this time, the local hospital, the Queen Victoria, became a specialist hospital for facial reconstruction treatment. Almost all of the British soldiers who were severely burned or lost limbs during the war were treated here.
The hospital remains one of the top specialist centres in the world for facial reconstruction. You can learn all about the hospital, the “Guinea Pig Club” and Dr Archibald McIndoe at the East Grinstead Museum.
Once you’ve finished at the museum, have your photo taken standing on the Meridian Line. Alternatively, collect Pooh Sticks in nearby Ashdown Forest, the forest that inspired the Hundred Acre Wood.
Make sure to grab a cake and coffee at the East Grinstead Bookshop on the High Street. The bookshop has been there since 1535!
Travel time from London Victoria: 1hr
Brighton
Sitting on the southern coast of the UK, Brighton is one of the most popular destinations for a day trip from London.
Getting around Brighton is just as simple as getting there; it’s a very walkable town with a relaxing and upbeat atmosphere. Head to the pier and enjoy its arcade with fun video games, delicious food stalls, and wonderful views of Brighton beach. It’s also a great place for photography if you’ve already visited the best photo spots in London and are looking for a change in scenery.
Don’t miss taking a stroll in the Brighton Lanes, the charming historic quarter of the city. The narrow alleys are lined with shops, boutiques, and delicious seafood restaurants such as Riddle And Finns. And don’t miss the Royal Pavilion, originally constructed as the seaside pleasure palace of King George IV and today a Regency museum.
Travel time from London Bridge or St. Pancras: 1hr
Reading
Aside from its music festival or the recently renovated train station, few people choose to visit Reading unless just passing through. Yet, there more than enough things to do on a day trip from London.
Located in Berkshire, to the west of London, Reading is easily accessible by train. There are two different train lines that will take you between London and Reading, either via Waterloo or Paddington, but the latter can whizz you into Reading centre in as little as 26 minutes!
The town has a fascinating history, with historical attractions ranging from a replica Bayeux Tapestry in the Reading Museum to the ruined 12th century Reading Abbey. There are also plenty of places to stroll and relax in the city centre, including the Forbury Gardens and Caversham Court Gardens.
Further afield but a quick taxi ride away, you’ll find one of the best vineyards in the country, Stanlake Wine Estate, and the beautiful National Trust stately home, Basildon Park. Did you know some of the interior shots of Downton Abbey were filmed here?
Foodies will love the town’s boutique cafes dotted across the centre, from 7 Flowers & Tea, which is a tea shop and florist in one. The neighbourhood of Caversham to the north of the station also boasts numerous independent cafes and restaurants.
Finally, if the sun is shining, don’t miss a trip to the Thames Lido, a beautiful outdoor pool that first opened to the public in 1902 as the Ladies Swimming Bath. It fell into disrepair in the 1970s but, in 2014, renovation work started to restored the Grade-II listed baths and it reopened to the public three years later. As all as the outdoor poo, there’s a spa, restaurant and bar.
Time from London Waterloo or Paddington: Approximately 30 minutes.
Harry Potter Studios
Whether you are a Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw, you will find so many Harry Potter things to do in London (including this excellent Harry Potter walking tour). But no trip to England would be complete without visiting the Harry Potter studios.
Warner Bros Studios: The making of Harry Potter is located in Watford and is an easy day trip from London by train. To get there, hop on a train from Euston or Victoria to Watford Junction. Once you arrive you will find a Harry Potter shuttle that will bring you straight to the entrance of the studios.
Harry Potter fans can book their ticket on the WB Studios website and the best thing to do is to get the first one available for the day you want to visit (do make sure to book well in advance as tickets sell out quickly). Once you are in the studios, you are free to stay as long as you want.
Inside, you will get to see the sets including the Great Hall, the Gryffindor common room and Gringotts Wizarding Bank. You will also find plenty of information on how the movies were made including how they chose the filming locations, special effects, make up and more, plus the chance to try a Butterbeer or two.
Travel time from London Euston or Victoria: 48mins
Oxford
One of the most beautiful cities in England, Oxford is also one of the best places to visit by train from London. Not only is it easily reached from the capital, but it offers a real slice of English tradition and charm. Regular direct trains leave from London Marylebone and London Paddington arriving in Oxford an hour later.
One of the most popular things to do when visiting Oxford is to explore the oldest and most prestigious university in the country. Oxford University has been home to many world-renowned scholars and the beautiful architecture of the university is simply stunning.
