rail tours from london

9 Spectacular Train Trips You Can Take From London

Ride the rails in search of adventure with these epic train trips in the UK and further afield too – including Berlin, Vienna and even Venice!

Table Of Contents

Train trips from London to UK destinations

Train trips from london to europe.

There’s something nostalgic and romantic about riding the rails and heading off for pastures new. Plus, with the continuing rise of the ‘flight-shame’ movement, railway travel is coming back in fashion in a big way, especially in Europe. Overnight train trips let you snooze your way to adventure – and they’re slightly more exciting than falling asleep on the Night Tube to Morden – whilst you can also strike out for Europe on grand railway journeys. Here are some lovely train trips from London we’re just itching to try!

Fair England and friends have a wealth of exciting destinations to get to – like Edinburgh for around just £25! – but for truly special train trips, try one of these on for size.

1. Caledonian Sleeper , Euston to Fort William

The renovated Caledonian Sleeper is the longest night train journey in the UK, departing from Euston by night and rolling into Scotland before sunrise. There are two routes, one heading to Glasgow and Edinburgh that arrives just after 7am, and another that skips the major duo and heads for Aberdeen, Stirling, and Inverness.

On the latter, one could hop off for a round of golf at Gleneagles, skip out at Aviemore to ski, or, as we’d do, stay in bed until the overnight train rolls into Fort William at 10am. This leaves you well placed to climb Ben Nevis, explore Loch Ness, or if you’re really train-mad, ride the rails to Mallaig aboard steam train service The Jacobite , which takes you over the Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by Harry Potter . Read our review of it here.

2. Night Riviera Sleeper, Paddington to Penzance

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tour Partner Group UK (@tourpartnergroup_uk)

Nestled right down in the southwestern corner of England, Penzance and the surrounding areas are well worth the trek. Sure, you could fly , but there’s a more relaxing way – hop on The Night Riviera sleeper from Paddington, and you’ll hopefully be drifting off by the time the train departs at 11:45pm. By the time the clock strikes 6am, you’ll have crossed the Tamar Bridge into Cornwall, and by 7.50am, the train will pull into Penzance. From here, strike out for St. Ives, explore Land’s End, or make a pilgrimage across the shifting sands to beautiful St. Michael’s Mount, which watches benignly over Mount’s Bay. More info here .

3. The Cumbrian Mountain Express, Euston-Carlise-Euston

View this post on Instagram A post shared by images@twiston (@images.twiston)

The last of our UK train journeys is actually a day trip, one which leaves the capital just after 7am to whisk you up to Carlisle, skirting the edge of the Lake District on the way. Once you’ve arrived at Carlisle and had a little wander, you’ll depart on a steam train, which takes a scenic route along the Cumbrian coastline, including the sights of Grange-over-Sands and the Kent Viaduct before stopping at the charming market town of Carnforth. From there, you’ll pick up the fast service back to Euston, arriving back at 10.30am and presumably heading straight to bed. Find out more here .

These train trips require a little more dedication – and, crucially, the ability to entertain oneself on long journeys – since you won’t be able to sleep the whole way there. However, waiting at the end of these trips are some of the most exciting cities in Europe, and you can get there without feeling the guilt of having caught a polluting flight!

4. Eurostar, St. Pancras to Amsterdam

Cards on the table, the Eurostar is going to be the starting point for a lot of the more ambitious train trips coming up now – but for now, here’s our favourite of the direct Eurostar routes. Since 2020, trains have run from St. Pancras ( Europe’s favourite station , dontcha know) directly to Amsterdam and back , eschewing the need to change trains at Brussels on the return leg (though this isn’t necessarily guaranteed).

The Dutch capital offers myriad delights (yes, that too), but a wander along the canals, a visit to the Rijksmuseum, and scoffing your face with everything in sight at Foodhallen should make for an excellent start. Though there aren’t deals currently running, this is something that often changes depending on the time of year. Learn more here .

You’d better be quick with this one though – rumour has it that this one is being suspended next year (2024) – thanks Brexit – so time’s running out if you want to make use of this bad boy!

5. Nightjet, St. Pancras to Vienna

View this post on Instagram A post shared by @heiko_cgn (@heiko_cgn)

Technically, once you’ve reached Brussels on the Eurostar, the Nightjet can take you to a whole variety of destinations across Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy overnight. Still, we’ve opted to snore our way to historic Vienna, for a tour of its coffee houses, a ride on the Riesenrad, and lessons in history from the Jewish Museum, and in psychology from the Sigmund Freud Museum.

The Nightjet, which is run by Austria’s state railway service ÖBB, departs Brussels around 6pm – Vienna waits for you at 8.30am, although Frankfurt and Cologne are earlier stops. It’s a pretty brilliant way to city-hop across the continent without spending on accommodation, as overnight trains to Rome , Venice, and Berlin also run from Vienna. With typical Germanic efficiency, they’re frighteningly on-time too. Find out more here .

6. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Victoria to Venice

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Adventures of Us (@the_adventuresofus)

As the Nightjet proves, there are other trains to Venice, but none will get you there with quite as much style as this route. It begins at Victoria station, as you hop aboard a gorgeous vintage Belmond Pullman train – a welcome brunch and Bellini being the icing on the cake. Once you’ve crossed the English Channel, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is waiting at Calais, complete with 1920s sleeping cars. You get a French-inspired , four-course dinner aboard this one, and winning views of the Alpine scenery before crossing the Venetian Lagoon around dusk. At a bare minimum of £3,353 per person, though, it’s one for when you’re feeling extravagant and pulling out all the stops!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (@vsoetrain)

Seriously though, it’s bloody fancy. See more here .

7. Multiple routes, St. Pancras to Istanbul

Oof, time to settle yourself in for a long one. First up, Eurostar to Paris (standard fare for you by this point), before you catch the TGV from Paris to Munich. You’ve got options from here to Istanbul, either taking an arguably more scenic route via Budapest and Bucharest, or following the more traditional route of the old Orient Express via Belgrade and Sofia. Both lovely, both requiring a commitment of about four days, but it’ll make for one hell of an adventure. Once in Istanbul, start with Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar, and then explore from there! Check out The Man in Seat 61 for details.

8. St. Pancras to Malmö

An intriguing new option was revealed recently, with the Swedish government unveiling plans to launch an overnight train from Malmö to Cologne. Assuming the reverse is true, and knowing that Cologne is reachable in a matter of hours thanks to the Eurostar and a connecting train, this means London-Malmö is a distinct possibility, with a journey time of around seventeen or eighteen hours. That might get cut even further if future plans to connect Malmö to Brussels via overnight trains come to fruition. The earliest we could see these trains is later this year, but it’s an exciting start for sure. Read all about it here .

9. The European Sleeper, St. Pancras to Berlin

Rounding off this list of the best train trips from London Town is this humdinger, which takes you all the way from the English capital to Eastern Germany and the capital of cool Berlin. Lasting just 16 hours and with only one stop in between , this development is a godsend for those looking to catch more views out of train windows across Europe, or decrease their air miles in the new year.

Our route was handily mapped out for us by The Man In Seat 61 back in January of this year, who said that from May of 2023, you can jump on the Eurostar to Brussels at 3:04pm, before hopping over to the European Sleeper Service to Berlin at 7:22pm. You’ll glide into the German capital at 6:48am – primed for a day of exploring after your cosy snooze and (free) breakfast. Find out more about this epic new route here.

So there you have it – a roundup of the best train trips from London. So if you’re looking to leave the big smoke on a national or international tour, then this list should have given you some inspiration!

TYPE IN YOUR SEARCH AND PRESS ENTER

Deals of the Week   Captivating Costa Rica   Up to 50% OFF

Train & Rail Tours & Trips from London

22 train & rail tour packages from london with 29 reviews.

Explorer Train & Rail

Whole of Europe Group Rail Tour (18-35)

"The gondolas in Italy (venice) were my highlight! It was a good way to meet people when a solo traveller." Sarah, traveled in August 2018

• 10% deposit on some dates

Explorer Train & Rail Historical +1

Central Europe Group Rail Tour (18-35)

"Every city was stunning and I met some great people as well. Truly an unforgettable experience I would highly recommend." Lauren, traveled in July 2023

Explorer Train & Rail Sightseeing Historical +2

Europe by Rail - London to Prague

"She can't get rid of us now. Just a big thankyou to gem for putting up us all x" Blaine, traveled in June 2024

In-depth Cultural Family Walking Adventure Train & Rail +2

England & Scotland Small Group Tour (with London rail return) - 8 days

"We saw many meaningful places such as Stonehenge, Bath, Lake Windermere, Caernarfon Castle, Roman walls, and much more." Karla, traveled in June 2024

Explorer Family

Highlights of Europe (Classic, Summer, Start Amsterdam, End London, 13 Days)

London to Istanbul Rail Adventure + Cappadocia Extension

"There were too many to mention Zagreb, Belgrade and Sofia." Adrian, traveled in September 2023

Family Train & Rail Sightseeing +1

DA VINCI WAY

"the accommodations were in SUPER areas and so close to the centres. everything was great and i couldnt fault it" Keith, traveled in May 2022

London to Istanbul Rail Adventure

"The Sargan8 rail trip was particularly enjoyable. We were very interested to see how the cities on the itinerary had developed." Roy, traveled in September 2023

London to Budapest by Train (Winter, 15 Days)

• €100 deposit on some dates

Discover Europe by Rail

What people love about train & rail tours from london.

Just got home from an amazing 4 week group trip with Euroventure! As someone who hadn’t really travelled before, it was really reassuring to have all the accommodation and travel sorted out for us. It was also really great to be accompanied by a tour leader (shout out to the legends Cristina and Kev) who made our experiences all the more enjoyable. Getting from place to place was always super chilled as our tour leader knew what to do and where to go. All the hostels were clean and comfy and some even provided us with free brekkie! The included activities were a real highlight and helped us to get the most out of our trip, but it was also good to have plenty of free time to do our own thing. I would really recommend travelling with Euroventure to anybody who is considering it, you will have the time of your life!

The highlight of our year so far! ? Me and my partner loved the Central Europe Tour ?(2 weeks), we would recommend it to ANYONE! And we would even suggest doing the Whole of Europe tour (4 weeks), as we could have easily carried on travelling with this company and the amazing people we met! ?The whole trip was thoroughly planned and so enjoyable! Such a stress free experience, especially for someone like myself who gets quite anxious when travelling - I would 100% do again!?? I met some incredible individuals, and the group planned activities were just what we needed to establish really strong bonds straight away! We have definitely made some lifelong friends and memories we will forever cherish! ??? The creation of the WhatsApp group chat with all our fellow travellers beforehand was so beneficial!? It broke the ice and put our minds at ease about the uncertainty of the upcoming trip ? And our guide Cristina ? - was brilliant, super friendly, helpful, considerate and extremely knowledgeable - educating us all. She was available 24/7, and we had the pleasure of spending our last day in Venice with her! ??? She deserves a lot of credit for making all our experiences amazing and unforgettable! Thank you Cristina ?? We look forward to our future bookings with Euroventure! ??

