Discover the best day trips from London by train. Whether you're dreaming of a trip to a historic city, a seaside town or a rural haven, you can easily travel from the capital to popular destinations including Windsor, Bath, Oxford and Brighton. Compare journey times, discover the top attractions and find the perfect day trip from London by rail.
The Visit London team has curated this guide using local knowledge and first-hand experience. We carefully consider the popularity and appeal of each destination, using visitor data as well as insights from our partners.
Searching for even more ways to explore? Check out our sightseeing tours page and our complete guide to day trips from London for more destinations, tours and travel options.
Best day trips from London by train at a glance
- 🎵 Liverpool day trip by train: Best for musical history
- 🥐 Paris day trip by train: Best for an international adventure
- 👑 Windsor day trip by train: Best for a quick getaway
- 🏰️ Edinburgh day trip by train: Best for a city break
- 🏞️ Lake District day trip by train: Best for scenic views
The best day trips from London by train
- The Beatles Liverpool day trip
- Guided Paris day trip including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum
- York day trip with open-top bus tour
- Windsor day trip with entry to Windsor Castle
- Edinburgh day trip with bus tour and Edinburgh Castle entry
- Lake District day trip with cream tea and Lake Windermere cruise
- Unescorted Paris day trip with river cruise, bus tour or travelcard
- Bath day trip with entry to the Roman Baths and hop-on hop-off bus tour
- Brighton day trip including hop-on hop-off bus tour
Liverpool day trip by train – Best for a Beatles-themed experience
Uncover the best Beatles-themed things to do in Liverpool on this fantastic day trip from the capital.
Setting off from Euston station, you will arrive in Liverpool and make your way to Mathew Street, where the Beatles Shop awaits. Set aside plenty of time for shopping, and check out the Beatles-themed art in the Mathew Street Gallery before you head to The Beatles Story Museum at Albert Dock.
The second part of this day trip is dedicated to sightseeing. Hop aboard the Beatles Magical Mystery Bus Tour and enjoy a two-hour route packed with iconic Beatles landmarks, from the childhood homes of each of the musicians to the locations that inspired their biggest songs – including Strawberry Field and Penny Lane. Finish your tour at the legendary Cavern Club, where you will receive an exclusive Beatles souvenir to take home.
Best for: A deep-dive into one of Britain’s most famous rock bands
Good to know: Entry to The Beatles Story Exhibition and The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour are both included in your ticket, along with return rail travel.
Guided day trip to Paris by train – best for an action-packed international adventure
Enjoy a guided day trip to Paris and step inside world-famous landmarks including Notre Dame, The Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.
After catching an early Eurostar from London, you will find yourself in the French capital in no time. Kick off your trip with a panoramic bus tour of the city, cruising through the picture-perfect streets and snapping plenty of photos along the way. Ascend to the top of the Eiffel Tower accompanied by your expert guide, taking in magnificent skyline views. Then, step inside the spectacular Notre Dame Cathedral for a tour.
Before you head back to London, prepare for a final guided visit to The Louvre Museum, providing a rare chance to see the Mona Lisa up close. If you’re visiting on a Tuesday, take a luxury boat ride down the Seine instead.
Best for: A guided tour through the French capital, including multiple French landmarks
Good to know: Tours on Tuesdays include a Seine cruise as The Louvre is closed.
Book your guided Paris day trip including Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and The Louvre Museum.
York day trip by train – Best for a blend of sightseeing and medieval history
Take the train to York and uncover the secrets of this medieval city on an unescorted tour.
While you are free to explore York at your own pace, this trip includes an open-top bus tour, offering the opportunity to admire the city’s beloved landmarks and incredible architecture from a different angle.
Hop off the bus and take a stroll along the historic City Walls, marvel at the magnificent York Minster Cathedral, or wander the famous Shambles Street, a medieval alleyway packed with buildings that date back as far as the 13th century.
Best for: A full-day trip with no set itinerary
Good to know: Reserved train seats, the open-top bus tour, and a meet and greet at Euston Station are all included in your booking.
Windsor day trip by train – Best for royal history
Enjoy a leisurely day trip to Windsor, departing by train from London Paddington.
Begin your experience with a visit to Windsor Castle, which is included in your ticket. Soak up the magic of this royal residence, exploring the lush Venus Garden and the opulent State Apartments. Don’t forget to look around St George’s Chapel and check out St Mary’s Doll House – a miniature mansion that boasts electricity, running water and even working lifts.
After admiring the castle, you are free to wander the streets of Windsor. Discover the countless independent shops and cafes, stroll along the riverside, and snap plenty of pictures as you venture through the cobbled lanes.
Best for: An unescorted trip to a royal landmark
Good to know: This day trip has no fixed duration. While you must make your own way to London Paddington to catch the 9.20am train to Windsor, you can choose when to return to London. Trains from Windsor to London Paddington run every 20 to 30 minutes until approximately 10pm.
Edinburgh day trip by train – Best for a magical Scottish adventure
Explore Edinburgh on this brilliant day trip, which includes an open-top bus tour and entry to Edinburgh Castle.
