London is undoubtedly an unmissable destination. Such an iconic city with so much to see and do. However, there are so many other wonderful places just a stone’s throw away from the capital, waiting to charm you.

We’re from Kent in the Southeast of England, less than an hour away from London, so we’ve spent a lot of time exploring this part of the country. With the UK’s efficient train network system,exploring these gems is really easy. Whether you’re seeking historic landmarks or scenic coastlines, these 14 day trips from London offer unforgettable experiences.

1. Brighton

1h direct train from London Victoria. 1h30m direct train from London Blackfriars.

Brighton is a vibrant coastal city that is the pinnacle of diversity and inclusivity in the UK, making it a strong hub for the LGBTQ community. The annual Pride festival, held in the first week of August, is the largest and most flamboyant in the country. Definitely not one to be missed!

With a welcoming atmosphere, Brighton offers an exciting blend of street art, vegan eateries, vintage shops, and independent boutiques. Wander through the historic Lanes, visit the stunning Royal Pavilion, or enjoy the iconic Brighton Palace Pier.

By the marina, you can visit the World’s Oldest Aquarium, which one of our closest friends worked at. Home to some adorable turtles, terrapins and seahorses, as well as some not so adorable rays and sharks.

If you’re looking for nightlife, Brighton is a top choice for a night out with a plethora of bars and pubs to choose from. Plus there are trains back to London until around midnight.

2. Cambridge

1h10m direct trains from London Liverpool Street or St Pancras

Cambridge is a delightful day out, offering plenty of history, architecture, and picturesque scenery. Stroll around the charming cobbled streets amongst the intricate architecture of the world class University and College buildings. Marvel at the art and antiquities at the Fitzwilliam Museum and Kettle’s Yard Gallery, and explore the majestic King’s College Chapel, all of which are free to visit. For a breathtaking view of the city, climb the 123 steps of the Great St Mary’s Church Tower and enjoy the panoramic vistas.

You can also book a tour of Cambridge University led by incredibly knowledgeable Cambridge alumni. These tours offer fascinating insights into the history of the school and what it’s like to be a student there—definitely worth considering if you have the time. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, be sure to indulge in one (or two) of Fitzbillies’ gloriously sticky Chelsea buns.

The biggest highlight for us was punting down the River Cam (which is where the city gets its name from). Glide past the beautiful University and College buildings, and under the many bridges, including the iconic Bridge of Sighs and Mathematical Bridge. A punt is a large flat bottomed boat with a square cut bow, a bit like a cross between a rowing boat and a canoe, which is pushed along the water with a long pole. You won’t need to do the work though – these tours are also run by students who act as your ‘gondolier’ guide, which you will find by Magdalene Bridge.

3. Oxford

50m Direct train from London Paddington. 1h25m direct train from London Marylebone.

Another world famous university city, and a fierce rival to Cambridge. In fact, they hold a dramatic rowing race against their academic counterpart every year, called the Boat Race. Both cities have many similarities, with their gothic architecture, scenic rivers and their clever student residents. However, it’s Oxford that holds the distinction of being the oldest university in the UK, dating back to 1096.

Wander around the idyllic streets and alleyways, pop into cute bookshops, and explore the legendary Covered Market indoor bazaar and the many museums. Make sure to leave time for a cup of tea and a scone at The Grand Cafe, which is allegedly the oldest coffee house in England.

Oxford truly feels like walking onto a film set, which the Harry Potter crew seemed to have thought too. They filmed a lot of scenes here and you can now even join a Harry Potter Walking Tour that takes you to all the magical sites and will also allow you access to New College.

4. New Forest National Park

The New Forest is a lush National Park in the Hampshire countryside, brimming with natural beauty everywhere you look. It is filled with woodland trails, wildlife, and lots of quaint little villages. We spent a week here and completely fell in love with the place— a real paradise for nature lovers.

Our favourite towns in this area also happen to be very easy to get to from London via train:

Brockenhurst

1h35m Direct train from London Waterloo

Brockenhurst is an enchanting and quintessentially English village where native ponies and donkeys freely roam the high street, occasionally poking their heads into the local tearooms and cafes.