Gem has been amazing! Although she is the guide, she very much just became one of us, like we were all pals travelling. She was always checking in on us when we had a belt of flu go round and always there to make us laugh. She is so bubbly and always smiling. We have all loved having gem as a guide and could not have asked for anyone better! She is amazing!

Travel Styles

• Train & Rail

Train & Rail from London

• to London (10)
• England Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best Train Travel Companies

Discover TourRadar

• Maasai Mara Safari
• Great Migration Safari
• South Africa Safari tours
• Bali Tour Itinerary: from 3 to 7 Days (with Airfares)
• Best Time to Visit Etosha: Month By Month Guide
• Exodus Terms & Conditions
• Laos Travel Guide | All You Need to Know

• Guided London Tours
• Haunted London Tours
• Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
• Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours London
• Thames River Cruise Tours
• Afternoon Tea London
• Christmas and New Year Tours
• Afternoon Tea on River Thames Cruise
• London to Stonehenge, Windsor and Salisbury Guided Tour
• Stonehenge Afternoon Tour
• Afternoon Tea Bus with Panoramic Tour of London
• Bath and Stonehenge Tour
• 6 Nights London Package with Stonehenge & Cotswolds
• Hotel Stay for Two with London Tour Bus & Trip to Stonehenge
• London Discovery: Hotel Stay, Panoramic Tours, and Stonehenge Adventure
• London Hotel Package for Two with Full Day London Tour and Stonehenge Trip
• All London Hotel Packages
• Stonehenge Tours From London
• Day Tours from London
• Rail Tours from London

Embark on a journey like no other with our captivating rail tours from London. Glide through breathtaking landscapes, from rolling countryside to majestic mountain ranges, all from the cozy confines of your train carriage. As the world unfolds beyond your window, enjoy the seamless blend of comfort, scenery, and cultural immersion. Our rail tours are not just about the destination; they’re about the beauty of the journey, the rhythm of the rails, and the stories shared along the way. Let the tracks guide you to new adventures, one station at a time.

• London Package Holidays
• Shopping Tours
• Walking Tours

Rail Trip To Bath From London

Day Trip to Edinburgh by Rail

Rail Trip to Paris from London Including Lunch

Paris Explorer – Day trip to Paris with Bus Tour & River Tour

Round Trip to Paris from London on Euro Star

London to Windsor day trip by rail

Bicester Village Shopping by Train

Reset password.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

9 Beautiful Train Trips From London to European Destinations | Brief Journeys for Memorable Visits

• Destinations
• European Rail
• Types of Travel
• United Kingdom

Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

There are lots I love about Europe: the different countries’ history, the languages, the cuisines, and, tying them all together, the efficient rail network connecting them. A train trip allows you to sit back, relax, and watch the world go by your window. Travel across borders and to numerous capitals and regions in a brief journey, often much easier and faster than it would be if taking a less than an hour long flight with all the airport hassle.

It’s so easy taking trains in Europe, and when I lived in Paris, I was forever hopping on the Eurostar for a day in London, while exploring France and nearby countries too. There is something magical about train journeys; watching the ever-changing scenery roll by, sipping a coffee, a glass of wine, or, depending on which train and which route you are taking, enjoying a full-blown fancy dinner with champagne.

Here I have chosen a few fantastic trips — in no particular order — that will connect you in comfort from London to other European capitals and cities. This list allows you to keep London as a base, taking in a few other grand cities on your vacation without having to worry about catching flights and spending hours at an airport.

Sit back, look out of the window, or even lie down, and let these easy train journeys from London inspire you.

9 Beautiful Train Trips From London to European Destinations

• Distance: 212 miles
• Travel Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes

This is a busy Eurostar route , you could nearly call it a commuter route because the fast connection between the two capitals makes a day trip eminently possible and convenient. Start at the wonderful London St. Pancras station, where there is a very lovely champagne bar above the tracks. You’ll then head straight to Gare du Nord in Paris, where you can hop on the metro and start your sightseeing without any noticeable fatigue after the brief journey. You can go standard class with no frills but absolutely comfortable for the duration, standard premier with a light meal, or business premier where you can enjoy a three-course meal with champagne and have full use of the lounges at either end.

10 Fantastic Paris Rentals With Amazing Eiffel Tower Views

Pro Tip: Should you be traveling with the grandchildren, there is even a direct service through to Disneyland Paris running every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Please note that this direct service will be stopped by summer 2023.

2. Brussels

• Distance: 197 miles
• Travel Time: 1 hour, 55 minutes

An even quicker Eurostar journey takes you from St. Pancras to the Belgian capital of Brussels , which is full of grand sights, much art and architecture, plus a perfect place for sampling the famous Belgian foods and drinks. The relative compactness of the inner city makes it perfect for a short visit, allowing you to see most of the famous sights within a few hours. But, if you decide to stay a little longer, you have Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent within an easy train journey from the main station, allowing you to explore Belgium more in-depth.

Pro Tip: To add an extra city along the way, you can hop off in Lille , a perfect mix of French and Flemish flair, full of history and great food. Or indeed just take the day trip to Lille, have a look around, and stop for some moules frites and a Belgian beer before heading back to London.

3. Amsterdam

Netherlands.

• Distance: 220 miles
• Travel Time: 3 hours, 52 minutes

While not so far in miles, Amsterdam might be a little long of a ride for a day round-trip. But it is still a very comfortable ride through the French, Belgian, and Dutch countryside. With nearly 4 hours on board, and the café bar on the train offering limited choices, consider bringing a picnic or book into one of the premier classes and enjoy a meal and wine en route to avoid arriving parched and hungry.

Pro Tip: There are direct Eurostar routes between London and Amsterdam, and some where you can change in Brussels, adding a chance to extend your trip and take in two extra capitals in one swoop.

• Distance: 765 miles
• Travel Time: 16 hours

An absolutely fabulous journey is traveling from London to Brussels on the Eurostar, and then connecting onto the Austrian Nightjet . The Nightjet is a sleeper train that leaves Brussels in the evening (offering a possibility for daytime sightseeing before heading onward) and arrives in Vienna in the morning, after breakfast. Unlike day trips rush, traversing Germany, traveling through cities such as Aachen, Koblenz, Wurzburg, Nuremberg, and Passau, it is nearly a shame that you will be snuggled up in your cabin . You can also take this journey during the daytime on a regular train to enjoy the German countryside flying past your window, but if you schedule your visit over the summer, you will have plenty of daylight to enjoy both the views and your sleep.

Pro Tip: Depending on your budget and how many people you are traveling with, you can also get bunk bed cabins (without a toilet) or single cabins with a bathroom. You can even do the hostel thing and join gender-separated bunk bed cabins, making it really economical.

• Distance: 941 miles
• Travel Time: 17 hours

You can enjoy the opportunity of traveling on one of the world’s most luxurious trains, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express direct from London. Launched in 1883, the long-haul Orient Express was the first luxury train of its kind, with stylish cabins and restaurants on-board catered to the rich traveling long-distance to Istanbul. This service has just been relaunched, but, honestly, it costs an arm, a leg, and then some. If you don’t have the budget, you can still enjoy this historic way of traveling, between London, Victoria, and Venice , taking time to enjoy the utter extravagances on the train.

You can indulge in anything from gourmet meals served with champagne to a celebratory midnight brunch, and also have time to sit back to enjoy the fabulous views from your window across changing European landscapes to the Alps and northern Italy. Depending on your budget, you can continue onward , maybe all the way to Istanbul, or return on the same train to do it all over again. Most packages include a one-way train ride and a return flight. Either way, this is your chance to pack your best outfits and enjoy.

Pro Tip: If this whets your appetite for experiencing the Orient Express train but the budget is tight, you can opt to travel on the train not far from London while enjoying anything from afternoon tea to dinner .

6. Inverness

• Distance: 444 miles
• Travel Time: 10 hours, 31 minutes

Let’s just get the most important point out of the way: This is not the Orient Express. But, while not luxury, the Caledonian Sleeper is a viable alternative to flying when you think of hassle, time spent, and carbon footprint. You will get a comfortable cabin with an ensuite bathroom or a simple sleeper seat, depending on your comfort requirements and budget. All accessible, the train departs London Euston in the evening and you’ll wake up in Inverness on the doorstep of the Scottish Highlands. The train splits into three in Edinburgh, parts heading off to Aberdeen, Fort William, or Inverness. With Inverness being the northernmost city in Scotland, you actually have a chance to look out of the window for a while in the morning after breakfast.

Pro Tip: There are also direct daytime connections between Inverness and London, so you can easily sleep one way and look out of the window the other.

7. Marseille

• Distance: 621 miles
• Travel Time: 6 hours, 21 minutes

Want to check out the south of France from London? No problem. Taking the Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord, and after a quick change of train stations, you can be on your way south from the rather pretty Gare de Lyon. Whether you stop over in Paris for a croissant or head straight to the next train, you can leave London in the morning and reach the south of France around lunchtime. Marseille itself is one of those underrated cities that seems to get a bad rap simply because it is a port city and there were some troubles decades ago. Today, the stunning old harbor, the super-modern Mucem modern art museum, the cobbled streets, and the famous cuisine are just some of the reasons to pay the city a visit. Add the fact that Provence , Aix-en-Provence , the Cote d’Azur, and even Monaco are just around the corner, you potentially have a city break, beach vacation, and road trip all rolled in one. It’s all just a few hours’ train ride from London.

Pro Tip: If you are even vaguely interested in architecture, you should visit La Cite Radieuse by Le Corbusier, a unique concept of habitation.

8. Rotterdam

• Distance: 196 miles
• Travel Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes

On average, the train journey from London to Rotterdam Centraal takes around 4h 30m, with around 3 trains running on this route each day.  With the fastest direct Eurostar services, the journey can take just 3h 38m.

Upon reaching the station, you’ll be required to scan your ticket at the NS ticket gates when exiting, so be sure to keep your ticket at hand. The station is an ultra-modern structure that was reconstructed in 2014.

• Distance: 576 miles
• Travel Time: 16hours

Concluding this list of the best train trips from London is a trip to Berlin. Being just 16 hours long and with only one stop in between, it’s ideal for those looking to catch more views out of train windows across Europe or reduce their air miles in 2024.

