10 Best Day Trips From London By Train

1. OXFORD

55 minutes by train from London

Oxford is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and one of the easiest day trips from London.

It’s a wonderful mix of cobble-stoned laneways, magnificent architecture, historic monuments and cool university life.

There are plenty of wonderful things to do in Oxford. For us, the highlights are the Radcliffe Camera, Duke Humfrey’s Medieval Library, and Christ Church College.

↪ This well-rated tour includes 2 villages in the Cotswolds.

2. CAMBRIDGE

50 Minutes by train from London

Cambridge is a beautiful English town steeped in history.

Our highlight at Cambridge is always punting on the River Cam. Winding along the backs of the colleges, the river is incredibly beautiful, with immaculate college greens framing the late Gothic architecture of the university.

In our opinion, it’s the most beautiful city in England. Getting there on a day trip from London is also very easy.

↪ This tour includes a guided sightseeing walk with a local.

3. CANTERBURY

50 minutes by train from London

Canterbury is a fascinating medieval city with 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

It became an important pilgrimage site in England following the murder of Thomas Becket on the orders of King Henry II.

Today, the charming medieval centre, magnificent cathedral and quirky architecture make it a wonderful day trip from London.

This is a great choice for history buffs or anyone interested in seeing a beautifully preserved old city.

↪ This Canterbury Tour also includes Dover Castle and White Cliffs.

4. BRIGHTON

1 hour by train from London

Brighton is one of the best Victorian seafronts in England.

Here, you can combine 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.

It’s the best day trip from London for alternative lifestyles, peaking in August with Brighton Pride.

5. RYE

1 hour and 10 minutes by train from London

Rye is one of the most unspoilt medieval towns in England.

In exchange for supplying ships to the Crown, Rye gained wealth and used it’s riches to build walls, gates and towers to defend the city.

Perched on top of a hill, its tiny, cobbled alleyways, enchanting inns, and half-timbered houses are delightfully well preserved.

Rye is a great choice if you are looking for a day trip to a charming history town.

6. WHITSTABLE

1 hour and 10 minutes by train from London

Whitstable is a slightly alternative seaside town famous for having some of the best oysters in the UK.

In the Middle Ages, Whitstable served as a port for pilgrims making their way to Canterbury.

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

Whitstable is an excellent day trip from London to enjoy a thriving seafood industry.

7. COTSWOLDS

From around 1 hour, 10 minutes by train from London

The Cotswolds are the quintessential English village experience.

As a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the region covers an area of 787 square miles with rolling countryside, honey-hued villages and historic manor houses.

There are several day trips you could do to the Cotswolds. The best place to start is our Cotswolds Villages guide, which will give you an idea of which you want to visit.

Then head over to our Cotswolds day trip guide with practical information for 10 fantastic day trips.

↪ This tour includes Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold.

8. BATH

1 hour, 20 minutes by train from London

Bath has the best preserved Roman bathhouse in the world.

It’s an elegant city with beautiful Georgian architecture, Roman remains, and rustic medieval back streets.

The towering Bath Abbey is one of the main attractions, but Bath also has a wonderful independent vibe and manages to straddle the divide between quirky and glamorous. 

The entire city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s a great choice for international visitors looking for a charming, historic city.

↪ This tour to Bath also includes Windsor and Stonehenge.

9. SEVEN SISTERS

1 hour, 20 minutes by train to the start of the hike.

The Seven Sisters is one of the most scenic coastal hikes in England.

Chalk sea cliffs run between the River Cuckmere near Seaford and Beachy Head near Eastbourne. Rising 200 metres above the sea, they are the most dramatic white cliffs in the UK.

The entire hike along the cliffs is around 18 kilometres, but you can also visit on a day trip from London.

Read this guide if you’re more interested in seeing the sights without hiking.

↪ This full-day tour by train and minibus includes Beachy Head and Seven Sisters.

10. YORK

2 hours by train from London

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

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

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

The highlight for us is ambling along The Shambles. Kids will love pottering into Harry Potter-themed stores.