Embarking on DIY London day trips is an exceptional way to experience more of the UK – and you don’t need a car! From medieval towns to sunny seaside escapes, England is a treasure trove of fascinating locations.
While we could easily plan a full London Itinerary that stays within the city limits, there is so much to see that is just a train ride away!
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We recently spent 4 months in England zigzagging our way across the country. Along the way, we were reminded how truly accessible Britain is by public transportation.
In just 2 hours by train from London, you can reach castles, coastal trails, beautiful towns and historic villages!
Planning Day Trips from London
We believe that the best London tours are ones you plan yourself. By creating your own expedition, you dictate the pace and style.
You decide when to depart and what time to return, how long to linger and when to move on, where to eat lunch and which pub to pop into for a pint before the trip back to London.
With an extensive rail network – and up-to-the-minute information online – it has never been easier to plan a DIY London day trip!
Plus, these trips can be incredibly affordable if you buy your train tickets in advance. If you’re planning a trip to London on a Budget, you will save some quid by taking your own excursions.
Best London Day Trips by Train
Based on our personal experiences, we have rounded up a list of the best UK day trips from London via train.
Canterbury
We finally visited Canterbury this summer and we’re wondering what took us so long! The world-famous, UNESCO-listed cathedral is an impressive sight, but there’s more to the town than a single attraction.
We filled our One Day in Canterbury strolling the pretty cobblestone lanes, admiring the half-timber houses and visiting numerous ancient churches.
How To Get from London to Canterbury
The fastest way to get to Canterbury from London is via Southeastern Railway and the ride can take as little as an hour.
The fastest train departs from St Pancras and terminates at Canterbury West – which is mere steps from the Old Town. Trains also depart from London Victoria, but typically take quite a bit longer.
Note that there are organized London day tours – like this full-day excursion – which also includes visiting the Cliffs of Dover.
Windsor
Taking the train to Windsor ranks as one of our favorite DIY tours from London. In fact, we’ve made the trip more than once because there are so many Fun Things To Do in Windsor!
The highlight, without a doubt, is the royal Windsor Castle. With a ticket, you can tour the elaborate, glittering rooms, see the famous Doll House and visit St. George’s Chapel (where Queen Elizabeth II is buried).
There are plenty of things to see beyond the castle, too. The Long Walk in Windsor Great Park is an epic stroll and the tangle of historic streets just outside the walls are picture-perfect.
Best Way to Travel from London to Windsor
There are several train routes that connect Windsor to London, making it incredibly easy to travel between the two cities.
Trains operated by South Western Railways depart from London Waterloo and whisk passengers to the Windsor and Eton Riverside Station in just an hour.
Alternatively, you can take a GWR train from Paddington to Windsor and Eton Central Station – but you will need to make a switch in Slough.
There are several options for organized tours, too – from half day trips from London (like this one) to full day outings that include Stonehenge and Bath (like this popular option).
Cambridge
Home to a prestigious university, amazing architecture, fascinating traditions and a youthful spirit, Cambridge is a superb place to visit!
We were captivated by the pristine colleges that dot the historic center and mesmerized by the timeless lanes that wind through the gorgeous cityscape.
Cambridge is incredibly walkable, with most sights and attractions within close proximity. Our Free, Self-Guided Cambridge Walking Tour showcases everything to see on London day trips.
How To Reach Cambridge from London
Several train lines (and buses) connect London to Cambridge. The mode you choose will likely depend on convenience and cost.
The Great Northern train line transports passengers from King’s Cross Station in London to Cambridge in less than an hour.
Thameslink makes the trip from St. Pancras in just over an hour and the Greater Anglia line from Liverpool Street takes about 1.5 hours.
Do note that the Cambridge Train Station is located about 1.5 miles from the center. The Cambridge Coach Station, however, is right in the heart of the city.
Bath
From its Roman ruins to the Gothic Abbey to impeccable Georgian architecture, Bath is a sensational day trip destination from London!
Nestled between rolling hills, the (mostly) flat city center is easy to navigate on foot. While many of the top attractions are clustered together, lush gardens and iconic buildings are just a short jaunt away.
Our guide to the Best Things To Do in Bath details the top places to visit on a short trip. If you have time, our Bath Foodie Guide will point you to tasty eats and fun places for a beverage.