Moreover, you can now hop on a sleeper train if you’re up for a weekend getaway in Berlin from London without the inconvenience of air travel. Having aligned its schedules with those of Eurostar, European Sleeper now enables passengers from London to easily transfer to Good Night Train in Brussels.

What Are the Best Train Trips From London to Europe?

The best train trips from London to Europe include some of the most exciting cities in Europe like Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna, Venice, or Istanbul. These train trips require a little more dedication and the ability to entertain oneself during long journey time.

Can I Take a Day Trip from London to Paris by Train?

Yes, not only is a day trip to Paris from London possible but if you can squeeze the short train ride in, it is highly recommended. Paris is just a quick two-hour train ride away, heading under the Channel on the high-speed train. 

What Is the Easiest European Train Trip to Get to From London?

The easiest European train trips from London are to France.  Day trips from London to France are extremely popular, with the French capital being only two hours away from King’s Cross, London Paddington, or Victoria Station in London.

Why Choose Train Trips From London Over Bus Rides or Flights?

Train trips invoke a sense of adventure within us. Train trips are usually more comfortable and cheaper. Most importantly,  train trips are the most environmentally friendly form of travel aside from walking or cycling.

What Beach Day Trip by Train Can I Take From London to Europe?

France’s Brittany Coast, Côte d’Azur, and Promenade des Anglais are some of the best train trips you can take from London for a day at the beach. Just take the Eurostar from London to Paris, Nice, or Marseille.

A travel writer and guidebook author for the last 20 years, Ulrike's work has been seen in National Geographic , BBC , The Independent , Australian Women's Weekly , The Telegraph , The Australian , Fodor's , France Today , CNN Travel , Lonely Planet , Travel + Leisure , CNTraveler , numerous inflight magazines, and many others.

She has written three books for Moon Travel Guides: 'Living Abroad in Australia' (3rd edition), 'Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef', and the shorter version 'Spotlight Sydney' and are all available in print and as e-books.

Having lived in seven countries (Germany, UK, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Australia, and France) to date and traveled to more than 100, she specializes in writing about travel, art and architecture, expat living, and life and style.

13 BEST Day Trips from London by Train

From the roman city of bath to the wilds of the new forest, there are so many amazing day trips from london by train to discover.

Honestly, when I’m in London, I am 100% not using a car. Whether it’s riding on the Tube, hailing a taxi, or just wandering around the city centre, driving is not something I’m likely to do.

So, when I want to get outside of the city for the day, I rely on the train. Over the years, I’ve compiled a list of the best day trips from London by train. Maybe you want to hit the beach? Perhaps you want to dive into history? Or maybe you want to check out a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Within a couple of hours’ ride from London, you can do all of that!

Some of my favourite train trips from London include heading into the picturesque Cotswolds regions, hiking the Seven Sisters near Dover, and even casting a spell or two at the Harry Potter Studio Tour.

The best part? You can hop on a train, enjoy the scenic journey through the English countryside, and be back in London in time for a West End show or a late-night stroll along the Thames. The accessibility of these day trips is what makes them truly special—it’s like having a variety of mini adventures right at your doorstep.

So, with that in mind, let’s check out the best train trips from London. Hopefully this blog post will help you with planning your next day trip.

Day trips from London by train

Hampton court palace.

Looking to check out the palace where King Henry VIII used to reign supreme? This London day trip favourite is always popular with history buffs visiting the capital thanks to the beautiful architecture, art, and knowledgeable guides. It’s also a super easy train ride from the centre of London. 

In fact, it’s just a 45-minute ride from London Waterloo Station directly to Hampton Court Palace train station and from there, it’s only around a five-minute walk to the palace gates. Day trips from London by train don’t come much easier than this!

If you’re heading to Hampton Court, you can pick up your tickets here beforehand.

Harry Potter Studio Tours

Want to experience the magic in front of and behind the camera? Well then, a visit to the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour in Watford is a must. Filled with memorabilia, props, sets, and costumes from the films, it’s every fan’s dream. 

To get to the studios, you’ll journey for about 20 minutes from London Euston Station to Watford Junction, and then jump on the 15-minute shuttle to the studio. The bonus is that the shuttle is actually designed like the famous Knight Bus, so the experience starts before you even arrive. All aboard!

This legendary Roman city is a beautiful train trip from London as it’s only 90 minutes from London Paddington Station. Home to the Roman Baths UNESCO World Heritage Site, stunning architecture, and the home of the iconic author, Jane Austen, there’s certainly a little something for everyone on a day trip to Bath.

You can easily spend a full weekend here, but with the regular train routes back to the capital that run relatively late, you can definitely enjoy a full day running around this historic city.

The Seven Sisters

As one of the UK’s most iconic sights, the Seven Sisters white chalky cliffs near Dover are an easy train trip from London. You can travel from London Victoria Station and get off at Eastbourne, allowing you to wander along the coastline and see the Seven Sisters in all their glory. 

Trains to Eastbourne take around an hour and 25 minutes from London, and then you can enjoy a stunning coastal hike to your final destination!

Windsor Castle

Love royal history or are you just a fan of insanely old castles? Well, Windsor Castle is one of the King’s royal residences and is over 900 years old. This impressive palace has played host to royal weddings, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s.

Windsor Castle is super popular at pretty much any time of the year, so I definitely recommend getting your tickets in advance . This will also let you know when the royal family are in residence, as you might not be able to access the full castle and grounds. Travel-wise, Windsor Castle is around an hour from London Waterloo station. 

If you’re looking to check out another bustling city, journey between one and a half to two hours from London Paddington Station to Bristol. Home to the impressive Clifton Suspension Bridge, a bustling independent food and drink scene, and a fun and thriving waterfront, Bristol is an ideal day trip from London by train. 

Make sure you take time to check out all the street art around the city, after all, the city is the hometown of famous artist, Banksy!

Leeds Castle

This next train trip from London is a little more complicated to get to, but if you’re visiting Kent, you can’t leave without checking out Leeds Castle . Get the 50-minute train from London Bridge to Maidstone and then jump on a short 20-minute bus ride to the gates of Leeds Castle.

With a super cool hedge maze, museum, lake, and more, this Norman Castle is a popular day trip for a good reason. Again, I’d recommend booking your ticket in advance , especially during the school holidays.   

Looking for a fun day at the seaside? Well, you’ll be hard-pushed to find a better day trip than Brighton . Located on the south coast around an hour from either London Victoria Station or London Bridge Station, Brighton is always bustling with things to do.

From the opulent and historic Brighton Palace Pier to the popular waterfront and beach to the dozens of independent boutiques and restaurants, you’re really spoiled for choice here!

Warwick Castle

If you’re looking for a train trip from London that’s a little further north, jump on the train to Warwick Castle. You can get a one hour and 45-minute train from London Marylebone to Warwick and then walk to the castle gates.

With the original parts of the castle stemming back to 1068, Warwick Castle has seen a lot of bloody battles, royalty, and history along the way. Nowadays, you can experience archery, falconry shows, renactments of medieval battles, and many more. It’s the perfect family-friendly day trip, but again, book way in advance !

As one of the academic heartlands of England, Oxford is a beautiful and architecturally stunning city to visit. Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan who wants to visit the real Great Hall or you’re in love with the His Dark Materials series, Oxford has inspired a lot of writers and academics over the years.

Oxford is actually really easy to get to on a day trip from London by train. Depending on which is closer or more convenient, you can get a train from either from Marylebone Station or Paddington Station, and both routes are around an hour. 

The New Forest

Need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get back to the nature? Well, a day trip to the New Forest is going to be right up your street. You can get a 90-minute train from London Waterloo station to Brockenhurst, in the heart of the New Forest.

With tons of wildlife, walking routes, and museums in the area, you can easily have a fun-filled day surrounded by tranquil greenery.  Keep in mind that the National Park is huge and spreads all the way down to the coastline, so make a plan of the areas you want to visit first!

When you think of quintessential English towns and villages, the image that comes up is probably of the Cotswolds . Located just an hour and 40 minutes from London Paddington Station, the Cotswolds is the perfect quaint escape from the city. With chocolate box cottages, hiking and walking routes and plenty of cosy pubs to warm up in, it’s an amazing day out for the whole family.

In fact, the Cotswolds is actually an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so you might want to bring your camera with you! It’s also rumoured that parts of the Cotswolds inspired J.R.R Tolkien when he was writing The Lord of the Rings!

Stratford-Upon-Avon

If you’re a literature lover then you have to carve out time in your itinerary to visit Stratford-Upon-Avon. This small town in the Midlands is known for basically one thing and that’s being the home of the iconic playwright, William Shakespeare.

Located around two and a half hours from London Marylebone Station, Stratford-Upon-Avon is home to the Royal Shakespeare Company who perform works of the Bard all year round. It’s a prestigious theatre and has featured actors like Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen, and David Tennant to name just a few! Check out the RSC website ahead of time to find out what’s on while you’re in the area!

So, there you have it, the 13 best day trips from London by train. Where are your favourite day trips from London without a car? Let me know in the comments below!

Like this blog post? Then Pin it for the future!

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Tel: 01438 715050

• Booking Classes

See the very best of Britain aboard a special excursion train!

Our current opening hours are from 10am until 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Many people associate a train journey with their daily commute to work, very much a ‘grudge purchase’ and hardly a memorable experience. We’re here to show that, on board a private excursion train with like-minded travelling companions, things are very different.

There really is a pleasurable side to rail travel and it’s here ready for you to enjoy to the full.

SIGN UP TO OUR E-NEWSLETTER

For NEWS, exclusive offers, new train journeys and late availability.

Our Tours are easy to get to!

UK Railtours

New Tour - The Kent Coaster - now open for bookings!

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

THE RETURN OF THE JOLLY FISHERMAN 125 SPECIAL – UK Railtours

www.ukrailtours.com

2 weeks ago

• Testimonials
• Privacy Policy

© UK Railtours 2024

• Tours from London - Out of London Tours >

York Day Tour by Train from London

York is one of the most historic cities in England and is perfect for a day out from London. You have the option to choose between a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour of York or entry to Clifford’s Tower or both.

The city grew during the medieval period, leaving behind iconic landmarks such as York Minster, a stunning Gothic cathedral with roots dating back to the 7th century. Explore the well-preserved medieval city walls, which offer panoramic views of the historic center and Clifford’s Tower.

