The 7 Best Day Trips from London

London is rife with attractions, places to visit and things to do and see, but sometimes the busyness and chaos of London can overwhelm even native Londoners. And while London’s parks can offer a brief respite from the big city, you might be looking to escape the city for a bit longer without having to stay overnight. Luckily, there are fabulous towns, cities and sites around a 1-2 train journey from London that can offer you the peace you may be looking for. 

These places feature numerous sites, attractions and places to visit to make for a perfect day trip that is fulfilling and memorable. The best part is, you’ll be at each of these places in around 2 hours, leaving most of the day to explore and learn more about your chosen destination. From quirky and unique hidden gem attractions, to stunning architecture and iconic buildings, here are the top best places for a day trip near London.

The loveliest day trips from the capital

Painshill Park, Cobham

Distance from London: Around 30 miles 

Train Duration: 1 hr 30 minutes from Waterloo

Located in Kent, Painshill Park is one of the best places to head to for some much needed peace and quiet that’s under 2 hours from London. Featuring vast green spaces, stunning architecture that tells quite the story, breathtaking views and curious hidden gems, Painshill Park is truly a sight to behold. Whether you’re looking for a calming place to walk and appreciate views, wanting to sightsee or discover some unique attractions, you’re in the right place. 

Did you know that Painshill was actually used as a filming location and scene backdrop for one of Netflix’s top shows ‘Bridgerton’? Well if it’s good enough for Regency period aristocrats, then it’s good enough for us! Also be sure to check out the Crystal Grotto, which features stunning water pools and stalactites in a cave formation, which looks like something straight out of a fantasy film.

Rye, Sussex 

Distance from London: Around 70 miles 

Train Duration: 1 hour from St Pancras International

If you’re looking for a quaint, picturesque countryside town just under 2 hours from London, look no further than Rye in Sussex. Imagine rows of medieval ivy-covered houses, cobblestone streets and one of the UK’s best-loved beaches just a few minutes away.

Stroll along Camber Sands and soak up the peaceful vibe just a short distance from the big city– it’s safe to say Rye is the perfect escape from urban life.

Chatham Dockyard, Kent

Distance from London: Around 40 miles 

Train Duration: 1 hr 30 minutes from St Pancras International

Essentially a maritime museum, the Chatham Dockyard is steeped in history, thought to have been established in the late 16th century. It has been the site of a number of historic and significant warships and navy vessels, and showcases the history of shipbuilding through magnificent real life ships of varying sizes. 

If you’re interested in maritime history, want to learn about WW I and II, or simply want to experience incredible feats of engineering, Chatham Dockyard has something for everyone. The site has also been used as the setting for a number of high profile films and television shows, most notably Downton Abbey and Les Miserables, giving an idea of its significance and importance. 

Canterbury 

Distance from London: Around 60 miles

Train Duration: 1 hr 15 minutes from St Pancras International

This historic pilgrimage site, Canterbury is a quaint city just a short distance from London. With a history dating back to around the Iron Age, you can expect an abundance of historic sites, a rich cultural heritage and old-fashioned buildings. You may know about Canterbury from ‘The Canterbury Tales,’ written in the 14th century, but it has since made a name for itself in other ways. 

Spend the day visiting a museum, strolling through a park, sightseeing with the many churches, cathedrals or cobbled streets, or take a boat trip down one of the many canals and waterways. Canterbury is the perfect escape from the busy city, and you can get there in under 2 hours– what more could you ask for on a day trip?

Cambridge 

Distance from London: Around 60 miles 

Train Duration: 1 hr 10 minutes from King's Cross

Cambridge is another city that is perhaps best known for its prestigious and centuries-old university, but aside from this, it’s also another visually pleasing city and one that is certainly worth visiting for a day. The River Cam hosts punting and boating, and makes for perfect riverside walking; the buildings are visually stunning and offer superb photography and sightseeing opportunities; the city is rich in culture and history, as is evident from its abundance of museums, churches and historic sites, and what’s more, it’s under a 2 hour journey from central London when taking the train.

Eastbourne

Distance from London: Around 80 miles

Train Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes from London Victoria

Eastbourne is a little beachside paradise that helps you relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of London’s streets. A short drive from another beachside paradise known as Brighton, Eastbourne has all the appeal of a city, but with a calm and laid back atmosphere that exudes charm and character. 

Time your trip for the summer months to get the absolute most out of Eastbourne Beach, which is great for sunbathing, strolling along or paddling. Enjoy some fish and chips by the sea, visit the Towner Art Gallery, or head to Seven Sisters Cliffs, the arguably lesser known sister of the iconic White Cliffs of Dover.

Margate 

Distance from London: Around 70 miles

Train Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes from St Pancras International and London Victoria

Another popular seaside town in Kent, Margate is perfect for a quick day trip away from the big city. In Margate, you can enjoy all the quintessential seaside activities, whether they involve sunbathing, walking along the beach, enjoying fish and chips or paddling/swimming. 

It’s no secret that Margate is best enjoyed when it's hot, as most beachside towns are, but you’ll be able to find something to do even when it’s gloomy and raining. Head to Dreamland Theme Park for a fun-filled day out, explore Margate caves, visit Shell Grotto or Turner Contemporary art gallery, or go shopping at Old Town Market.