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London is bursting with energy, but sometimes, a change of scenery is just what you need to recharge. Fortunately, the UK’s rail network makes it incredibly easy to escape the capital for a day—no car or overnight stay required! Whether you’re after rolling countryside, medieval charm, or coastal breezes, these eight destinations offer the perfect antidote to city life.
Here are 8 wonderful day trips from London by train—each under 2 hours away, and absolutely worth the ride!
1. Moreton-in-Marsh: Gateway to the Cotswolds
🚆 Getting there: Approx. 1 hr 28 min from London Paddington via Great Western Railway
Tucked in the northern Cotswolds, Moreton-in-Marsh is a postcard-perfect market town that feels like stepping into an old English novel. Expect colored stone buildings, independent bookstores, and cozy cafés serving scones with clotted cream.
It’s a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding countryside or joining a guided tour of nearby villages like Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water.
Tip: Book a small-group tour with Go Cotswolds for a seamless, story-filled Cotswolds experience.
2. Dover: Coastal Drama & Historic Majesty
🚆 Getting there: Just 1 hour from London St Pancras International via Southeastern High-Speed (Javelin)
If you’ve ever wanted to stand on cliffs that seem to touch the sky, Dover is your place. Famous for its dazzling white cliffs and wartime tunnels, Dover also boasts the mighty Dover Castle, a medieval fortress offering panoramic views over the English Channel.
On clear days, you might even spot the French coastline across the water.
3. Oxford: The City of Dreaming Spires
🚆 Getting there: About 1 hour from London Paddington via Great Western Railway
History, academia, and breathtaking architecture combine in Oxford, one of the most iconic university towns in the world. Tour centuries-old colleges, visit the Bodleian Library, and stroll along the River Thames—or spot film locations from Harry Potter and Inspector Morse.
Be sure to pop into the Covered Market for local eats and handmade gifts.
4. Rye: A Real-Life Fairytale
🚆 Getting there: ~1 hr 5 min from London St Pancras via Southeastern High-Speed to Ashford, then transfer to Rye
Rye is the kind of place where time slows down. Wander its cobbled lanes (like the famously photogenic Mermaid Street), admire timber-framed houses, and browse antique shops straight out of a Dickens novel.
This charming East Sussex town is rich in literary and smuggling history and just the spot for a slow, scenic day.
5. Cambridge: Punting, Parks & Prestige
🚆 Getting there: A speedy 48 min from London King’s Cross via Great Northern Express
Cambridge exudes intellectual charm, with stunning college courtyards, tranquil riverside paths, and an artsy town centre. Don’t miss a chance to go punting—a flat-bottomed boat ride—on the River Cam under the famous Bridge of Sighs.
Tip: Book with Traditional Punting Company for a guided punting experience through the university’s most scenic stretches.
6. Bath: Ancient Wellness Meets Georgian Elegance
🚆 Getting there: Around 1 hr 15 min from London Paddington via Great Western Railway
Known for its Roman heritage and graceful Georgian architecture, Bath is a feast for the eyes—and the senses. Visit the Roman Baths, take a dip in a modern thermal spa, and marvel at the Royal Crescent. Jane Austen fans will especially love exploring her connections to the city.
7. Canterbury: A Cathedral City with Literary Soul
🚆 Getting there: Just 50 min from London St Pancras International via Southeastern High-Speed to Canterbury West
With cobblestone streets and timbered houses, Canterbury is steeped in history. At its heart lies Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Book lovers and pilgrims alike will enjoy walking in the footsteps of Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales.”
8. Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare’s Timeless Town
🚆 Getting there: About 2 hours from London Marylebone via Chiltern Railways (change at Leamington Spa)
No literary pilgrimage is complete without a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon. This riverside market town is the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and his legacy lives on in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Shakespeare’s Birthplace, and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.
Tip: Save money and time with the Explorer Pass from Shakespeare’s England, which grants access to multiple historic sites.
Final Thoughts
These 8 destinations offer more than just a break from London—they’re immersive, enriching, and effortlessly accessible by train. So whether you’re in the mood for rolling hills, coastal winds, or college towns with centuries of legacy, you don’t have to go far to experience the magic.
Which place are you excited the most to explore next?
Architect at Heart 