York is famous for its narrow medieval streets lined with timber-framed buildings, the best known of which is The Shambles, which provides a glimpse into the city’s past and options for shopping, cafes, and pubs

Clifford’s Tower

Clifford’s Tower in York has a fascinating history dating back to the 11th century when it was originally built by William the Conqueror as part of York Castle. The tower was initially constructed in wood and was later rebuilt in stone in the 13th century by Henry III. It served various purposes throughout history, including as a royal mint, treasury, and military stronghold. In 1190, the tower was the site of a tragic event known as the York massacre. Today, Clifford’s Tower stands as a poignant reminder of York’s medieval past. It is a popular historical attraction for visitors. You can enjoy panoramic views of York from the top of the Tower.

Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour

Explore York at your leisure. Hop on and off at any of the  20 stops conveniently located by the city’s main sites. The route will take you around the ancient city, the famous medieval streets, the Shambles, museums and galleries such as the Castle Museum, and York Minster, the extraordinary Gothic Cathedral with its outstanding stained-glass windows.

Route Map and Places to Visit

There is an audio guide available in English, Spanish, French, German, Polish, Russian, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Japanese.

other places to visit include

The Shambles and surrounding Medieval Streets

The Railway Museum

Micklegate Bar

Jorvick Viking Center

York Army Museum

The Ancient City Walls

• Visit Clifford’s Tower and take a tour of the city on a hop-on hop-off bus as selected.
• Spend the rest of your day exploring the city highlights. York is famous for York Minster, the largest medieval Gothic cathedral in Europe. It’s an inspiring place to visit, with magnificent stained glass windows and impressive arches.
• Visit the Jorvik Viking Centre (entrance ticket not included), and discover how the Vikings lived over 1,000 years ago. There are loads of interactive and engaging displays that make for a fascinating visit, with something for both adults and children.
• Walk through the Shambles, the narrow ancient streets of York that house a collection of local shops and cafes. These are considered some of the prettiest streets in England. From here, you can walk to the pretty River Ouse.
• Why not visit the Castle Museum, which explores English history and way of life over the past several hundred years
• Walk along a section of the City Walls we suggest from the Mickelgate Bar. The Romans built these walls, and they are today a perfect way to get an overview of the city.

Travel Times

• London to York – Monday to Friday Outbound Journey:  Departure: 9:00 am , Arrival: 10:51 am Return Journey:  Departure: 6:59 pm , Arrival: 8:53 pm

More information

• Guests will receive an email at least five days before travel with the train e-tickets and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus or Clifford’s Tower ticket.
• A full refund will be issued if cancelled up to seven days prior to the travel date.
• This tour is unescorted.
• Train seats are allocated on first come first served basis & not guaranteed together.
• Train times can fluctuate. Please refer to actual train e-tickets for exact departure times.
• Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult. Under 5s are not allowed.
• Please arrive at least 30 minutes before train departure time.

Tour Booking

Terms and conditions, you might also be interested.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter

Edinburgh Day Tour by Train from London

Cotswolds Tour with Pub Lunch from London

Liverpool & The Beatles Day Tour by Train from London

Stonehenge & Bath Tour from London

A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s 13 Train Trips from London You’ll Want to Take

Today I want to bring you my list of the best train trips from London. Britain has an extensive rail network, which makes it easy to get around the UK and across to Europe by train. If you’re looking for a fun getaway from London, my guide will help you choose the ideal escape for your personal style. I’ve included a map of all the destinations, too.

Train Trips from London

My guide to train trips from London includes a variety of travel destinations in Britain and on the continent.

Whether you love the English countryside, the British seaside, or the best European cities, there’s a short break you’ll want to take by rail from the UK capital.

From England to Scotland, Wales, and Europe, these train trips will take you to some of the best places to visit in the UK and some of the top European travel destinations .

If you’re looking for specific types of train trips from London, you can take a look at my blog posts about day trips from London by train and weekend trips from London by train . I’ve also written about great British railway journeys .

If you’re new to rail transport in Britain, you can read my tips for train travel in the UK . They’ll help you avoid making the mistakes I made when I moved to London.

I’ve visited all the places on my list (most of them multiple times), so I can personally vouch for how worthy they are of your time. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

Paris is my top pick for a train trip from London. The City of Light makes a great escape from the UK capital, not least because it’s only 2 hours and 15 minutes by rail from St Pancras International station.

There’s a lot to do Paris, including world-class shopping and dining, fun nightlife, iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, and famous museums. It’s worth spending a weekend in Paris to see the highlights.

If you want to take this trip, you can book a hotel in Paris here . I’ve also written about the best areas to stay in Paris if you want specific recommendations.

Next on my list of the best train trips from London is St Ives in Cornwall. This picturesque town in southwest England is one of my favorite places to go to the seaside in Britain.

With rugged coastline, excellent restaurants, and beautiful beaches, it’s hard to beat this destination for a getaway from the UK capital.

St Ives is known for art as well. From the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden to Tate St Ives and an abundance of local galleries, it’s the perfect place to channel your inner art lover (or indulge your inner collector).

I took a weekend trip to St Ives by overnight train once. The Night Riviera Sleeper runs from London Paddington to Penzance, and you can change en route for St Ives and other destinations in Cornwall.

It was amazing to experience a night train trip from London, and waking up to a colorful sunrise in Cornwall was unforgettable.

If you want to take this trip, you can book accommodation in St Ives here . From cottages to hotels, there are plenty of options for places to stay.

3. Amsterdam

Back on the continent, Amsterdam is another of the best train trips from London to Europe. This city in Holland is known for its pretty canals, narrow houses, impressive museums, and great nightlife scene.

There are direct rail services between London and Amsterdam, making it easy to travel from the UK capital to the Netherlands by train. They make it a great choice for weekend trips from London to Europe .

If you have two days in Amsterdam , you can stroll along the streets, shop at the markets, go on a canal boat ride, and cycle into the countryside. If it’s spring, you can visit the famous Keukenhof Gardens with their colorful tulips.

If this rail trip sounds good to you, you can book a hotel in Amsterdam here . I’ve visited a few times, and my favorite place to stay is the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel . You can book a room here .

4. Edinburgh

Edinburgh is next on my list of the best train trips from London. The Scottish capital is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK , and it’s worth a special trip.

Edinburgh is famous for its stunning hilltop castle, historic streets and stairways, and village-like areas. The views from Calton Hill and the Scott Monument are beautiful, the food scene is excellent, and the Royal Mile is steeped in history.

The train ride from London to Edinburgh goes up the east coast of Britain and passes stunning countryside, cities, castles , and coastal areas. From views of Holy Island to the dramatic bridges in Berwick-upon-Tweed , it’s hard to beat.

If you want to take this train trip, you can book a hotel in Edinburgh here . I’ve stayed in the city many times and my favorite is the Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile Edinburgh . It’s in an ideal location right by Edinburgh Castle. You can book a room here .

Avignon is next on my list of the best train trips from London. This walled city on the Rhone is known for its medieval cobblestone streets and picture-pretty churches.

It was the seat of the Popes for most of the 14th century, and it has an enormous papal palace you can explore. The city also has a mix of all things historic and modern, with shops and restaurants dotted along pedestrianized streets.

My itinerary for 3 days in Avignon will show you the highlights. From fun restaurants to the famous Pont d’Avignon bridge, there’s a lot to love about this city.

There’s a seasonal rail service all the way from London to the south of France. I’ve taken it to Avignon a number of times, and I’ve always loved how easy and scenic it is.

If you want to take this trip, you can book a hotel in Avignon here . I’ve stayed in the city a number of times and my favorite is Hotel La Mirande . It’s a beautiful hotel with an acclaimed restaurant. You can book a room here .

6. Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands are next on my list of the best train trips from London. This part of the UK is hard to beat when it comes to natural beauty and dramatic landscapes.

Whether you want to visit cities like Aberdeen and Inverness, get into the countryside in the Cairngorms National Park or Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, or visit coastal gems like St Andrews , there are plenty of places you can go by rail.

The famous Caledonian Sleeper train is a great way to get from London to the Highlands and other parts of Scotland. It offers Highlander and Lowlander routes to destinations like Aberdeen , Edinburgh, Fort William, Glasgow , and Inverness .

If this sounds good to you, you can book accommodation in the Scottish Highlands here . There are lots of good places to stay, from hotels to B&Bs and more.

7. Brussels

In Belgium, Brussels is another easy train trip from London. The EU capital is underrated as far as major cities go, but I spent a summer living and working here and I can vouch for how much it has to offer.

You can find everything from mouth-watering food and drinks to important museums, colorful street art, elegant Art Nouveau architecture, and vibrant street markets here. The Grand Place is one of the most awe-inspiring city squares in Europe, too.

Getting to Brussels by train from London is quick and straightforward. You can get here in just under 2 hours, leaving you with plenty of time to discover the city. Whether you spend a day or a weekend in Brussels , you’ll find lots to do.

If you want to take this rail journey, you can book a hotel in the city here . I’ve visited many times, and my favorite place to stay is the Hilton Brussels Grand Place . You can book a room here .

8. Lake District

Up in Cumbria, the Lake District is another of my favorite train trips from London. This beautiful part of England is known for its walking trails, scenic landscapes, and picturesque towns and villages.

There’s plenty to entertain you while you’re visiting. From hikes and lakes to famous houses and Beatrix Potter highlights, there’s something for everyone. There’s even a famous gingerbread shop.

You can visit places of historical interest like Blackwell, a famous Arts and Crafts house , too. Also worth a trip are Brantwood, the home of John Ruskin, and Dove Cottage, where William Wordsworth once lived.

You can get to Windermere in the Lake District by train from London via Oxenholme. Once there, you can get around the Lake District by public transport using buses and ferries.

If this rail journey appeals, you can book accommodation in the Lake District here . My top pick for a place to stay for a weekend is Forest Side Hotel . I stayed in a beautiful room here once and I loved the restaurant. You can book here .

Back in France, another of the best train trips from London to Europe is Lille. This is one of my favorite under-the-radar cities in Europe , and it’s worth a visit.

That’s because there’s a lot to see and do here. Lille sightseeing highlights include the Place du General de Gaulle with its eye-catching buildings, the mouth-watering pastries in the patisseries, and the shopping (this is France, after all!).

Better yet, this northern French city enjoys direct train services from London. It’s reachable in just over 1 hour and 20 minutes from the UK capital, meaning you can see a lot in a short time. You can even do it as a day trip from London to Europe .

If you want to take this rail trip, you can book a place to stay in Lille here . There are lots of options, from hotels to apartment rentals and more.

10. Eden Valley

Up north near the Lake District, the Eden Valley is another of my favorite train trips from London.

This part of Britain is just as picturesque as its famous neighbor, but it’s refreshingly free of the tourist crowds that can make the Lake District overwhelming in peak season.

I visited this area one summer, and I had the most amazing time walking through the countryside, admiring the adorable sheep, and falling in love with the historic pubs. I saw a rare red squirrel, too.

