One of the great things about visiting a country as small as the United Kingdom is that there are so many attractive destinations just a stone’s throw from its capital: London. Idyllic English market towns, Royal Family famous landmarks, peaceful seashores or cities with a medieval heritage, it’s all possible for day-trippers—and all within two hours of London’s main train stations. Here are our suggestions for day trips from London to return changed (and a little more British) from your trip to England —from literary Oxford to picture-perfect Cotswolds villages and cutting-edge cities.
Where can I go from London by train? Our useful tips to plan rail day trips from London!
- British trains are notoriously expensive. Travel during off-peak hours (6am to 9am, 3pm to 7pm) to avoid unnecessarily expensive tickets.
- Also, book your tickets well in advance to get the best fares, as prices increase the closer you get to the date of travel.
- Don’t forget that delays, maintenance and cancellations are common. Leave yourself plenty of time if you have connections, transportation or evening plans when you return from your day trip.
- There are plenty of nearby places that can be easily reached by direct train from London. The most difficult part will not be the journey, but the choice of destination!
The Cotswolds
Distance: 1.5 hour train from London Paddington
Nestled in the heart of England, the Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty renowned for its idyllic villages crafted from honey-colored limestone, rolling green hills, and a timeless, tranquil atmosphere. This picturesque region evokes a sense of stepping back in time, with its charming high streets, historic churches, and traditional pubs. It’s a place for leisurely strolls, enjoying stunning countryside views, and immersing oneself in quintessential English charm.
Note that the Cotswolds is a large area and you may need to use local buses or taxis to reach smaller villages or more remote areas, such as Bourton-on-the-Water and Castle Combe.
Here are our three favourite villages that can be reached by train from London:
- Moreton-in-Marsh: The elegant High Street with its traditional architecture, the Tuesday market, and its accessibility as a starting point for bus connections to other villages like Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Norton.
- Kingham: Kingham offers a tranquil village experience. Its picturesque setting with stone cottages, the Kingham Plough and The Wild Rabbit pubs known for their food, and the surrounding countryside ideal for walks directly from the village.
- Charlbury: Charlbury provides a charming glimpse into Cotswold life. Its attractive high street with local shops, St. Mary’s Church, and the nearby Blenheim Palace (accessible by a short bus or taxi ride from Charlbury station). The town itself offers pleasant walks and a more local feel.
Brighton
Distance: 1 hour train from London Victoria
Traditional tourists beware! Brighton caters to a decidedly eclectic mix with its many nightclubs, LGBTQ culture and bohemian artsy attitude. Younger visitors will be charmed by the second-hand boutiques (Beyond Retro), independent cafes (Lola’s Coffee House), microbreweries (North Laine) and the magnificent pebble beach, Brighton’s ultimate icon.
Brighton is served by many trains every day, making it one of the best day trips from London. It’s easy to reach without having to stick to a specific schedule.
What to visit 1 hour away from London? Oxford!
Distance: 1 hour train from London Paddington
It is an open secret, if there ever was one, that Oxford continues to be a very popular tourist destination. With good reason—it boasts 38 university campuses that are as prestigious as they are historic, and look like they stepped off the set of Harry Potter movies. Literally; several scenes were filmed here, notably at the iconic Bodleian Library, one of Oxford’s famous landmarks. It’s one of the oldest universities in the world, and a visit is an interesting experience.
Don’t forget the rowing competitions, the Radcliffe Camera, the fascinating Ashmolean Museum, the literary heritage (J.R.R. Tolkien wrote The Hobbit here), the stunning architecture, and the tiny pubs (The Bear Inn, Turf Tavern) hidden deep in the millennia-old alleys. Oh, if walls could talk…
York
Distance: 2-hour train from London from King’s Cross
Halfway between London and Edinburgh, York is perhaps the best-preserved medieval cities in the UK. While the city boasts several famous landmarks and modern museums (including the underrated National Railway Museum), it’s really its history that attracts visitors. With virtually intact 13th-century fortifications (which can be explored on foot for free), an impressive cathedral with Gothic architecture (and a 360-degree views from atop its spire), Roman and Viking heritage, a network of narrow streets flanked by Tudor architecture with original features. With a thousand ghost stories… York will quickly immerse you in its dark past.
While it’s certainly one of the more fulfilling day tours from London, York is also the most remote with a two hours of transit. It’s best to plan enough time for a full day at your destination and wake up very early!
Bath
Distance: 1.5 hour train from London Paddington
Bath has been a tourist destination for nearly 2,000 years. The Romans were enchanted by its natural hot springs and public baths, which you can still visit today. Avoid buying any thermal water cosmetics on the spot, though, and instead head to the Termea boutique a few blocks to the west.
Bath is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its extraordinary and diverse architectural ensemble.
Of course, there are plenty of things to do elsewhere in the city. It also boasts some magnificent Georgian architecture with original features, including a series of 33 houses arranged in a perfect half-moon shape for a very British panorama. And of course, Bath Abbey is well worth a visit to admire its grandeur and size. Oh, and Bridgerton was largely filmed here, too.
If you’re a fan of history, aesthetically-pleasing city and quaint English vibes, Bath is one of the best day trips from London for you.
Rye
Distance: 1.5 hour train from London St Pancras
Even the most skeptical visitor will be charmed by this seaside village of weathered Tudor houses. Rye is a veritable postcard of medieval England – not a place to play tourist, but a place to take a breath in the maze of winding streets. It’s an easy destination if you’re looking for a little peace and quiet. For the ultimate British experience, opt for afternoon tea at Edith House on the sublime High Street.
Where to go outside of London to the sea for a day? Whitstable!
Distance: 1.5 hour train from London Victoria
Whitstable is a charming seaside town in the heart of Kent. An ideal choice for a day trip to England from London! It’s famous for its pebbled seafront, pretty fishermen’s cottages and relaxed atmosphere. Here you can go on a short walk along the English Channel, browse the small bric-a-brac shops of the Harbour Market, and sit down in the pub to talk football (don’t call it soccer!) with the locals. In a nutshell, Whitstable is everything you would expect a quaint English seaside village to be.
And if you’re visiting in the summer, know that Whitstable is famous for its Oyster Festival. Fun and enjoyment guaranteed!
Which is the easiest best day trip from London? Windsor!
Distance: 1 hour train from London Paddington
Windsor, whose main attraction is of course its royal castle, is a must for day tours from London. This landmark is steeped in more than 900 years of royal history and British monarchy. Be sure to visit the magnificent state apartments, ceremonial rooms and lush gardens of Windsor Castle.
In addition to the famous castle, Windsor offers a variety of sightseeing options, including a boat ride on the River Thames or a private tour of its historic streets.
Because of its proximity to the capital, Windsor is considered one of the easiest day tours from London. It can be visited in as little as half a day, or a full day if you plan to take in the city’s charming little detours.
