6 best day trips from London

London's rail network is the densest in Europe — most day-trip towns are 30-90 minutes away.

How: 1h train from Paddington Travel time: 1h When to go: Year-round; spring loveliest

The university colleges + Bodleian library + walkable medieval center

How: 50 min train from King's Cross Travel time: 50 min When to go: Apr-Oct; punting closed in winter

Smaller, prettier, and more compact than Oxford. Punting on the Cam is essential

How: 90 min train from Paddington Travel time: 1h 30m When to go: Year-round; quietest Nov-Feb

Georgian streets, Roman baths, Jane Austen everywhere

How: 30-50 min train from Waterloo or Paddington Travel time: 30-50 min When to go: Year-round; check royal-event closures

Working royal residence and the world's oldest occupied castle

How: 1h train from St Pancras (high-speed) Travel time: 1h When to go: Year-round

Cathedral + medieval pilgrimage town

How: 1h train from Victoria Travel time: 1h When to go: Apr-Sep for the seaside

Pebble beach + Royal Pavilion + The Lanes shopping

Best day trips from London