You can get to the Eden Valley by train from London via Leeds . The Settle-Carlisle railway is incredibly scenic, and I highly recommend it.

If the sound of this trip gets your locomotive running, you can book accommodation in the Eden Valley here . There are lots of great places to stay, from B&Bs to cottages and more.

11. Luxembourg

Luxembourg is another of my favorite train trips from London to Europe. The Grand Duchy is one of the smallest countries on the continent, but the capital packs a punch for its size. With a stunning old town and beautiful views, there’s plenty to love here.

Because it’s so small, you can see a lot of the capital on a day trip to Luxembourg . From the medieval fortifications to the bridges spanning the gorges below, it’s a fun place to visit.

While there are no direct trains from London to the Grand Duchy, you can take a train to Brussels, from where there are onward services to Luxembourg City with a change en route. I’ve done it before, and it’s simple and straightforward.

If you want to spend a night or two in town, you can book a place to stay in Luxembourg here . There are plenty of options, from hotels to apartment rentals and more.

12. Llandudno

In Wales, Llandudno is one of my favorite train trips from London. This Victorian seaside resort town on the coast of North Wales is worth a trip.

The historic pleasure pier here is a throwback to times gone by, and the waterfront promenade and good fish n’ chips make it a great destination for a vintage getaway.

You can take the train from London to Llandudno with one change en route. It’s a scenic trip from the UK capital, and a great way to see the countryside while you travel.

If this sounds like your kind of getaway, you can book a place to stay here . There are plenty of options, from hotels to cottages and more.

Bruges is another of my top picks for train trips from London to the continent. This medieval city in Belgium is packed full of waterways and wander-worthy streets. It’s worth a trip to see its historic squares, bell towers, and well-preserved old town.

Being in Bruges feels like stepping back in history. Everything from the bridges to the waterfront houses is straight out of a storybook. It’s easy to get around on foot, and you can see all the highlights in one or two days.

While there are no direct rail services from London to Bruges, you can take the train to Brussels and transfer there for rail services to Flanders.

If this sounds like a journey you’d like to take, you can book a place to stay here . There are lots of options, from hotels to B&Bs and more.

Map of Train Trips from London

As promised, I created an interactive Google map of all the places I mentioned in this blog post. You can see it here . If you click on the blue pins, you can find my blog posts about each one.

Best Train Trips from London

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the best train trips from London, and that it’s helped you discover new places to travel in the UK and Europe.

If you want a longer journey, you can travel by train from London to European destinations further afield. From Barcelona to Vienna and Venice , there are plenty of options if you’re willing to spend more time on board. Happy travels!

Find this post helpful? Buy me a coffee!

New here? Join thousands of others and subscribe to the A Lady in London blog via email .

Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. At no cost to you, I earn a small commission when you click on them and make a purchase. It doesn’t affect the way you shop, and it’s a great way to support the A Lady in London blog.

2 Comments on Lady’s 13 Train Trips from London You’ll Want to Take

I took the train from London to Edinburgh last August and it was simply breathtaking. Passing little picturesque towns like New Castle and Durham on the left and seeing parts of the North Sea on the right were stunning views. I recommend it to anyone.

I’m glad to hear that! It’s one of my favorite train journeys in the UK.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

© Copyright A Lady in London 2007 - 2024. Privacy Policy.

CALL: +44 20 3640 8887

London Luxury Train Journeys

The capital of England awaits. Whether you are searching for a luxury train journey from London, or whether you’re outside the capital and are looking for a luxury train journey to London, LuxuryTrainTickets.com have an abundance of journeys to and from London. From vintage train trips from London onboard the Belmond British Pullman to luxury train journeys to London on the Northern Belle.

All our luxury train journeys to and from London comprise of a gastronomic experience, where by silver service you will be served at least one fine dining meal aboard the train. Browse below our selection of London luxury train journeys, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a sports fan or perhaps you are looking to celebrate a special occasion, LuxuryTrainTickets.com have a luxury train journey for you.

Typical London luxury train journeys include:

• Return trip aboard a luxury vintage train
• Silver service
• On board stewards
• At least one fine dining meal
• Welcome drinks reception
• A fabulous day out

Timings are provisional and subject to network rail confirmation 7 days prior to departure.

Contact us, we're here to assist

Call us on 020 3640 8887 or email us below

12 Best Day trips from London by train (+logistics, tips & maps)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: March 13, 2023

Are you planning to take some day trips from London by train but unsure where to go? Discover 12 of the very best places to visit by rail including practical tips, logistics, and things to do and see in each destination.

What better way to explore some of the most beautiful cities , towns, landmarks and attractions of England than to hop on a train from London for a day trip? While there are lots of sights and places to keep you busy in London we recommend (if you have time) adding some of these day trips into your itinerary.

With numerous destinations and places to go by train from London, how do you pick the right one/s for you?

In this guide, we have chosen 12 of the very best places to visit on a day trip by train from London. These are our top picks of the best tourist destinations, landmarks and sights you can visit on a one day trip from London.

If you prefer to avoid public transport discover our choice of the best day trips you can take from London on a tour.

To help plan your day we have included logistics and practical information about how to travel to each destination – which London station to depart from, the length of the journey, and the very best things to do and see in one day at each of the places.

You will also find a helpful map showing the location of each destination and route of each of these London day trips by train.

Good to know – if you plan to make multiple train trips from London it may be cost-effective to purchase a BritRail London Plus Pass which is valid on rail services in the South East of England. The BritRail London Plus pass is ideal for short journeys outside of London. Click here for more information about BritRail passes.

If you are pushed for time or nervous about travelling outside of London by train the best option for you may be to take a tour. Tours often visit several places so you can see more and make the most of your time especially if you have a limited number of days.

Find out more in our guide to the best day tours from London which includes the most popular tourist and sightseeing destinations including how to visit Harry Potter Studios from London .

Guide to UK Train Travel

Quick picks – summary of train trips from london.

• One day in Oxford (Must see Oxford attractions)

Logistics – how to get from London to Oxford by train

• One day in Cambridge (Must see Cambridge attractions)

Logistics – how to get from London to Cambridge by train

One day in the cotswolds (must-see cotswold attractions), logistics – how to get from london to moreton-in-marsh by train.

• One day in Winchester (Must see Winchester attractions)

Logistics – how to get from London to Winchester by train

• One day in Windsor (Must see Windsor attractions)

Logistics – how to get from London to Windsor by train

• One day in St Albans (Must see St Albans attractions)

Logistics – how to get from London to St Albans by train

• One day in Brighton (Must see Brighton attractions)

Logistics – how to get from London to Brighton by train

• One day in Bath (Must see Bath attractions)

Logistics – how to get from London to Bath by train

• One day in Bristol (Must see Bristol attractions)

Logistics – how to get from London to Bristol by train

• One day in Salisbury (Must see Salisbury attractions)

Logistics – how to get from London to Salisbury by train

• One day in Canterbury (Must see Canterbury attractions)

Logistics – how to get from London to Canterbury by train

• One day in Stratford-upon-Avon (Must see Stratford attractions)

Logistics – how to get from London to Stratford by train

Guide to uk train travel, how can i save money on train travel in the uk, more train travel suggestions for the uk, london travel guide & itinerary planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks).

Are you excited but nervous about travelling by train in the UK? We have written a book to help you!

Our guide includes practical tips and information to ensure you make the most of your UK rail adventure (including where and how to buy tickets, information for your day of travel and 12 ‘done for you’ UK rail itineraries.)

You can read more about our ebook here.

Good for – History | Architecture | Harry Potter fans

A journey time of just over an hour makes Oxford the perfect destination for an easy one-day train trip from London.

Once in Oxford, you will find the main attractions all located in the compact and very walkable city centre. Known as the “City of Spires” due to its beautiful skyline enjoy the beautiful architecture and fascinating history on your day trip to Oxford.

One day in Oxford ( Must see Oxford attractions )

• Oxford University

Founded in the 13th century Oxford University is one of the most famous universities in the world. Alumni include numerous international heads of state including 26 British Prime Ministers,  Nobel prize winners, famous authors, and many well-known actors.

I recommend exploring the colleges on a walking tour to soak in the scholarly atmosphere of this famous seat of learning.

Oxford University is comprised of 38 colleges varying in size from the larger Magdelen and Christ Church Colleges to the smaller colleges such as Corpus Christi and Trinity.

Fans of Harry Potter movies may recognise some of the colleges which were used as film locations for many famous scenes.

• Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest in Europe and the second-largest in the UK. It contains a collection of 12 million items – in fact, every book that has ever been printed in the UK and Ireland is located in the library!

Good to know – Most of Oxford’s walking tours include a visit to this famous library.

• Radcliffe Camera

The interestingly named Radcliffe Camera houses Oxford University’s Science Library. This neo-classical style building was built between 1737 and 1749 and is beautiful both inside and out. It comprises part of the larger Bodleian Library.

• The Covered Market 

Opened in 1774 the market houses lots of shops and stalls to browse as well as a great choice of eateries. This is the place to stop for a coffee break or a bite to eat before resuming your exploration of Oxford.

• Blenheim Palace

If you decide to spend a little longer in the city (Oxford is popular for weekend trips from London by train) I would highly recommend including a trip to Blenheim Palace in your itinerary. A short ride from Oxford by bus the palace was the birthplace of Winston Churchill and is owned by the Duke of Marlborough.

Read more – Oxford Travel Guide

• Distance from London: 52 miles / 83 km
• Time taken by train: 1 hour
• Leave from: London Paddington Station / London Marylebone

Good for – History | Architecture | A day on the river

The location of another famous university (and Oxford’s rival in the boat race each year) Cambridge is also only an hour by direct trains from London.

Cambridge is a compact city that is perfect for exploring on foot. We recommend taking a historical walking tour of the city with a University graduate where you can visit some of the most famous colleges in Cambridge and learn more about student life at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

One day in Cambridge ( Must see Cambridge attractions )

Take a punt along the River Cam. A great way to see the city and even better you can hire someone to do the punting for you so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the views.

• King’s College Chapel

Home of the largest vault ceiling in the world King’s College Chapel is an absolute must-see in Cambridge.

Of particular note is the Rood Screen (a large wooden screen that separates the nave from the altar) which Henry VIII gave his 2nd bride Anne Boleyn.

• St John’s College, King’s College, Trinity College

Cambridge University like its main rival Oxford is also comprised of a number of colleges (31 to be exact)

St John’s, King’s, and Trinity College are just some of the colleges worth exploring.

