10 Great Day Trips From London by Rail

1 month ago 7

As the saying goes, "When you're tired of London, you're tired of life".

But what if you—or your client—just want to change it up for a day? While it's true that you can almost see and do everything under the sun in London, it's also fun to get out of the city for a day and add another checkmark to the old British bucket list. Luckily for travelers, a host of destinations all over England (and further afield) are easily reachable from London by train, with the following places all located less than two hours from London by rail, with most being much closer.

Rye

Just an hour or so from central London, Rye is home to one of England's most charming townscapes (pictured above). Rising above the surrounding marshes and flatlands, Rye used to be surrounded by water and boasts handsome fortifications from its time spent as one of England's most stalwart sea defenses. The real appeal of the town is in its collection of half-timbered, historic buildings, which are at their most charming on Mermaid Street, a cobbled sloped lane lined with facades full of screensaver-level charm. After you've wandered and popped into a local cafe for a coffee and a scone & jam, make your way to the nearby Camber Sands, where you can stroll on the beach in the shadow of picturesque sand dunes.

York

Reachable via direct trains from London King's Cross station, York is home to a remarkable cathedral called York Minster, arguably England's most impressive medieval city walls and the type of winding streets you picture when you think of "Ye Olde England". After arriving at Victorian York Station, sip a pint of craft at the York Tap (right by the station) before taking to the city walls at Micklegate Bar. After strolling back towards the River Ouse, you'll enjoy a fantastic vista that will set you up for the rest of your day.

Then, visit the Yorkshire Museum to learn all about the heritage of this part of Britain (a history that includes Romans, Vikings and famous bandits) before strolling through the city's hidden alleys (Precenter's Court and Lady Peckett's Yard are two of the most evocative) before settling in one of the city's venerable old pubs.

Coventry

One of the most underrated cities in England, Coventry is renowned for its resiliency and rebellious streak. Located a short walk from the train station, Coventry Cathedral is both a modern architectural marvel and a memorial to an ancient cathedral that was devastated by bombs in World War Two. Coventry is also the birthplace of two-tone music, a punk and ska mashup fusion that emerged in the late 70s on a socially conscious mission. Whether or not you listen to this style on the regular, the Coventry Music Museum is worth a visit, as you will learn about bands like The Specials, The Selecter and their influence on the culture of the city.

Windsor

A short hop from central London (trains range from 20ish minutes to an hour), Windsor is home to the world-famous Windsor Castle, a residence that boasts a string of superlatives. Paramount on that list are the facts that Windsor Castle is the world's oldest and largest occupied castle. Dating back to the 11th century and the days of William The Conqueror, the castle is an official residence of His Majesty The King and is open to the public five days a week. Outside the castle, leisurely wandering on the Long Walk and through Windsor Great Park or along the riverside Thames Path are delightful ways to spend the rest of your day.

Bletchley Park

One of Britain's most underrated World War Two-related attractions, Bletchley Park (located a short walk from the Bletchley station, which is an hour's train ride from London) is the place where remarkable feats of codebreaking took place during the war, a story that was immortalized in the film The Imitation Game. This museum and heritage site is spread over 11 historic buildings, and is home to multiple exhibitions that will immerse you in the world of the men, women and machines that ultimately helped tipped the balance of the war by breaking the codes of the enemy.

Brighton

Only an hour's train ride from central London, Brighton offers a slice of British seaside life mixed with a vibrant modern city that has become one of the coolest places to live in Britain during the 21st century. Walk the pier and play a few arcade games before strolling on the pebble beach and breathing in the salty air of the English Channel, perhaps picking up a takeaway fish & chips along the way. Then, admire the fanciful Royal Pavilion, a former royal residence built in a style more reminiscent of the East.

Brighton is also a hub for great food, drink and coffee, and simply just wandering the area known as The Lanes and the streets that shoot off from it is always a delight and is sure to lead you to something delicious. Before you head back to London, stop by The Evening Star pub, located right around the corner from the station and home to an array of great beer from around Britain and the world poured by one of the friendliest bar teams in town.

Cambridge

You don't have to be infatuated with academia to enjoy Cambridge, as the charm of this quintessential college town will win you over no matter your interests. After arriving from London, take a walk by the Backs, where you will be treated to sweet views of grand college buildings and a fine view of the River Cam (yep, that's where the name Cambridge comes from). After seeing King’s College Chapel and its impressive architecture, the Fitzwilliam Museum and its art & antiquities await as does a pint at The Eagle, a historic pub famed for being the place where the discovery of DNA was first announced.

And you can't get back on the train to London without taking to the River Cam on a punt, a traditional boat you propel by sticking a pole into the river bed (choose to do the punting yourself or hire a punter).

Salisbury

People have been making pilgrimages to Salisbury and its namesake cathedral since the 15th century, but you have the luxury of arriving after an hour-and-half train glide from London. Visit the cathedral to admire the soaring spire outside and one of the best preserved of the four original Magna Carta manuscripts (dates from 1215) inside. After, explore the modern city and all its contemporary offerings before setting off on a bus for Stonehenge, the rock star of prehistoric stone circles.

Bath

Bath is reachable in about 90 minutes from London and it is located at the confluence of Roman history and Georgian elegance. There's no better place to start your exploration than at the Roman Baths, where the waters still steam as they did when the Roman soldiers luxuriated over 2,000 years ago. Then, walk to the Royal Crescent, the city’s poshest address, home to an arch of absolutely stunning buildings. Make sure to head to Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House, where you can sink your teeth into one of the beloved 'Bath buns', a sweet and decadent roll that goes perfectly with a cup of tea. The city is also well known for its connection to Jane Austen and the recent hit show Bridgerton.

Brussels

Some of the best beer & chocolate in the world. A quirky, irreverent sense of humor and a fun comic book mural walk. Decadent cones full of frites so scrumptious you'll wonder how you can ever eat basic 'fries' ever again. The gorgeous Grand Place—one of Europe's most stunning town squares—wacky statue Manneken Pis and the home of the European Union. It's all waiting for you in Brussels, which can be reached from London in around two hours on a direct Eurostar train (some services even do it slightly under that time). Just don't forget to pack your passport!

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.