19 Epic Day Trips from London By Train

Great Britain has one of the oldest railway systems globally, and it’s very reliable. With the ability to travel far and wide, travelers staying in London can explore areas of England on day trips. For travelers from other countries, train travel allows for transit, without taking to the ‘other side of the road’ by car. 

If you purchase a BritRail Pass, you can ride by train any time of the day. Without a pass, rail tickets are more expensive on weekdays, especially during peak times. So, plan to travel outside of rush hour to save money.

I found it relaxing to travel around Britain by train. As the train traveled between towns, I enjoyed the rolling hills and checkerboard pastures featured in Constable and Turner paintings. 

So, from quaint villages oozing with character to abandoned British castles filled with history, take your pick of these best train trips from London, listed from shortest to longest, but all under 90 minutes.

Warner Bros. Studio

• Stations: Euston to Watford Junction | Time: 20 mins

Since the Warner Bros. Studio opened the Making of Harry Potter exhibit in 2012, Potter fans have been flocking to London to experience a piece of its magic. With over 5,000 visitors a day, the Making of Harry Potter is arguably a must-do day trip from London.

Potterheads often arrive in costume to dive into Diagon Alley’s magic. Even non-fans enjoy the interactive exhibits and behind-the-scenes insights. Plan to spend about three hours exploring sets, digital effects, props, and costumes.

Since the Warner Bros. Studio tour is a popular destination, book your tickets online a month or two before your visit to prevent disappointment.

Stonehenge

• Stations: Waterloo to Salisbury | Time: 45 mins

At 5,000 years old, Stonehenge is one of England’s most iconic landmarks, drawing over 1.5 million visitors annually. Its origins and purpose remain a mystery, adding to its intrigue.

Admission includes access to the famous stone circle and a modern visitor center showcasing artifacts from nearby digs. Only half the site has been excavated, leaving room for future discoveries. Since Stongehenge sits on a hill, we found it quite blustery.

Outside, reconstructed Neolithic Houses offer a glimpse into ancient life, while a massive stone on logs shows how these builders may have transported the monument’s stones. Stonehenge is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich in history and enduring wonder.

Hampton Court

• Stations: Waterloo to Hampton Court | Time: 45 mins

Just under an hour by train from London, Hampton Court makes for an easy day trip. A short five-minute walk from the station brought us to Hampton Court Palace, rich in history and famous gardens.

Once a country home, it was transformed into a grand palace by Cardinal Wolsey, then taken over by King Henry VIII, who brought all six wives here. The palace saw both celebration and sorrow, Jane Seymour died shortly after childbirth, and Catherine Howard was executed for adultery.

Beyond the palace, the estate includes 60 acres of formal gardens and a historic maze. Originally planted with hornbeam and now dense with yew, this is England’s oldest surviving hedge maze. It takes about 20 minutes to complete—are you up for the challenge?

Cambridge

• Stations: King’s Cross, Liverpool Street or St. Pancras to Cambridge | Time: 45 mins

Just 45 minutes by train from London, Cambridge makes for an easy and enriching day trip. Famous for its historic university, the colleges dominate the city center and showcase stunning Gothic architecture—none more impressive than King’s College Chapel.

Many colleges back onto the River Cam, with picturesque bridges like the curved Mathematical Bridge and the Venetian-style Bridge of Sighs. Rent a punt to float beneath them for a classic experience.

Just a short walk away, the 12th-century Church of the Holy Sepulchre, or ‘Round Church,’ now hosts a Christianity exhibit and stands out with its circular nave and conical spire.

Bletchley Park

• Stations: Euston to Bletchley Park | Time: 45 mins

Just a short train ride from London, Bletchley Park offers a fascinating look into England’s World War II codebreaking efforts. At this once-secret site, visitors can explore the restored huts where messages were received and deciphered, and see the famous ‘bombes’ used to crack the Enigma Code.

The park also features the elegant Victorian mansion that served as headquarters for many high-level operations. Exhibits throughout the site share the stories of the men and women, including famed mathematician Alan Turing, who dedicated their lives to this vital mission.

We had seen The Imitation Game, and recognized the complexity of these machines. Bletchley’s success helped shorten the war and save countless lives, making it a must-visit for history buffs and anyone intrigued by espionage and innovation.

Windsor

• Stations: Waterloo to Windsor | Time: 1 hr

Just outside London, Windsor is home to the 900-year-old Windsor Castle, once Queen Elizabeth II’s weekend retreat. St. George’s Chapel which sits on the grounds was the site of royal weddings like Prince Harry’s.

Arrive early to witness the changing of the guards before touring the castle’s highlights, including the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, and Queen Mary’s intricate dollhouse. From September to March, tickets include access to the lavish Semi-State Rooms.

