Discover the best day trips from London by train. Explore historic towns, scenic countryside, and charming cities—all just a short ride from London!
London can be an exciting place to live and work; however, it can also be rewarding to step outside the hustle and bustle from time to time to witness the incredible natural beauty of the UK. Fortunately, London’s well-connected train network means that short hops to scenic destinations a little outside the city can provide a much-needed escape from urban life. Whether you’re a nature lover, history nerd, or just looking for a weekend of chilling, these day trips from London by train are just what you need to discover new places, learn of new cultures, or enjoy some great views.
This detailed guide is for overcoming the best train day trips from London. We’ll lay out the details on travel times, ticket prices, can’t-miss attractions, local experiences, and cultural highlights, plus how to check out each destination on a budget.
Oxford: City of Knowledge and Beauty
Train Journey:
Duration: 1 hour (from London Paddington station)
Pay: £20–£40 (return)
Train Operator: Great Western Railway (GWR)
Oxford—the ‘City of Dreaming Spires,’ a university city, and across tourist sites. With hundreds of years of academic history to its name, Oxford is a perfect place for anyone who enjoys education, culture, and attractive architecture. Oxford is one of those places that straddles history and modernity, with its magnificent college quadrangles, world-class museums, and picturesque streets.
Must-Visit Places:
University of Oxford If you love architectural beauty, make sure to visit the amazing colleges, including Christ Church College, Balliol College, and Magdalen College. Don’t miss the Bodleian Library, one of Europe’s oldest, and the stately Radcliffe Camera.
Christ Church Cathedral and College: Christ Church, renowned for its beautiful architecture, is much more than a university; it is a place of great historical and cultural significance.
Ashmolean Museum The oldest public museum in the U.K., its art collections span everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern art.
Cultural Highlights:
The Eagle and Child Pub — Any literary lovers out there will want to make their way to this historic watering hole, known as a hotspot for famous authors — including J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.
Oxford University Museum of Natural History—Free and open to visitors, the museum has everything from dinosaur bones to geology exhibits.
Local Experiences:
Punting on the River Cherwell Rent a punt, a flat-bottomed boat, for around £15 to £20 and float along the river, enjoying views of Oxford’s pastoral college buildings and verdant greenery. Covered Market: This market, which goes back to 1774, is packed with fresh fruit, local treats, and quirky crafts.
It’s also a nice place to sample local food or purchase handmade gifts.
Budget Tips:
Free Entrance: Oxford has numerous nice gardens, including the Magdalen College gardens and the University Parks, which are free to visit.
Walk Around: Oxford’s city center is compact, so you can see a lot by walking. Take a free self-guided walking tour of the many colleges, libraries, and local points of interest.
Brighton: A Bewitching, Brittle Coastal Escape
Train Journey:
District Line to Victoria, then the Gatwick Express to the airport Travel Time: 1 hour (from London Victoria Station)
Fare: £15–£30 (return ticket)
Train Southern Railway
Brighton is a buzzy seaside city on England’s south coast that’s the ideal mix of beach fun, cultural discovery, and artistic pizzazz. It is a very bohemian town, with beautiful beaches, colorful streets, and creative style.
Must-Visit Places:
Royal Pavilion: This Indian-baroque-style building is an exotic palace for King George IV and is one of Brighton’s iconic landmarks. Entry costs around £15.
Brighton Pier: An iconic British seaside spot with arcades, roller coasters, and food stalls. It’s free to enter, though attractions inside are an extra cost.
The Lanes: A network of narrow, cobbled streets lined with quirky shops, after-independents, and cozy cafes. It’s a wonderful spot to look for special gifts.
Cultural Highlights:
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery: Explore art, design, and fashion exhibits, particularly ones that celebrate Brighton’s LGBTQ+ culture. Entry costs around £6-£8.
Graffiti: Brighton is different for its graffiti, including some of Banksy’s anyway, due to him living in the area so that some of his art is strewn through the city. Or walk between its murals on a free walking tour, learning the stories behind them.
Local Experiences:
Beach: Lounge on the rocky beach or stroll along the promenade. The Undercliff Walk offers dramatic views of the coast.
Where to Eat in Brighton: Brighton is a food lover’s paradise. Grab a plate of fish and chips by the sea or peruse street food markets that pop up throughout the city.
Budget Tips:
Free Beach Entry: Brighton has free entry to the sea and is a lot of fun for a day trip, especially if you pack a picnic.
Free to do in Brighton — Walk around: some of Brighton’s best attractions are The Lanes, Regency Square, and the beachfront.
