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As awesome as London is, sometimes you’ve got to get away. And that’s where a quick day trip from London can refresh you and help you appreciate more than just our fair and fabulous city.
But if you’ve done Brighton a million times, or you just don’t fancy a trip to Oxford or Cambridge AGAIN, what are the options?
We’ve picked ten less obvious day trips from London for you to enjoy.
All of these can easily be done by public transport as a trip in one day.
Rye
Rye is a charming medieval town known for its cobbled streets and historic buildings. There is a vibrant high street for some quaint boutique shopping and some decent eateries too. Camber Sands is a short hop (by taxi) from the train station if you’re looking for some beach action. You can walk but it’s further than you think. Trust me, get the taxi. The town is easily accessible by train or coach, making it a great day trip from London.
Lewes
Lewes is a picturesque town with a rich history and a castle dating back to the 11th century. It’s easily accessible as it’s just down the coast from Brighton, so you can usually even get the same train service.
The town itself has plenty of history: Lewes was one of the places where Guy Fawkes plotted against King James I in 1605, so you can visit his cell in The Keep (a medieval prison). If you’re feeling hungry after your tour, head to The Star Inn for lunch-it’s been serving food since 1425!
Faversham
Faversham is a market town in Kent, England. It’s known for its historic architecture and brewery tours, which are easily accessible by train or coach. The town is also home to the Faversham Society Museum and Art Gallery, which displays local history artifacts as well as works by local artists.
Faversham makes an excellent day trip from London–it’s only about an hour away by train or coach–and it offers plenty of things to do once you arrive: visit one of three breweries (all within walking distance from each other), explore the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey or take a walk along the riverbank path that runs through town
Arundel
Arundel is a historic town with a castle and cathedral set in the beautiful South Downs. In fact, Arundel is kind of like a less visited Canterbury, which might appeal for people looking for some genuine medieval architecture without the crowds. And to add to the appeal, Arundel is easily accessible by train in around 1 hour 30 from Victoria.
Sandwich
Sandwich is a quaint town on the coast with historic buildings, a nature reserve and a world-renowned golf course. If golf isn’t your thing, there are some Roman ruins and museums to potter around. Or just go for the quaint architecture and local shops. Sandwich is easily accessible by train from London St Pancras.
The town itself has plenty of places to eat and drink as well as some great shops to browse in if you want something special for your trip home.
Hastings
Hastings is a seaside town with a rich maritime history and a charming old town. It’s easily accessible by train or coach, making it the perfect day trip from London.
There are plenty of things to do in Hastings: visit the castle ruins, take a walk along the seafront, go shopping on High Street or enjoy some fish and chips at one of the many cafes.
Winchester
Winchester is a historic city with a renowned cathedral and a medieval castle, surrounded by picturesque countryside. And with just a one hour commute each way, it’s a perfect day trip from London.
For anyone looking for a bit of authentic British city, Winchester is a great option. Europeans or Americans looking for somewhere less obvious than Cambridge or Brighton will love a day trip here.
Chichester
Chichester is a cathedral city with Roman walls, a picturesque harbour and a theatre festival. It’s easily accessible by train or coach, making it a great day trip from London.
The city has been inhabited since ancient times; there are remains of Iron Age settlements in the area. The Romans built their own town here in AD 43, which later became known as Noviomagus Regnensis (Newmarket). In Saxon times it was called Cissa Cestre or “City of Cissa”, after its founder King Cissa who ruled over Wessex from 755-774AD.
After centuries of occupation by various tribes such as the Celts and Anglo-Saxons, Chichester was finally settled by Normans under William II who built his castle here between 1090-1100AD before moving onto Hastings where he would become king after defeating Harold at Battle Of Hastings in 1066AD
Manningtree
Manningtree is a charming little town by the River Stour, believed to be the smallest town in England. It has a picturesque medieval centre with many historic buildings and cobbled streets, as well as a lively market on Fridays.
You’ve probably not heard of it. But… Thats a great reason to visit. It’s not a hive of action and adventure, and that is exactly why you should visit. Stroll along the riverside, sip a coffee and read a book and just… Not be in London.
Ramsgate
Ramsgate is a seaside town with pretty townhouses, lifestyle shops and buzzing cafes. It’s now a destination in itself for day-tripping Londoners who want to escape the city without travelling too far. The train journey from London takes just over an hour and there are regular buses from Ramsgate Port to the town centre.
Ramsgate has plenty of things to do including visiting one of its many museums or walking along its seafront which has been awarded “best seaside resort” by TripAdvisor twice since 2014! There’s also plenty of shopping opportunities if you’re looking for something unique; try browsing through some vintage clothes at The Old Townhouse or picking up some local produce at The Market Hall (check out their website here). You could even visit one of their famous ice cream parlours such as Gino Gelato or Scoops on Sea Front Walk – both serving delicious homemade treats!
BONUS: Lille
Fancy hopping across the channel? Actually, a trip to Lille in Northern France is super quick on the Eurostar from St Pancras. And you could get that French culture hit without having to head into the grimy Gare du Nord in Paris.
Walk along the canal, enjoy the citadel or just enjoy a beer or coffee while doing some people spotting. Winner!
