11 Enchanting Day Trips from London by Train

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If you’re dreaming of day trips from London by train, I can’t blame you, as it’s the best way to get around!

Train travel is well-developed in the UK, and you can reach many beautiful places near London by train, including some incredible cities outside the country. Trains are quicker and more comfortable than buses, so even a more extended trip will be comfortable if you avoid rush hour.

All of these day trips take less than 4 hours in one direction, so you’ll have plenty of time to discover the cities before returning to London at night.

If you’re ready to plan all of your future London getaways by train, let’s jump right in! 

Day Trips from London by Train

Brighton

🚂 Distance: 1h by train

🧭 How to get there: Take a direct Thameslink train from London Bridge to Brighton. The train departs multiple times per hour.

The coastal resort town of Brighton is one of the best seaside day trips from London by train. Recognizable for its colorful beach houses, Brighton is a place to be on a hot summer day, and Brighton Beach can get pretty busy in the summer.

Stroll the Brighton Palace Pier, enjoy the view, and feel the nostalgia of the old Britains beach resorts. Don’t miss the amusement park, and indulge in fish and chips!

Brighton is a great day trip from London, as it is easy to reach and compact, so you can see all the main highlights in one day.

🚂 Book your ticket to Brighton here! 🚂

Cambridge

🚂 Distance: 1h by direct train

🧭 How to get there: Take a Great Northern train from London King Cross to Cambridge. There are more than 100 trains a day.

Cambridge is best known for its legendary University, which ranks as one of the top universities in basically every category. The university consists of 31 colleges situated in stunning historical buildings you can visit.

However, there is more to Cambridge than just the University.  You can join a free walking tour of the city or stroll the streets lined with picturesque brick buildings along the river passing through the city center of Cambridge.

A unique way to see Cambridge is to go punting. If you don’t know what that means, basically, you’re sailing in a small boat along the river by pushing the boat with a long wooden pole.

🚂 Book your ticket to Cambridge here! 🚂

Amsterdam

🚂 Distance: 3h52min by Eurostar train

🧭 How to get there: Take the Eurostar train from London St. Pancras International train station to Amsterdam Central. Go for a train that departs before 9 am to have enough time in the city.

When you look at the map, you might find it hard to believe you can visit Amsterdam on a day trip from London. However, thanks to the fast Eurostar train, you can explore the capital of the Netherlands for a day and be back in London for dinner.

The best way to explore Amsterdam is to do it like the Dutch and rent a bike. Stroll along the picturesque canals and cobblestone streets, admiring the unique architecture of the city.

Some places that should be on your itinerary are the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and Van Gogh Museum. Finally, Amsterdam’s Red Light District is something you have to see to believe.

🚂 Book your ticket to Amsterdam here! 🚂

Bath

🚂 Distance: 1h20min by direct train

🧭 How to get there: Take a Great Western Railway train from London Paddington Railway Station and get off at Bath Spa station. There are over 40 daily direct trains connecting London and Bath.

The city of Bath is best known as the hot spring city of the UK,  and it’s even been named after the baths. Obviously, a dip in these natural spas is a must on this day trip!

The must-see attraction of the city is the Roman Baths, built by the Romans almost 2000 years ago. Unfortunately, you can’t take a dip in the Roman baths nowadays, but there are plenty of others throughout the city!

When you’ve had enough soaking in baths, make sure to visit the 250 years old Pulteney Bridge. The bridge is somewhat reminiscent of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, as the houses and shops are built on top of it, giving it a unique look.

🚂 Book your ticket to Bath here! 🚂

Cotswolds

🚂 Distance: 1h to 1h30min by train, depending on which village you visit

🧭 How to get there: Take a train from London Paddington station to the village you choose to visit.

While it would be more comfortable to visit the Cotswolds by car,  just because the region includes numerous villages, it is also possible to visit by train.

The stone cottages and picture-perfect gardens of the Cotswolds are a perfect place to get away from the city noise and enjoy the tranquility of the English countryside.

You can choose among many classic English villages to visit, as the Cotswolds cover a large area spanning six counties. The area is divided into three sections – the Northern Cotswolds, Central Cotswolds, and the Southern Cotswolds.

Some of the most picturesque villages that should be on your itinerary are Bibury, Lacock, and Castle Combe.

🚂 Book your ticket to the Cotswolds here! 🚂

Canterbury

🚂 Distance: 1h by direct train

🧭 How to get there: Take a high-speed Southeastern train from London St Pancras International Station to Canterbury West Station.

