The Best Day Trips from London You Can Do by Train

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4. Oxford: For Dreaming Spires & Literary Feels

1 hr from London Paddington
Harry Potter vibes? Check. Gorgeous architecture? Double check. Oxford is elegant and walkable, with bookshops galore and winding lanes that look straight out of a period drama. Pop into the Bodleian Library, grab a pint at The Eagle and Child (Tolkien’s old haunt), and channel your inner scholar.

5. Lewes: For Castles & Countryside Charm

1 hr from London Victoria
This under-the-radar Sussex town is all quaint streets, antique shops, and a surprisingly impressive Norman castle. There’s a riverside brewery (Harvey’s), great walks in the South Downs nearby, and a slower, local pace that’s perfect for a breather.

6. Margate: For Artsy Escapes & Sea Breezes

1 hr 30 min from London St. Pancras
Margate’s had a glow-up, and now it’s where Londoners go for beachy retro fun and edgy galleries. Visit the Turner Contemporary, stroll through Dreamland amusement park, and browse the vintage shops that line the Old Town. It’s a little weird, in the best way.

Summary

You don’t need a car—or a full weekend—to escape London. Whether you want beachy calm, scholarly charm, or a breath of fresh country air, there’s a train and a town waiting for you. So pack a tote, grab your railcard, and make the most of what’s just beyond the city limits.