Behind the castle, the Long Walk stretches through Windsor Great Park, home to roaming deer. Nearby, historic Eton and its famed college await across the Thames. Don’t miss Windsor’s shops, cafes, and the quirky Crooked House.

Oxford

• Stations: Marylebone or Paddington to Oxford | Time: 1 hr

Just an hour by train from London, Oxford is one of England’s top day trip destinations. With its 1,000-year-old castle, historic university colleges, world-class museums, and Radcliffe Camera, there’s more to see than one day allows.

The Radcliffe Camera, is a striking circular library beside the famous Bodleian Library. Both were used as Harry Potter filming locations. Christ Church is another must-see, with its Great Hall inspiring Hogwarts’ dining hall. Don’t miss the cathedral, cloisters, and Great Quadrangle.

Oxford’s museums impress too, from dinosaur skeletons at the Museum of Natural History to ancient artifacts at the Ashmolean. For a break, try punting on the River Cherwell.

Brighton

• Stations: Victoria, London Bridge or Blackfriars to Brighton | Time: 1 hr

Just an hour by train from London, Brighton is a lively seaside escape and one of Sussex’s best treasures. Though its beaches are pebbly, loungers and sunshine make for a relaxing visit.

Brighton Pier offers classic fun with arcade games, carnival rides, and seaside treats. Just watch out for hungry seagulls if purchasing ice cream or chips. Nearby, The Lanes feature narrow alleys lined with quirky shops and cafes in historic buildings.

Don’t miss the Royal Pavilion, Brighton’s star attraction, with its striking Indian-style exterior and opulent Asian-inspired interiors. Once a royal retreat, it boasts skylit ceilings, running water, and a surprisingly modern 19th-century kitchen. Check out my favorite feature, the dragon chandeliers.

Leeds Castle

• Stations: Victoria to Bearstead | Time: 1 hr 10 mins

With over 900 years of incredible history, Kent’s Leeds Castle enchants its visitors with its fairy tale persona. After our first visit, we agreed that its title as ‘The loveliest castle in the world’, is quite fitting.

Originally built as a military stronghold, Leeds Castle later housed six queens and served as a wartime hospital. Privately owned from the 17th century until recently, its last owner, Lady Baillie, established the Leeds Castle Foundation, which now maintains the estate.

The castle is largely open to visitors, though some rooms may close for events. Set on 500 acres, the estate features gardens, a falconry center, and my favorite spot, a yew maze with a hidden grotto. Plan to spend a full day exploring.

Canterbury

• Stations: St. Pancras to Canterbury | Time: 1 hr 10 mins

Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of England’s oldest cathedrals and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Originally built in 597 AD, it was later rebuilt in Gothic style after several fires.

The cathedral is vast, with highlights like the Crypt, The Choir, and the Martyrdom site of Thomas Becket. Don’t miss the soaring ceilings and stained-glass windows.

Nearby, explore the ruins of St. Augustine’s Abbey and the Westgate Towers—the largest surviving medieval gateway in Britain, perfect for a quick 30-minute visit.

Rye

• Stations: St. Pancras to Rye | Time: 1 hr 10 mins

Rye, once a medieval Cinque Port, has a rich history of smuggling, shipwrecks, and invasions. When the sea receded in the 16th century, it left the town inland, now bordered by Romney Marsh.

After a 70 minute train ride from London, visitors can stroll cobbled streets lined with crooked, half-timbered homes and enjoy sweeping views from Rye’s hilltop lanes. Mermaid Street, covered in ivy and flowers, is one of England’s most photographed.

Don’t miss Ypres Tower, now a museum with medieval artifacts and scenic views, or St. Mary’s Church, where a climb up the bell tower rewards you with a rooftop panorama. Nearby, Lamb House once housed writers E.F. Benson and Henry James.

Whitstable

• Stations: Victoria or St. Pancras to Whitstable | Time: 1 hr 20 mins

Famous for its abundance of seafood, the seaside town of Whitstable is easy to reach on a direct route train from London. While the coastal town isn’t blessed with sandy beaches, with great ocean views and yummy food, you’ll forget there’s no soft sand.

Whitstable is all about oysters, so much so that the town welcomes the Oyster Festival each summer. Its rock oysters are available year-round, and there’s no shortage of places to try them. However, the Lobster Shack is a local’s favorite to sample them.

At the Harbour Market, visitors can browse a selection of artisan crafts and handmade gifts. Must-visits shops in town include Whitstable Lavender, Flory & Black, and Sundae Sundae.

Seven Sisters Cliffs

• Stations: Victoria to Eastbourne | Time: 1 hr 25 mins

While Dover is known for its white cliffs, the Seven Sisters Cliffs, offer a stunning alternative closer to London. Located between Eastbourne and Brighton, they provide a beautiful day trip to places in England’s south.

