Weekend trips away from London by Train

We love London, but sometimes you need a weekend away, lucky for you there are so many spots you can get to via train which takes all the hussle of flying out of the picture.  

Here is a list of options for your next weekend away,

Bath – Historical Bath where you can see historical landmarks as well as relax in the thermal pools. You can get to Bath within an hour from London Paddington. See this blog for more tips on a trip to Bath. 

Eastbourne – Eastbourne is a humble seaside town. Great pubs to have a beer and soak in the sun, as well as the classic British pier. This is also the start of the seven sisters walk so jump on a hop on hop off bus and do different parts of the walk while you see the white cliffs of Dover. Its an easy hour and a half journey from London Victoria. 

Windsor – Go visit the Queen! See Windsor Castle, the state apartments, crown jewels and grounds are one you will not forget, your tickets are also valid for a year so why not head back! Afterward the castle you can go on a boat trip down the Thames. Windsor is just over 30 minutes from London Paddington. 

Oxford – Head back to university with a weekend in Oxford. Learn about how this town transformed into a university town and see where the students study. Oxford is about an hour from London Paddington. You can check out more information on Oxford here. 

Cardiff – Why not visit the Wales capital? See the Cardiff Castle and learn how the Walsh were the most feared archers in Europe. Get here in two and a half hours from London Paddington. 

Paris – Why not experience a different culture. See the Eiffel Tower and Mona Lisa in just an easy train trip. See the many museums or try some dark tourism with the Catacombs. Get here in just over 2 hours with the Eurostar. See more on Paris here

Manchester – Check out the party town of Manchester! Party not your thing down worry there is a great theatre within the old cotton traders. Many TV shows are filmed here so why not see one of the sets. You can get to Manchester in just over 2 hours from London Euston. 

Brighton – Wanting a seaside visit? Head to Brighton. Have fish and chips along the pier, or see the views from the Brighton i360, then head out to town for one of the best night lives in the UK. You can get to Brighton in just over an hour from London Victoria. 

Bristol – Bristol is a very laid back city, if you can visit during the famous hot air balloon festival. See the breathtaking Avon Gorge at the Clifton Observatory. End your day with a drink beside the river with locals. You can get to Bristol in an hour and a half from London Paddington.

Cambridge – Everyone has heard of Cambridge, and there is a reason why. See the different colleges that make up the city. Then you must do a famous punting trip on the river. You can get here in around an hour from either London Kings Cross or London Liverpool Street 

York – Head north to York! Here you can see the Harry Potter like streets of Diagon Alley then go into some of the oldest pubs in the country for a beer or a mulled wine. The transport museum is also a great spot to visit. Get here in just under two hours from London Kings Cross.

Amsterdam – See the wonderful buildings that line the canals in Amsterdam. Get on a bike and take in the city like a local, you can even make a visit to a coffeeshop. The Eurostar will get you to Amsterdam in just over 4 hours. Look at this post for more advice on travel to Amsterdam.