It’s a brilliant place to hire a bike and go for a ride along the many scenic forest cycle tracks – there’s a bicycle rental place right by the train station – and stop off at a cosy pub for a hearty pub lunch en route.

If you’re willing to splurge on one of the best meals you’ll ever have, you have to try The Pig. All their ingredients are locally sourced within 25 miles or grown in their own gardens out the back, which you can take a walk around and say hello to the piggies. They do also offer a cheaper pizza menu in the outdoor courtyard area, cooked in their impressive wood oven.

Lymington

1h55m Change at Brockenhurst, then train to Lymington Town

Lymington is a petite port town on the edge of the New Forest. It’s not surrounded by forest, so there’s not as much nature to see here, but what it lacks in woodland, it makes up for in cute independent shops, boutiques, and its very apparent maritime history.

Take a leisurely promenade along the harbour, passing large yachts and smaller dinghies, until you reach to narrow cobbled lane of Quay Hill. At the end of this lane, you’ll find the bottom of the main High Street – a wonderful place to pop into the many cafes, pubs, and restaurants. If you’re here on a Saturday, browse their beloved bustling market with stalls selling tasty treats, plants, craft items, and bric-a-brac.

If you can’t decide between Brockenhurst and Lymington, you can easily explore both within the same day—they’re only an 8 minute train ride apart.

5. Bath

1h15m Direct train from London Paddington

The station to head to is called Bath Spa, named as such because Bath is a spa resort, with natural water springs. And we should add, that the whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! In fact, it’s the only city in the UK to be designated as such in its entirety. Not bad, huh?

Bath was founded way back in the 1st century AD by the Romans, who used the natural hot springs as a thermal spa. The ancient Roman bathhouse is incredibly well preserved and can still be visited today. You unfortunately can’t see them for free, you can purchase tickets here. And believe us, it’s worth it. I mean, have you ever even really been to Bath if you haven’t seen the baths?

The city itself is extremely elegant with gorgeous golden Georgian buildings lining the street and many landmarks to spot. Wander down the Royal Crescent, with its perfectly lined townhouses overlooking green grassy lawns, cross over the picturesque Pulteney Bridge and into Bath Abbey, with stories told by the tall stained glass windows. And don’t forget to look up at that ceiling – Insane!

Bath also hosts one of the UK’s best Christmas markets, if you’re here around that time of year. The city sets up decorated wooden chalets selling artisan products for you to peruse whilst you warm yourself up with a hot chocolate or a mulled wine.

6. Bristol

1h15m Direct train from London Paddington

Heading further west into the West Country, almost on the Welsh border, lies the edgy city of Bristol. The station you want is Bristol Temple Meads, dropping you off just on the outskirts of the city centre.

Bristol is also known for its artsy vibe and boasts some brilliant museums, art galleries, a stunning cathedral, and a historic ship turned museum, the SS Great Britain, offering a wealth of cultural experiences. Street art is a big part of the city, with murals galore and a biannual street art festival that draws artists from around the world. As the birthplace of Banksy, Bristol’s streets are adorned with his and many other artists’ works, it’s almost like walking around an open air gallery.

Surrounding the city centre, Bristol boasts 8,000 acres of green space, perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. Hire a bike and take advantage of the city’s paths and vast open areas. Head out towards the architectural masterpiece of the Clifton Suspension Bridge that spans the Avon Gorge. You can visit the nearby Clifton Observatory here, which contains a camera obscura, which is always fun if you’re never been to one. We visited the one in Edinburgh and left fascinated.

If you’re looking to combine two destinations into one trip, there’s a lovely 13 mile bike path following an old disused train line through serene countryside from Bristol to Bath. If you’re not cycling, the train between these cities takes just 10-15 minutes.

Fancy a drink before heading back? The West Country is renowned for producing some award winning ciders, and there’s no better place to sample the local tipple, that locals are only too proud of than The Apple. This cider bar, located on a moored boat, offers a unique and atmospheric setting to enjoy a pint before returning to London.

7. Tunbridge Wells

1h35m Direct train from London Bridge

Welcome to our home! Well, it’s been Alec’s home for most of his life, and Eve’s for all her life until we set off to travel the world. Eve’s family still live here, and Alec’s Dad is just down the road – so yes, home sweet home. As much as we couldn’t wait to leave in search of adventure, we find ourselves missing this lovely little town more than we expected.

