20 Best Day Trips From London By Train or Tour

Charming villages, royal castles, medieval towns, and beautiful countryside surround London. Many are surprisingly accessible without a car. Here’s our pick of the best day trips from London by train or coach tour.

London is our hometown and one of the world’s great cities.

But, when you are looking for a mini-break or visiting the city as a tourist, the sheer variety of day trips from London is extraordinary.

Within an hour by train you can see the oldest occupied castle in the world, or two renowned medieval university towns. Just a little further and you can be strolling charming English villages.

A mere 2 hours brings you to the best seafood in the UK, hiking picturesque white cliffs or strolling the halls of Downton Abbey.

Below are our favourite day trips from London, all of which can be reached by train or coach tour, so there is no need to hire a car.

We have included the highlights of each destination and how to get there. To help you plan, many of our favourites have links to our detailed 1-day itineraries.

1. WINDSOR CASTLE

Why go? – To see the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.

Windsor has been the home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years.

The highlight is the castle itself. Standing proud on the banks of the river Thames, this imposing fortress was built in the 11th century after the Norman invasion of England.

Inside the grounds, St George’s Chapel is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England. The chapel has held many royal weddings and contains the tombs of 11 monarchs.

Windsor Great Park surrounds the castle, and it’s one of our favourite walks near London.

HOW TO GET TO WINDSOR

• By train – Windsor is 30 minutes by train from London Paddington Station.
• By tour – This organised tour to Windsor also includes Stonehenge.

2. OXFORD

Why Go? – To visit one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

Founded in the 12th century, Oxford has educated 57 British prime ministers, 2 US presidents, and 12 saints.

Known as the “city of dreaming spires” it’s a wonderful mix of cobble-stoned laneways and magnificent architecture.

There are plenty of wonderful things to do in Oxford but the highlights include the Radcliffe Camera, Duke Humfrey’s Medieval Library and Christ Church College – the inspiration for Harry Potter.

Read more in our guide to visiting Oxford on a day trip.

HOW TO GET TO OXFORD?

• By train – Oxford is around 55 minutes by train from London Paddington Station.
• By tour – This well-rated tour to Oxford includes the 2 villages in the Cotswolds.

3. CAMBRIDGE

Why Go? – To visit a beautiful English town steeped in history.

Cambridge University was established in 1209 when students left Oxford to escape rioting townspeople. It hasn’t looked back since.

Exquisite late-Gothic architecture towers over cobbled streets and immaculate greens. A river winds through the backs of the colleges where you’ll find guides taking visitors on a scenic punt.

The highlight is the vaulted ceiling of Kings College Chapel, which is best experienced at Evensong when the walls reverberate to the voices of the King’s College Choir.

It is, quite simply, the most beautiful city in England. Put your day trip together with our 1-day Cambridge Itinerary.

4. HARRY POTTER STUDIO TOUR

Why go? – To see the sets and original costumes from the Harry Potter movies.

Harry Potter fans will not want to miss the Warner Bros Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter. 

This self-guided walking tour takes you through the sets, props, and costumes used in the Harry Potter films. You can see the Great Hall, Platform 9 3/4, Professor Sprouts Greenhouse, and other iconic sets.

Make sure you book in advance (if you’re not taking an organised tour) as tickets can sell out, especially in peak season.

HOW TO GET TO THE HARRY POTTER STUDIOS?

• By train – Take the train from London Euston to Watford Junction Train Station (20 minutes), then the studio shuttle bus (10 to 15 minutes).
• By tour – This organised tour to the Harry Potter Studios departs from London Victoria Bus Station. Entry tickets are included.

5. HENLEY-ON-THAMES

Why go? – To stroll through 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 is an excellent location for a day trip from London.

Wander the independent shops on the market square then have a pint in a cosy pub. There’s a wonderful hike that takes in Henley and the picture-perfect village of Hambleden. You can find details on our favourite country walks near London.

Henley was used in the Midsomer Murders TV series and you’ll find information about filming locations dotted around the town.

HOW TO GET TO HENLEY?

• By train – Henley-on-Thames is 40 minutes from London Paddington Station changing at Twyford.

6. CANTERBURY

Why go? – To visit a medieval city with 3 remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Canterbury has been attracting visitors for centuries after becoming an important pilgrimage site in England following the murder of Thomas Becket on the orders of King Henry II.

Today three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a charming medieval centre make it a wonderful day trip from London.

The highlights include the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral and the Old Weavers House. Taking a guided punting tour along the river is a cool way to see the town.

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

HOW TO GET TO CANTERBURY?