Best Way to Get to Bath from London
The GWR train from Paddington Station makes London trips to Bath an absolute breeze! The ride takes less than 1.5 hours – and the Bath Spa train station sits right on the edge of town.
Bristol
One of the underrated day excursions from London, Bristol is bursting with tons of things to do. The city was once an important harbor town, but has emerged as a thriving cultural hub.
Any trip to Bristol should begin at the bustling Floating Harbor. Here you can tour age-old ships, discover modern museums or sit back and relax at one of the many harborside cafes.
From there, the options are endless; the poignant street art, famous Clifton Suspension Bridge and green spaces with grazing deer are a few of our top picks.
Find more sightseeing tips to best plan out your time in our article, How To Spend One Day in Bristol.
Getting from London to Bristol
The train journey to Bristol from London takes just about 1.5 hours. Travelers use the same GWR line from Paddington as the route to Bath.
In fact, Bristol is just 12 miles west of Bath, making it possible for ambitious sightseers to visit both cities in one day!
Whitstable
A picturesque beach town situated on the North Sea, Whitstable is a dazzling destination for sunny summer London day trips.
The shoreline is marked by colorful beach huts and the timeworn High Street hosts independent shops and artisan boutiques.
Oysters are the area’s claim to fame – and although the industry is not what it once was, slurping down a slimy mollusk at a beachfront eatery is almost required. Our detailed guide outlines more on What To Do in Whitstable.
Taking the Train to Whitstable from London
DIY day tours from London to Whitstable are simple to organize. Just hop on a Southeastern Railway train from Victoria or St Pancras; the ride takes less than 1.5 hours.
With careful planning, you could even combine a trip to Whitstable with Canterbury; the two cities are just 40 minutes apart by bus!
Norwich
You might not find Norwich on many lists of “Best Day Trips London,” but we feel it’s a true gem! We should know, as we just spent an entire month there!
Considered one of England’s best preserved medieval cities, Norwich boasts a hilltop castle, two incredible cathedrals, a tangle of cobbled lanes and a mind-boggling number of pubs and restaurants.
The best sights can be discovered on foot by using our Free, Self-Guided Walking Tour. For more suggestions of what to see, use our complete rundown of Norwich Things To Do.
How To Reach Norwich on Day Trip from London
There are multiple services that connect Norwich and London, but the fastest route for a day trip is the direct Greater Anglia train from Liverpool Street Station. The ride takes less than 2 hours.
Seven Sisters from Eastbourne or Brighton
One of the best day trips from London is to the south coast and the phenomenal Seven Sister Cliffs.
Overlooking the English Channel between the coastal towns of Eastbourne and Seaford, the white chalk cliffs offer day trippers a full dose of astounding nature!
Whether you simply want to take in the magnificent view, hike over the top of the Seven Sisters or tackle the entire 13.5-mile walking trail, read our Guide to Discovering the 7 Sisters.
Planning a Day Trip to Hike Seven Sisters
Seeing the Seven Sisters on a day trip from London requires a bit more planning than our other adventures.
You will need to first take a train, then make a bus connection. In our opinion, it’s well worth the extra effort!
Southern Railway trains depart from London Victoria to both Eastbourne and Brighton (1.5 hours or 1 hour, respectively). Thameslink trains from London Bridge reach Brighton in 1 hour.
Once on the south coast, ride the Brighton & Hove buses to your desired trailhead – or to Birling Gap, where there is a welcome center, small museum, café and stunning viewpoint.
Birmingham
If you tell Londoners that you are taking a day trip to Birmingham, they likely won’t hide their surprise (and possibly try to dissuade you).
We, however, don’t think ‘Brum’ gets a fair shake – because we found heaps of fun Things To Do in Birmingham.
The city played a key role in the Industrial Revolution and what remains offers a glimpse into the past.
Plus, there are fascinating districts – like the Chinese Quarter, the bohemian Digbeth District and The Mailbox entertainment hub.
The reason we actually made the trip was for the wintertime Birmingham Christmas Markets – and they did not disappoint!
Trains to Birmingham from London
Avant West Coast trains depart from London Euston multiple times a day. The journey to Birmingham typically takes about one hour and 15 minutes.
Manchester
With an enthralling past, a vibrant culture and legendary football clubs, we feel Manchester is a fantastic place to spend a day!