Canterbury is one of the best London day trips by train for history and culture lovers. Best known for its medieval gatehouses, Canterbury is a picturesque, walkable city to escape the hustle and bustle of London.

Start your day in Westgate Gardens, just a short walk from the train station. Admire the scenery with a small stream and Westgate Towers in the background. 

In the city center of Canterbury, find the half-timbered white houses known as Old Weaver’s House lining the canal. You can even take a boat tour down the canals for a unique perspective of the city.

🚂 Book your ticket to Canterbury here! 🚂

Paris

🚂 Distance: 2h23min by direct train

🧭 How to get there: Take the Eurostar train from London St. Pancras International train station to Paris North Station. Go for a train departing before 9 am.

Did you know you can visit the capital of France on a day trip from London? If you want to avoid paying for expensive Paris hotels, hop on a train and spend a day strolling the city of romance before taking a train back home.

Paris needs no introduction. Some of the things you can’t miss in Paris are the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, window shopping in Champs Elysee, and strolling the cobblestone streets of the picturesque Montmartre.

The best view over the city is in front of the Sacre Coeur, especially for sunset. For cheap, traditional Parisian cuisine head to the Latin Quarter.

🚂 Book your ticket to Paris here! 🚂

Leeds

🚂 Distance: 2h15min by direct train

🧭 How to get there: Take a direct North Eastern Railway Service train from London Kings Cross station to Leeds. 

Located in the county of Yorkshire, Leeds is kind of a hidden gem among London getaways by train. It is an ideal place for a city break, with Victorian heritage and stunning architecture.

One of the most iconic buildings in the city is Leeds Town Hall, opened by Queen Victoria herself in 1858. Leeds is home to one of the still surviving covered shopping streets, the Victoria Quarter Arcades are nowadays filled with high-end boutiques.

Millennium Square is where most of the city’s open-air events are held, including the Leeds Christmas Market, which is a great reason for the Leeds day trip.

🚂 Book your ticket to Leeds here! 🚂

Oxford

🚂 Distance: 1h30min by direct train

🧭 How to get there: Take a Great Western Railway train from London Paddington to Oxford. Trains depart on average every 15 minutes on weekdays. 

Oxford is one of the most popular day trips from London by train. 

This legendary university city is a must-visit on every UK itinerary, and you must visit the colleges even if you don’t study in Oxford. Some of the most famous colleges to visit are Christ Church College and Magdalen College. 

Other places that should be on your itinerary are the stunning Blenheim Palace, Bodleian Library, and The Radcliffe Camera.

🚂 Book your ticket to Oxford here! 🚂

Bristol

🚂 Distance: 1h40min by direct train

🧭 How to get there: Take a Great Western Railway train from London Paddington Station to Bristol Temple Meads Station.

The riverside city of Bristol is known as the UK’s most creative city. It is home to Banksy, a symbol of political activism in the UK, so you’ll see his art throughout the city. 

Some of the things you need to do in Bristol are: see SS Great Britain, Clifton Suspension Bridge, and  Bristol Cathedral.

If you’re a food lover, you’ll love Bristol and its numerous food markets. St. Nicholas Market is a great spot to try some street food before continuing to discover the city. 

🚂 Book your ticket to Bristol here! 🚂

Stratford-Upon-Avon

🚂 Distance: around 2h, depending on transfer time for a train change

🧭 How to get there: Take a train from London Marylebone Station to Stratford-upon-Avon. Direct trains are not very frequent, so you’ll probably have to transfer once on the way. 

The small medieval town of Stratford-Upon-Avon is a perfect day trip for any Shakespeare fan, as that is where you’ll find Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. 

Today, you can visit these restored medieval houses and learn more about the life and work of Shakespeare. 

Stratford-Upon-Avon is a small town, so after you visit the museums, you can stroll the city center and grab a drink and a meal in a pub before returning to London.

🚂 Book your ticket to Stratford-Upon-Avon here! 🚂

Final Thoughts: London Day Trips by Train

That concludes this list of the best day trips from London by train you should add to your London itinerary.

London is one of the most lively cities in the world, with endless activities to enjoy. Still, it is good to know that on the days when you want to get away from the crowds, there are plenty of places to visit by train in London.

From the bustling cities of Amsterdam and Paris to charming Cotswolds and beach day trips from London by train, there is something for everyone!