20 Best Day Trips From London By Train (+ Private Tour Options)

Looking for a great day trip from London? Thanks to an excellent rail network, exploring the towns, countryside, and coastline surrounding the capital is easy. This guide has plenty of ideas for a great day trip from London.

Within just an hour by train from central London, you could be standing inside Windsor Castle or wandering the hallowed quadrangles of Oxford or Cambridge universities.

Extend your journey slightly, and you could find yourself savouring fresh oysters by the sea in Whitstable, gazing at the dramatic white cliffs of the Seven Sisters, or exploring the historic grandeur of Bath or Salisbury Cathedral.

This guide focuses specifically on what we believe are the best day trips from London that can be achieved entirely by public transport.

We’ve selected destinations offering a fantastic variety. For each destination, we have provided the best train routes from London, journey times, and practical tips.

QUICK GUIDE TO UK TRAIN TRAVEL FOR INTERNATIONAL VISITORS

If you’re visiting London from abroad and planning day trips by train, here are a few tips to help you navigate the rail network efficiently.

BOOKING TICKETS

Book in Advance for the Best Prices – Advanced tickets can be up to 70% cheaper than on-the-day fares.

Avoid Peak Times – Weekday mornings and evenings are significantly more expensive; travel after 9:30 AM on weekdays for off-peak prices.

WHERE TO BUY TICKETS

Online – The best platform to buy tickets online is Transport for Wales. They sell tickets for all routes in Britain at the official price with no booking fee. However, if you are using an international credit card, you may need to use thetrainline.com (who charge a booking fee).

Station Ticket Machines – All stations have ticket machines where you can purchase tickets using a card or cash. Multiple languages are available.

Station Ticket Offices – The larger stations have ticket offices where staff can help with complex journeys; however, you may need to queue

LONDON’S TRAIN STATIONS

There are several mainline train stations in London, each servicing a different part of the country. Here are the stations required for the day trips in this guide.

• King’s Cross/St Pancras – Cambridge, Canterbury, Rye, Whitstable, Margate, York, Paris.
• Euston – Harry Potter.
• Paddington – Windsor, Henley-on-Thames, Oxford, Bath, Blenheim, Moreton-in-Marsh.
• Marylebone – Oxford.
• Victoria – Canterbury, Brighton, Whitstable, Seven Sisters, Margate, Arundel.
• Liverpool Street – Cambridge (alternate).
• Waterloo – Windsor (alternate), Stonehenge (via Salisbury).
• London Bridge – Brighton.
• Blackfriars – Brighton.

GENERAL TIPS

• Compare the price of return tickets to two singles; single tickets may be cheaper.
• For groups between 3 and 9 adults travelling together, GroupSave discounts offer a 30% discount for travel after 9:30 AM.
• Some destinations offer combined train + attraction tickets.

DAY TRIPS FROM LONDON UNDER 1 HOUR

1. WINDSOR CASTLE

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, serving as a royal residence for over 1,000 years. Just 30 minutes by train, it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from London.

The castle was built in the 11th century after the Norman invasion of England and blends medieval motte-and-bailey defences with ornate state apartments.

Inside the grounds, St George’s Chapel is one of England’s finest examples of Gothic architecture. This historic site has hosted royal weddings and is the final resting place of 11 British monarchs.

Beyond the castle walls, Windsor Great Park is one of our favourite walks outside London and something Paul and I do almost every Boxing Day.

GETTING THERE

From London Paddington (30-55 minutes): Take the train to Windsor & Eton Central, changing at Slough. The station is located directly outside the castle entrance.

From London Waterloo (55-60 minutes): Take the train to Windsor & Eton Riverside station, then walk (slightly uphill) for about 5-10 minutes through the town to reach the castle entrance.

TOURS TO WINDSOR

Viator – This day trip from London to Windsor in a coach includes entrance to the castle. Many other tours also include Bath and Stonehenge, which we think is way too much.

GetYourGuide – This tour includes a guided tour of the Castle and entry to St George’s Chapel.