The city is home to numerous attractions (like the National Football Museum, John Rylands Library and Manchester Cathedral), as well as intriguing neighborhoods (like the historic Castlefield District and hip Northern Quarter).
Toss in free cultural venues – such as the Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester Museum and the Science + Industry Museum – and you might start pondering if One Day in Manchester is enough!
Getting to Manchester from London
London and Manchester are about 200 miles apart – but with zippy direct trains from Euston Station, it’s possible to travel between the two cities in just over 2 hours.
Cardiff, Wales
Serving as the capital of Wales, Cardiff is a sublime place to visit for a day. From historic sightseeing to contemporary attractions – and, of course, a taste of Welsh cakes – we loved our 1 Day in Cardiff!
The city center is drenched in history. Highlights are the extraordinary castle, a labyrinth of shopping arcades, sprawling parks and a number of interesting free museums.
How To Get to Cardiff
Even though Cardiff is across the ‘border’ in Wales (don’t worry, no passport checks), direct trains transport passengers from London Paddington to Cardiff Central Station in less than 2 hours.
Overnight London Excursions
As well-connected as London is to the rest of England and the UK, it is simply not feasible to visit some popular destinations in a day.
With an overnight stay, however, you could manage to squeeze in these places that are a little more difficult to reach.
The Cotswolds
The bucolic, honey-colored villages of The Cotswolds are utterly astounding – but the designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ is tucked away in rolling hills and not easy to reach by public transit.
That’s not to say you can’t visit The Cotswolds without a Car. We used buses to traverse the region, but we stayed for an entire week.
Limited to an overnight stay, we would recommend aiming for one of the nearby gateway cities.
Cheltenham is a Regency spa town known for its distinct architecture, colorful green spaces and ample bus connections to Cotswold villages.
That said, the city itself is worth visiting! We outline exactly how to spend One Day in Cheltenham. The train journey from London requires one change, but the entire trip takes less than 2 hours.
Edinburgh, Scotland
We can’t blame you for wanting to visit Edinburgh during your trip to London – we absolutely love the Scottish capital!
From the historic Royal Mile to the gorgeous New Town to all the unique things to do, it’s a marvelous place to see.
However, we think the distance from London is too far for a day trip. In fact, we recommend spending at least 3 Days in Edinburgh to soak in all the charm and sample the local cuisine.
Direct trains bound for Edinburgh depart London from King’s Cross and take about 4.5 hours one way.
Eurostar to Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris
The high-speed Eurostar train connects London to European cities – like Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam.
It takes around 2 hours to reach Brussels and the train trip to Paris takes less than 2.5 hours. The ride to Amsterdam takes closer to 4 hours (with a switch in Belgium).
As tempting as these quick trips from London to mainland Europe are, we feel each of these cities deserve at least a full day!
Map of London Day Trip Destinations
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our UK Day Trip Map below!
Travel Tips for London Day Trips
Before you start planning your one-day excursions, we have a few bits of honest advice to share.
Tips for London Trains
Use the official National Rail website to find the most accurate schedules. They also have a useful app!
Tickets are most expensive on the day of travel. Planning ahead and buying return tickets in advance will save you money.
National Railcards – like the Two Together and Student Cards – can be big money-savers if you plan on taking multiple trips.
Buses can also be used to reach the UK destinations on our list. Tickets are typically cheaper, but the ride will likely take longer than train journeys.
What You Will Need
When planning day tours in London, England, it is essential to be properly prepared. We have a few recommendations for things you will want to take along.
Durable Shoes: There’s a lot walking on our London getaways, so wear your best lightweight and comfy travel shoes.
Travel Camera: Take amazing pictures with a quality camera; we love our trusty Canon Rebel.
Day Bag: Carry a travel day pack that is big enough to stow your necessities – umbrella, jacket, water bottle – and has zippers to deter pickpockets.
Power Bank and Wi-Fi: We carry an Anker charger for a midday boost – and our Pocket WiFi keeps us connected all around the world!
Start planning your trip to the UK! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
London Travel Guides
- How To Spend 3 Days in London
- Famous London Foods
- Top Things To See in the City of London
- Free London Museums
- Self-Guided Walking Tour of Westminster
- What To Do in West London and Greenwich
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