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Day trips from London are soo good for me when I am in town. I usually make time to do them whenever I am in London. I have so far done the Lavender Field at Mayfield, Margate, Hastings and St Leonards, Bath and even Durdle Door and more recently St Leonards on Sea & Hastings: The Perfect Seaside Escape (2026).
If you are considering doing a day trip here are a few day trips from London by train that you can easily consider doing as good road trips from London to do. Either way, keep on reading and save this post for later. For now, let’s answer: if you had one full day for a day trip from London, where would you go?
London is one of the most exciting cities in the world. Truly. When I moved here from Swindon, I was just 15 years old with a ‘farm accent’ (that’s what most of my peers said at least). Instantly in moving to the capital I was woowed by how much there was and still is going on here, but I did miss home. I missed the village life and even now, I’m sure you can agree that a break from London is good for the soul. Luckily, for us the UK is full of beautiful countryside, beaches, and quirky towns that are only a short drive or train ride away.
Over the years, I’ve discovered some incredible spots just outside the city that are perfect for a quick escape. Whether you’re into nature, or are looking for day trips from London. Here are my top 8 day trips from London that will make you feel like you’ve travelled, without hopping on a plane. You can even use these seven as great day trips from London by train.
Note I know there are many more day trips from London that I should have mentioned below like Bicester Village, Winchester, Canterbury and even more. I am still making my way round these places so while you wait I have the special person that has done it all and has tips for family days out to. Check out LifeWithBugo. I love her blog because it’s so real genuine and has all the gems you can do with family.
Read: 7 Amazing European Day Trips You Can Take from London
Key Things to Know Before Travelling out of London
- Internet: You may want internet while exploring. I usually use Airalo for an eSIM, which allows you to get mobile data anywhere. This is for people not from the UK.
- Travel Insurance: I recommend anyone travelling should have travel insurance which you can get via SafetyWing here.
1. Ascot – A Day at the Races
If you’re after a touch of British tradition (and a reason to doll up and get dressed up with the girls), Ascot is the place to go. Ascot is known worldwide for the Royal Ascots, and for good reason too. I’ve been a fair amount, once for the Royal Ascots in 2016 which you can read about here. And then again more recently for mine and my friends 30th Birthday. This is one of those prefect day trips from London but can also be added as a perfect road trips from London.
I would say that it is more than just horse racing. it’s fashion, food, BUBBLY (and lots of it) and fun all rolled into one. You will need get your best heels a fascinators and your race cards, below is more detail.
- How to get there: Around 50 minutes by train from London Waterloo. You can book your tickets here.
- Read more about my day at Ascot – Royal Ascot or Ascot Race Days: Everything You Need to Know Before Going.
- You can book your Ascot tickets here.
2. Tulleys Farm – A Fun Day Pumpkin Picking
If you love autumn, then you have to do Tulleys Farm it’s a brilliant one to add on the list for a road trips from London. you’ll love Tulleys Farm for pumkin picking. Every year the farm transforms into the ultimate pumpkin patch, with fields of orange pumkins. I went after having a gifted collaboration with TOG24, where I wanted to shoot some content and went and picked some pumpkins which was so much fun! I would say it’s a road trips from London and great day out for families, friends, or anyone who wants that cosy seasonal vibe. Below is some further details:
- How to get there: Around 1.5 hours by car from London or you can get the train and taxi, which is what I did.
- Read my full pumpkin picking guide – Pumpkin Picking at Tulleys Farm: A Fun Solo Day Out.
3. Mayfield Lavender Farm – A Summer Dream
I absolutely loved Mayfield Lavender Farm. Think purple fields, the scent of lavender in the air, and the perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy photos. Mayfield Lavender Farm is one of the prettiest spots just outside London and I would argue is one of the best day trips from London because it’s close and a perfect spot that can be done in a few hours during the summer. You will honestly love this place below are some further details:
- How to get there: About 1 hour by train/car from central London or you can get the train and taxi, which is what I did.
- Read My full Mayfield Lavender Farm post – Mayfield Lavender Farm: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go.
4. Durdle Door Dorset – A Jurassic Coast Beauty
When I finally gave staycations a chance, Durdle Door Dorset completely changed my mind. This was one of those road trips from London which I went too back in 2021 during the pandemic and it was a much needed trip. The dramatic limestone arch and turquoise waters make this one of the most stunning coastal spots in the UK. It’s further than the others on this list, but it’s absolutely worth the trip. Below is more detail with a full guide.
