5 of the best day trips from London by train you should do

Day trips let you explore a new destination in just one day, whether seeing a local landmark, taste testing a nearby cafe or spending a day relaxing at the local park or beach.

London has the benefit of great transport links that mean you can get to practically anywhere in the UK in just a few hours.

From the beach and the green countryside to an urban city, these are five of the best day trips from London you should try.

5 of the best day trips from London by train

@the.wanderlust.blonde 1 day in Canterbury ⬇️ - Explore Westgate Gardens or make a picnic there - Go punting along the river Stour with Canterbury punting company @canterburypuntingcompany - Grab a coffee at Fringe + Ginge coffee shop @fringeandgingecoffee or have some nice loose tea at Leaf Tea & Cake - Lunch: Posillipo @posillipo.restaurant - Visit Canterbury Cathedral - The Crooked House - Dinner: Pho @photestaraunt London Day trip | Day Trips from London |Punting in Canterbury | Things to do in Canterbury | Things to do in Kent | Visit Canterbury | Canterbury Cathedral | Visit England #visitcanterbury #visitkent #visitengland #visitbritain #kent #unlimitedbritain #uktrip #uktravelblogger #thisprettyengland #beautifulengland #ukdestinations #uktraveldiaries #uktravelspots #scenicbritain #unlimitedbritain #uktravels #exploreengland #ukhiddengems #countrysideuk #placesintheuk #englandtrip #ukadventure #traveluk #uktravel #exploreuk #kentuk #kentlife #visitengland #travelblogger #englandtravel #uktraveller #travelengland ♬ Hell N Back (feat. Summer Walker) - Bakar

Canterbury 

Just 50 minutes from St Pancras, Canterbury is a historical city in Kent best known for its landmark Canterbury Cathedral which is part of the World Heritage Site.

Roman walls surround the city centre and the Westgate Towers welcome you on arrival - you see the city's rich history from the moment you arrive. 

Along with the city's history, there is also a great shopping scene, from the Fenwick department store, a large Primark and endless amounts of independent and quirky shops.

You won't go hungry either with plenty of choices for food, whether a quick meal from City Fish Bar or a bottomless brunch from The Drapers Arms.

Plus, you can even take a boat ride on the River Stour with a number of companies offering a tour, including Westgate Punts, Canterbury Punting Company and Canterbury Historic River Tours. 

@thechaosdiaries Welcome to the beautifully historic city that has it all ✨ This is Bath, a small Georgian city in England that is completely surrounded by the wonderful English countryside 🌱 One of my favourite things about living here is how accessible the countryside is, as it’s a tiny city you don’t need to drive and can instead simply go out on an evening walk with a picnic in nature 🧺 Next time you visit Bath, be sure to make some time to visit the countryside around it - some of my favourite places include: 🍃 Prior Park - a landscape garden perched on a hillside overlooking Bath 🌸 Iford Manor - historic venue with Italianate garden and cloister 🌾 Solsbury Hill - a small flat-topped hill and the site of an Iron Age hill fort 🍄 Dundas Aquaduct - an ancient monument carrying the Kennet & Avon canal 🌱 Kelston Roundhill - Walking route over green rolling hills offering picturesque views of Bristol & Bath 🌷Bath Skyline walk - A 3 mile circular walk from Bath city centre out to the countryside of the Bath Skyline #bathuk #visitbath #cityofbath #bathengland🇬🇧 #bathengland #englandtravel #uktravel #visitengland #england🇬🇧 #traveluk #uktravelblogger #unlimitedbritain ♬ fairytale vibes - Alicia ✨ Travel Blogger

Bath

Just over one hour and 20 minutes away from London's Paddington Station, the journey to Bath offers views unlike any other as you travel through areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Bath has a history unlike any other and is best known for being created as a well-being spot since the ancient Romans built the Roman Baths. 

A big draw for many, the spas and Roman Baths across the city let you bathe in natural hot springs whilst learning about the rich history. 

Along with enjoying a dip in the baths, you can also explore and learn about the Roman life that took over the city. 

Of course, no getaway would be complete without some food and Bath has plenty of fantastic restaurants, pubs and cafes to try out. 

@abbeysadleir if youre looking for a beautiful seaside town to visit from london for the day (or weekend) then you need to visit whitstable in kent! i cant tell you how nice it was to get on the train out of london for the weekend and just be by the beach 🦞🌊🐚 we stayed the night so stay tuned for part two! #londondaytrip #uktravel #escapethecity #visitengland #uktravelideas #daytripfromlondon ♬ original sound - Abbey Sadleir 🍸

Whitstable 

Whitstable is just under two hours away by car or train and the town itself is best for its famous oysters which according to records have been sold in the coastal town since Roman times.

There are many spots in Whitstable where you can try an oyster or two, arguably the most popular is the Wheelers Oyster Bar famed for its pink and blue shop front design.

Away from the many oyster offerings, the town is home to an array of independent and unique shops along Harbour Street.

For a place to relax, Whitstable Beach is the classic British stone beach that is the perfect spot to swim in the sea or watch the sunset after a long day exploring. 

@_rebeccaglover If you’re ever in the area, you need to visit Folkestone. The high street is so quirky with brightly painted shops selling art, vintage clothing, handmade pieces, and decor. There are various cafes and restaurants too - we popped into Steep Street Coffee House which is my kind of place ☕️📚 And of course, Folkestone also has crashing waves, a great play park under canopies of treees…. And areas that are a tad run down. But on the whole, would recommend 🙌🏼 #visitkent #visitengland #visitfolkestone #folkestone #southeast #southeastengland #folkestonekent #quirkygirl #highstreet #indie #independentshops #shopindependent ♬ Summer Feelings (feat. Charlie Puth) - Lennon Stella

Folkestone 

Just a train journey away from Central London, you can reach Folkestone in as little as an hour and 10 minutes from Victoria Station. 

Folkestone is well known for its rich arts and creative appeal with its Old High Street set on a steep cobbled stone street and there are a variety of shops and restaurants to enjoy. 

These include a classic Italian, burger joint, a book-lined café, a quirky laser cut jewellery shop and a shop dedicated to independent small businesses. 

Leading on from Old High Street is the popular harbour arm which was once the town's train station and has used the station's features to create a space for market stalls, food stalls and social gatherings. 

The harbour arm offers panoramic views of the sea as well as special events including outdoor film showings and in the warmer months, crazy golf. 

@eli_radu30 Beautifull villages of England 🖤 📍Rye / East Sussex #visitengland #beautifuldestinations #beautifulvillage #rye ♬ original sound - Eliza

Rye 

Rye is just over an hour away by train and is a popular coastal town best known for its cobbled streets, independent shops and historic buildings.

The harbour town is located three miles from the sea and has long been known as a town frequented by smugglers with its winding cobbled passageways.

Visitors can learn more about Rye’s history over the years by visiting the Ypres Tower and Rye Castle Museum, where you’ll find a collection of artefacts and exhibits on the town’s history, along with impressive views of Rye from the tower.

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The historic castle with a water maze less than 2 hours from London

Rye is also home to a windmill dating back 450 years, which is now a B&B offering guests great views of Rye and the surrounding marshlands.

The town also has a diverse mix of shops from antiques, gifts, clothing and homeware, along with a number of tea rooms where you can stop off for some treats.

Don’t miss out on The Cobbles Tea Room, a quaint tea room with outdoor seating where you’ll find a selection of sweet and savoury snacks.