Officially known as Royal Tunbridge Wells, it got this title because Queen Victoria (of the Victorians) often came here to bathe in the ‘healing’ water springs, but nobody really calls it that.

Take a stroll down Old High Street, past boutique shops, which are many of Eve’s former workplaces, pop into Juliet’s for a slice of cake and stop by Fine Grind for some exceptional coffee. Continue past our old apartment until you reach the Pantiles, the heart of Tunbridge Wells, home to the famous natural spring.

The Pantiles features a historic colonnade now filled with charming shops, cafes, pubs and regular markets most weekends. When it comes to food, The Ragged Trousers serves up excellent moules frites, which isn’t very British but it is very bloody tasty. Kumquat offers an exciting and sophisticated Asian fusion menu, and for some superb, albeit slightly pretentious, seafood, Sankey’s Old Fish Market is a top choice. We also have to give a special shoutout to Kai’s Kitchen, opposite the station, for the best Thai in town. Their Khao Soi takes us straight back to Chiang Mai.

Tunbridge Wells, being in Kent, the ‘Garden of England’, also has a lot of greenery with woodland trails behind the Pantiles, towards Wellington Rocks. Right opposite the train station, the green spaces of Calverley Park are perfect for a picnic or a visit to the park cafe. Take a leisurely walk looping the outer path, and you’ll pass tennis courts, a bowls green, and Alec’s old basketball spot. About a half hour walk out from the top of town, there’s Dunorlan Park. This beautiful park sits on former mansion grounds and includes a cafe, a water fountain, a small Grecian temple, and a large boating lake where you can hire pedalos and kayaks.

If you love live music, The Forum hosts gigs from a variety of genres and has a fantastic local atmosphere. One of the UK’s best independent venues and a winner of NME’s Best Small Venue award, the building actually used to be a public restroom, so yeah, the performances can get pretty intimate! Over the years, it’s hosted the likes of Adele, Coldplay, Green Day, Ellie Goulding and Oasis during their rises to stardom.

8. Hastings

1h30m direct train from London Bridge. 2h10m direct train from London Victoria.

A once scruffy seaside town, that is currently on the up. More and more people flocking to relocate here from London, thanks to its direct train link to the capital.

Hastings is Alec’s dad’s favourite; as children, he and his sister were dragged here countless times, to follow their father around the infinite antique stores and watch him unsuccessfully catch fish. No doubt they didn’t enjoy it very much back then, but now it’s one of our fave spots to visit for a day out when we’re back home.

The beachfront is lined with traditional arcades, amusements, a mini golf course and fun fair rides, with many new eateries popping up amongst the charity shops, quirky gift stores and fish and chips shops. We recommend ordering from Maggie’s Fish & Chips and taking it to the beach to devour, whilst watching the waves crash – just keep an eye out for seagulls. There is also a little bakery up the High Street in the Old Town called Judges, which gave the world Green & Black’s chocolate and makes amazing brownies and meringues.

Take the funicular to the top of the cliffs, where you’ll find stunning views over the coastline as well as many walking trails through the coastal nature reserve to burn off those calories.

Finish up your day with some live music. Hastings is a really great place for an evening out watching a live band in a proper English pub, filled with locals and a truly authentic atmosphere. Just be mindful that the last train back to London is at around 10.30pm, so be sure to keep an eye on the clock!

9. Stonehenge

2h17m Train from London Waterloo to Salisbury, then change for Stonehenge bus.

Getting to Stonehenge is surprisingly simple. Just hop on a train to Waterloo Station, get off at Salisbury Station, and then walk over to one of the Stonehenge buses at the Railway Station stop. This will take you straight to the Visitor Centre entrance. Queue up to purchase yourself a ticket, or book it here in advance to skip the queue, and Bob’s your uncle (British slang for There you have it)! You’re in and ready to explore the ancient wonders of the stone circle.

This archaeological area has intrigued scientists for centuries, sparking various theories about its origins. The most widely accepted theory is that it served as a scientific observatory, based on its celestial alignments with the sun, moon, and stars. So, if you’re visiting during a solstice or equinox, be sure to add this to your itinerary!