2. HENLEY-ON-THAMES

Henley is a pretty market town perched on the edge of the River Thames under the flanks of the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Henley has held the Royal Regatta – the most prestigious rowing event in the world – since 1839. This annual event, along with the riverside location, fills the town with traditional English culture.

Wander the independent shops on the market square and have a pint in a cosy pub while rowing boats glide down the river.

Don’t miss the Grade II listed Town Hall, where scenes from Midsomer Murders were filmed.

One of our favourite walks near London is the Henley-Hambleden hike. The trail follows the river along to the beautiful village of Hambleden before returning to Henley.

GETTING THERE

From London Paddington (40 minutes): Take any mainline train towards Reading or Oxford and change at Twyford Station for Henley-on-Thames.

MIDSOMER MURDERS TOUR

If you’re a fan of Midsomer Murders, we highly recommend this tour (Viator), which visits over 20 locations featured in the TV show, as well as locations from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Vicar of Dibley.

3. CAMBRIDGE

Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge has been a centre of learning and discovery for over 800 years. Some of the world’s most groundbreaking innovations—IVF, Artificial Intelligence, and even football—trace their roots back to this historic city.

Its alumni include Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, and Ali G, making Cambridge both an intellectual and cultural icon.

We’ve been there many times and for us, it’s quite simply the most beautiful city in England.

For a deeper dive, check out our full guide to visiting Cambridge on a day trip.

GETTING THERE

From London King’s Cross (45-55 minutes): This is generally the fastest and most frequent route. It’s a 30-minute walk from the station to the centre; however, a local bus and taxi stand is located outside.

From London Liverpool Street (75-90 minutes): This route is slower, but it can be cheaper or more convenient.

TOURS TO CAMBRIDGE

Viator – This tour, conducted on a coach, includes a private guide and visits the Tower of St. Mary the Great and the Fitzwilliam Museum.

4. BICESTER VILLAGE

Bicester Village is a luxury designer outlet shopping mall where you can pick up a bargain.

There are over 160 boutiques representing 130 luxury and designer brands. Generally, you can expect significant savings, sometimes up to 60% off the recommended retail price on previous season’s collections.

You’ll find everything from British heritage brands like Burberry, Mulberry, and Paul Smith to international luxury labels including Gucci, Prada, and Saint Laurent.

For international visitors, a tax-free shopping service is available, and personal shopping appointments can also be arranged.

GETTING THERE

From London Marylebone (45 minutes): Chiltern Railways runs a direct service to Bicester Village station, which is a 2-minute walk to the shopping village.

From London Paddington (1 hour): Take any Oxford-bound train and change at Oxford Parkway for the connecting shuttle service to Bicester Village.

5. CANTERBURY

Canterbury has been attracting visitors for centuries. St Augustine put it on the map in the 6th century when he made it the first base for Christianity in England.

Six centuries later, Thomas Becket’s murder on the orders of King Henry II made it the most important pilgrimage site in England.

Today, this UNESCO-listed city is a charming medieval escape. Its half-timbered buildings, atmospheric pubs, and hidden gardens make it one of the most beautiful historic towns in England.

For a detailed 1-day itinerary, read our Canterbury day trip guide.

GETTING THERE

From London St Pancras International (50-60 minutes): This is the fastest route. Trains arrive at Canterbury West station, which is a 10-minute walk to the Cathedral.

From London Victoria or London Charing Cross (90 minutes to 2 hours): The trains generally arrive at Canterbury East station, which is a 15-to 20-minute walk to the main attractions.

TOURS TO CANTERBURY

Viator – This fantastic, small-group tour includes Canterbury, Dover Castle and the White Cliffs of Dover.

GetYourGuide – This tour is cheaper than the Viator one; however, it’s in a larger coach and therefore, with a larger group.

6. OXFORD

The University of Oxford is one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. Founded in the 12th century, it has educated 57 British prime ministers, 2 US presidents and 12 saints.