Read more – Cambridge Travel Guide

• Distance from London: 49 miles / 79 km
• Time taken by train: 1 hour 17 mins
• Leave from: London King’s Cross/London Liverpool Street Train Station

The Cotswolds

Good for – Pretty villages | Countryside | Afternoon tea | Thatched cottages

The Cotswolds are not one place but actually an area stretching over 2000 km so if you are planning to visit from London I would recommend hiring a car and taking a road trip.

Tours of the Cotswolds are also available which include visits to most of the most picturesque and quaint towns and villages (plus include other attractions such as Oxford and Windsor on the way)

However, if you prefer to travel to what many consider England’s prettiest towns and villages independently it is possible to see some of the area by train.

The easiest destination to travel to by train from London is the market town of Moreton-in-Marsh which is located in the heart of the Cotswolds.

There are so many things to do and places to see in the Cotswolds it will be difficult to fit them all into one day. However, these are my recommendations if you arrive at Moreton-in-Marsh.

• Market Day (Tuesday)

Arrive on a Tuesday and the town will be bustling with its weekly market. Enjoy a stroll through the market and purchase a souvenir or gift in one of the many shops before partaking in tea and cake at one of the many quaint cafes and teahouses.

• Batsford Arboretum

Located 1.5 miles west of the town the arboretum is full of rare and endangered species from around the world. Tip – if you are visiting the area in spring don’t miss the Japanese cherry blossoms.

• Chipping Campden

Located a short bus ride from Moreton is the pretty medieval Cotswold town of Chipping Campden. If honey-coloured buildings spring to mind when you think of the Cotswolds you will find them in abundance here. The famous Cotswolds Way also stretches for 100 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath but you will need a week to do that!

Read more – Cotswold Travel Guide

• Distance from London: 90 miles / 140 km
• Time taken by train: 1 hour 40 mins
• Leave from: London Paddington Train Station

Good for – Architecture | History | Monuments | Literary connections

Winchester is home to one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Founded in 1079 the structure has been remodelled over the centuries and has Romanesque and Gothic styles throughout.

Winchester Cathedral is also famously the resting place of Jane Austen.

There is a lot to see in the cathedral including the crypt, home to Anthony Gormley’s famous sculpture Sound II, visiting Jane Austen’s grave, and admiring the Winchester Bible an 800- year-old manuscript.

One day in Winchester ( Must see Winchester attractions )

• Winchester Cathedral

As I mentioned above there is a lot to see in Winchester cathedral. I would recommend taking one of the tours to learn all about the history as it is so interesting. After his successful invasion of England William the Conquerer was crowned king in Winchester Cathedral in 1066.

Don’t miss Anthony Gormley’s sculpture Sound II in the crypt. If you are a fan of the novelist Jane Austen , who lived in Winchester, you will find her grave within the cathedral.

• The Great Hall

The Great Hall is a 13th-century aisled hall that contains one of the most iconic symbols linked to the legends of King Arthur – the Round Table.

Read more – Winchester Travel Guide

• Distance from London: 60 miles / 96 km
• Time taken by train: 1 hour 14 mins
• Leave from: London Waterloo

• Windsor Castle

Good for – History lovers | Fans of the Royal Family

One of the most popular destinations for visitors to London and the UK is Windsor Castle. It is one of seven magnificent castles near London which are worth a visit.

A visit to Windsor Castle is also included in many organised day tours too. If you are pushed for time and wish to combine other destinations such as Oxford and the Cotswolds we recommend booking a tour such as this one.

One day in Windsor ( Must see Windsor attractions )

Windsor Castle is one of the official residences of the Queen and also the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Look for the Royal Standard flying above the castle – it indicates that the Queen is at home.

St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle is where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wed in 2018.

Plan to spend 2 hours to visit the castle.

• Frogmore House and Gardens

This grand country house is located within the grounds of Home Park in Windsor half a mile from the castle. The house and has belonged to the royal family since the 16th century.

Many members of the Royal family including Queen Victoria are buried in at Frogmore.

The house and grounds are open to the public on certain days of the year.

Frogmore Cottage located on the grounds is the English home of Prince Harry and Meghan and is a private residence and not open to the public.

• Distance from London: 21 miles / 34 km
• Time taken by train: 55 mins 
• Leave from: London Waterloo to Eton Riverside Station 

Good for – History lovers

The market town of St Albans in Hertfordshire is the closest city to London.

St Albans is only minutes from the capital (a 20-minute train ride from London St Pancras to be exact) which makes it an easy day trip if you want to only spend a few hours out of the capital.

St Albans was the site of the Roman settlement of Verulamium and remains which can be seen today include a Roman wall, theatre and impressive mosaics.

One day in St Albans ( Must see St Albans attractions )

• St Albans Cathedral

St Albans Cathedral was built in 1077 and is the second largest cathedral in England (after Winchester) It is the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in England.

Located in the cathedral is the shrine of St Alban after whom the city is named. Look for the medieval wall paintings that adorn the walls which are amongst the oldest in existence.

• Verulamium Museum

If you have an interest in Roman history visiting the Verulamium Museum is a must. Filled with an extensive collection of ancient treasures and fine mosaics you can immerse yourself in Roman life as it was in England over 2000 years ago.

• Distance from London: 19 miles / 30 km
• Time taken by train: 30 mins 
• Leave from: London St Pancras International

Good for – Shopping | History | Architecture | Art | Street art | Foodies | Seaside

Brighton is the closest city to London located on the south coast of the UK . It has buckets of charm and character and is home to the fascinating and ostentatiously beautiful Brighton Pavilion .

This is one of the most popular train rides from London especially during the summer months when city dwellers head to the coast.

Plan a full day – enjoy the sights and take a break in one of the many bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from in Brighton.

A trip to enjoy the Seven Sisters Cliffs in the South Downs National Park is popular for visitors heading to the south coast – take a tour from Brighton to see these beautiful white cliffs.

One day in Brighton ( Must see Brighton attractions )

• The Brighton Pavilion

Do not miss the chance to visit the Brighton Pavilion . Built by King George IV (during his time as Prince Regent) at a considerable cost the pavilion is opulently decorated and filled to the brim with exquisite furnishings.

Packed with plenty of restaurants, tea rooms, pubs, and shops the narrow alleyways that make up The Lanes are a shopper’s paradise.

• Brighton Palace Pier

Opened in 1899 the famous pier is 525 metres long, Grade II listed, and an iconic symbol of Brighton.

Read more – Brighton Travel Guide

• Distance from London: 47 miles / 75 km
• Time taken by train: 1 hour 22 mins
• Leave from: London Blackfriars/ London Victoria

Good for – Romantics | Architecture | History lovers

Although a little further away from London than some of the other day-trip destinations suggested in this post (taking on average 2 and a half hours by train) Bath is a n immensely popular destination , World Heritage Site and absolutely worth a day trip (at the very least).

Bath is also a city included in our 14-day train trip itinerary around Great Britain.

One day in Bath ( Must see Bath attractions )

• Visit the Roman Baths

Built over 2000 years ago the Roman Baths are one of England’s most popular tourist attractions. Plan at least 2 hours to explore the Roman Temple, Bath House, Sacred Spring, and museum.

The Grand Pump Room next to the Roman Baths serves refreshments including afternoon tea (book in advance)

• Admire the Royal Crescent

This row of 30 houses laid out in a crescent shape is officially known as the Royal Crescent . Built between 1767 and 1774 the houses are a beautiful example of Georgian architecture.

Whilst some of the houses are private residences No.1 Royal Crescent is a museum and No. 16 is the Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa.

Afterwards, take a boat ride along the River Avon to admire the shop-lined Poultney Bridge.

Read more – Bath in one day (complete itinerary)

• Distance from London: 94 miles / 152 km
• Time taken by train: 2 hours 28 mins
• Leave from: London Paddington

Good for – Museums | Art | Street Art | Architecture

Bristol is synonymous with 2 very different famous figures – one is Isambard Kingdom Brunel who was of the most prolific mechanical and civil engineers in history and the other is the street artist and political activist known as Banksy .

One day in Bristol ( Must see Bristol attractions )

• Clifton Suspension Bridge

Designed by Brunel this 150-year-old suspension bridge is a toll bridge linking Clifton in Bristol with Leigh Woods in North Somerset.   

• Bristol Shopping Quarter

Visit the Bristol Shopping Quarte r home to hundreds of shops, restaurants, cafes, and attractions – shop, eat, drink and enjoy!

• Take a walking tour of Banksy’s art 

If you are a fan of Banksy’s work I highly recommend doing one of 3 great free walking tours written by some Bristol locals to guide you around the work. Bristol’s city walls are covered in murals too.

Read more – Bristol Travel Guide

• Distance from London: 104 miles / 167 km
• Time taken by train: 1 hour 49 mins

Salisbury & Stonehenge

Good for – Architecture | Stonehenge | History lovers | Market

If you are planning a London day trip by train to visit the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge your first destination will be beautiful Salisbury.

This cathedral city has a market day every Tuesday held in the city centre. Salisbury Charter Market is held outdoors in all weathers throughout the year.

One day in Salisbury ( Must see Salisbury attractions )

• Salisbury Cathedral

Not only a beautiful cathedral in its own right but also the home of one of only four Magna Carta documents in the world Salisbury Cathedral is a must-visit if you are in the city. Don’t miss the spire which is the tallest church spire in the UK.

Not far from Salisbury is one of England’s most famous and popular tourist attractions – Stonehenge . The ancient stone circle dates back thousands of years and is one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments.

Good to know – There are no direct trains from London to Stonehenge. Once you arrive in Salisbury jump onto the Stonehenge Tour Bus at the train station for the transfer to Stonehenge.

Read more – A complete guide to visiting Stonehenge (and Salisbury)

• Distance from London: 79 miles / 126 km
• Time taken by train: 1 hour 33 mins

Good for – History |Museums | Tudor buildings

UNESCO World Heritage-listed Canterbury Cathedral was a place of Christian pilgrimage during the Middle Ages following the murder of Thomas Becket within its walls.

Founded in 597 AD Canterbury Cathedral is the headquarters of the Anglican Church .

Associated with the works of Middle Ages English poet and author Geoffrey Chaucer whose Canterbury Tales are a collection of 24 stories recounted by 30 pilgrims as they make their way to Canterbury.

One day in Canterbury ( Must see Canterbury attractions )

• Visit Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral has a long and interesting history including surviving the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII and an extensive bombing campaign during WWII.

The Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Anglican community worldwide and the Archbishop of Canterbury presides at its head.

• Stroll the medieval centre of Canterbury

The medieval centre of Canterbury is surrounded by ancient walls which were originally built by the Romans. Stroll through the medieval centre and admire its cobbled streets and timber-framed houses.

