photography – Architect at Heart

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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!

Click here to purchase your train tickets with Trainline!

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.

Click here to book a “Secret Cotswolds” Tour!

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.

Click here to book a tour with Traditional Punting Company!

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.

Get the Explorer Pass here! (one, two, or three day passes available)

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?

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

The city of York, situated in North Yorkshire, England, is a cathedral city with many historic buildings and structures. Because it was founded in 71 AD, it has been influenced by many centuries of history, and, as such, it is full of quirks, cobblestoned streets, and different architectural styles.

In this article, I will tell you about some of the prettiest and most influential streets in York to add to your itinerary!

9 Prettiest Streets in York, England

Museum Street

Museum Street was first recorded in the 1260s as Ffotlesgayle, or “Footloose Lane.” This street runs across the River Ouse and provides access to the well-known Museum Gardens. From my perspective, this is a good way to enter the city and start exploring the historical surroundings.

Museum Street turns into Duncombe Pl. From here, York Minster can be appreciated

High Petergate

High Petergate is one of the most beautiful and famous streets in York. It is the historic route the Romans took to Eberacum (York) from the North and was known as the Via Principalis of the Roman fortress. The street has an eclectic mix of shops, pubs, eateries, and offices.

View of High Petergate

Low Petergate

Low Petergate runs parallel to the Minster and then turns into High Petergate. Just as High Petergate, it was named after Saint Peter. Here you can enjoy some wonderful cafes and restaurants, and you can get an excellent view of the Minster!

Stonegate

Stonegate was the Via Praetoria of the Roman fortress of Eboracum (York) in daily use for about 1900 years. Its name derives from the fact that it was a Roman stone-paved street. Today, the street is home to wonderful shops and beautiful quirky architecture.

View of Stonegate

Shambles

The Shambles is a historic street in York dating back as far as the 14th Century. The street was rebuilt around 1400 when it assumed its present character and features preserved medieval buildings, many of which are timber-framed.

Shambles used to be the ancient street of the Butchers of York—in fact, there were thirty-one butchers’ shops located along the street, but none remain today.

Visitors also visit this street because of its shops associated with the Harry Potter movies, and many believe this was one of the streets that served as inspiration for ‘Diagon Alley.’

Partial view of the Shambles

Newgate

Although Newgate was first recorded in 1337, it is believed the street is much older than that as excavations performed in 1963 found a 10th Century cross shaft. In 1952 a new marketplace for the city was created and was originally named “Newgate Market,” but today you will find it is known as “Shambles Market.”

View of Newgate Street leading to the Shambles Market

Little Shambles

This short historic street also dates back to medieval times and is a small branch off from the main street Shambles. Sadly, Little Shambles was largely demolished in the 1950s. Today, visitors can appreciate some of the beautiful remaining architecture and the open space with market stalls known as “Shambles Market.”

A corner of Little Shambles

Finkle Street

Finkle Street was first known as Finclegayle or Fynkullstrete in the 12th Century but became then Mucky Pig Lane due to its close proximity to the pig market. The medieval name it carries today was assigned in Victorian times in an attempt to improve the image of the area. In this narrow street, you will find cozy pubs and restaurants.

View of Finkle Street

Grape Lane

You will find Grape Lane just off Low Petergate. The street was first recorded in 1276 as “Venella Sancti Benedicti” and was known because of prostitution. Later on, remains of Medieval buildings and some Roman items were found under the soil. Today, visitors can appreciate the beautiful architecture and explore the picturesque shops along this street.