Best Day Trips from London By Train

Want a day trip out of London to explore what the rest of England has to offer? It might seem like not having a car in London is a disadvantage but when it comes to day trips getting the train to your destination will save you precious time stuck in traffic and also reduce your travel time sometimes by half.

Check out our favourite day trips by train from London and where to stay if you decide to make a weekend of it.

Exploring London too? Check out Our Ultimate London Guide

Whitstable

Whitstable is located on the north coast of the Kent region of England, UK. Located only around 80 kms from London making it the perfect day trip from London.

If you are looking to get the train there are two main train routes from London into Whitstable running from either London Victoria or London St Pancras International. Both these trains run from London to Whitstable in around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Tickets for the trains can be purchased through Trainline here.

For more on what to do in Whitstable check out Our Whitstable, UK Travel Guide

Where to stay?

Warehouse Holiday Lets

Canterbury

Canterbury is 89 kms south east of London in the district of Kent, England along the River Stour. Trains to Canterbury run from London St Pancras to Canterbury West in around 1 hour or London Victoria to Canterbury East in 1 hour and 50 minutes, tickets for this train can be bought through Trainline here.

While in Canterbury you can visit the famous Canterbury Cathedral or if you are looking to spend the day outside why not go punting along the River Stour. Canterbury is also home to some amazing old buildings and pubs which make it a great place to visit no matter the time of year.

Want to read our full guide on Canterbury? Check out Our Guide to 1 Day in Canterbury, UK

Where to stay?

The Falstaff

Windsor

Looking for somewhere to go that is beautiful but also rich in history? Windsor might be the day trip for you. Trains to Windsor depart from London Waterloo regularly and only take around an hour, all your train tickets can be bought through Trainline here.

When you arrive in Windsor you will be great by the beautiful building of Windsor Station. While you are there you can spend your day touring around Windsor Castle or maybe you’re feeling more adventurous and want to head to LEGO Land instead. If you’re looking for somewhere to relax and while away your day then head to The Long Walk and its tree lined garden to set up a picnic rug. Though if you’re feeling like taking a walk why not walk the 2.7 miles of The Long Walk through Windsor Great Park.

Where to stay?

Castle Hotel Windsor

Margate

Margate is a seaside town located in the county of Kent, UK. Well known for its sandy beach and its easy access from London, only 1 hour 20 by train, makes it a great day trip out of the city. Margate’s small lanes mixed with its up and coming artsy vibe has lots for you to explore on your next day trip.

To drive from London to Margate it would take you between 2 – 2.5 hours. The trains leave from London Victoria or St Pancras International and take around 1 hour and 20 mins to reach Margate. All your tickets can be booked through Tranline here.

To read our full guide on Margate check out Our guide to Margate, UK

Where to stay?

Fort Road Hotel

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Brighton

Brighton, famous for it’s artsy vibe and it’s seaside charm, is one of the best and easiest day trips to take from London. There are lots of hidden gems and unique places to visit whilst on your city escape.

From London, trains to Brighton run very regularly making it one of the easiest day trips to take from London. To get to Brighton trains runs from stations such as Clapham Junction, London Victoria and Finsbury Park. The journey from central London to Brighton will take around an hour and all your train tickets can be booked through Trainline.

For our full guide on a day in Brighton check out Our Guide of Brighton & Hove

Where to stay?

Artists Residence

Oxford

Oxford is a university town that is home to one of the oldest English speaking Universitys in the world. It is located 90 kms north if London which makes it the perfect day trip from the city. To get to Oxford you can get the train from either London Marylebone or Paddington station. From London Marylebone to Oxford it takes 1 hour and 20 minutes or from Paddington Station to Oxford its is around an hour, tickets can be purchased through Trainline here.

While in Oxford you can spend your day wandering through the university college with a guided tour from one of the students on campus. If you prefer to see the town by boat then why not spend your day punting with an Oxford student.

For more things to do while in Oxford make sure to check out all the tours available on Viator here!

Where to stay?

The Randolph Hotel

Bath

The best way to reach Bath is by train which takes 1.5 hours from Paddington Station, however it is best to book train tickets to Bath in advance as they do become very expensive if bought on the day. If you’re on a budget, you can also get the bus from London Victoria however this trip will take you around 3 hours. All your bus and train tickets can be booked through Trainline.

There is so much to explore during your time in Bath depending on how you want to spend your day. Perhaps you’re looking for some time to relax and unwind then you can head to Thermal Bath Spa or if your want to explore the towns history then head to the Roman Baths.

For more on what to do while youre in Bath check out Our weekend itinerary for Bath, England

Where to stay?

No 15 Great Pulteney

Bonus: Want to take the bus to explore the historic Stone henge? Check out the guide on Going To Stonehenge From London from Sick Girl Travels

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