- How to get there: Around 3 hours by car from London.
- Read my Durdle Door guide here – Durdle Door Dorset: The Amazing UK Staycation That Changed My Mind.
5. Margate – A Nostalgic Seaside Escape
I think Margate is a brilliant idea if you are looking for one of those easy and quick day trips from London by train. I went recently for bank holidays and the weather was absolutely amazing. There is so much to get done here in a day from arcades, sandy beaches, retro funfair and some good British fish and chips with Mr. Whippy ice cream and hot doughnuts to finish. Margate is a classic British seaside town that has had a bit of a trendy revival. Between the Turner Contemporary gallery, vintage shops, and Dreamland theme park, there’s more than enough for a full day out.
- How to get there: About 1 hour 40 minutes by train from London St Pancras or Victoria Station and then it’s only a two minute walk to the beach from Margate Station. You can also drive down and get the coach.
- Read Margate travel guide here – A Day Trip to Margate: Things To Do on the English Coast.
6. Bath – A Historic Spa City
Another solid day trips from London to Bath and you have to consider it. Living in London with lots of skyscrapers Bath is a city that feels like stepping back in time, which I absolutely adored. It is famous for its Roman Baths and stunning Georgian architecture, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that combines history with charm. You can visit the Roman Baths, relax in the modern Thermae Bath Spa, or simply wander the pretty streets lined with independent cafés and shops.
- How to get there: Around 1.5 hours by train from London Paddington.
- Read my Bath travel post here – An Amazing 1 Day Trip to Bath from London.
7. Brighton – A Winter Seaside Day Out
No list of day trips from London by train would be complete without adding Brighton to the list. Just an hour from the city, this seaside favourite has something for everyone: the famous pebble beach, colourful beach huts, vintage shopping in The Lanes, and the iconic Brighton Pier with its arcades and rides. I went during the winter and still enjoyed a few of the key landmarks which you can read about here. You can very enjoy Brighton on a sunny day to where you will get that holiday feeling without leaving the UK.
- How to get there: Around 1 hour by train from London Victoria or London Bridge.
- My Brighton day trip guide is here – [AD] Brighton Day Trip: What to See, Eat & Do
8. St Leonards on Sea & Hastings – A Classic British Seaside Double
Two in on day trips from London in my opinion. If you want to knock two birds with one stone, this East Sussex duo is the one. St Leonards on Sea is the quieter, more laid-back sibling. There is colourful houses, indie shops, and a promenade made for a slow morning stroll. Then you can walk, along the seafront, which is only 20 minutes, straight into Hastings Old Town, where the energy picks right up with arcades, the iconic black fishing huts on the beach, and all the nostalgic seaside foods you grew up with.
I had a proper turkey roast dinner with all the trimmings, followed by school cake with custard and sugary doughnuts, and it took me straight back to childhood. That’s the magic of this one it’s easy on the wallet, easy to get to, and it genuinely feels like a full day out.
- How to get there: Just over an hour by train from London Victoria or London Waterloo to St Leonards Warrior Square. From there, walk the promenade into Hastings or hop one stop on the train.
- Read my full guide here – St Leonards on Sea & Hastings: The Perfect Seaside Escape (2026)
Final Views on Day Trips from London by Train
So there you have it an answer to ‘If you had one full day for a day trip from London, where would you go?’
London will always be home for me, but sometimes you don’t need a plane ticket to feel like you’ve travelled. From seaside towns to lavender fields, these day trips have reminded me just how much the UK has to offer. If you’re looking for a quick escape from the city, add these spots to your list. Trust me, you’ll come back refreshed and ready to deal with the buzz of the city.
If you’re feeling even more adventurous, you can do a day trip to a European country in like Prague, Bologna or even Dublin read – 7 Amazing European Day Trips You Can Take from London and if you do want to stay in London, then read – 25 Things to Know Before Visiting London. Both post have a lot of gems to make sure you have an amazing trip.
Have you been on any great day trips from London? Which one of these day trips from London by train are you taking?
Let me know in the comments so I can add them to my list! I have a few that I have already got for the rest of the year, and I can’t wait to share them with you!
And if you want more day trips from London, be sure to subscribe to the blog, and I will keep this updated.
Speak soon,
Debs MBV x