A City with Cornucopia of History and Idyllic Outdoors
Train Journey:
Distance: 50 minutes (from London King’s Cross)
Cost: £15–£30 (return ticket)
Train Service: Great Northern
Universities in Cambridge; meat spots of university golf courses.]} With its charming streets, old buildings, and lovely riverside, this is a great option for a day trip from London.
Must-Visit Places:
King’s College Chapel: On the Cambridge must-do list is this Gothic chapel lined with stained-glass windows. Entry costs around £10.
Fitzwilliam Museum: This museum with a great collection of art, antiquities, and manuscripts is free to visit.
Trinity College: A breathtaking combination of ageless, treed quads and globally recognized libraries.
Cultural Highlights:
Orchard Tea Garden: Go for afternoon tea at this historic location, popularized by famous poets, including Rupert Brooke. An à la carte afternoon tea starts from £10
The Cambridge University Botanic Garden, A tranquil oasis featuring lush greenery and thousands of species of plants Entry costs £6.
Local Experiences:
Rent a boat and punt on the River Cam: Rent a punt and drift down the River Cam while admiring views of the beautiful college buildings and bridges. Boat hire (self-hire) costs from £15 to £15-£20 for a punting experience.
Cambridge Market Square: For fresh produce, local crafts, and handmade souvenirs, this historical market is an ideal location.
Budget Tips:
• College Gardens: Most college gardens and courtyards are open free of charge to the public. Enjoy a relaxed picnic at Parker’s Piece or a stroll in the Botanic Garden.
Walking tours: Since Cambridge’s city center is entirely walkable, create your own free self-guided tour and get lost discovering the city’s hidden treasures.
Windsor: A Royal Day in England’s Center
Train Journey:
Journey Time: 30 minutes (from London Paddington)
Cost: £10–£20 (return ticket)
When: Any train service operated by: Operator: Great Western Railway
Windsor is known for Windsor Castle, the oldest inhabited castle in the world and the official home of the British monarch. It’s a lovely city for anyone who enjoys tales of royalty and pleasant green spaces.
Must-Visit Places:
Windsor Castle: Tour the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. Adult tickets cost around £23.
Windsor Great Park: A massive park featuring lovely walks, tranquil lakes, and castle views. Free to visit.
Local Experiences:
Eton College (A top-tier school on the other side of the river from Windsor.) Explore Eton with an exciting road on a riverside view.
Windsor Riverside Walk: A peaceful walking trail along the River Thames, with scenic views of Windsor Castle.
Cultural Highlights:
Changing of the Guard: Watch the ceremonial changing of the guard at Windsor Castle, a classic British tradition. Free to watch.
Budget Tips:
Windsor Great Park: Pay for a ticket to get in for free — perfect for a day outside. Spend time walking, biking, or sitting at the water.
Walk Around Windsor and Eton: The two towns are small enough that you can see a lot (like the Eton campus, pictured) without spending too much money.
The Mysterious, yet Beautiful Medieval Canterbury with So Much History
Train Journey:
Travel time: 90 minutes (from London St Pancras)
Cost: £15–£30 (return ticket)
Train Operating Company: South Eastern Railway.
Canterbury is a UNESCO World Heritage city with a beautiful cathedral, magnificent medieval buildings, and history galore. It’s also a lovely destination for history lovers or any meanderers in search of beautiful streets to explore.
Must-Visit Places:
Have you ever been to Canterbury Cathedral? Prices are from around £12 for adults.
St. Augustine’s Abbey: An ancient abbey that offers a glimpse into how Canterbury influenced the use of the Christian community in England. Entry costs around £7.
Local Experiences:
Westgate Gardens: A peaceful spot to sit and gaze at the river. Free to visit.
Canterbury Roman Museum: Discover the Roman history of Canterbury! Tickets cost £8 for adults.
Cultural Highlights:
The Canterbury Tales Museum An interactive museum dedicated to Geoffrey Chaucer’s seminal work. Entry costs around £8-£10.
Budget Tips:
Canterbury City Walls and Gardens: Stroll along the Canterbury city walls and visit stunning Westgate Gardens (which are free).
Walking tours have a free/low-cost option (which is a good way to find out about the history of a place).
Conclusion on budget day trips from London by train
Whether you’re looking for academic history in Oxford, a coastal escape in Brighton, royal history in Windsor, or medieval charm in Canterbury, they promise a little culture, history, and picturesque countryside — all an easy train ride from London. The good news: You don’t need to shell out big bucks to experience these terrific destinations, most of which have plenty of free attractions, scenic strolls, and low-cost activities.