The Best Day Trips Just A Train Ride From London

Bath

Length of time by train from London

1 hour 45 minutes

Why you should visit Bath

The city of Bath is steeped in history, having been founded by the Romans in the first century AD. With a range of independent shops, beautiful Georgian buildings and upscale dining options, there is little wonder Bath is considered the jewel of the South West.

What to do in Bath

As the name of the city suggests, a visit to the thermal baths is both time and money well spent, allowing you to gain a deeper appreciation of its history. A visit must also be paid to the Royal Crescent and The Circus, — a historic ring of townhouses laid out in a sweeping semicircle which remain striking examples of 18th century architecture. Literary buffs will appreciate the Jane Austen Centre located inside a Georgian Town House, while television aficionados might spare a moment to visit a few key locations from Bridgerton, which filmed key moments included in both seasons across Bath. 

Where to eat in Bath

Bath is plentiful with five-star dining outposts, so leaving meals to chance is often a safe bet. However, for those looking to plan ahead, Ole Tapas comes highly recommended for Spanish small plates, while Sotto Sotto is lauded as one of the best Italian restaurants around. The Circus Restaurant and Menu Gordon Jones are equally both a must-try for fine modern dining.   

Windsor 

Length of time by train from London

1 hour 10 minutes 

Why you should visit Windsor

Anyone with an interest in the Royal family would be remiss to forgo a day trip to Windsor. There, at the iconic home of the British monarchy, visitors can feel truly connected to various aspects of living history, from the historic castle to the charming town centre.

What to do in Windsor

Unsurprisingly, the first activity on the itinerary should be a visit to Windsor castle. As the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, it has been the family home of British monarchs for 1000 years. On a sunny day, the Long Walk is a great way to get your steps in, stretching 2.64 miles from the gates of Windsor Castle and ending at a copper horse statue of King George III.

If you decide to cross the River Thames, you will find yourself in the town of Eton which is home to the college where Prince William and Harry went to school. For those seeking some retail therapy, the Windsor Royal Shopping Centre is certainly a unique location, located inside a Grade-II listed refurbished Victorian railway station. 

Where to eat in Windsor

French fare is done well at À la Russe, while Windsor Grill cooks up a steak which has been cooked to perfection.

Oxford

Length of time by train from London to Oxford

44 minutes 

Why you should visit Oxford

A day out in Oxford is a delightful blend of old and new worlds, showcasing a mix of historic buildings and gothic architecture alongside trendy culinary outposts and notable Harry Potter film locations. 

What to do in Oxford

Oxford University has 39 colleges dating back to the 1200s, with its sheer size making it somewhat of a maze to the uninitiated. If time permits, a tour is a great way to ensure you don’t miss anything, but if you’re short on time, notable landmarks include The Radcliffe Camera, The University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Hertford Bridge and The Bodleian Library. Harry Potter fanatics will be tempted by a dedicated film tour, which will take around two hours to complete, but is well worth the time investment for a unique, behind-the-scenes experience. 

The Ashmolean Museum is Oxford University’s outpost for art and archaeology, spanning everything from Egyptian mummies to modern art. It was founded in 1683 and displays a diverse range of collections which are each fascinating in their own right. Christ Church Meadow is a tranquil oasis set back from the High Street, making it a lovely spot for some peace and quiet on a good weather day.

The Botanic Gardens (which are actually the oldest in the UK) also offer a great dose of greenery during your time in Oxford.

Where to eat in Oxford

The Folly Restaurant is a lovely spot to dine along the water while The Magdalen Arms is a great gastropub for a filling, lowkey lunch. 

Whitstable 

Length of time by train from London to Whitstable

1 hour 30 minutes 

Why you should visit Whitstable

When the weather warms up, there is nothing quite like a day spent at the seaside. With a longstanding history of memorable seafood and a charming, coastal aesthetic, a day in Whitstable is as good for the stomach as it is for the soul.

What to do in Whitstable

Whether it be perusing the selection of antique stores or enjoying a drink in an old English pub, a day spent visiting this seaside town is all about doing very little. Whitstable Castle has lovely public gardens which are free to wander around and just a short walk away from the main street.

Above all else, Whitstable is very well known for its seafood scene…more on that below. 

Where to eat in Whitstable

With a history rooted in oysters, it comes as no surprise that the recommended port of call is Wheelers Oyster Bar. Opened in 1865 by local mariner Richard Leggy Wheeler, its eye-catching pink exterior cannot be missed from the main street. Head inside for a cosy aesthetic and deliciously fresh seafood fare (a serving of natural oysters are not to be missed.) If you visit during peak season and are unable to get a table, The Lobster Shack and Samphire are equally worth a visit. 

Bristol 

Length of time by train from London

1 hour 45 minutes 

Why you should visit Bristol

With its world-class street art and cobblestone streets, Bristol is a city brimming with art and culture. 

What to do in Bristol

From the 12th century onward, Bristol was a very important port in England, and today, the Docks Area is now a bustling metropolis of cafes, restaurants and stores. The M Shed Museum can be found here, which is free to visit and provides some fascinating insight into Bristol over the years.

Brunel’s SS Great Britain is a major attraction in the city, paying homage to the ship which travelled between Bristol and New York in the 1800s - a must-visit for anyone who loves history or engineering. Speaking of, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is just a short walk from the Docks, posing an opportunity to marvel at its engineering and cross over into Clifton Village, should time permit. 

For those seeking an artistic slant, the work of Banksy is dotted across the city, with the anonymous artist widely presumed to have grown up in Bristol. 

Where to eat in Bristol

Poco Tapas Bar is a buzzing option for small bites at night, while Wilsons offers a reasonably priced set menu for lunch sittings. 

Brighton 

Length of time by train from London

1 hour 25 minutes 

Why you should visit Brighton

Far from your average beachside town, Brighton is widely considered a cool and quirky place to visit. As an inclusive city, there is a colourful blend of people and places and a truly unique culture.

What to do in Brighton

The best time to visit Brighton is during summer, as the beach and pier is the city’s main attraction. The Palace Pier feels like taking a step back in time with fun fair rides and arcade games aplenty. Take a walk along the promenade and get your photo taken outside the colourful beach huts, before spending some time perusing the wide range of vintage shops which are home to one-of-a-kind pieces from furniture to fashion.

Where to eat in Brighton

Constantinople Restaurant is widely hailed as one of the best Mediterranean restaurants around while Halisco is a small yet buzzy Mexican taqueria.