Nicknamed the “City of Dreaming Spires,” Oxford is a stunning blend of cobbled laneways, golden-hued architecture, and historic charm.

But it also has a lively atmosphere, excellent pubs, and a thriving café scene. While you could easily spend days exploring, a day trip is perfect for taking in the highlights.

We have a detailed 1-day Oxford itinerary that includes essential information about what to book in advance.

GETTING THERE

From London Paddington (45-60 minutes): This is the fastest route. Oxford Station is a 10- to 15-minute walk from the main colleges and attractions.

From London Marylebone (1 hour): This route can sometimes offer cheaper fares, so it’s worth comparing. 

TOURS TO OXFORD

Viator – This tour in a comfortable 16-seat minivan includes Burford and Bibury – two of the most beautiful Cotswolds villages – as well as Oxford.

GetYourGuide – This tour includes Oxford, as well as Burford and Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds. It’s cheaper than the Viator tour, but in our opinion, Bibury is a bit more unique, especially for international visitors, so Viator has the edge.

7. BLETCHLEY PARK

This was the top-secret headquarters of the Government Code and Cypher School, where brilliant minds, including Alan Turing, cracked the Enigma code during World War II.

Today, the museum tells the incredible story of the codebreakers whose work shortened the war by an estimated two years.

You can explore the original huts where the codebreaking took place, see genuine Enigma machines, and learn about the remarkable men and women who worked here.

The rebuilt Colossus computer—the world’s first programmable digital computer— demonstrates the birth of the digital age.

The National Museum of Computing, located on the same site, houses the world’s largest collection of working historic computers, including a recreation of Turing’s ACE computer.

GETTING THERE

From London Euston (50 minutes): West Midlands Trains operate frequent services to Bletchley station, which is a 10-minute walk to the museum.

DAY TRIPS FROM LONDON (AROUND 1 HOUR)

8. BRIGHTON

Brighton combines the nostalgia of the Victorian seaside town with a youthful vibe.

Its pier is packed with amusement arcades, fairground rides, and food stalls. The pebble beach is backed by Victorian and Georgian facades and a quirky former royal residence built in the 19th century.

However, underlying these signs of yesteryear is a modern city. Narrow lanes and alleyways hide independent shops and cafes. Bohemian neighbourhoods house record stores, vintage emporiums, and art spaces.

We have a separate guide all about visiting Brighton on a day trip from London, which includes a handy walking route to help you see everything.

GETTING THERE

From London Victoria (60 minutes): Frequent direct services run to Brighton station, which is a 10-minute walk to the town centre.

From London Bridge (60 minutes): Frequent direct Thameslink services also run to Brighton station.

From London Blackfriars / Farringdon / St Pancras International (70-80 minutes) Thameslink services also run directly to Brighton; however, journey times are slightly longer.

TOURS TO BRIGHTON

Viator – This small-group tour visits Brighton and the Seven Sisters, an iconic stretch of coastline near Brighton.

GetYourGuide – This tour uses the train to get from London to Brighton, from where you’ll board a minivan to tour the Seven Sisters. There’s a guided tour of Brighton, plus free time to explore in the afternoon.

9. HARRY POTTER

Step into the magic of the Wizarding World at Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter. This self-guided experience takes you behind the scenes of the films, where you can explore the original sets, props, and costumes used in production.

Wander through the Great Hall, board the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 ¾, and peek inside Professor Sprout’s Greenhouse.

We recently took Paul’s niece and nephew, and it’s safe to say it was a massive hit, although we couldn’t quite justify the £30 price tag for a wand!

The studio is in Leavesden, just outside London. Advance booking is essential, especially during peak season, as tickets sell out quickly.

GETTING THERE

Trains from London Euston (20 minutes): Take a fast train from London Euston to Watford Junction, then take the official Studio Tour shuttle bus (clearly marked), which runs every 30 minutes. The bus takes 10-15 minutes and costs £3 for a return journey.

