London is an exciting city, but sometimes a quick escape is just what you need. Luckily, there are plenty of fantastic day trips just a short distance away. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach, a scenic park, or a historic city, here are the 5 best day trips from London by train and car that you can visit for a perfect getaway. If you’re searching for the best day trips from London England, this guide will help you find the best places to explore.
Table of Contents
“If you’re a fan of epic fantasy, don’t miss the ‘Game of Thrones Studio Tour Experience,” where you can walk through iconic sets and see real props from the show.”
1. St Andrew Lake, Kent
Travel Time: 60 Minutes
Why visit St Andrew Lake, Kent?
St Andrew Lake is a peaceful place for adventure lovers and one of the best day trips from London for outdoor fun. Just an hour from the city, this beautiful lake offers exciting activities like wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and swimming in open water. You can also sit by the lake and enjoy the calm surroundings.
Things to do in St Andrew Lake, Kent:
- Try wakeboarding or paddleboarding
- Swim in the clean, open water
- Have a lakeside picnic with great views
- Walk around and enjoy nature
How to go to St Andrew Lake, Kent from London?
If you’re looking for day trips from London by train, take a train to Snodland, then a short taxi ride. Driving takes around an hour.
2. Painshill Park, Surrey
Travel Time: 50 Minutes
Why visit Painshill Park, Surrey?
Painshill Park is an old and lovely garden that is one of the best day trips from London England for nature lovers. It has beautiful views, a lake, a Gothic-style temple, and a crystal grotto. It’s great for walks, taking photos, and enjoying quiet time in nature.
Things to do in Painshill Park, Surrey:
- Walk through the pretty gardens
- See the famous crystal grotto
- Take beautiful pictures by the lake
- Have a picnic in a peaceful spot
- Explore the Gothic temple and old ruins
How to go to Painshill Park, Surrey from London?
Take a train from London Waterloo to Cobham & Stoke d’Abernon, then a short bus or taxi ride for those planning day trips by train from London. If driving, it’s just under an hour.
“Spring 2025 is bringing vibrant floral displays to the UK! Don’t miss the Tulleys Tulip Field Festival, returning on April 5 with breathtaking tulip fields and a fantastic outdoor experience.”
3. Botany Bay Beach, Kent
Travel Time: 1 Hour 40 Minutes
Why visit Botany Bay Beach, Kent?
If you want a beach trip, Botany Bay Beach is one of the best day trips from London UK by train. It has fantastic white cliffs and golden sand, making it an excellent place for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring rock pools. It’s quieter than other beaches, perfect for a relaxing day out.
Things to do in Botany Bay Beach, Kent:
- Relax on the golden sand
- Take beautiful photos of the white cliffs
- Explore rock pools and find small sea creatures
- Walk along the coast to see other bays
- Eat fish and chips from a nearby shop
How to go to Botany Bay Beach, Kent, from London?
You can take a train from London to Broadstairs or a short bus ride. If you drive, it takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
“If you’re looking for amazing places to explore within London before heading out on a day trip, check out our guide to the Top 16 Best Places to Visit in London at Least Once in Your Life.”
4. Chalkwell Beach, Essex
Travel Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes
Why visit Chalkwell Beach, Essex?
Chalkwell Beach is an excellent choice for those looking for day trips from London by train to a family-friendly beach. It has clean sand, gentle waves, and a lovely walkway along the shore. At low tide, you can walk on the beach, find seashells, and enjoy a calm day by the sea.
Things to do in Chalkwell Beach, Essex:
- Walk along the seaside path
- Enjoy the quiet beach atmosphere
- Swim in the calm sea
- Try paddleboarding or kayaking
- Visit cafés for tasty seafood
How to go to Chalkwell Beach, Essex, from London?
Take a train from London Fenchurch Street to Chalkwell Station, next to the beach. If driving, it’s about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
5. Canterbury
Travel Time: 50 Minutes
Why visit Canterbury?
For history lovers, Canterbury is one of the best day trips from London, England. This old city has the famous Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, cobbled streets, old buildings, and a lot of history. For a special experience, you can also take a boat ride on the River Stour.
Things to do in Canterbury:
- Visit the fantastic Canterbury Cathedral
- Walk through the old city center
- Take a boat ride on the River Stour
- Explore the Canterbury Roman Museum
- Enjoy English tea in a cozy café
How to go to Canterbury from London?
If you’re looking for day trips by train from London, take a direct train from London St. Pancras or London Victoria to Canterbury. By car, it’s about 50 minutes.
“If you’re a fan of suspense-filled reality TV, ‘The Traitors Live Experience Is Coming To London This Spring‘ will let you be part of the action.”
Conclusion
If you’re searching for the best day trips from London, these five places have something for everyone. Whether you want to visit a peaceful lake, a relaxing park, a sunny beach, or a historic city, each location is easy to reach and perfect for a fun day out.
For those thinking about day trips from London UK by train, all these places are accessible by rail, making them great options if you don’t have a car. So, pack your things and prepare to enjoy the best day trips from London by train!
Which of these places will you visit first? Let us know in the comments!