Hop on an early train from King’s Cross Station and arrive in Edinburgh in a matter of hours. This trip is unescorted, allowing visitors to create their own itinerary. Start your day with a tour of the city in an open-top bus ride, or head straight to Edinburgh Castle, where you can uncover centuries of Scottish history. Make sure to check out St Margaret’s Chapel – the oldest part of the castle – and admire the Scottish crown jewels.
After plenty of sightseeing, walk around the city at your leisure. Try out the many cafes and restaurants, relax in the beautiful Holyrood Park, or hike up to the famous Arthur’s Seat before you return to London.
Best for: A blend of sightseeing, Scottish history and free time to explore this popular destination
Good to know: While you can choose how to spend your time in Edinburgh, ensure that you arrive at Waverley train station in plenty of time for the 5.30pm train back to London.
Book your Edinburgh day trip with bus tour and Edinburgh Castle entry.
Lake District day trip by train – Best for breathtaking scenery
Take the train from London Euston to the Lake District, a UNESCO-listed region boasting some of the most gorgeous scenery in the UK. Follow in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter as you venture through the Lake District National Park to Hill Top, the author's former home.
Continue to Tarn Howes, one of the most popular spots in the Lake District, before setting off on a cruise across Lake Windermere. Snap plenty of photos, soak up the scenery and return to dry land for a visit to the charming towns of Coniston and Hawkshead. The tour finishes with an indulgent cream tea experience at Lindeth Howe Hotel.
Best for: A windswept countryside adventure
Good to know: Please note that each tour operates only on selected dates between Monday and Friday, so make sure to check before you book.
Book your Lake District day trip with cream tea and Lake Windermere cruise.
Unescorted day trip to Paris by train – Best for a leisurely tour of the French capital
Embark on an unescorted day trip to the French capital and explore the city at your own pace. After a short Eurostar journey, the famous sights of Paris await – step inside iconic landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Arc de Triomphe, or spend your day wandering the picture-perfect streets.
Choose to add a one-day travelcard to your booking and use the Paris metro to get around. Visitors can also book an open-top bus tour and an afternoon cruise along the Seine, offering views of the city from a dazzling new perspective.
Best for: A full-day international trip with plenty of free time
Good to know: Your day trip ticket includes return travel on the Eurostar, but the bus tour, travelcard and river cruise are optional extras.
Book your unescorted Paris day trip with river cruise, bus tour or travelcard.
Bath day trip by train – Best for Roman history and stunning architecture
The UNESCO-listed city of Bath is just a short train ride away from London, providing endless sightseeing opportunities as well as the chance to see some magnificent architecture up close.
Book entry to the famous Roman Baths and uncover 2,000 years of history, marvelling at the ancient stones and glittering waters. Admire the beautiful Georgian buildings and charming cobbled lanes, leaving plenty of time to explore the popular cafes, restaurants and boutiques in the area. You also have the option to book a hop-on hop-off bus ride through the city.
Best for: A flexible day trip packed with history and culture
Good to know: All ticket options include return rail travel, but you can choose to add the bus tour, entry to the Roman Baths or both.
Book your Bath day trip with entry to the Roman Baths and hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Brighton day trip by train – Best for a seaside jaunt
Take a trip to the seaside on this fabulous day trip to Brighton. Catch the train from St Pancras International and you’ll soon be transported to this scenic destination, where you can admire the historic Royal Pavilion, enjoy shopping in The Lanes or stroll along Brighton Pier.
Soak up the sights on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, which is included in your ticket. There's also the option to book entry to SEA LIFE Brighton for an ocean-themed adventure.
Best for: An unescorted trip to a beloved seaside location
Good to know: You are free to choose which off-peak train you board back to London; trains from Brighton to London St Pancras run every 20 to 30 minutes until approximately 10pm.
Book your Brighton day trip including a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Day trips from London by train FAQs
Can you take a day trip from London by train to Europe?
You can take a day trip from London by train to Paris via the Eurostar. Book an escorted Paris day trip including visits to Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum or a cruise down the Seine. Alternatively, book an unescorted Paris day trip including a river cruise, bus tour or travelcard.What are the best day trips from London by train?
The best day trips from London by train will depend on your budget and your preferred location. A Windsor day trip is best for anyone short on time, while an Edinburgh or Paris tour is best for a full-day international adventure.What are the best day trips from London by train for families?
The best day trips from London by train include a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, which can include return rail transport. A Brighton day trip by train is also ideal for families, offering the chance to visit the seaside and enjoy arcade games on the pier.How do I choose the best day trip from London by train?
To choose the best day trip from London by train, consider your ideal budget, duration and itinerary. A day trip to Paris or Edinburgh gives you the chance to travel internationally from the capital, while a tour of Liverpool, Brighton or York will introduce you to popular UK destinations.What are the best day trips from London by train within 1 hour?
Windsor is one of the best day trips from London by train within one hour, requiring a short train journey from the capital. Oxford, Cambridge and Canterbury are also around one hour away from London by train.Discover even more ways to enjoy unforgettable days out from London. Whether that’s buying London tickets to top attractions in other iconic destinations or booking a guided tour from this fantastic list of the top days out from London.
