Last updated on April 3rd, 2024
Planning to explore the UK? Here are 11 of the best weekend trips from London by train.
While London is quite the adventure, several surrounding areas are also well worth the visit. And if you’re going anyway, you may as well explore where you can.
As someone who loves a good weekend trip (and England), I’m giving you the best weekend getaways in the UK.
From Edinburgh to Amsterdam, this list includes some of the best short trips from London by train.
Why travel by train? Not only is it a more affordable means of transport in the UK, but you also get to see Britain’s beautiful countryside. It’s a win all around.
This post is all about the best weekend trips from London by train.
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Best Weekend Trips from London by Train
1. Cambridge
Cambridge is the first destination on the list of best weekend getaways in the UK. In just over an hour, you can be in one of Great Britain’s top destinations.
This historic town is a trip back in time with its gothic architecture and centuries-old colleges and churches. And with the gorgeous greenery, Cambridge makes a great, quiet spot for a romantic getaway.
Quick tips: Train tickets to Cambridge are roughly £10.
2. Edindurbgh
One of my favorite destinations in the UK is Edinburgh! While Scotland’s capital city is small, it is full of adventure and excitement.
Unbelievable architecture, ancient history, DELICIOUS food, and gorgeous views. So, there is so much to see and do in Edinburgh.
The commute: Edinburgh is roughly 4 hours away from London by train. And it’s one of the cheapest weekend trips from London; train tickets cost anywhere from £31-75, depending on when you book your ticket.
3. Brighton
Another easy trip from London by train is Brighton. This coastal town is a nice break from the city life of London.
Brighton is the perfect place to spend a weekend, whether you’re soaking up the sun on the beach or treasure-hunting for unique souvenirs.
The town is also known for its fun, quirky people. So, get prepared to meet a lot of interesting folks!
The commute: The ride from London to Brighton is 1.5 to 2 hours long, and tickets can run as low as £10.
4. Kent
Next on the list of best weekend trips from London by train is Kent.
Kent is an underrated gem you don’t want to miss out on. From the famous White Cliffs of Dover, epic castles, and sandy beaches, Kent is an excellent choice for a weekend trip.
The town is perfect for solo travelers, couples wanting a romantic getaway or even family looking to enjoy a nice trip.
Historic sites, outdoor activities, gorgeous nature views…I mean, what more can you ask for?
The commute: Kent is a little over an hour’s train ride from London. You can expect to spend anywhere from £15 to £20 on a ticket.
5. Bath
Bath is another excellent destination for a weekend getaway. The city is famous for its Roman baths, where the city’s name originates.
Besides the baths, famous landmarks like The Royal Cresent and The King’s Circus attract travelers every year. Both of these iconic structures date back to the 18th century and showcase unique Georgian architecture.
The gorgeous landscape and historical streets make Bath a top choice for a relaxing weekend away from London.
The commute: Bath is a quick 1.5 hour away from London, and tickets are roughly £23.
*** Bath is where Netflix’s hit show, Bridgerton, was filmed. So, if you’re a fan of the show, make sure to visit all the popular filming sites! ***
6. The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are the next destination to make a perfect weekend trip from London by train. It only takes 1.5 to 2 hours to travel from London. You could make it a day trip.
The Cotswolds are one of the most famous destinations in rural England. The countryside views are truly out of this world, so it’s no wonder why so many people enjoy visiting. It is definitely a nice change from the city.
Why should you visit? Despite the Cotswolds being in a rural area, it has some of the best food in the world. Probably because everything is locally grown.
Another reason to visit is because it’s full of history, as is much of England. Some top places to see are Sudeley Castle, the Avebury Ring, and Blenheim Palace.
The commute: It takes 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the Cotswolds from London; tickets range from £70 – £130.
7. Yorkshire
Next up is the beautiful Yorkshire. You simply can’t visit England without stopping in Yorkshire. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a relaxing weekend away, this is the perfect spot.
Yorkshire is home to 3 National Parks: The Yorkshire Dales, The North York Moors National Park, and The Peak District National Park. So, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities & simply being in the nature.
Besides all the outdoor adventures available, Yorkshire is full of traditional pubs where you can get ale and some famous Yorkshire pudding.
Yummy food & adventure..sign me up.
The commute: Travel time from London to Yorkshire can take 3.5 to 4 hours. Tickets range from £90 – £150.
8. Glasglow
A little further down the road, so to speak, is Glasglow, Scotland. This port city is a popular destination in the UK, known for its gorgeous terrain, castles, and fantastic shopping.
Glasgow also has an excellent live music and entertainment scene, so you can expect festivals and events all year round. Music lovers and creatives alike will have a great time vibing with the locals!
The city is also home to some of the world’s top museums and galleries. Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum, Riverside Museum, and the Hunterian Art Gallery are just a few you don’t want to miss.
There is so much to see and do in Glasglow. And with some of the friendliest people in the world, you’ll be bummed to say goodbye.
The commute: Glasgow is roughly five and a half hours from London by train, perfect for a weekend trip. Tickets are around £90.
9. Paris
Next up is one of my favorite destinations in the world, Paris!
Paris is one of the best weekend trips from London by train. And it is closer to London than some of the other UK destinations on this list.
So why visit Paris? Why not is the better question.
Paris is an unforgettable city you MUST visit at least once in your lifetime. Famous landmarks and museums like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and more are some of the city’s iconic sites visitors travel miles to experience.
If that’s not enough, the cuisine is delicious. From 5-star restaurants to corner cafes, there is something for everyone. If you’re like me, you need to try it all 😝.
Whether you’re strolling the ancient streets or spending the day exploring museums, there is plenty to do in Paris.
The commute: Paris is just under 2 and a half hours away from London by train. So, it’s close enough to make it a day trip. Train tickets are about £100.
10. Brussels
Another short trip from London by train is the beautiful Brussels. The capital city of Belgium is another European destination you don’t want to miss.
The gorgeous architecture, museums galore, and delicious chocolate are just a few reasons to visit.
Additionally, the city is super old, so there is plenty of history to explore. Walking the streets of Brussels is almost like time traveling; it’s a world away from the modern world.
Brussels is also considered a ‘global city’ as the European Union headquarters are located there. So naturally, it’s one of the more political cities in Europe.
Brussels is the place to be if you want to experience something a little different than England.
The commute: Brussels is just a little over two hours away from London by train. Tickets are about £100.
11. Amsterdam
And lastly, another destination I’m pretty fond of is Amsterdam, and even better, it’s not that far from London.
Amsterdam is a city unlike any other. Beautiful historic sites, bikes everywhere, canals, and much more. So, as you can see, there are many ways to explore Amsterdam. I definitely recommend renting a bike to ride through the streets. AND booking a boat trip on the canal!
Other things to do in Amsterdam include shopping at the Albert Cuyp Markt, beer tasting, and exploring the city’s neighborhoods. There are also several excellent museums like the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum.
Whatever you choose to do, you’re in for a real treat!
The commute: The quickest train ride to Amsterdam from London is just under 4 hours. Tickets cost around £150.
As you can see, there are several weekend trips from London by train. There are enough to keep you busy for a while!
Let me know in the comments below which is your favorite destination.
Wishing you safe & happy travels.
XOXO ~ Jacquelyn
This post is all about the best weekend trips from London by train.
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