• By train – Canterbury is 50 minutes by train from London St Pancras Station.
• By tour – This Canterbury Tour also includes Dover Castle and White Cliffs.

7. HIGHCLERE CASTLE

Why Go? – To visit the castle used in Downton Abbey.

Highclere Castle was built in 1679 and largely renovated in the 1840s. The castle was converted into a hospital for wounded soldiers in World War I, much like in the TV show.

Highclere offers different tours throughout the year and most require booking in advance.

Downton Village was largely filmed in the village of Bampton which is around 1 hour’s drive from Highclere Castle.

HOW TO GET TO HIGHCLERE?

• By train – Take the train from London Paddington to Newbury Station (40 minutes). From Newbury, it’s a 15-minute taxi to Highclere.
• By tour – This Downton Abbey tour also includes the village of Bampton.

8. BRIGHTON

Why go? – To enjoy one of the best Victorian seafronts in England.

Brighton combines the nostalgia of the Victorian seaside era with a youthful vibe. It has amusement arcades, fairground rides, and food stalls; all set on a lovely pebble beach

But Brighton also has an indie feel with independent shops, cool cafes, vintage emporiums and art spaces set along narrow lanes. Its the best day trip from London for alternative lifestyles, peaking in August with Brighton Pride.

Don’t miss Brighton Pavillion – a quirky former royal residence.

All the details are in our guide to visiting Brighton on a day trip.

HOW TO GET TO BRIGHTON

• By train – Brighton is 1 hour by train from London Victoria Station or London Bridge Station.

9. DOVER CASTLE & THE WHITE CLIFFS

Why go? – To see iconic English coastlines.

Dover is not the prettiest town in England, but it has two excellent sights that make it worth visiting on a day trip.

The first is Dover Castle, England’s largest castle.

Founded in the 11th century, it has been described as the “Key to England” due to its defensive significance. Towering high on a rocky hill above the narrowest part of the English Channel, it’s still a mighty fortress.

The second sight is the White Cliffs. A good coastal path runs from the castle along the tops of the cliffs. It ends at the National Trust Foreland Lighthouse (1 hour and 30 minutes walk from Dover Castle).

HOW TO GET TO DOVER?

• By train – Dover is 1 hour 10 minutes by train from London St Pancras Station.
• By Tour – This organised tour from London to Dover includes Canterbury and the White Cliffs.

10. RYE

Why go? – To visit one of the most unspoilt medieval towns in England.

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.

What remains is one of the finest and unspoilt 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. 

All the details are in our guide to visiting Rye on a day trip.

HOW TO GET TO RYE?

• By train – Rye is 1 hour 10 minutes by train from London St Pancras Station changing at Ashford International.

11. WHITSTABLE

Why go? – To try some of the freshest oysters in the UK.

In the Middle Ages, Whitstable served as a port for pilgrims making their way to Canterbury. Today, it’s the best day trip from London for seafood lovers.

Relaxed, rustic shacks sell fresh oysters and lobster straight from the water. Michelin-starred restaurants serve Whitstable’s prized seafood in refined settings.

Excellent local ales and old-school pubs on pebbly sands complement the overall experience.

Read more in our guide to visiting Whitstable.

HOW TO GET TO WHITSTABLE?

• By train – Whitstable is 1 hour 10 minutes by train from London St Pancras Station.

12. THE COTSWOLDS

Why go? – To experience the quintessential English village.

The Cotswolds is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the southwest of England. It covers an area of 787 square miles with rolling countryside, honey-hued villages and historic manor houses.

It’s one of the most beautiful places in England and a popular day trip destination from London given the proximity.

HOW TO GET TO THE COTSWOLDS?

The Cotswolds is not easy to visit by train. However, numerous coach tours run from London. Here are some of our guides to help you plan:

• Read our 10 ideas for different day trips to the Cotswolds.
• Here are the prettiest Cotswolds villages to consider for your day trip.
• For more ideas, read: what to do in the Cotswolds.
• By Tour – This organised Cotswolds day trip includes Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold.

13. BLENHEIM PALACE

Why go? – To visit one of the greatest stately homes in England.

Located in Woodstock on the edge of the Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace is set in 2000 acres of landscape parklands. It’s the only non-royal, non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title of palace.

Its rich baroque architecture and sumptuous interiors are so impressive it’s on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Highlights include the State Rooms, the Long Library and the intricate formal gardens.

Blenheim Palace is Winston Churchill’s childhood home and it has been used in Harry Potter and The Crown TV series.

HOW TO GET TO BLENHEIM

• By train – Take the train from London Paddington Station to Hanborough (1 hour 5 minutes) Then hop on the S7 bus to Blenheim Palace (10 minutes).
• By tour – This Blenheim Palace day tour from London also includes Bourton-on-the-Water and Bampton Village.