This is where you’ll find Christ Church College, home to an important collection of Old Masters paintings and drawings. The university is also home to the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe and the second-largest library in the UK after the British Library.
Other top sights in the city include the Bridge of Sighs, the Carfax Tower, the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin and Oxford Castle. Oxford Castle is located on the western side of the city and has a rich history which can be uncovered with an informative tour given by an exquisitely costumed guide.
No trip to Oxford would be complete without a punt down the River Cherwell. This is a great way to see the city during summer months (although if you do the punting yourself be warned, it’s harder than it looks!).
From Oxford you can catch a 40min bus ride to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Blenheim Palace, a stunning country house home to beautiful gardens.
Travel time from London Marylebone or Paddington: 1hr
Windsor
Windsor Castle is one of the Royal Residences of the Queen of England, and it is the longest continually inhabited palace or castle in all of Europe. Windsor Castle dates back to the 11th century and tours are available, allowing visitors to see the elegant rooms and fabulous art collection.
If you spend the day here, you can also walk around the village, enjoy the charming English country pubs here, and walk over to Eton to enjoy a stroll through this charming town as well.
To get to Windsor from London by train takes between thirty minutes to just over an hour. Trains depart from London Paddington to Windsor and Eton Central or London Waterloo to Windsor and Eton Riverside.
Travel time from London Paddingon or London Waterloo: 30mins – 1hr
Colchester
As England’s oldest recorded town, Colchester is an easy day trip from London by train. The journey time from London to Colchester takes around 90 minutes with regular train services from Liverpool Street Station to Colchester North, just 15 minutes walk from the town centre.
As well as being the oldest town on record, Colchester is also the site of England’s only Roman Circus. The Roman Wall around the old part of town is also one of the most intact in the country – there’s even a pub built into part of it. You’ll also find St Botolphs, an 11th century Augustine Priory here that’s free to visit and several museums in the town.
The stunning Norman Keep of Colchester’s Castle dates from 1076, but the dungeons are built on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius. Be sure to visit the museum and find all the Roman treasures. These include a treasure hoard from the Fenwick department store on the high street, found when renovations to the shop were taking place.
And while there are many cafes and places to stop for a lunch break in Colchester, you should make your way to the Tiptree Jam Tea Room. Tiptree Jam is local to Colchester but is famous the world over
Travel time from London Liverpool Street: 52mins
Rye
At just over an hour from central London, the medieval town of Rye in East Sussex is one of the very best day trips you can take from London by train.
Once an important port town on England’s south coast, Rye is now surrounded by marshland with the sea a couple of miles beyond. The town is full of atmospheric cobblestone streets and timber-framed houses.
Visit in winter and the streets are frequently cloaked in sea mist. During the evening, it’s easy to imagine the smugglers from days gone by sneaking from tavern to tavern. In summertime, Rye is a delightful town to wander through, there are lovely independent shops and plenty of cafes to enjoy lunch or coffee.
Just a mile or two from the town centre is the wonderful expanse of Camber Sands, one of the best beaches in this part of England. Buses run regularly from Rye to the beach.
To learn more about Rye’s history pop into Ypres Tower, a former jail and now a fascinating museum complete with gallows and a skeleton as well as a model of how the town would have looked in medieval times before the sea water receded away from the defensive town walls.
The 12th century Mermaid Inn is Rye’s most famous pub. It’s definitely worth checking timings of the last train back to London to ensure you can have a few drinks in this characterful watering hole – or you may check in and spend the night!
Travel time from London St. Pancras: Just over 1hr
Cambridge
Famous for being one of the most prestigious universities in the world, the university town of Cambridge is the perfect day trip, particularly if you have a number of days to spend in London.
The easiest way to get to Cambridge from London is by taking the train from King’s Cross Station – there are regular trains that will get you to Cambridge in approximately one hour.
Once in Cambridge, take your time to explore the sites of the famous university, including some of the colleges where students live. King’s College and Trinity College are two of the most famous. There are also many walking tours that you can take, often run by local students to give you a great insight into daily life in the city.
One of other iconic things to do in Cambridge is to try your hand at punting along the River Cam but be prepared to get wet!
Time from London King’s Cross: 1hr 10 min
Popular day trips 2 hours from London
Bristol
Situated on the beautiful Avon River, Bristol in South West England is a quick two hours from London by train.
Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, his Clifton Suspension Bridge is the city’s most famous icon and is a must-see. The bridge over the Avon River offers amazing views of the surrounding areas, and it’s a lovely spot for watching the sunset.
