16 Best Day Trips From London By Train (Things To Do)

There are many day trips from London by train within 2 hours or ultimate weekend trips from London to the lovely English countryside, college towns, and castles tour. So let’s read about short trips from London within 2 hours with things to do and from where to board the trains in London.

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Here’s a detailed list of day trips from London by train, including commuting time, things to do, and the departure stations:

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Day Trips From London By Train

Day trips from London by train are worth doing because they allow you to explore and experience nearby destinations’ rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and picturesque landscapes conveniently and efficiently, enabling you to make the most of your time and create lasting memories.

Bath:

• • Commuting Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • Departure Station: London Paddington.

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About Bath:  Bath in the UK is worth visiting for its stunning Georgian architecture, rich Roman history, and the chance to immerse oneself in the famous thermal waters of the Roman Baths.

Things to Do: 

• Visit the Roman Baths, 
• Explore Bath Abbey, 
• Stroll along the Georgian streets, and enjoy the beautiful architecture.

Oxford:

• • Commuting Time: Approximately 1 hour.
  • Departure Station: London Paddington or London Marylebone.

About Oxford: Oxford in the UK is worth visiting for its prestigious university, historic buildings, intellectual atmosphere, and captivating destination for learning, culture, and exploration.

Things to Do: 

• Explore the prestigious Oxford University colleges, or book a guided Oxford University walking tour.
• Visit the Bodleian Library, 
• Take a walking tour, and 
• Admire the Radcliffe Camera.

Cambridge:

• • Commuting Time: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
  • Departure Station: London King’s Cross.

About Cambridge: Cambridge in the UK is worth visiting for its world-renowned university, picturesque riverside setting, and stunning architecture that combine to create a captivating and intellectually stimulating experience, thus one of the best day trips from London by train.

Things to Do: 

• Explore the University of Cambridge colleges, 
• Book Alumni led Cambridge Walking tours with Kings’ College,
• Go punting on the River Cam, 
• Visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, 
• And enjoy the historic city center.

Brighton:

• • Commuting Time: Approximately 1 hour.
  • Departure Station: London, Victoria.

About Brighton: Brighton in the UK is worth visiting for its vibrant beachfront, eclectic arts scene, and iconic pier, offering a perfect blend of seaside charm and cultural diversity.

Things to Do: 

• Relax on Brighton Beach, 
• Visit the Royal Pavilion, 
• Explore the Brighton Pier, 
• And stroll through the famous Lanes for shopping and dining.
• Or book the Seven sisters white cliffs countryside tour from Brighton.

Windsor:

• • Commuting Time: Approximately 30 minutes.
  • Departure Station: London Paddington or London Waterloo.
  • Or Book the Canterbury and Cliffs of Dover Day trips from London.

About Windsor: Windsor in the UK is worth visiting for its majestic Windsor Castle, rich royal heritage, and scenic location along the River Thames, providing a delightful combination of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Things to Do: 

• Visit Windsor Castle, 
• Stroll along the Long Walk, 
• Explore the town’s charming streets, 
• And enjoy a boat ride on the River Thames.

Canterbury:

• • Commuting Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • Departure Station: London St Pancras International.

About Canterbury: Canterbury in the UK is worth visiting for its magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and captivating medieval atmosphere, offering a glimpse into centuries of history and religious significance.

Things to Do: 

• Visit Canterbury Cathedral, 
• Explore the Canterbury Tales Museum, 
• Walk through the historic city center, 
• And enjoy the quaint shops and cafes.

Stratford-upon-Avon:

• • Commuting Time: Approximately 2 hours.
  • Departure Station: London Marylebone.

About Stratford-upon-Avon: Stratford-upon-Avon is worth visiting for its association with the legendary playwright William Shakespeare. It showcases his birthplace, family home, and the renowned Royal Shakespeare Theatre, allowing visitors to delve into the life and works of one of the greatest writers in history. 

Things to Do: 

• Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace, 
• Explore Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, 
• Watch a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, 
• And enjoy a walk along the River Avon.

York:

• • Commuting Time: Approximately 2 hours.
  • Departure Station: London King’s Cross.

About York: York is worth visiting for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture, fascinating Viking history, and iconic York Minster, creating a captivating blend of heritage, culture, and charm.

Things to Do: 

• Explore the historic York Minster, 
• Book York city cruise over River Ouse,
• Walk along the medieval city walls, 
• Visit the National Railway Museum, 
• And discover the Shambles, a picturesque street.

Stonehenge:

• • Commuting Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • Departure Station: London Waterloo.

About Stonehenge: Stonehenge is worth visiting for its enigmatic prehistoric monument, shrouded in mystery and awe-inspiring in its ancient and monumental presence, providing a unique and unforgettable experience.

Things to Do: 

• Visit the ancient Stonehenge monument, 
• Explore the visitor center and exhibitions, 
• And enjoy the scenic countryside.

Portsmouth:

• • Commuting Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • Departure Station: London Waterloo.

About Portsmouth: Portsmouth is worth visiting for its rich maritime heritage, historic naval attractions, and scenic waterfront, offering a captivating blend of history, culture, and stunning views.

Things to Do: 

• Explore the historic Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, 
• Visit the HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum, 
• Stroll along the waterfront, 
• And enjoy the views from the Spinnaker Tower.