14. BATH

Why go? – To see the best preserved Roman bathhouse in the world.

Bath is an elegant city blessed with Georgian architecture, Roman remains, and rustic medieval back streets.

The towering Bath Abbey is one of the main attractions, but Bath is best known for its incredible Roman bathhouse.

Part hipster, part posh, Bath straddles the divide between quirky and glamorous. 

The entire city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

All the details are in our guide to visiting Bath on a day trip.

HOW TO GET TO BATH?

• By train – Bath is 1 hour 20 minutes by train from London Paddington Station.
• By tour – This tour to Bath also includes Windsor and Stonehenge.

15. STONEHENGE

Why go? – To witness one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world.

Stonehenge is a very popular day trip from London and it’s something every visitor to England should do.

To visit, you can either purchase a general admission ticket with an audio guide or join the Stone Circle Experience which allows you in the Inner Circle.

Only 30 people are allowed in the Inner Circle per session so book well in advance.

It only takes an hour or two to explore Stonehenge so it’s worth visiting other places on your day trip. These could include Windsor, Oxford, or Bath.

HOW TO GET TO STONEHENGE?

• By train – Take the train from London Waterloo to Salisbury (1 hour 30 minutes), then get the hourly Stonehenge Tour Bus from the Salisbury Station to the stone circle (30 minutes).
• By tour – This day trip to Stonehenge includes Windsor, plus access to the inner circle.

16. SEVEN SISTERS

Why go? – For one of the most scenic coastal hikes in England.

The Seven Sisters are a series of chalk sea cliffs that run between the River Cuckmere near Seaford and Beachy Head near Eastbourne.

Rising 200 metres, they are the most dramatic white chalk cliffs in the UK and one of the most scenic day trips from London.

The entire hike along the cliffs is around 18 kilometres which you can read about in our Seven Sisters walk guide.

If you’re more interested in seeing the sights without hiking on a day trip, read our Seven Sisters day trip guide.

HOW TO GET TO THE SEVEN SISTERS?

• By train – The train from London Victoria to Seaford Station takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
• By tour – This full-day Seven Sisters tour by train and minibus includes Long Man of Wilmington, Beachy Head and Seven Sisters Cliffs.

17. ARUNDEL

Why go? – To see England’s second largest castle and stroll the independent high street.

Arundel has everything you need for a great day trip – a mighty castle, a charming market town, a pub by the river, and landscaped gardens perfect for gentle strolls.

Arundel is a medieval fortress almost 1,000 years old. Come in April and the castle grounds are bursting with colourful tulips. 

The High Street is one of our favourites in the country with independent shops and cafes. There’s a great farmer’s market on the third Saturday of each month.

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 on our best walks near London guide.

HOW TO GET TO ARUNDEL?

• By train – Arundel is 1 hour 25 minutes by train from London Victoria Station.

18. MARGATE

Why go? – To visit a lovely beach in a quirky town with a cool art vibe.

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.

The small Old Town is now home to cute boutiques, quirky stores, and some good brunch spots. It’s a wonderful destination for a day trip from London.

In 2011 the Turner Contemporary art gallery opened on the seafront with exhibitions that rotate every 3 or 4 months.

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

HOW TO GET TO MARGATE?

By train – Margate is 1 hour and 25 minutes by train from London St Pancras Station.

19. YORK

Why go? – To stroll along one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe.

Originally a Roman settlement, York transformed into a walled medieval city and then a lively cultural hub. Today it’s a wonderful mix of old and new.

Ancient and medieval buildings stand next to smart restaurants and buzzing bars.

It has one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe and the 2^nd largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe.

The highlight is ambling along The Shambles and pottering into Harry Potter-themed stores.

All the details are in our guide to spending one day in York.

HOW TO GET TO YORK?

• By train – York is 2 hours by train from London Kings Cross Station.

20. STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

Why go? – To visit a lovely market town and the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

Stratford-Upon-Avon is a romantic market town with historic theatres, half-timbered Tudor cottages and beautiful riverside gardens.

The main attraction is Shakespeare’s house which has been preserved for over 170 years. However, the cottage which once belonged to his wife Anne Hathaway, is one of the most pristine cottages in the country.

Other highlights include the Tudor World Museum, the Holy Trinity Church which contains Shakespeare’s tomb and taking a cruise on the River Avon.

HOW TO GET TO STRATFORD-UPON-AVON?

• By Train – Stratford-Upon-Avon is around 2 hours, 15 minutes by train from London changing at Leamington Spa & possibly Reading.

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.