TOURS TO HARRY POTTER

Viator – This fantastic tour includes transport from central London in an air-conditioned coach and entry to the studio tour.

GetYourGuide – This highly rated tour also includes coach transfers from London and your entry ticket to the Harry Potter Studios.

10. RYE

In medieval times, Rye supplied ships to the Crown in exchange for certain privileges. Those privileges made Rye wealthy, and walls, gates, and towers were built to defend the town.

As time went by, Rye’s harbour steadily silted up and lacked strategic importance. What remains is one of the finest and unspoiled medieval towns in England.

Perched on top of a hill, its tiny, cobbled alleyways, enchanting inns, and half-timbered houses are well-preserved. The remnants of its fortifications include grand gates and defensive towers. 

We recently visited Rye and put together this guide on the best things to do in the Rye area. It has tips on what to book in advance and what else to see in the area.

GETTING THERE

From London St Pancras (1 hour, 10 minutes): Take the high-speed train to Ashford International, then change to a Southern Rail service to Rye. The station is just a 5-minute walk from the town centre.

11. WHITSTABLE

In the Middle Ages, Whitstable served as a port for pilgrims travelling to Canterbury. Today, it’s the best place to go within reasonable proximity of London for fresh seafood.

Relaxed, rustic shacks serve oysters and lobster straight from the water while Michelin-starred restaurants elevate Whitstable’s prized seafood with refined dining experiences.

Pair it with a pint of local ale in a traditional pub, where the pebbly beach provides the perfect backdrop.

There’s a lot more to do, but it’s also great if you want a nice day out on the coast with some great food.

For more details, read our Whitstable day trip guide.

GETTING THERE

From London St Pancras International (1 hour, 10 minutes): Whitstable station is a 10-15 minute walk to the harbour and the main high street.

From London Victoria (1 hour, 30 minutes): There is also a direct route from London Victoria to Whitstable.

12. BATH

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bath is famous for its remarkably well-preserved Roman Baths, offering a fascinating glimpse into life nearly 2,000 years ago.

Nearby, Bath Abbey dominates the skyline with its intricate Gothic details.

Beyond these major sites, Bath is a great city to wander around. Explore grand Georgian streets like the Royal Crescent, discover independent shops tucked away in medieval lanes, or relax in a modern thermal spa.

Read our Bath day trip guide, which includes an itinerary to help you see all the main sights.

GETTING THERE

From London Paddington (1 hour, 20 minutes): Frequent, direct services run to Bath Spa Station, which is a 5-10 minute walk to the centre of town.

TOURS TO BATH

Viator – This tour to Bath also includes a stop at Stonehenge. Entry tickets to Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths can be included.

GetYourGuide – This very popular tour includes Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath on one very busy day. It’s a lot to fit in, but if you’re visiting from overseas, this could be a good option.

DAY TRIPS FROM LONDON (AROUND 1.5 HOURS)

13. SEVEN SISTERS

The Seven Sisters Cliffs are the best coastal scenery you can get on a day trip from London.

This iconic stretch of undulating white chalk cliffs runs along the English Channel between Seaford and Eastbourne in the South Downs National Park.

The best way to experience the Seven Sisters is by walking along the coastal path, which forms part of the South Downs Way.

While the full cliff-top walk is quite long (around 18km / 11 miles end-to-end), even shorter sections, particularly around the Cuckmere Haven viewpoint near Seaford, provide stunning photo opportunities.

All the details about the walk can be found in our Seven Sisters walk guide.

GETTING THERE

From London Victoria (1 hour, 20 minutes): Services run frequently to Seaford Station (some services are direct, while others may require a change, often at Lewes). It’s a 10-minute walk from the train station to the Seaford Esplanade car park to start the walk.

TOURS TO THE SEVEN SISTERS

Viator – This tour, led by an experienced guide, includes train tickets and transportation in an air-conditioned minivan to the best viewpoints.

GetYourGuide – This tour includes more sights in the South Downs National Park as well as the best of the Seven Sisters Cliffs.