Another highlight of the city is the Arnolfini, which is one of Europe’s leading centres for the contemporary arts, artist’s performances, music, and dance events. Entry is free; make sure to go to the top floor for views across the harbour.
Bristol is also famous for street art and the city walls are painted multicoloured murals. Bristol’s Stokes Croft neighbourhood is an area where the legendary Banksy made his mark.
On a sunny day, pay Bristol harbourside a visit, where you’ll find museums, galleries, exhibitions and charming houses overlooking the water.
There are direct trains from London to Bristol from London Paddington and London Waterloo. The city has two railway stations, Bristol Parkway and Temple Meads Station: the latter being much closer to Bristol’s town centre and most convenient.
Travel time from London Paddington and London Waterloo: 1hr 40min
Nottingham
The city of Nottingham is synonymous with myths and legends. Local stories tell the tales of Robin Hood and his men dashing through the trees in Sherwood Forest, taking from the rich and giving to the poor. Several street names and statues around the city pay homage to this tight-wearing hero. Today though, Nottingham is one of the most underrated destinations in the UK.
Nottingham is just 90 minutes by train from London St Pancras and the centrally-located Nottingham train station is just a stone’s throw away from the city’s main points of interest.
Nottingham Castle is one of the city’s top attractions and should be your first port of call. The castle, which dates back to 1674, is perched on top of a craggy rock overlooking the city with spectacular views. Don’t miss a guided tour of the labyrinth-like network of caves beneath the castle.
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is a ramshackle pub and restaurant that sits adjacent to Nottingham Castle. This is the oldest inn in England and the owners will tell you fascinating tales about its resident ghosts and spirits while you tuck into your roast dinner.
Nearby, Hurt’s Yard is a narrow little passageway filled with coffee shops and eclectic boutique stores that have been designed to look just as they would have done during the Victorian era.
The Lace Market is Nottingham’s premier social district. Nottingham was once one of the main lacemaking cities in the UK and this neighbourhood is filled with old factories that have been converted into chic cocktail bars and upscale eateries.
Time from London St. Pancras: 1hr 30min
Portsmouth
Approximately two hours by train from London Waterloo, Portsmouth is a great option for a day trip from London.
This popular port city in Hampshire has a host of great attractions like the Historic Dockyard. This forms part of the HM Naval Base and houses a number of historic buildings and ships which are open to the public. There’s also the Mary Rose Museum where you will find the recovered remains of Henry VIII’s warship which was lost in 1545.
Portsmouth is also home to the iconic Emirates Spinnaker Tower, the D-Day Story museum and the Portsmouth Museum. There are also beautiful beaches, water sports and a fantastic shopping scene. In fact, a number of visitors make a day trip to Gunwharf Quays just for the shopping!
The city also enjoys a thriving dining and drinking scene with countless restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs across the city, many just a short walk away from the seafront.
There are so many things to see and do in Portsmouth that it’s not easy to fit everything into a single day. But a day trip will certainly give you an introduction to this great city on England’s south coast.
Travel time from London Waterloo: 1hr 30min – 2hrs
Canterbury
You certainly won’t be the first person to travel from London to Canterbury; pilgrims have been making this journey for nearly 1,000 years to visit the Canterbury Cathedral.
More specifically, they come to see the place inside the cathedral where Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered in 1170. This pilgrimage became the inspiration for The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer.
Of course, back then the journey was made on foot, and it took a lot longer than a single day to get there. Located about 60 miles southeast of London, Canterbury is now an easy day trip from London by train. Hop on a train at St. Pancras station and you’ll be at Canterbury West station in approximately 1hr 30mins.
The Cathedral is still the main attraction, but it’s certainly not the only thing to see here. The entire old town of cobblestone streets and historic buildings is very well preserved and easy to explore on foot.
Time from London St. Pancras: 1hr 30min
Whitstable
Located a quick 1 hour and 20 minutes from London Bridge by train, Whitstable is a favourite day trip from city dwellers looking for some sea air
Located on the north coast of Kent in south-east England, this charming seaside town is famous for its long pebble beach, its colourful beach huts and its oysters, which have been harvested in this area since Roman times. An Oyster Festival is held here every July.
Away from the sea, the high street is filled with independent shops as well as restaurants and cafes. Don’t miss the amazing Oysterman’s Daughter, an enormous mural painted on the side of a house depicting a mermaid with an oyster and pearl.