Read more – Canterbury Travel Guide

• Distance from London: 54 miles / 87 km
• Time taken by train: 1 hour 47 mins
• Leave from: London Charing Cross/ London St Pancras International

Stratford-upon-Avon

Good for – History | Architecture | Theatre | Lovers of Shakespeare

Stratford-upon -Avon is famous as the birthplace and home of William Shakespeare (1564-1616 )

Good to know – For those interested to learn more about Shakespeare’s connections with the town we recommend taking the hop-on-hop-off bus tour .

One day in Stratford-upon-Avon ( Must see Stratford attractions )

• Shakespeare’s birthplace

Visit the house where Shakespeare was born and raised. Located on Henley Street this is the home in which John and Mary Shakespeare raised 8 children!

• Anne Hathaway’s Cottage 

The beautiful thatched cottage was the home of Shakespeare’s wife Anne Hathaway . Located about a mile from Stratford it is included in the hop-on-hop-off bus routes around Stratford.

• Church of the Holy Trinity

To see Shakespeare final resting place head to the Church of the Holy Trinity.

Read more – Stratford-upon-Avon Travel Guide

• Distance from London: 83 miles / 133 km
• Time taken by train: 2 hours 27 mins
• Leave from: London Euston/ London Marylebone

FAQs & Tips for train travel in the UK

If this is your first time travelling by train in the UK we recommend that you read our complete guide to rail travel in the UK which contains practical, no-nonsense advice.

In it, you will find the answers to some of the commonly asked questions such as:

• How and where do I purchase train tickets in the UK?
• How do I know what platform the train leaves from?
• How do I find my train carriage and seat?
• How accessible are trains in the UK?
• How will I know where to alight the train?

The guide was written by Doug Collins (one of the founders of this website) who worked in the UK rail industry for 25 years and travelled on nearly every line across the network.

Our guides to getting around London on public transport plus an article about the 9 main train stations in London (such as Kings Cross Station, Paddington Station and St Pancras International) and our complete guide to transportation options in the UK are also recommended reading.

Purchase a rail pass

Although train travel in the UK is not cheap there is a range of train passes and railcards and options available to make it more affordable for both visitors and UK residents.

Read more about the various train passes available for overseas visitors to the UK – read more about BritRail Passes here.

Purchase tickets in advance

Buy tickets as far in advance as possible as prices tend to rise near to the date of travel. Always check that there are no last-minute changes (such as train works*) on your day of travel.

I recommend buying train tickets for the UK from the trainline . They s ell tickets for all the rail companies in the UK and Europe (unlike Europe the rail network in the UK is privatised so there are numerous companies who organise trains across the UK.)

* During public holidays essential rail maintenance is completed so check before you book/ travel in case of any delays. Often the rail service is replaced by buses and this could add considerably to your travel time.

You can find more train travel inspiration for the UK in our guide to the top 10 rail journeys to take in Britain!

If you are a history lover you may also wish to visit some of the beautiful castles located near London including Windsor Castle, Warwick Castle , Dover Castle (why not see Dover’s famous white cliffs too?) or Sudeley Castle in the Cotswolds .

If you are adventurous it is possible to visit Paris (and see the Eiffel Tower or take a stroll along the Seine) from London for a day trip. This is one of the Eurostar day trips from London to consider (Amsterdam and Brussels are also possible) and while it is tiring I would say DO IT!

You can find out more about organising a trip to Paris from London in our guide here.

We also have more information about travelling on the Eurostar too.

• Evan Evans Tours
• Rail Tours From London
• Edinburgh Tours from London

We Recommend

Edinburgh - The Royal City

Discover one of the most memorable and unique cities in Europe: Edinburgh.  Fondly known as Auld Reekie , which means 'Old Smokey' in Scots, the Scottish capital is one of Europe's most unique and memorable cities.

Explore the city in one day, where you'll feel a sense of history in every corner - from underground vaults and hidden passageways to relics of construction from a bygone era and more. Be ready to uncover incredible gems in and around Edinburgh's historic town centre, also called 'Old Town'.

King's Cross Station, London, UK

Edinburgh , Scotland's picturesque capital, has attractions for everyone to enjoy. At the heart of the city stands the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched majestically atop Castle Rock - a long extinct volcano -, which you'll visit as part of your rail tour from London. Admire breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and explore the long, bloody history of the castle, from its time as a military fortress, royal residence and prison of war.

Beyond the castle walls, discover the Royal Mile in Edinburgh's historic Old Town, where charming shops, cool cafes, hidden gems, and vibrant street performers await.

At the opposite end of the Royal Mile stands the imposing Palace of Holyroodhouse , the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. So be ready to explore the ancient corridors of Edinburgh Castle or stroll along the bustling Royal Mile; whatever you're into, Scotland's capital city will leave you in awe.

First Class

Upgrade your train travel to first class and travel in style with breakfast on your outbound journey and dinner upon your return.

Overnight – 1 or 2 nights

Edinburgh has a lot to offer. Why not stay an extra night or stay for 2 nights and take advantage of a trip up to the highlands?

Hop-on Hop-off bus tour

Board your Hop-on Hop-off Guided Bus Tour and journey around some of Edinburgh's finest and culture-rich destinations. The Tour takes you to 14 fantastic locations, including Grassmarket, a historic marketplace with incredible views of Edinburgh Castle, John Knox House, a magnificent medieval building dating back to the 15th century and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, The Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh. The ticket is valid all day, so you can hop on and hop off as many times as you like.

An amazing trip to Loch Ness and the chance to go Monster hunting! Heading north from Edinburgh, we pass the imposing ramparts of Stirling Castle and skirt the Trossachs (Rob Roy country) before crossing the wilds of Rannoch Moor and onto dramatic Glencoe. Our tour takes us past Fort William and Britain’s highest mountain, the mighty Ben Nevis, before following the Great Glen and stopping in the village of Fort Augustus by the shores of the mysterious Loch Ness .

You can take a boat trip on Loch Ness , explore or simply relax in a gorgeous wee Highland village. Enjoy our free locally-produced picnic lunch. Our return journey passes through the ‘Monarch of the Glen’ country, south to Perthshire and the historic town of Dunkeld. We then view the spectacular Forth Bridges before returning to the Capital around 8:00 pm.

London King’s Cross Station

Kings Cross Station is centrally located and easily accessible by underground, serviced by the Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Victoria and Northern Lines and is in Zone 1.

Operates: April - March, Monday to Saturday

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Outbound: Train departs London Kings Cross: 07:00 / Train arrives in Edinburgh: 11:20
• Return: Train departs Edinburgh: 17:30 / Train arrives at London Kings Cross: 22:10
• Your electronic tickets and vouchers will be sent to you one week prior to your scheduled departure date via email (or, if booked within one week, then within 24 hours of booking). We would recommend arriving at Kings Cross Station 30 minutes before your scheduled train departure time
• This Tour is unescorted
• We will make every effort to fulfil any requests you have for seating on the train; however, this cannot be guaranteed
• Please visit our Travel Health page for full details of our enhanced hygiene standards and protocols

PACKAGE OPTIONS

Edinburgh - The Royal City (Standard class) :

• Edinburgh Castle entry
• Hop-on, Hop-off sightseeing tour of Edinburgh
• Roundtrip train journey in standard class with reserved seats 

Free Wi-Fi On Board the train

• Information Pack and map

Edinburgh - The Royal City (First Class):

• Roundtrip First Class train tickets with reserved seats  
• Round-trip train tickets to Edinburgh with reserved seats 
• Hop-on hop-off Sightseeing Tour of Edinburgh 
• Entry ticket to Edinburgh Castle 
• A free city map and information booklet 
• Optional Extras:
• First class return train travel
• Stay overnight in a centrally located 3-star hotel, bed and breakfast
• Stay two nights in a centrally located 3-star hotel, bed and breakfast and a day Tour to Loch Ness & the Highlands

What's Included

Round-trip train journey with reserved seats, entrance to edinburgh castle, hop-on hop off bus tour of edinburgh, what's excluded, hotel pick-up & drop-off.

• No Cancellation Fees
• No Change Fees
• No Booking Fees
• Your Money is Protected - Free cancellation up to 7 days before the day of departure. Cancellations inside 7 days will be charged at 100%.
• Our team, including our guides and drivers, have been trained in our enhanced hygiene procedures; please refer to our Travel Health page for more information

For full terms, see Our Flexible Promise to You

Share with friends

• Share on facebook
• Tweet article
• Share article via WhatsApp

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Map reveals where new rail routes could be introduced across the UK

Share this with

More frequent and new rail services could be on the way, as independent operators roll out plans to launch extra trains around the country.

Stirling in Scotland and Carmarthen in Wales could be some of the first places to have direct links to London after proposals from prospective open-access company Grand Union Trains (GUT).

It is one of several operators to give rail travel a boost and offer low fares on already expensive routes.

They are backed by the UK government , which says the rise of open access gives customers more choice and increases passenger numbers.

Rail minister Huw Merriman said: ‘It’s not just a question of us having rail operators compete with each other.

‘There’s an opportunity for rail to take passengers that may otherwise fly or indeed drive.

‘Open access is such a positive.’

Mr Merriman added: ‘There’s no industrial action on open-access operators, perhaps because it’s a fresher way of working with the workforce rather than on an old rule book basis.’

During recent rail strikes, companies like Lumo and Grand Central have been able to continue running services due to their separate status.

GUT is also consulting on a possible service between Edinburgh and Cardiff. There is currently no direct route connecting the Scottish and Welsh capitals.

Other would-be open-access operators include Go-Op, which aims to run services between Taunton and both Weston-super-Mare and Swindon, and Wrexham, Shropshire & Midlands Railway, which hopes to create a route between London Euston and Wrexham.

Lumo also plans to extend its route between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh to reach Glasgow, while FirstGroup wants to launch a service between the same London terminus and Sheffield.

What is an open-access rail operator?

Most of the major rail operators in the UK are either owned or paid management fees by the UK, Scottish and Welsh governments.

LNER, Scotrail, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast and many, many others fall into this category.

But the tracks can also be used by open-access operators, which set their own fares, take full commercial risk, and don’t receive any taxpayer-funded subsidies.

They include companies like Lumo, Grand Central, Heathrow Express, Eurostar and Hull Trains – with several more due to spring up soon.

Proponents say the availability of these other options increases competition which drives down fares.

But critics argue that the companies are simply taking advantage of a ‘false economy’, and it would be better for passengers if the large operators just simplified their timetables.

Grand Central managing director Ian Yeowart said: ‘It’s not only good for passengers – as whether (the operators) survive depends on how good they are and what their customers think – but there are no handouts from the government.