Plan to spend 2-4 hours exploring the monuments and mysteries of this prehistoric site, including the replica Neolithic houses, the fascinating exhibition, and of course, the gift shop!

If you have time before or after your visit, Salisbury itself is well worth exploring. A charming medieval city with pretty buildings, a historic market, and a stunning cathedral that houses one of the four original copies of the Magna Carta.

10. Winchester

1h Direct train from London Waterloo

Winchester holds a special place in our hearts, as we often visit with Alec’s grandma who lives nearby. Stepping into this enchanting city feels like a journey back in time. Once the capital of England, Winchester is steeped in rich history.

The magnificent Winchester Cathedral stands as a testament to the city’s royal heritage. This cathedral has been the seat of Anglo-Saxon and Norman power for centuries, hosting Kings and Queens, including William the Conqueror, Mary Tudor, and Prince Philip of Spain. As you explore its intricate architecture you can feel the weight of history surrounding you.

A visit to Winchester wouldn’t be complete without stopping by The Great Hall, said to be home to the legendary King Arthur’s Round Table. This grand site, surrounded by beautiful gardens, offers another glimpse into England’s medieval past.

As you wander through the winding side streets, make sure to pop into the P&G Wells bookstore. A treasure trove for book lovers, apparently frequented by the late Jane Austen, who is in fact buried in the peaceful Winchester Cathedral grounds.

For a yummy brunch or lunch, head over to Josie’s to try out their spectacular pancakes or range of vegetarian and vegan options. Very popular with the locals for good reason.

11. Whitstable

1h20m direct trains from London Victoria or St Pancras International

Whitstable, a quaint fishing town on the Kent coast, is famous for its delectable native oysters. So much so that every September they hold the annual Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival showcasing their esteemed delicacy, which attracts visitors from all over the globe.

Begin your adventure by making your way to Tankerton, where a scenic seaside walk awaits. Wander past the pastel-coloured beach huts, each with its own unique character, stopping off to explore the small Whitstable Castle and its pretty gardens. As you continue your journey, you’ll reach the quirky Harbour Market, where local artists and traders look to sell their premium hand crafted goods. Open most days, except Tuesdays and Wednesdays, it’s a great spot to find yourself a one of a kind souvenir.

Further along the way, drop by the many independent art galleries and eclectic stores, and don’t miss the chance to indulge in some local delicacies. Stop by the waterfront shack of The Forge, or visit the iconic pink and blue shopfront of Wheeler’s Oyster Bar for freshly shucked oysters. If you’ve never tried them before, Alec’s a big fan of adding a squeeze of lemon and a few drops of Tabasco sauce. Eve’s a vegetarian, so resents Alec more and more each day.

Continue your walk along the pebbled Whitstable beach until you reach the Old Neptune Pub (the Neppy to its regulars). With a pub garden that’s actually on the beach, this is the perfect spot to unwind and catch a glorious sunset over the crashing waves, wrapping up your day in this delightful seaside town.

12. Margate

1h10m direct trains from London Victoria or St Pancras International

Another seaside gem, further along the southeast coast, is the large town of Margate. This historic hotspot has been a favourite for British holidaymakers since the 18th century. Over time, it became a bit dilapidated, but in recent years, Margate has regained its appeal and popularity. It’s quickly becoming a trendy area to live in, attracting many Londoners seeking more affordable housing while still being able to commute easily to the capital.

Stroll through the charming Old Town, now peppered with cute cafes and eateries, and drop into the pioneering Turner Contemporary art gallery, which is free to enter. A pretty massive deal among the art community (does the Turner Prize ring a bell?), this gallery offers a range of world class contemporary art.

But the major draw here is that the beaches are sandy, a real rarity in the UK! Spend a day lounging on the golden sands of Margate Beach, mustering up the courage to take a dip in the chilly waters, and then reward yourself with a classic 99 flake.

Follow the Lower or Upper promenades along the rugged cliff side, and you’ll arrive at Palm Bay Beach. This quieter and more relaxed bay is perfect for if you want to try to escape the crowds on a hot summer’s day. Proceed along the Botany Bay Beach Walking, which leads you to the picturesque Botany Bay, surrounded by dramatic white cliffs.