Salisbury:

• • Commuting Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • Departure Station: London Waterloo.

About Salisbury:  Salisbury in the UK is worth visiting for its iconic Salisbury Cathedral, housing the tallest spire in England, and the opportunity to explore the charming medieval streets, creating a captivating destination of architectural beauty and historical significance.

Things to Do: 

• Explore Salisbury Cathedral, home to the Magna Carta, 
• Visit Old Sarum, a historic hilltop site, 
• And take a leisurely walk along the River Avon.

Rye:

• • Commuting Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • Departure Station: London St Pancras International or London Bridge.

About Rye: Rye in the UK is worth visiting for its enchanting cobbled streets, preserved medieval architecture, and idyllic coastal setting, offering a picturesque and charming escape.

Things to Do: 

• Wander through the charming cobbled streets, 
• Visit the Rye Castle Museum, 
• Climb St Mary’s Church tower for panoramic views, 
• And explore the picturesque Mermaid Street.

Arundel:

• • Commuting Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • Departure Station: London, Victoria.

About Arundel: Arundel in the UK is worth visiting for its stunning Arundel Castle, picturesque riverside location, and rich history, providing a delightful combination of architectural splendor and natural beauty.

Things to Do: 

• Explore Arundel Castle and its beautiful gardens, 
• Visit Arundel Cathedral, 
• Stroll along the River Arun, 
• And browse the quaint shops and tea rooms.

St. Albans:

• • Commuting Time: Approximately 20 minutes.
  • Departure Station: London St Pancras International.

About St. Albans: St. Albans in the UK is worth visiting for its magnificent St Albans Cathedral, Roman ruins, and vibrant market culture, creating a charming blend of history, culture, and local delights. 

Things to Do: 

• Visit St Albans Cathedral, 
• Explore Verulamium Park and Roman ruins, 
• Walk along the historic streets, 
• And enjoy the local markets.

Bournemouth:

• • Commuting Time: Approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes.
  • Departure Station: London Waterloo.

About Bournemouth: Bournemouth in the UK is worth visiting for its beautiful sandy beaches, vibrant seaside atmosphere, and stunning coastal scenery, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, entertainment, and natural beauty and hence one of the best day trips from London by train.

Things to Do: 

• Enjoy the sandy beaches, 
• Take a walk along the Bournemouth Pier, 
• Visit the Oceanarium, 
• And explore the beautiful Lower Gardens.
• Or Book Jurassic coast Lulworth Cove, Durdle door bus tour from Bournemouth. 

The Cotswolds (various towns):

• • Commuting Time: Approximately 1 to 2 hours.
  • Departure Station: London Paddington.
  • Book a guided tour to the Cotswolds from London with lunch.

About The Cotswolds: The Cotswolds in the UK are worth visiting for their quintessential English charm, picturesque villages, and rolling countryside, providing a serene and idyllic escape from city life.

Things to Do: 

• Discover charming villages like Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold, 
• Explore the beautiful countryside, 
• And visit historical landmarks like Blenheim Palace.

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How to commute near London By Train – Information about train passes and ticket costs:

There are various train passes and ticket options for travel within and from London. Here’s some information about train passes and ticket costs to plan your day trips from London by train or perfect weekend trips from London by train:

Oyster Card: Weekend Trips from London by Train

• • The Oyster Card is a smart card for pay-as-you-go travel on London’s public transportation, including trains, buses, and the London Underground (Tube).
  • You can use the Oyster Card to pay for train journeys within London, including travel to and from the city’s major airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and London City).
  • The cost of a single journey using an Oyster Card within London varies depending on the zones traveled. The fare is automatically calculated based on the distance traveled.

Travelcards: Day trips from London by Train

• • Travelcards are paper tickets that offer unlimited travel within specific zones on London’s public transportation network, including trains, buses, and the Tube.
  • Travel cards are available for different durations, such as one day, seven days, and extended periods.
  • The cost of a Travelcard depends on the zones covered and the validity duration.

National Rail Tickets: Places to visit near London by train

• • If you plan to take day trips from London to destinations outside the city, you can purchase individual National Rail tickets for each journey.
  • The cost of National Rail tickets varies depending on the distance traveled, time of booking, and whether you choose an off-peak or anytime fare.
  • It’s advisable to book National Rail tickets in advance to secure the best fares, especially for longer journeys and during peak travel times.

Rail Passes:

• • Consider purchasing a rail pass if you plan to make multiple journeys within a specific timeframe.
  • The BritRail Pass is available for international visitors and offers unlimited travel within England, Scotland, and Wales for a set number of consecutive days.
  • The cost of a BritRail Pass depends on the duration and the class of travel (standard or first class).

Prices and Discounts:

• • The cost of train tickets can vary significantly depending on the destination, time of booking, time of travel (peak or off-peak), and the class of travel.
  • Discounts are often available for prior bookings, off-peak, and group travel.
  • It’s better to check train operators’ websites like National Rail, Thameslink, Great Western Railway, and Southern Railway for specific fare information and to compare prices.

Please note that the prices mentioned here are subject to change, and it’s always best to check the latest fares and ticket options before planning your journey.

These are some of the best day trips from London by train (perfect weekend trips from London). Each destination offers unique experiences, historical sites, and natural beauty. Remember to check attractions’ operating hours, plan your transportation accordingly, and have a memorable day exploring these remarkable places.

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