‘Like every other business, if people don’t like it and don’t come, it won’t survive.’

But Gareth Dennis, an engineer who writes about the rail industry, said open-access services should not be permitted in the UK because of the complexity of fitting the trains into already crammed timetables.

He said: ‘The argument on the Continent for open access operators is that they provide competition, but there’s no meaningful competition on a rail network that’s as saturated as ours.

‘What you need is a simple, repetitive timetable that moves huge numbers of people.’

Mr Dennis argued that the operators could charge lower fares because they use depots that exist for other companies and can recruit staff that had been trained already rather than training their own.

He added: ‘It’s a false economy really.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

MORE : Passengers were stuck in a 52-degree plane cabin — just how dangerous is that heat?

MORE : Urgent travel warning to people heading to Greece over 43°C temperatures

MORE : Flight from London to US turns back with all passengers on board for nine hours

Sign Up for News Updates

Get your need-to-know latest news, feel-good stories, analysis and more.

Privacy Policy

Get us in your feed

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Get us in your inbox

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest and greatest from your city and beyond

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Awesome, you're subscribed!

The best of London for free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy London without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Attractions
• Los Angeles

Public transport for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in London: what you need to know

Here’s exactly how to get to and from Wembley this weekend when Taylor’s in town

Starting off in Edinburgh, the UK leg of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has been slowly making its way southward through the UK  – and now she’s finally landing in London. Swift is arriving off the back of three nights at Edinburgh’s Murrayfield , three nights in Anfield, Liverpool , and a single show in Cardiff . This weekend she’ll perform the first three of eight shows in total this summer at Wembley Stadium. 

More than 700,000 people will make their way to Wembley to see Taylor shimmer, with 90,000 attending each night of the concert, so it’s safe to say that Wembley Park tube station is going to be seeing a lot of traffic. 

If you want the night to go as smoothly as possible, it’s worth planning your pre- and post-Eras travel plans ahead of time to avoid ending up in claustrophobic queues for packed buses at 1am. Luckily London’s public transport is quite extensive and reliable, so if you really try you can probably mastermind your way back home before midnight.

Here’s everything you need to know about getting to and from the Eras tour at Wembley stadium.

RECOMMENDED: 👑  Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in London: the ultimate guide . 🛍️  How and where to buy official merch for the Eras Tour in London 🎒 Full list of banned items and the bag policy at Wembley Stadium 🥳  All the Taylor Swift events and parties happening in London for the Eras Tour 🎤  Taylor Swift in the UK: Eras Tour timings, setlist and everything you need to know ✨  Every time Taylor Swift has mentioned London in her songs

How to get to Taylor Swift’s concert in London

The fastest and easiest way to get around the capital is by the Underground – there are two stops you can go to. 

Wembley Park  station is on the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines, while  Wembley Central  is on the Bakerloo line and Overground (not a tube, but still operated by TfL).

By train, Wembley Stadium Station  is served by Chiltern Railways with direct services to Marylebone. 

Bus and coach

If you’re travelling from another city by coach, National Express runs services which will take you straight to the stadium, which you can book here . If you are getting a coach into Victoria Bus Station it is easiest to travel to the stadium by bus or tube. 

There are several local bus services which serve Wembley Stadium including  18/N18 , 83/N83 , 92 , 182 , 206 , 223 , 297 and 483 . 

The Citymapper app comes highly recommended by locals for planning transport across the city. It can be downloaded on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for free. Apple Maps and Google Maps are also pretty handy. 

The venue recommends anyone who is physically able to use public transport does, but if you do come by car you must book a parking space in advance. Unfortunately this service is already sold out for the June Eras tour dates.

If you are a blue badge holder and hold specific accessibility requirements, there is detailed information available here for you to ensure you are able to safely and easily access the stadium.

If you still have questions about transport to and from Wembley, have a look on the venue’s dedicated travel webpage here . 

Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just   follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel .

Stay in the loop: sign up to our   free Time Out London newsletter   for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Popular on Time Out

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Claim your listing
• Time Out Offers FAQ
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

Time Out products

• Time Out Offers
• Time Out Worldwide

News | London

London travel news LIVE: Rush-hour commuters face severe delays on Tube and Overground

Several Tube lines have been hit with severe delays as commuters head home on Monday, as well as the London Overground.

The Central, District and Metropolitan lines are severely delayed in parts while the Elizabeth, Hammersmith & City and Jubilee lines have minor delays.

Trains running between Charing Cross and London Bridge have resumed normal service after a protest on a key railway bridge came to an end.

A demonstrator climbed up onto the structure at around 7.45am on Monday morning after using a ladder he had brought with him, a witness told the Standard.

The incident affected services between Charing Cross and London Bridge, but by 2pm, the incident had been resolved.

Pictures previously showed a large area around the bridge cordoned off with emergency services at the scene.

Read the latest updates below

Pair jailed after 'dishevelled' boy found with heroin at London Bridge station

Politicians accused of ‘systematic neglect’ over laws to prevent terror attacks

Overground service halted by man on roof throwing objects onto track

Why culture lovers should head to vibrant San Francisco

Waterloo protester 'now detained'

The protester whose demonstration was causing train disruption has now been removed, National Rail has said.

It said: “A trespasser was reported on railway property at around 07:45 this morning in the London Waterloo East area but has now been detained.

“All lines reopened at around 12:30.”

However, disruption to services is expected to continue until at least 1.30pm.

Disruption from Waterloo protest expected until 3pm

A protest on a railway bridge near London Waterloo is expected to disrupt services for at least three hours.

Trains have been disrupted between London Charing Cross and Hayes, Dartford, Sevenoaks, Gravesend, Hastings, Ashford International, Ramsgate and Dover Priory.

National Rail has warned that services will be disrupted until 3pm.

Trains diverted to other stations due to protest near London Waterloo

Trains are being diverted to other stations after a disruption on a railway bridge near London Waterloo.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: "Trains are being disrupted while the emergency services respond to a trespasser near to the railway between Waterloo East and Charing Cross.

"This is one of the busiest parts of the network and some services are being diverted to other London stations to reduce delays and congestion.

"Southeastern customers who have been delayed by more than 15 minutes should claim Delay Repay compensation on their website."

Police called to person in 'precarious position' at railway bridge

The British Transport Police said they were called to York Road to reports of a person in a “precarious position” on Monday morning.

A spokesperson for the force said: “Officers were called to the railway bridge over York Road and near Waterloo underground station at around 7.33am today (24 June) following reports of a person in a precarious position.

“The incident is ongoing, and officers are in attendance alongside colleagues from other emergency services.”

Bank Station reopens after fire alert

Bank Station has reopened following a fire alert, Transport for London has said.

Some services at the station were stopped while the issue was dealt with. Trains are now running again on the DLR and Waterloo & City Line.

Trains able to run slowly past protester

Trains have been slowly passing a protester on a key railway bridge near London Waterloo.

The protester has been on the structure for over three hours, National Rail has confirmed.

A large banner strapped to the side of the bridge, which goes over York Road, said: “Ombudsman needed, homeless are cash cow, Gov 2 Billion charities, 100's millions we have no voice. Abuse. Negligence. Lies. Theft. Harm.”

Waterloo & City Line stopped by fire alert

There is currently no service on the Waterloo & City Line while Transport for London respond to a fire alert at Bank.

The issue has also halted DLR trains between Bank and Shadwell.

Blackwall Tunnel to close southbound for three nights this week

The  Blackwall Tunnel  will close southbound for three nights this week ahead of another weekend closure.

TfL  said the closure from 11pm to 5am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday was needed for works on a new road layout for the new Silvertown Tunnel.

The Blackwall Tunnel will also be closed between Saturday June 29 to Monday, July 1. Read more about the closures here .

Disruption on 'one of the busiest parts' of network, Southeastern says

Southeastern have confirmed their trains have been disrupted by the protest.

A spokesperson for Southeastern said: "Services are being disrupted while the emergency services respond to a trespasser near to the railway between Waterloo East and Charing Cross.

"This is one of the busiest parts of the network and there is congestion on several routes. Some services are being diverted to other London stations to reduce delays.

"Anyone delayed by more than 15 minutes should claim Delay Repay compensation on our website."

Protest banner demands ombudsman for homeless

A witness at the scene near London Waterloo has described how a protestor hung a banner on the bridge, demanding an ombudsman for the homeless.

Pictures of the scene show the banner describing the homeless as a “cash cow” adding “we have no voice”.

Police have reportedly left the protester on the bridge and he has been speaking to the emergency services.

Travis Kelce joins Taylor Swift on stage during Eras Tour show

(Gray News) - Taylor Swift can do it with a broken heart, but she does not have to.

On Sunday, Swift took her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce to a new level by bringing him on stage during her Eras Tour at London’s Wembley Stadium.

Kelce surprised the crowd and appeared with two of Swift’s dancers wearing a top hat and a black tailcoat during the transition from “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived” to “I Can Do It With A Broken Heart.”

The crowd erupted in cheers as he carried Swift in his arms. In other shows, two of Swift’s dancers carry her.

“TRAVIS KELCE HAS OFFICIALLY MADE HIS #TSTheErasTour DEBUT IN #LondonTSTheErasTour !” Taylor Nation, Swift’s official social media team, posted on X , formerly known as Twitter.

Kelce fanned himself and Swift, pretended to touch up her makeup and broke out in some dance moves in the scene.

Before walking away to sing “I Can Do It With A Broken Heart,” Swift turned toward Kelce and blew him a kiss.

Taylor Nation called the moment “The not-so-smallest hard launch that ever lived” on X .

On Monday, Swift mentioned the surprise appearance in an Instagram post that featured photos and video of Kelce’s debut.

“I’m still cracking up/swooning over @killatrav’s Eras Tour debut,” she said in the post .

Over the weekend, Swift and three-time Super Bowl champion also became Instagram official when she posted a photo with him and the British royals at Saturday’s concert.

Copyright 2024 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

LPD: Man shot after charging Lubbock police officer with pickaxe

1 person injured in east Lubbock County rollover

FBI offering reward for information as they investigate South Fork fire

Monday morning top stories: Man killed in police shooting in West Lubbock

Car dealerships revert to pens and paper after cyberattacks on software provider

Latest news.

More than 500 people have been charged with federal crimes under the gun safety law Biden signed

STILLS: Special counsel shares images from raid of Trump's Mar-A-Lago

Wendy’s is offering a free Frosty when you buy a Biggie Bag

Family members of men who drowned in Gulf of Mexico reflect on loss: ‘He had a heart of gold’

Police department creates ‘soft’ interview room for assault survivors