8 best trips from London by train you don’t want to miss

London dazzles with iconic sights like the Buckingham Palace, London Eye, and Tower Bridge. Once you've explored top attractions and discovered some of the best city views, you might want to explore further afield.

The best train trips from London take you to seaside escapes like Brighton, historical settings like Bath and Oxford, and creative hotspots like Liverpool and Birmingham. You can even explore European favorites like Paris and Brussels on fun days or weekend trips by train from London. This guide to top destinations from London is ready to inspire your next vacation.

Trips via train from London at a glance

Best destinations for families: Brussels and Brighton
Best destination for couples: Paris and Oxford
Best destinations for culture: Liverpool and Paris
Best destination for art: Birmingham
Best destinations for history: Bath and York

1. Bath, Somerset

Best for day or weekend adventures with iconic English heritage.

Apart from the renowned Roman roots and well-preserved architecture, Bath has a lively art and culture scene that makes it one of the best day trips via train from London. Head to The Jane Austen Centre for literary fun, visit Milsom Street for boutique shopping, or join a "Bridgerton" walking tour of the TV show's iconic filming locations. Don't miss Sally Lunn's, a famous, historical eating house and museum. For city views, head to Bathwick Hill.

Getting there

Nearest station: Bath Spa, one hour and 30 minutes by train from London Paddington.

2. Liverpool, Merseyside

Best for scenic, music-themed day trips by train from London

One of the best trips from London, Liverpool is a music lover's destination, with historic venues like The Cavern Club and The Jacaranda continuing to host new bands. Walk in the steps of The Beatles at Penny Lane, shop along Castle and Church Streets, and explore art events at The Bluecoat. Scenic cruises along the River Mersey show off the city's iconic landmarks, while the Wheel of Liverpool Ferris wheel brings you sky-high.

Getting there

Nearest station: Liverpool Lime Street, two hours and 20 minutes by train from London Euston.

3. Brussels

Best for culture-filled day or weekend trips by train from London

To see one of Brussels' most famous and UNESCO-listed squares, head to La Grand-Place with its ornate Town Hall and gold detailing. Then, check out the Pentagon City Centre's shops selling famous Brussels cuisine like waffles, chocolate, speculoos, biscuits, and frites, and pop into fun museums like Choco-Story and the Comic Art Museum. The Parc de Bruxelles gives you a relaxing green space break from the urban landscape during one of the best train trips from London.

Getting there

Nearest station: Brussels Midi, two hours by train from London St. Pancras.

4. Birmingham, West Midlands

Best for day trips by train from London steeped in cultural arts

There's much to love in Birmingham's Digbeth, a creative quarter full of street art, murals, festivals, and artsy venues. Join walking tours and explore spots like Digbeth Art Space and Eastside Projects, where new artists create inspirational artwork. Head to Gas Street Basin for fun canal boat tours, sample the authentic cuisine in Chinatown and make time for the Birmingham balti — a local Pakistani curry — before finishing one of the best train trips from London.

Getting there

Nearest station: Birmingham New Street, one hour and 45 minutes by train from London Euston.

5. Paris

Best for full-day or weekend trips by train from London

For top Paris landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Catacombs, the Louvre, and the Tuileries Garden, visit the 1st, 7th, and 14th arrondissements on one of the best trips from London by train. The 2nd is home to many 19th-century, glass-covered shopping passages full of antique shops, bookstores, and independent shops, while the 5th and 6th overflow with Parisian bakeries, bistro cuisine, and artsy venues. Get your fill of nature at the 16th arrondissement's Bois de Boulogne forested park.

Getting there

Nearest station: Paris Gare du Nord, two hours and 20 minutes by train from London St. Pancras.

6. York, North Yorkshire

Best for day trips full of ancient history

Top attractions like York Minster, Clifford's Tower, and the JORVIK Viking Centre are nestled within the city center. For epic views on one of the best day trips via train from London, walk along the City Walls, take a boat cruise, or travel the waterfront by the Museum Gardens. You'll see more of York's charming side in The Shambles, a medieval street full of shops and unique architecture.

Getting there

Nearest station: York, two hours and 5 minutes by train from London King's Cross.

7. Brighton, East Sussex

Best for seaside day trips from London

A beloved city escape, Brighton is relaxed, eclectic, and one of the best trips from London by train. It has everything from long stretches of pebbled sand beaches to narrow shopping alleys in The Lanes. Wander around North Laine for a more bohemian vibe with independent shops, and check out the weekly Saturday Market along Upper Gardner Street. Head to the Brighton Palace Pier for amusement rides, or join a walking tour of the iconic, Indo-Islamic-style Royal Pavilion Palace. Catch epic views along the Undercliff Walk.

Getting there

Nearest station: Brighton, one hour by train from London Victoria or Bridge.

8. Oxford, Oxfordshire

Best for scenic day trips with historical settings

During one of the best trips from London, join an Oxford walking tour to explore world-renowned Oxford University and some of the best "Harry Potter" filming spots like Christ Church College and the Bodleian Library. Head to the Ashmolean Museum for impressive collections dating back to antiquity, and find trinkets and food stalls in the sprawling 18th-century Covered Market. To get diverse city views, climb the Saxon Tower or grab a punt boat and explore the River Thames.

Getting there

Nearest station: Oxford, one hour and 5 minutes by train from London Marylebone or Paddington.

FAQs: Best train trips from London

Generated with the help of AI

What is the luxury train from London to Europe?

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is renowned for its opulent train journeys between London and various European cities, such as Venice and Paris. Travelers can expect an elegant experience with luxurious accommodations and exceptional service.

Where does the high-speed train go from London?

The high-speed train from London connects to several major European cities. You can travel directly from London to Paris, Lille, and Brussels. Additionally, there are routes from London to Amsterdam, with stops in Brussels and Rotterdam along the way.

Which countries are a short train ride from London?

Travelers can easily take a train from London to several European countries. France is a popular destination, with Paris and Disneyland Paris just a few hours away. Belgium is also accessible, with Brussels offering a quick journey. The Netherlands is another option, with direct trains to Amsterdam. These destinations provide convenient day trips or short getaways from London.

What is the best day trip from London by train?

Some of the top day trips from London by train include Stratford-upon-Avon, Windsor, York, Bath, Winchester, Canterbury, Dover, Brighton, and Cardiff. While Bath, York, and Stratford-upon-Avon are ideal for longer stays, they also offer a rewarding experience as day trips, providing a glimpse into their rich history and culture.

What is the British version of the Orient Express?

The British Pullman is a luxury train in England, part of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. It offers day trips with gourmet dining to famous spots in England and Wales. For a shorter experience, enjoy a non-stop round trip through southern England with exquisite onboard meals.