Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help support this blog and allow me to continue creating free travel guides and resources. As always, all opinions are my own, and I only recommend places and experiences I truly love.
London is bursting with energy, culture, and iconic sights—but sometimes, a change of scenery is exactly what you need to recharge. One of the best things about visiting or living in London is how easy it is to escape the city for a day. Thanks to the UK’s excellent rail network, you can reach historic towns, seaside resorts, and countryside gems in under two hours, with no car or overnight stay required.
Whether you are craving rolling countryside views, medieval streets, grand architecture, or fresh coastal air, there are countless unforgettable destinations just a short train ride away.
Below, I am sharing 8 wonderful day trips from London by train that are easy to reach, rich in history and beauty, and absolutely worth adding to your travel plans. I also wrote this article about how to do London on a budget.
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. If you are interested in a Guided Day Tour from London, then check this one out!
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. This tour of Oxford and its University is a best-selling one, so make sure to check it out!
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. If you would like to discover the secrets of Rye, then check out this tour!
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. Here is a Guided City Tour you might be interested in.
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.” You can also book a walking tour of Canterbury with a Green Badge guide here.
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?
Find this guide helpful? You can buy me a drink and support my work here.
Architect at Heart 