Explore the prettiest towns around London – day trips by train

For many, a city break to London is one of the absolute classics in Europe. However, with sights such as Big Ben, the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace, time can quickly run short. If you want to experience more than just the capital, you should definitely look beyond the city limits: the area around London is home to some of England’s most beautiful towns, which are ideal for a day trip.

The best part is that, thanks to the excellent rail network, you can find yourself in the heart of historic old towns, on the coast or following in the footsteps of the British royals in no time at all. This blend of culture, history and nature makes the region around London particularly exciting – and ensures your trip is much more varied.

Cambridge – academic history and laid-back riverside life

The traditional university city of Cambridge is one of the most popular destinations around London – and quite rightly so. Even the journey from London King’s Cross or London Liverpool Street is straightforward: in around 50 to 60 minutes, you’ll reach a city that looks like something out of a picture book.

The historic colleges dominate the cityscape. King’s College Chapel is particularly impressive, with its elaborate Gothic architecture and famous stained-glass windows. But Cambridge is more than just a destination for architecture enthusiasts: you can discover the city’s idyllic side on a stroll along the River Cam, or get active yourself and glide through the canals in a flat-bottomed boat – a pastime known as ‘punting’.

The University of Cambridge was founded as early as 1209 and, over the centuries, has produced some of the most significant figures – including scientists, Nobel laureates and writers. This long tradition is still palpable today and lends the city a very special atmosphere. At the same time, small cafés, bookshops and green parks ensure that Cambridge retains a pleasantly relaxed feel despite its global reputation.

Oxford – impressive architecture and world-famous film locations

Another highlight among the cities around London is Oxford. The city is about an hour away and is easily accessible from London Paddington. It’s clear from the moment you arrive: Oxford is characterised by imposing buildings, historic towers and a unique academic atmosphere.

At the heart of the city lies the University of Oxford, considered the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Many of the colleges are open to visitors and offer fascinating insights into student life in centuries past. Particularly worth a visit is the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, which impresses with its historic reading rooms.

Film fans will also find plenty to enjoy in Oxford: parts of the Harry Potter films were shot here, particularly at the famous Christ Church College. The Great Hall served as the inspiration for the Hogwarts Great Hall scenes and gives many visitors real goosebumps.

As well as the well-known sights, it’s well worth simply strolling through the narrow streets. Small shops, traditional pubs and hidden courtyards make up the charm of the city and invite you to take your time.

Windsor – experience royal history up close

Just a stone’s throw from London lies Windsor – a place that epitomises the British monarchy like no other. Getting there is straightforward from London Waterloo or London Paddington and takes between 30 and 50 minutes, depending on the connection.

The absolute highlight is the imposing Windsor Castle, one of the oldest inhabited castles in the world. It has served as a residence for the British royal family for over 900 years and is still used regularly today. On a tour, you can explore magnificent rooms, historic works of art and the impressive St George’s Chapel.

But Windsor has even more to offer: The charming old town, with its small shops and cafés, invites you to linger. A stroll along the Thames or through the nearby Windsor Great Park also offers a welcome change from sightseeing.

Thanks to its proximity to London, Windsor is perfect for a relaxing half-day or day trip – especially if you’re interested in history and the British Royal Family.

Brighton – coastal charm, creativity and a relaxed atmosphere

If you’re in the mood for the seaside, Brighton is the perfect choice. You can reach this lively coastal town south of London from London Victoria in about an hour – ideal for a spontaneous day trip.

Brighton is known for its laid-back, creative atmosphere. The Brighton Palace Pier is a real standout, with its fairground rides, food stalls and sea views creating a genuine holiday atmosphere. Just a short walk away is the extraordinary Royal Pavilion, whose architecture is heavily influenced by Indian and Asian styles – an intriguing contrast to the otherwise rather classical British architectural style.

Away from the well-known sights, it’s well worth taking a stroll through the ‘Lanes’, a neighbourhood of winding alleyways, independent boutiques and cosy cafés. The street food scene and the many second-hand shops also make Brighton particularly popular – especially with younger travellers.

Brighton is the perfect choice if you want to add a relaxing day by the sea to your London trip without travelling too far. There’s even an a&o hostel in a prime location, just a few metres from the Palace Pier: the a&o Brighton Beach.

Canterbury – medieval charm and a turbulent history

The city of Canterbury in south-east England is one of the country’s most historically significant places. From London St Pancras International, you can reach Canterbury in about an hour by high-speed train.

At the heart of the city stands the impressive Canterbury Cathedral, which is not only an architectural highlight but also plays a central role in the history of the Church of England. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts visitors from all over the world and is one of Britain’s most important religious buildings.

But Canterbury has plenty to offer beyond the cathedral: the old town is characterised by narrow streets, historic half-timbered houses and small shops. Parts of the old city walls are still preserved and give a good impression of what the city looked like in the Middle Ages.

Literature lovers will also recognise Canterbury from the famous ‘Canterbury Tales’, which were written as early as the 14th century and remain among the most important works of English literature to this day.

St Albans – a laid-back hidden gem with a Roman past

Less well-known, but definitely worth a visit, is St Albans. The town is only about 20 minutes from London St Pancras International and is perfect for a spontaneous day trip.

A highlight is the imposing St Albans Cathedral, which impresses with its long history. You can also follow in the footsteps of the Romans in St Albans: the remains of the ancient city of Verulamium are among the most significant Roman archaeological sites in Britain.

The town itself feels much quieter than the better-known destinations around London. That’s precisely what makes it so charming: weekly markets, small boutiques and cosy pubs create a relaxed atmosphere where you can experience typical English small-town life.

Discover diverse towns around London

A stay in London doesn’t have to be limited to the capital. The numerous towns in the surrounding area offer you the chance to get to know England from a whole range of perspectives – whether it’s the academic atmosphere of Oxford and Cambridge, the regal charm of Windsor, or the laid-back seaside vibe of Brighton.

Thanks to fast train connections, all these destinations are easily accessible and can be seamlessly integrated into your itinerary. So if you want to get more out of your trip, it’s worth planning to visit at least one of these places – you’ll soon realise just how diverse the region around London really is.

For affordable accommodation in London, the a&o London Docklands Riverside is the best choice – situated right on the Thames with a lovely view of the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. What are you waiting for?

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