14. MARGATE

Twenty years ago, Margate was another English seaside town struggling to compete with cheap flights and foreign sun. However, over the last decade, it has been undergoing a regeneration, evolving into a creative coastal escape.

The small Old Town is now home to cute boutiques, quirky stores, and some good brunch spots.

In 2011, the Turner Contemporary art gallery opened on the seafront, showcasing exhibitions that connect to J.M.W. Turner, who famously painted Margate’s dramatic skies.

The beach has always been an excellent swathe of golden sand, and that hasn’t changed.

GETTING THERE

From London St Pancras International (1 hour, 25 minutes): This is the fastest route to Margate Station, which is a 10- to 15-minute walk to the Old Town.

From London Victoria (1 hour, 50 minutes): This is a slower but still direct service with more stops.

15. ARUNDEL

Arundel has everything you need for a great day trip – a mighty medieval castle, a charming market town, a riverside pub, and landscaped gardens ideal for a leisurely stroll.

Dominating the skyline, Arundel Castle is one of England’s largest and most impressive fortresses, with nearly 1,000 years of history.

The High Street is lined with independent shops, cosy cafes, and a monthly farmers’ market (every third Saturday).

A great way to see it all is to combine the visit to the castle with a half-day hike through its landscaped gardens and then along the river Arun. You can find all the details in our best walks near London guide.

GETTING THERE

From London Victoria (1 hour, 25 minutes): Direct services run frequently to Arundel station, which is a 10- to 15-minute walk (partly uphill) to the High Street.

16. SALISBURY & STONEHENGE

Famous for its magnificent medieval cathedral and its proximity to the iconic Stonehenge, Salisbury makes an excellent day trip destination.

The jewel of Salisbury is its stunning Cathedral. It has the tallest church spire in Britain, and it’s a masterpiece of Early English Gothic architecture.

Inside, you can see one of the best-preserved original copies of the Magna Carta (1215) housed within the Chapter House.

From Salisbury, Stonehenge is just a short bus ride away. 

A prehistoric wonder and British cultural icon, Stonehenge is one of the world’s most famous and mysterious ancient monuments.

There are two ways to experience Stonehenge:

• General Admission – Walk around the Stone Circle at your own pace with a downloadable audio guide.
• Stone Circle Experience – Step inside the Inner Circle, an exclusive experience limited to just 30 visitors per session. These tickets sell out months in advance.

GETTING THERE

From London Waterloo (1 hour, 30 minutes): Frequent services run direct to Salisbury Station, which is a 10-minute walk to the cathedral.

Salisbury to Stonehenge (30 minutes): The Stonehenge Tour Bus departs regularly from directly outside Salisbury train station and also stops in the city centre near the Cathedral.

TOURS TO STONEHENGE

Viator – This very popular tour includes a comprehensive tour of Bath, plus an hour to look around Stonehenge.

GetYourGuide – This well-rated tour includes Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford on one very busy day.

17. BLENHEIM PALACE

Blenheim Palace is a monumental country house located in Woodstock, on the edge of the Cotswolds.

Built between 1705 and 1724 as a gift to the 1st Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim is set within over 2,000 acres of beautiful parkland.

Its impressive Baroque architecture and lavish interiors have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. It’s also the only non-royal, non-episcopal house in England officially titled a ‘Palace’.

Beyond its architectural significance, Blenheim Palace holds historical importance as the birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill. It has also served as a filming location for productions like Harry Potter and The Crown.

GETTING THERE

Train from London Paddington (60 minutes): Frequent services run to Oxford Station. From Oxford Station, catch the Stagecoach S7 bus to Blenheim Palace. (40-45 minutes.)

TOURS TO BLENHEIM

Viator – This tour includes entry to Blenheim Palace, Cotswold villages, and Bampton, the village featured in Downton Abbey.

GetYourGuide – This tour includes the same attractions as the Viator Tour; however, it is often slightly cheaper.

