Visitors will never find themselves short of things to see and do in London. But the city is also an excellent base for those who want to see a bit more of the country. These are a few of the best day trips from London by train. All of the places on this list are within easy reach of central London, and can easily be reached by direct trains with a journey time of under two hours.
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1. Windsor
The Royal Borough of Windsor must be one of the most popular choices for a day trip from London. For many visitors Windsor means the royal palace and the very extensive Windsor Great Park. But the town itself is full of history (and shops and restaurants). And, if you have more time, you can stroll alongside the River Thames, take a leisurely boat trip, or cross the river to explore Eton and its famous school.
The train from Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside takes just under one hour. Read more: Things To Do In Windsor: Royalty, History And Nature.
2. Winchester
Another very popular day trip from London is Winchester. This is the one-time capital of Wessex, and (just possibly) the seat of King Arthur, making it home to a vast amount of history. Must-see attractions include the magnificent Winchester Cathedral (in my opinion one of the finest in England) and the Great Hall, home to what is claimed to be King Arthur’s Round Table. You’ll also find museums and lots of medieval buildings.
The journey to Winchester is just an hour from Waterloo Station. Read more: The Best Things To Do In Winchester, Hampshire.
3. Reading
Reading isn’t always thought of as a tourist destination, but there is a surprising amount to see and do here. Walk around the ancient abbey quarter and visit the town’s many museums (one of which houses a full size Victorian replica of the Bayeux Tapestry). Explore the Reading waterways (two rivers and a canal) or spend time in an Edwardian lido.
Reading is very easy to get to: just 25 minutes by train from Paddington Station. You can also get there on the Elizabeth Line from London. Read more: Visit Reading: What To Do And Why To Go.
4. Bath
The unique city of Bath has not one, but two, UNESCO inscriptions. Here you will find Roman history, Georgian architecture, an eclectic mix of museums and – of course – Jane Austen. To see as much as possible in a day, start with the Roman Baths (go early to avoid the crowds and allow around an hour and a half for your visit). Then use the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus to take a tour of the city and stop at the Royal Crescent and the Assembly Rooms before returning to the centre to visit one of the many historic pubs and restaurants.
Bath is just under an hour and a half by train from Paddington Station. Read more: What To See And Do In Bath, UK: A World Heritage Site.
5. Bristol
Bristol has a bit of a “London vibe” but is much more compact and easy to explore. Historically a port city, it is dominated by the River Avon and many visitors spend their time visiting the numerous riverside attractions (museums, galleries and restaurants), taking a boat trip, or exploring Brunel’s steam ship, the SS Great Britain. A short walk or bus ride from the centre takes you to the Georgian village of Clifton, noted for its architecture, history and independent shops as well as for the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge. Bristol is also known for its contemporary culture – films, music, exhibitions and street art (this is the home of the world famous Banksy).
The train journey from London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads is one hour and 40 minutes (note that it takes approximately 15 minutes to walk from Temple Meads to the city centre). Read more: Best Things To Do In Bristol: Explore, Eat, Sleep.
6. Salisbury
Salisbury is small enough to explore in a day, although there is enough here to keep you going for a week. The city is famed for its cathedral (which boasts the tallest spire in England), for its medieval town centre, and for its many green spaces. And, when you want a break from sightseeing, there are independent shops, craft centres, and historic pubs to explore…
Salisbury is just an hour and a half from London Waterloo by train. Read more: The Best Things To Do In Salisbury, Wiltshire.
7. Canterbury
Founded in Roman times, with a pretty medieval centre and surrounded by ancient city walls, Canterbury is the perfect destination for anyone who loves historic cities, quaint old pubs and independent shops. It is also an ancient place of pilgrimage and home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of three churches (Canterbury Cathedral, together with an ancient monastery and the oldest church in the English speaking world).
Canterbury is just under an hour from London St Pancras (you can also get a train from Victoria or London Bridge). Read more: What To Do On A Day Trip To Canterbury, Kent.
8. Norwich
Norwich is the most complete medieval town in Britain. It has ancient cobbled streets and a wealth of historic buildings, including the castle and the cathedral. You can take a tour of the imposing Town Hall, wander around the smart shops, and eat at one of the many excellent restaurants.
Trains from Liverpool Street take just under two hours. Read more: What Are The Best Things To Do In Norwich, Norfolk?
9. Ely
Ely is the second smallest city in England. It was once known as “the Isle of Ely” because of its situation in the watery fens of East Anglia, and even today its location on a low lying hill makes it tower above the surrounding flatlands. Visit for the Norman Cathedral (famed for its Octagon Tower and its Museum of Stained Glass) and the medieval town centre. Shop for antiques and enjoy lunch at one of many upmarket restaurants and pubs.
The train journey to Ely is just over an hour from London Kings Cross. Read more: How To Spend A Day In Ely, Cambridgeshire.
10.Colchester
Colchester is the oldest recorded town in England, and was the first Roman colonia. There is a lot of Roman heritage to explore here, but you will also find a wealth of later history. Learn about the notorious Essex Witch Trials, and much more, at Colchester Castle, and explore the town’s many museums and galleries.
Colchester is around an hour from Liverpool Street station. Read more: Exploring Roman Colchester, The Oldest City In England.
11. Oxford
The ancient university city of Oxford is home to two world class museums (the Ashmolean and the Pitt Rivers Musuem of Natural History). You can also visit Oxford Castle (a former prison that tells the story of the city throughout the ages), and the Bodleian Library, the world’s first copyright library. Then there are the colleges, the bookshops, and the River Thames…
Oxford is just over 50 minutes from Paddington Station. Read more: Oxford Walking Tours: My Day With The City Storytellers.
More Day Trips From London
There are lots of very easy day trips within London itself, such as Hampton Court Palace, Kew Gardens, or even a boat down the river to Greenwich. And, for places that are not so easy to get to by public transport you might consider taking a guided tour – recommended choices include Blenheim Palace, The Cotswolds or Stonehenge and Avebury.