These dramatic limestone cliffs, eroding about 70 cm a year, remain strikingly sharp and bright. Walking trails atop the cliffs provide sweeping views of the ocean and Sussex countryside, while stairs lead down to the pebbled beach below.

Ideal for spring and summer, the area bursts with wildflowers and has fewer crowds than Dover. Visitors can enjoy hours of hiking along the ridges and stop at a nearby café for refreshments along the way.

Blenheim Palace

• Stations: Marylebone to Oxford Parkway | Time: 1 hr 30 mins

Though not a royal residence, Oxford’s Blenheim Palace is best known as Winston Churchill’s birthplace. This grand estate impresses with formal gardens, lavish staterooms, and deep historical roots. Open to the public are the Great Hall, Long Library, and guest rooms still used by the Duke of Marlborough.

The Churchill Exhibition offers a moving look at his life through photos, letters, and personal items. It’s easy to see why he loved this place. For a deeper dive into Churchill’s legacy, I suggest visiting the Churchill War Rooms, a hidden gem in downtown London.

Outside, Blenheim’s 18th-century gardens are stunning. Don’t miss the water terraces or rose garden. Families will love the hedge maze, butterfly house, and the mini train ride. I spent an afternoon here and could have stayed all day.

Arundel

• Stations: Victoria to Arundel | Time: 1 hr 30 mins

To the south of London, a train trip to Arundel offers a magnificent medieval castle, a charming town, and a historic cathedral. Located in West Sussex, Arundel oozes character and appeal. Visitors can reach its centerpiece attraction, Arundel Castle and grounds after a 15-minute stroll from the station. 

Tickets vary in price. The cheapest include the gardens and Fitzalan Chapel. Pay a bit more to see the castle’s interior and spectacular Norman keep. We recommend the gold passes which include the bedrooms.

Home to the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk, the opulent guest rooms and Great Hall are amazing. Save some time to explore the town. Pop into Castle Chocolates to taste their treats and fudge. In the center of Arundel, Cockburn’s Tea Room offers a splendid afternoon tea with scones and clotted cream. 

Hastings

• Stations: London Bridge to Hastings | Time: 1 hr 30 mins

The coastal town of Hastings shares its name with the famous 1066 Battle of Hastings, though the battle itself took place six miles away at Battle Abbey. Visitors can still explore the history at Hastings Castle, perched on West Hill and accessible by funicular railway, offering panoramic views of the beach and town.

Hastings also has a smuggling past, brought to life at St. Clements Caves. These sandstone tunnels feature interactive exhibits and stories of pirates, bootleggers, and smugglers.

It’s a unique glimpse into the town’s darker history, all while exploring a maze of atmospheric underground passages near the seaside.

Bath

• Stations: Paddington to Bath Spa | Time: 1 hr 30 mins

From the Roman Baths to the stunning Circus, Bath is a city with a rich heritage. The gorgeous Georgian buildings made of butter-colored limestone reminded me of the Cotswolds. Thermal water was believed to heal the sick during Roman times, so Roman Spas were built for bathing.

At the Roman Baths, we saw ancient artifacts, such as goddess Sulis Minerva’s bronze head, admired the Temple of Sulis Minerva’s ruins, and toured the sacred springs. For many, the steaming pool of the Great Bath remains the highlight.

Other popular Bath attractions include Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge which crosses the River Avon, the Fashion Museum, and the Royal Crescent.

Chichester

• Stations: Victoria to Chichester | Time: 1 hr 30 mins

With just 25,000 residents, Chichester may seem an unlikely day trip, but this Georgian city impresses with striking architecture within its Roman walls. Chichester Cathedral dominates the center, surrounded by landmarks like the Chichester Cross and St Mary’s Almshouses.

Near the train station, the canals offer peaceful boat rides and birdwatching in the Sussex countryside. Just five minutes away by train, the Roman Palace ruins in Fishbourne features some of the UK’s best-preserved mosaics, displayed in a vast, modern building that highlights their intricate beauty.

Margate

• Stations: Victoria or St. Pancras to Margate | Time: 1 hr 30 mins

Once a classic seaside escape for Londoners, Margate now draws visitors with a fresh blend of history and modern charm. Its sandy beaches, trendy cafés, and stylish seafood spots set it apart from neighboring coastal towns.

Margate has reinvented old attractions, like the Margate Caves, former chalk mines now open for exploration. Nearby, the Shell Grotto stuns with millions of shells decorating its mysterious tunnels.

For a modern touch, the Turner Contemporary gallery offers free rotating exhibits. Whether you come for nostalgia or new experiences, Margate’s unique mix of old and new promises a memorable visit for all ages.

Final Thoughts

Britain’s rail network makes it easy to explore without a car, whether you’re a local or visiting. Seaside day trips offer a relaxing escape from London, and with a BritRail Pass and Oyster Card, you can travel freely by train and underground.

Best of all, train travel removes the stress of driving abroad—just sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey.