Top Weekend Getaways from London by Train

Traveling by train can be the ideal stress-free weekend getaway. With a new London to Edinburgh high-speed train service being launched, be inspired to take a spa day in Bath, spend time on the river in Cambridge, or hunt out Bristol’s best street art. Here are the best weekend breaks that are less than two hours from London by direct train.

Brighton

Best for a busy weekend by the sea

The seaside city of Brighton is the classic weekend getaway from London and has been since the railway opened in the 1840s.

• Do: Head downhill from the station towards the sea via the Lanes, Brighton’s premier spot for independent stores. Admire the opulent Royal Pavilion, a Regency-era party palace for the royals, and enjoy the seaside kitsch of Brighton Pier, packed with amusements and arcade games.
• Eat: Brighton is one of the top places in the UK for vegan and vegetarian food: try plant-based pizza at Purezza or quality veggie cuisine at Terre à Terre. For classic fish and chips on the seafront visit The Regency.
• Stay: Several large chain hotels line the seafront, but for a highly-rated independent boutique experience, stay at Hotel Una near the West Pier. Legends Hotel is perfect for LGBTQ+ travelers in Kemptown.

Cambridge

Best for a peaceful city break

45 minutes to an hour from King’s Cross Station

The university city of Cambridge features ancient colleges with striking architecture best viewed from the water.

• Do: Punting is the ultimate Cambridge experience. Reserve a spot with one of the many punting companies that navigate the River Cam, and enjoy a tour through the picturesque “Backs” in a flat-bottomed boat piloted by a knowledgeable guide. Once you’ve grasped the landscape, explore the city’s cobbled passages and ancient pubs further on foot.
• Eat: For a fine dining experience, indulge in a meal at Midsummer House. If you’re on a budget, savor the tastes at Pint Shop.
• Stay: Experience the charm of the Clayton Hotel, where you can feel like a Cambridge scholar in a well-designed setting.

Bristol

Best for street art

1 hour 40 minutes from Paddington Station to Bristol Temple Meads

Bristol’s cobbled streets are often adorned with vibrant art on red-brick buildings.

• Do: Embark on a street art walking tour and see how many Banksy works you can find. In the evening, enjoy a music or comedy gig at Bristol Beacon or catch a performance at Bristol Old Vic, the longest continuously running theater in the English-speaking world.
• Eat: The Riverstation offers a stunning waterside setting with delectable dishes like pan-fried turbot with squid-ink sauce.
• Stay: For luxury, choose the 18th-century Hotel du Vin. Budget travelers will find comfort at the Ibis Temple Meads Quay, conveniently located near the train station.

Bath

Best for a city spa break

1 hour 20 minutes from Paddington to Bath Spa

Bath is known for its stunning Georgian architecture, exemplified by the magnificent semicircle terrace of town houses known as the Royal Crescent.

• Do: Explore No1 Royal Crescent, which showcases Georgian life. Don’t miss the Roman Baths, an elaborate site from 70 AD. For relaxation, visit Thermae Bath Spa for gentle whirlpools and a rooftop pool with panoramic views.
• Eat: Bath boasts delightful dining options, including historical tea rooms like Sally Lunn’s and renowned gastropubs like the Marlborough Tavern.
• Stay: Choose from various independent accommodations, including the boutique Grays or the luxurious Three Abbey Green.

York

Best for medieval history

1 hour 50 minutes from London King’s Cross

The medieval city of York has a rich heritage to explore and is served by faster trains.

• Do: Stroll along the 13th-century walls and narrow streets, particularly the atmospheric Shambles. Visit the stunning York Minster and explore the Jorvik Viking Centre for an interactive look at its Viking past.
• Eat: Enjoy diverse dining choices with a modern British menu at Skosh, or grab some street food at the Shambles Food Court.
• Stay: Experience luxury at Grays Court for unique designs or discover budget options like St Raphael guesthouse.

Cardiff

Best for live music and nightlife

1 hour 50 minutes from Paddington Station to Cardiff Central

Wales’s capital offers lively nightlife alongside its rich history.

• Do: Explore the opulent interiors of Cardiff Castle. Stroll through the nearby Bute Park and stop at the charming Pettigrew Tea Rooms for delightful Welsh cakes. For nightlife, head to venues like The Moon or Clwb Ifor Bach.
• Eat: Savor the dishes at the well-loved Indian restaurant Mint & Mustard or dine waterfront at one of the many restaurants at Cardiff Bay.
• Stay: Enjoy luxury at Hotel Indigo, which features a rooftop restaurant.

New Forest

Best for wildlife and nature

1 hour 35 minutes from Waterloo Station to Brockenhurst

Exploring a national park by train is now feasible thanks to good connections to Brockenhurst in the New Forest.

• Do: In autumn, see roaming pigs and ponies in this vast national park. This accessible area is perfect for cycling or horseback riding to see the beautiful countryside.
• Eat: Enjoy local delicacies at various cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Brockenhurst. Burley Manor offers a menu filled with locally sourced ingredients.
• Stay: New Forest boasts a variety of B&Bs, boutique hotels, and charming cottages. The unique experience at The Pig is not to be missed.

Broadstairs

Best for a family-friendly sandy beach

1 hour 20 minutes from St Pancras International, 1 hour 40 minutes from London Victoria

The charming seaside town of Broadstairs is an ideal family beach destination in Kent.

• Do: Spend your weekend on the beach at Viking Bay, which features deck chairs and family activities. Take a scenic coastal walk offering stunning sea views.
• Eat: Choose from family-friendly pubs along Harbour Street, such as Wyatt & Jones, known for its fresh seafood.
• Stay: Family- and dog-friendly Cintra B&B and boutique Belvidere Place ensure a cozy and welcoming environment for your stay.

This article was originally published on November 6, 2019.

This article was first published Nov 6, 2019 and updated Sep 15, 2021.