If you’re looking for more of a trek, you can continue following the coast round to Broadstairs, through a mixture of trails, sand and paved footpaths beside the beaches. This will double your walking time to around 2 hours.

Broadstairs is a lovely little town and has its own marvellously sandy beach within Viking Bay, which is said to have been a favourite of Charles Dickens. The town itself offers a delightful spot to explore, with its old school seaside charm.

If you’re pressed for time, you can always get the train back from Broadstairs station, which is on the same line, and goes all the way to London – just make sure to buy yourself a single ticket to Margate to avoid getting fined!

13. Epping Forest

For a dose of nature that’s a lot closer to your temporary home of London, Epping Forest is only a stone’s throw away (or a short train journey). An enormous 8000 acres of ancient woodland to immerse yourself in amongst an abundance of greenery and wildlife. There are heaps of tranquil forest trails for walking, cycling or trotting – Epping Forest is very popular with horse riders.

In fact, the forest used to be a royal hunting ground, which would’ve been done whilst riding on horseback. You can still visit Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, which was originally built in 1543 on the orders of Henry VIII and later renovated by his daughter, Elizabeth I. The lodge is a well preserved Tudor gem and provides a fascinating glimpse into the past.

If you’re in the mood for tasting something new, the Oyster Shack next to the High Beech Visitor Centre has an intriguing take on surf and turf with its scallop and bacon roll. Be warned that the queues here can have a wait time of up to an hour if you’re unlucky!

The best stations to get off at are:

Chingford

30m Direct Train (Overground) from London Liverpool Street

Nearest to the Queen’s Elizabeth I’s former Hunting Lodge and the start of the Holly and Willow trails (both take around 1 hour to complete).

Loughton

30m on the Circle Line (Underground) from London Liverpool Street

Closest to the High Beech Visitor Centre, the primitive earth mounds at Loughton Camp, and the start of the Beech Trail (1.5-2 hours).

Theydon Bois

35m on the Circle Line (Underground) from London Liverpool Street

Two more stops on the tube after Loughton, nearest to the Deer Sanctuary and the remains of the Iron Age hill fort of Ambresbury Banks, as well as the beginning of the Oak Trail (3-4 hours).

14. Paris

2h20m Direct Eurostar Train from St Pancras International

Ooh la la! You probably weren’t expecting a day trip to France to be on the list, but in just over 2 hours you could be over La Manche (aka the English Channel, but you won’t hear the French calling it that!!), and enjoying a cafe au lait and a buttery croissant in the City of Love.

We both absolutely love visiting Paris. Eve went for her first solo city break here, and Alec was born about an hour away, with his mum’s side of the family still living in the area.

Paris feels like such a small capital city, making it very walkable to see most of the highlights. There is also a great metro train system if you want to really streamline your itinerary and pack in as much as possible or just save yourself some energy.

Wandering down the elegant boulevards and past the enchanting architecture, it’s difficult not to romanticise any time spent here. Home to such iconic monuments as the Tour Eiffel, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre art gallery, the Catacombs, the Pompidou art gallery and the Arc de Triomphe, to name just a few.

One of our highlights is taking a relaxing river cruise down the Seine to spot the spectacular sights from another perspective. With so many wonderful choices to pick from, Paris is such a magical destination for a day trip, or a few days if you have the time!

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning an extended stay and looking to make a few trips, then definitely consider getting yourself a railcard. There are various railcards available, depending on which age range you fall into, but they all give you 1/3 off your train tickets across Great Britain. They cost £30, which means you’ll make your money back within three or four trips. And it’s valid for a year if you plan to return to the UK soon.

We book almost all of our tickets through Trainline, which also has an app where you can scan your ticket QR code, rather than needing to print your tickets. If booking tickets well in advance, you can purchase your tickets through TrainPal for further discounts.

As we wrap up our adventure beyond London, it’s clear that the UK has so much more to offer than just the capital. From historic cities brimming with culture to charming seaside towns and stunning natural landscapes, there’s a treasure trove waiting for you just a train ride away.

Whether you’re a history buff, an art aficionado, a nature lover, or simply seeking a relaxing day by the sea, we hope this post has sparked your wanderlust and inspired you to explore the delightful destinations that surround London. Happy travels!