If that wasn’t enough Whitstable also has a castle where you can stroll around the gardens or enjoy an afternoon tea within the cafe.
Travel time from London Bridge: 1hr 20mins
Bath
Located in county Somerset, southwestern England, Bath is both UNESCO site thanks to its Roman Baths dating from 70 AD and one of the prettiest cities in the UK.
The Roman Baths are the main draw, centuries-old baths that sit on natural and still active hot springs. Although not open for bathing today, visitors can enjoy the relaxing power of nature in the nearby thermal spa. Otherwise, content yourself with a tour of the baths and imagine what life would have bene like in Roman times.
Another iconic place in Bath not to be missed is the Royal Crescent, a sweep of gorgeous Georgian houses which fans of the television series Bridgerton might recognise (No. 1 Royal Crescent is the location for the London townhouse of the Featherington Family). For a taste of the Bridgerton lifestyle, book an overnight stay at number 16, the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa.
Other interesting places to visit are Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge, one of the most photographed corners of the city. I’m also a big fan of the Fashion Museum and, of course, afternoon tea at the Pump Room Restaurant.
Travel time from London Paddington: 1hr 20mins
Warwick
Located on the banks of the River Avon, Warwick is famously known for the magnificent medieval Warwick Castle.
On your day trip from London, start your visit with a guided tour of Warwick Castle. Check out the iconic St.Mary’s Church, an 11th-century collegiate church where you can enjoy beautiful panoramic city views from its tower.
Stretch your legs in Charlecote Park, a large 16th-century country house on River Avon surrounded by a lovely deer park. Other well-maintained gardens are the Mill Garden, Jephson Gardens and St.Nicholas’ Park, all ideal for relaxing, particularly if the sun is shining.
Explore the famous Lord Leycester Hospital, famous for its courtyard-style medieval architecture and East and West Gate. If you are into museums, you should visit St. John’s house – a Jacobean style social history Museum.
Travel time from London Marylebone: 1hr 15mins
Lincoln
Lincolnshire is almost directly north of London and makes for a great day trip from London.
Start your visit with a walk up the popular Steep Hill – the 14% gradient is well worth it. At the top of the hill is the entrance to Lincoln Cathedral and at the bottom is Well Lane. The Hill consists of independent shops, tea rooms and pubs.
At the top of Steep Hill you will find Lincoln Castle with its restored wall walk and its 19th Century prison. It’s even home to the historic Magna Carta that was a charter of rights agreed to by King John of England. Opposite the castle is the magnificent Lincoln Cathedral, famous for its Lincoln Imp gargoyles. Work began on the Cathedral back in 1072.
There are plenty of cute little cafes to wander into on your walk up or down the hill. Halfway up you will also find two free museums that stand side by side; The Collection and the Usher Gallery, Lincolnshire’s premier art gallery. Another great free museum is the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, which tells the history of Lincolnshire through some excellent exhibits. There’s a lovely play area for kids in the courtyard.
Lincoln’s waterfront area is especially beautiful. Here you can catch a movie, take a boat trip or choose from one of the many restaurants overlooking the water.
Travel time from London King’s Cross: 2hrs
Stratford-upon-Avon
Best known for being Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon is in Warwickshire, the heart of England. Easily reached by train direct from London Marylebone, the station is a short walk from the town centre.
Shakespeare’s birthplace is right in the centre, on Henley Street. Visit and learn more about how he would have lived as a boy and when he was married to Anne Hathaway.
Nearby is the Guildhall and Shakespeare’s Schoolroom, open to the public with interactive sessions where you can take part in a Tudor classroom.
The Royal Shakespeare Company is based in Stratford, with two theatres on the banks of the River Avon. There are regular productions in both the main auditorium and the smaller Swan theatre. On the third floor there’s an excellent restaurant with great river views.
Stratford is famous for the Butterfly Farm which is just five minutes’ walk from the Town Centre. You’ll find hundreds of the world’s most beautiful butterflies there.
And, there are regular boat trips along the River Avon, including gin tasting tours in the summer, run by the Shakespeare Gin Distillery.
Stratford upon Avon is a quintessentially English Market Town, with pretty half-timbered buildings, tea shops and churches. There are plenty of places to eat and drink from the stunning Garrick Inn, built in 1718 to the traditional style Hathaway’s Tea Rooms in a Grade II listed building on the High Street.
Travel time from London Victoria: 2hr 12min