18. MORETON-IN-MARSH

Moreton-in-Marsh is a town in the Cotswolds with its own mainline train station. So, it’s one of the few Cotswolds villages you can feasibly visit without a car on a day trip.

Moreton has a genuine, lived-in market town feel. Its long, wide High Street is its defining feature, lined with handsome, historic buildings crafted from that signature golden Cotswold stone.

You’ll find a great mix of independent shops, traditional pubs, cosy cafes, and galleries to explore.

Moreton-in-Marsh is renowned for its excellent antique shops and boasts the largest street market in the Cotswolds. Every Tuesday, the high street is transformed into a market, with stalls selling a wide range of goods, from local produce and cheeses to gifts and antiques.

GETTING THERE

From London Paddington (1 hour, 30 minutes): Direct trains run regularly to Moreton-in-Marsh, which is a 5-minute walk to the centre of town.

LONDON DAY TRIPS (OVER 2 HOURS)

19. YORK

York has many strings to its bow. Originally a Roman settlement, it evolved into a walled medieval city and later became a vibrant cultural hub. Today, it’s a fantastic blend of old and new.

Ancient and medieval buildings sit alongside smart restaurants and buzzing bars.

York is home to one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe and boasts the 2nd largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe—York Minster.

There’s also a wide range of museums to explore. Experience York’s Viking heritage at the Jorvik Viking Centre or delve into its darker past at the York Dungeon.

Though over 200 miles from London, York is well-connected by the fast East Coast mainline, making it possible to visit in just 2 hours. It’s a long day, but definitely a rewarding one.

All the details can be found in our York day trip post.

GETTING THERE

From London King’s Cross (1 hour, 50 minutes): There are fast direct services to York Station, which is around a 10-15 minute walk into the historic heart of the city.

TOURS IN YORK

The best way to get to York is by train. But here are some great tours once you are there.

Mad Alice’s: The Bloody Tour of York – This walking tour of the centre visits the top sights while hearing stories of witches, queens, and murderers.

Comedy Horror Show: York Ghost Bus Tour – Hear about the gruesome events in York’s history on this 75-minute bus tour.

20. PARIS

Paris deserves more than a day, but at 2 hours and 15 minutes on the Eurostar, it’s a feasible day trip from London.

There are so many things to do in Paris; it’s difficult to work out what to fit in.

You could pick out one of the days from our 3-day Paris itinerary. Any of them could work well as a 1-day itinerary, as each day focuses on a particular area.

A good overview of all that is great in Paris is day 1, which includes the Jardin du Palais Royal, the Louvre and the beautiful Sainte-Chapelle. After a stroll along the Seine, visit the Shakespeare Book Company, Notre Dame and finish up in the Le Marais.

This is a great way to see the best of Paris. However, you may want to skip the Louvre if you are a big fan of art, as you could easily spend the whole day there. Save it for your next trip.

GETTING THERE

From London St Pancras International (2 hours, 15 minutes): Eurostar services run directly to Paris Gare du Nord. Paris Gare du Nord is a major hub with connections to the Paris Métro, allowing easy access to various parts of the city.

Eurostar Tickets – Eurostar tickets must be booked well in advance for the best prices and availability. You need to check in 45-60 minutes before your departure with passport control at both ends.

TOURS TO PARIS

Viator – This tour includes Eurostar tickets to Paris plus a cruise down the Seine.

GetYourGuide – This tour includes train tickets to Paris, lunch at the Eiffel Tower and a cruise on the Seine.

MORE DAY TRIPS

• Pick from one of our 20 curated day trips from London.
• See the achievable highlights on our 1-day Cambridge itinerary.
• Enjoy a medieval weekend break with our Rye day trip.
• Hit the beach on a relaxing day out in Brighton.
• Explore the rich history on our Canterbury day trip from London.
• Scoff the freshest oysters with our Whitstable day trip.
• Enjoy the regal side of life with our Bath day trip itinerary.
• Pick from one of our 10 Cotswolds day trip ideas.
• Hike the white cliffs on our Seven Sisters day trip.