9 Easy Day Trips From London: My Favourite Days Out By Train
London is full of museums, galleries and historic sights.  In all my years of visiting London, I’ve never run out of things to do.  But there’s more to the UK than the bright lights of the big city. So, I recommend getting out on a day trip from London.Â
If you’ve got four days or more in London, then including one of my favourite day trips is a must. If you only have a few days in London, leave the day tours for another visit (unless you’re a Harry Potter fan, then you’ll want to do day trip #3).
All these days out from London are easy to do by train.  I’ve travelled the UK without a car for over 20 years and these are all places outside London that I’ve personally visited. There are beach days out, quick trips to historic cities and great places to visit from London in the winter.
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A quick guide to my favourite day trips from London by train
| Place | Best for | Travel time by train |
|---|---|---|
| Hitchin Lavender Farm | Aesthetics | 30 minutes |
| Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios | Kids and families | 35 minutes |
| Cambridge | A quick train trip to a beautiful English city | 55 minutes |
| Brighton | A fun day out at the coast | 1 hour |
| Rye and Cambersands | Sightseeing and a seaside day out | 1 hour |
| Bath | History and literature lovers | 1 hour and 15 minutes |
| Margate | A cheap day trip from London | 1.5 hours |
| Eastbourne | Hiking outside of London | 1.5 hours |
| York | Olde world atmosphere | 1 hour and 45 minutes |
| Bonus day out: Hampton Court Palace | Visiting a UK palace | Â 40 minutes |
Train times are from specific stations in London (details in the guide below). If you’re staying further out, you’ll need to add on travel time from your London accommodation.
Book your train ticket with Omio.
Best London day trips by train: my experience
I’ve visited all the places in this guide by train (with the exception of Cambridge, where I live, and have done the train trip to London countless times the other way around).
I’ve put Cambridge at the top of this list of day trips for a reason. It’s one of the best cities to visit near London. The stunning colleges are just so pretty and the museums and shopping are great.
If you’re trying to pick a summer day trip from London, Rye just edges it over Eastbourne. Rye is small but more picturesque and the nearby beach is sandy, so it’s a winner for me.
For a day out with the family from London, I have to say the Harry Potter Studio Tour is excellent. It’s not a theme park but there is so much to see, it’s hard to get bored.
Of course, the Harry Potter Studio comes at a price. For a cheap day trip from London, Margate is a great choice. The big sandy beach is free, as are the incredible white cliffs of the coast. Plus, you can visit the free Turner Contemporary Art Gallery. So, you can spend a whole day out without it costing a fortune.
To save you the hassle of working out which train to get and what ticket to buy, I’ve included some top day tour options below, as well as details of how to go by train.Â
1. Cambridge: easiest day trip from London
For a quick day trip from London, you can’t get much easier than taking the fast train from King’s Cross to gorgeous Cambridge. OK, I’m biased, as I live in Cambridge, but it really is a fantastic place for a day out. It’s so good in fact, that I’ve written a whole itinerary dedicated to how to spend the day in Cambridge.
I recommend you visit during spring or summer, as Cambridge looks even more wonderful in the sun. Just try to avoid mid-May to mid-June, as many of the historic colleges are closed.
Best things to do in Cambridge
- Go punting on the River cam for the best way to see the city.
- Visit Bodies in the Bookshop, my favourite bookshop in Cambridge, full of crime and mystery.
- Read Scott’s original letters home at the Polar Museum, one of the best small museums in Cambridge.
- Get the iconic view of King’s College from a walk along the Backs.
- Eat at the family run Italian La Margheritas, one of Cambridge’s best restaurants.
- If you’re visiting Cambridge at Christmas, check out the Christmas in Cambridge extravaganza on Parkers Piece.
What to avoid in Cambridge
- Don’t take the Hop on Hop Off bus. Cambridge is so walkable, you don’t need to spend money on this.
How to get from London to Cambridge by train
- Departure stations: King’s Cross (fastest train), Liverpool Street (cheap but slow train), St Pancras (occasional trains).
- Average quickest travel time: 55 minutes.
- On arrival: take a bus from opposite the station (in front of Tesco), or walk to the city centre (20 minutes).
- More information: read my article on how to get to Cambridge from London by train.
- Book your train ticket with Omio.
Day tour from London to Cambridge and Oxford
If you’re short on time, book this highly rated day tour from London which includes insightful tours around both Cambridge and Oxford. Leave from London Victoria.    Â
2. Margate: a seaside day trip from London
If you’re looking for a day trip from London to a classic English seaside, jump on a train to Margate.  This area is so on trend that even superstar Madonna has been singing its praises.Â
When I visited Margate from London, I loved enjoying the traditional British seaside features, like fish and chips on the beach, whilst also discovering the arty side of Margate.
Best things to do in Margate
- Check out the Anthony Gormley statue outside at the free Turner Contemporary Gallery.
- Walk around the shell grotto, it has to be seen to be believed.
- Stock up on books at the independent Margate Bookshop.
- Take a 3-minute train along the coast to Westgate and eat at Michelin-mentioned restaurant Quince.
- Walk (or train) to see the impressive white cliff formations at Botany Bay.
Top tip for Margate
- If you want more space on the beach, walk 15 minutes in either direction away from the central beach area. The difference in how many people are around is huge.
How to get from London to Margate by train
- Departure stations: St Pancras, Victoria
- Average quickest travel time: 1.5 hours.
- On arrival: walk 5 minutes from the station to Margate beach.
- Book your train ticket with Omio.
3. Harry Potter London Studios: best day trip from London with kids
I would say non-Harry Potter fans can skip this day tour, but I wasn’t a big Harry Potter fan before going and I absolutely loved it. There is so much to see on this studio tour, that it’s easy to see why its such a popular day trip from London.
I went with my 10-year-old niece and it was great to see how much fun she had. This is definitely one of the best day trips from London for kids and families. The staff are very knowledgeable and happy to answer all your questions. The prosthetics department is fascinating. I also loved Gringotts Bank and getting to walk around Harry’s actual house on Privet Drive.
Best things to do on the Harry Potter London Studio Tour
- Give yourself enough time to see everything. I spent a whole day here.
- Go to the special effects demonstration in the back lot (and sit at the front).
- Go in winter if you can, to experience Hogwarts in the Snow.
- Find out all the other reasons to visit in my review of the Harry Potter London Studio Tour.
Things not to do on the Harry Potter London Studio Tour
- Avoid spending money on the Butter Beer. Yes, it’s a classic Harry Potter drink but I found it sickly sweet.
How to get from London to the Harry Potter Studios by train
- Departure station: Euston (to Watford Junction).
- Average quickest travel time: 20 minutes.
- On arrival: take a bus to the Warner Bros Studios, journey time is 15 minutes (there is no direct train from London to the studios).
- Book your train ticket with Omio.
Day trip from London to the Harry Potter Studios, includes transport
Save getting on and off different types of transport and take the easy option by getting a combined entry and coach ticket. You get taken straight to the Harry Potter Studios from London Victoria. After a very long day at the studios, you’ll be glad of the direct transport.
4. Bath: a literary and wellness day out
One of the best cities to visit near London, Bath is a total change of scene. With the wonderful Roman baths, Georgian architecture and an actual thermal bath filled from local springs, head to Bath when your body and soul need a break from London.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site made famous for its Roman Baths, I strongly recommend getting a guided tour. The tour guide when I went was so informative and funny. Their stories really brought the history to life. It was the best part of my whole trip. At the Roman Baths you get to try the water at the end of the tour. I thought it was disgusting though, so I recommend you skip that bit.
If you’re thinking about spending more than one day in Bath, consider staying in Bristol instead. It’s only a ten-minute train ride away, with frequent trains, and you’re more likely to find cheaper accommodation in Bristol. A return train costs from £10.
Best things to do in Bath
- Take a walking tour, including the Roman Baths.
- Photograph the curved architecture of the Royal Crescent and the Circus.
- Stock up at Mr B’s Book Emporium, a brilliant independent bookshop.
- Have afternoon tea at the Jane Austen Centre Regency Tea Rooms. Plan your day out in Bath in September for a festival dedicated to the author.
- Relax at the Thermae Bath Spa, which is fed by three thermal springs.
- Walk to beautiful Prior Park Landscape Garden (30 minutes from the station).
Things not to do in Bath
Bath is famous for its Christmas markets. I went whilst they were on and found it so crowded that I couldn’t walk down the streets where the Christmas stalls were. It wasn’t a fun experience. If you’re not bothered about the Christmas markets, avoid visiting Bath during the Christmas period.
How to get from London to Bath by train
- Departure station: Paddington.
- Average quickest travel time: 1 and a quarter hours.
- On arrival: walk 5 minutes to reach the Roman Baths.
- Book your train ticket with Omio.
Guided day trip from London to Bath
To get maximum use out of your day, book a guided day out to Bath with a bonus trip to Stonehenge on the way. This popular tour includes express entry to Stonehenge, so you see it with less crowds and quickly get on with the rest of your trip.Â
5. Rye and Camber Sands: a day out at the seaside
I visited Rye because I’d seen it come up in a lot of the best day trips from London lists and I wanted to check out what all the fuss was about for myself. It’s a small medieval town and whilst there isn’t loads to do, the proximity to the big sandy beach of Camber Sands is what won me over.
A trip to Rye means you can spend the morning walking around the picturesque town and then spend the afternoon at the beach. A great combination for a day out in summer. The walk to Camber Sands takes around an hour or you can get the bus #100 (journey time is 20 minutes).
Best things to do in Rye
- Try an ice cream from the ice cream window at the Mermaid Street Cafe.
- Take photos of the Mermaid Inn on Mermaid Street.
- Grab a hot chocolate from Knoops.
- Look around Rye Castle and Prison (Ypres Tower).
- Browse the independent shops.
- If it’s raining, visit the Kino Cinema.
How to get from London to Rye and Camber Sands by train
- Departure station: St Pancras.
- Average quickest travel time: 1 hour and 5 minutes.
- On arrival: walk5 minutes to Mermaid Street.
- Book your train ticket with Omio.
6. Hitchin Lavender Farm: an aesthetic day out from London
If you’ve seen all the photos on Instagram of lavender farms in the UK and want to visit one yourself, head to Hitchin Lavender Farm. It’s only half an hour from London (although there’s quite a walk when you arrive, or you could get a taxi).
I really loved walking through all the fragrant lavender. As it’s less well known than some of the other lavender fields, it was easy to find space to take photos when I visited. A trip here is a great choice for a bit of a quirky day out from London. The lavender field is open from mid-June to mid-August.
What to do at Hitchin Lavender Farm
- Try the locally produced lavender ice-cream, it’s a very special taste.
- Walk over to the sunflowers to contrast your purple photos with the bright yellows.
- Pay to pick your own lavender to take home.
How to get from London to Hitchin Lavender Farm by train
- Departure station: King’s Cross.
- Average quickest travel time: 30 minutes.
- On arrival: walk 55 minutes or take bus #9B part of the way (or take your bike on the train and cycle).
- Book your train ticket with Omio.
7. Brighton: a fun seaside day trip from London
I’ve visited Brighton multiple times, from a girl’s trip to accompanying Mr Flip Flops Included when he ran the Brighton marathon. It’s one of the most vibrant and fun places outside London to visit, with loads going on.
Take a walk along the beach front to visit the pier, where you can indulge in all kinds of sugary sweetness. Then grab a drink and spend some time relaxing on the huge pebble beach.
Best things to do in Brighton
- Visit the independent shops in ‘the Lanes’.
- Have delicious pancakes at the lovely Garden Café.
- Get epic views from the Brighton i360 tower.
- Visit the historic Royal Pavilion.
- Get books for £5 at the Last Bookshop.
How to get from London to Brighton by train
8. Eastbourne and Seven Sisters: coastal hikes
For another coastal day trip from London, head out to Eastbourne. Located on the edge of the South Downs National Park, East Sussex, until recently, it had a reputation as being an older person’s destination. These days Eastbourne is popular with all ages.
If you’re in need of bracing sea air and wide-open spaces, hike along the South Downs Way from Eastbourne to Birling Gap, Seven Sisters. When I visited, I thought the scenery here was spectacular.
Best things to do in Eastbourne
- Have fish and chips at Eastbourne pier.
- Eat and shop in the Victorian streets of Little Chelsea.
- Find out all the other reasons to visit in my guide to the best things to do in Eastbourne.
Things not to do in Eastbourne
- Be careful if you’re hiking the South Downs Way, don’t walk near to the cliff edge.
How to get from London to Eastbourne by train
- Departure station: Victoria.
- Average quickest travel time: 1.5 hours.
- On arrival: walk 15 minutes to the pier.
- Book your train ticket with Omio.
Day trip from London to the South Downs National Park
Book this popular trip from London to explore the South Downs National Park. You’ll get to visit Brighton, take photos at the Long Man of Wilmington, as well as visiting the Seven Sisters Cliffs. A guide accompanies you on the trip, so you’ll get to find out loads about the area.
9. York: a historic UK city
On my visit to York I couldn’t help but compare it to Cambridge. It has a similarly historic feel but with the added bonus of a medieval wall walk, which, unlike in Kotor and Dubrovnik, is free.
York is nearly twice as far by train from London, but if you get out early it’s doable. I went in winter when the fog was so thick that the views from the walls were almost non-existent. On my next trip I’ll go in better weather.
For a really atmospheric day out, book the Ghost Bus Tour, one of the most popular activities in York.
Best things to do in York
- Walk part of the York city walls. Join them at Station Rise, close to York railway station.
- Look at the beautiful stained glass of York Minster.
- Take a boat cruise down the River Ouse on spring and summer days.
- Shop on the Shambles. This street is said to have inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter (it gets super busy).
- Find Dick Turpin’s grave, in a corner off Leading Lane, and read the information board.
- Fellow chocoholics, don’t miss the chance to create your own chocolate bar.
How to get from London to York by train
- Departure station: King’s Cross.
- Average quickest travel time: 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- On arrival: walk 5 minutes to the York walls.
- Book your train ticket with Omio.
Bonus day trip from London: Hampton Court Palace
Technically, Hampton Court Palace is in greater London, but it’s so far out of the centre that I’ve included it here. There’s so much to see and do that it makes a great day out.
I was really impressed with the Tudor kitchens and the amount of interesting information on display around the palace. One of my main reasons for going was to go to the Hampton Court Palace Maze but I went when the hedges were a bit thin and it was easy to complete in about five minutes. Thankfully, the rest of the ornate gardens are so impressive that I didn’t feel too disappointed.
If you’re a runner, make a weekend of it and complete the original Park Run, at nearby Bushy Park.
How to get from Central London to Hampton Court Palace by train
- Departure station: Waterloo.
- Average quickest travel time: 40 minutes.
- On arrival: walk 5 minutes to the palace entrance.
- Book your train ticket with Omio.
- Get 2 for 1 entrance tickets to Hampton Court Palace when you go by train.
Tips for travelling by train
I can’t stress enough the importance of buying your train ticket in advance, even if it’s just the day before you travel. If you leave it until the day to buy your train ticket, it will be so expensive on some routes that you could fly to Europe for less (London to York by train, I’m looking at you). If you’re eligible, a railcard can save you up to a third off train tickets.
Trains in and around London get super busy during peak times (7.30 am to 9.30 am and 4.30 pm to 6.30pm) so I travel outside of these times as much as possible.
Check the Days Out Guide website for 2 for 1 entry to some attractions in the UK if you travel by train. Hampton Court is included.
FAQs about days out from London by train
What is the best day trip from London by train?
In my view, the best day trip from London by train is Cambridge. It’s one of England’s most beautiful historic cities. You can go punting on the river and visit a whole range of fascinating museums and independent shops. Journey time is 55 minutes.
What’s a cheap place to go for a day trip from London?
If budget is limited, a day trip to Margate from London is a great choice. You can spend the whole day at the beach and look around the Turner Art Gallery for free. The spectacular coastline at Botany Bay is also free to visit.
What’s the best summer day trip from London?
One of the best places to go on a summer day trip from London is Cambridge. It has so many green spaces that all look even better in the sun.  The pretty college buildings and streets all have an extra special glow during the warmer months. For one of the best summer activities, go on a punt (traditional boat) trip along the River Cam.Â
Where can I visit in winter on a day out from London?
Bath makes a lovely winter day out from London. The Roman Baths feel even more atmospheric in the colder weather. Treat yourself afterwards to a delicious afternoon tea then spend the rest of the day soaking in the thermal springs at Thermae Bath Spa. Be aware that Bath gets very busy around the Christmas market area.
More London resources
2-Day London Itinerary: Top Sights, Local Secrets + Map
How to get to Cambridge from London
Is the Harry Potter Studio Tour London Worth It? My Review