You wouldn’t think, but there are a few really cheap day trips from London you can embark on and find yourself in historic cities or near the beach in less than a couple of hours.
From St Albans and its stunning cathedral to the stunning Royal Pavilion in Brighton, there are hidden gems all over the UK.
And if you can reach them easily from London by train – better for those who don’t have a car, why not?
9 Cheap Day Trips from London to Magical English Towns
In this guide, I will tell you a lot about some of the most historic cities in the UK, and they’re all quite cheap to access from London.
Oxford, Cambridge and Brighton used to be my favorite day trips from London when I used to live there specifically because train tickets are so cheap for these cities.
From pub grub to stunning architecture, castles, palaces, bridges and beautiful nature, you’ll most likely discover your next favorite destination here!
Cheap Day Trips from London by Train: Oxford
Oxford is one of my personal favorite – and cheap day trips from London, and easily accessible by train and bus.
It can cost you just a little over 10 pounds to go from London to Oxford and back, and you have here one of the most beautiful cities in the UK.
For one, Oxford is a historic city which hosts the prestigious University of Oxford, one of the oldest universities in the world.
There are a lot of cool study cafes in Oxford, as well as plenty of pubs and cafes in which you can enjoy breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea…
Just a really romantic day trip to take from London with your other half, especially if you’re both into historical buildings with incredible architecture.
I’m already super interested whenever I find new colorful streets in Notting Hill and other stunning neighborhoods, and that’s something I love when I’m out of London too.
For movie lovers, Oxford is one of the most popular movie locations in the world, and was featured in many movies – and even books!
Hidden bridges and beautiful nature, architecture beyond your wildest dreams, Oxford is definitely a great town to visit near London on a budget!
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Cheap Day Trips from London by Train: Cambridge
You will find another one of the oldest universities in the world in Cambridge, another historic city located about an hour something from London.
Oxford and Cambridge are both really cheap day trips from London, and you’ll also find plenty of cool things to do in Cambridge.
From taking pictures of the River Cam to visiting the King’s College Chapel, and the many museums, Cambridge really offers lots of photo angles and activities.
The Cambridge Art Museum and the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology are two amazing places to visit in Cambridge, amongst other museums and art galleries in town.
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Cheap Day Trips from London by Train: Brighton
If you ever looking for cool beaches near London, Brighton is always one of my top destinations.
Brighton is known for its young population, and with a mix of beach, cool restaurants and cafes and vibrant nightlife, it just offers a little something for everyone.
I spent many afternoons in Brighton last year, enjoying every bit of summer I could, but the beach is far from being the only attraction in town.
The Brighton Pier, for one, is a place I always make a mental note to pop by when I’m in Brighton – it’s one of the most famous landmarks in town and offers rides, street food and just cool spots to hang out.
The Royal Pavilion (pictured above) is a former royal residence which you should also discover while walking around town: it’s stunning whether the sun shines or not.
Art lovers, you’ll love Brighton’s cultural scene – from theater to music and painting, there’s always an event you can attend there.
But I’d still say that while there are lots of cool restaurants and cafes in Brighton, my favorite part of the day is always wandering around the small, picturesque streets called The Lanes.
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Cheap Day Trips from London by Train: Margate
If you’re looking for other cheap day trips from London which include the beach and aren’t Southend on Sea or Brighton, Margate, in Kent, is another good option.
Margate is a traditional British seaside resort which offers amazing sunsets, and well as a few landmarks you’d do well to visit to learn more about history.
Margate’s Old Town offers quaint coffee shops and restaurants, as well as the Turner Contemporary art gallery, one of the most famous landmarks in Margate.
Whoever is on a hunt for cheap day trips from London, Margate can be really cheap when you book in advance.
There, you’ll be able to visit Dreamland, a famous amusement park, independent shops, and have the best beach resort day ever!
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Cheap Day Trips from London by Train: Canterbury
When you arrive in Canterbury, you’ll feel the same vibe you can feel in Cambridge and Oxford – this is yet another historic city you’ll find in Kent, like Margate.
Canterbury was strongly influenced by Roman occupation, and was an important passageway for Christian pilgrimage in the Middle Ages.
That is why, naturally, the Canterbury Cathedral is one of the highlights of the city.
The Gothic architecture would almost remind you of St Dunstan in the East in London, wouldn’t it?
If you like finding cobbled streets and pretty mews in London, you’ll love the streets in Canterbury – they make for stunning photo spots!
The population in Canterbury tends to be young, since there are two important universities in town.
Hence all the cultural events, art galleries and museums – and the Marlowe Theatre, a place you have to visit for concerts and plays.
Read: The Best Harry Potter Things to Do in London
Cheap Day Trips from London by Train: St Albans
You can easily reach St Albans from London by train, since the city is located only about 20 miles from Central London.
Again, you have here one of the prettiest cities around London, and a cheap day trip which will let you in Roman and medieval eras.
The Varulamium Park, for instance, is where you will find remains of the Roman city.
From the mosaic floors to the theater and the city walls, it does almost feel like you’re in Pompeii in Italy!
From the Middle Ages, one of the most famous landmarks in St Albans is the Cathedral, which dates back from the 11th century – architecture lovers, you’ll enjoy this one very much.
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Cheap Day Trips from London by Train: York
You’ll have noticed that most of the cheap day trips from London I’m mentioning here revolve around historic cities, but they are after all some of the most beautiful places in the UK.
York, for instance, is another magical English city known for its rich history, and you’ll find traces of Roman occupation around the area.
For instance, you don’t only find Roman baths in Bath – the York Roman Bath Museum and the Roman Walls are two places heavily laden with signs of the occupation.
The medieval walls and the medieval cathedral, York Minster, are two other places perfect if you’re looking for architecture and beautiful photo spots.
The Shambles, a historic and stunning street in York is one of the most famous places to visit in town, so don’t miss out on that beauty.
Perfect, too, if you’d love to visit instagrammable places in Edinburgh or Dublin but are short on cash, since York can be quite cheap to access from London!
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Cheap Day Trips from London by Train: Hampton Court, Richmond
Hampton Court Palace is located in Richmond, none other than one of the poshest areas in London, and perfectly situated on the shore of the Thames.
The palace was renovated and expanded by King Henry VIII, and it is one of the best hidden gems in London if you love architecture and arts.
There are many things to see at Hampton Court Palace, from the Tudor Kitchens to the Chapel Royal, a stunning chapel which has hosted royal weddings and christenings.
Hampton Court Palace’s gardens are some of the most secret gardens in London, and some of the most beautiful as well.
The maze, in particular, is something to see when you’re walking around the gardens!
Art galleries, history, architecture and beautiful greenery – indeed, this is here one of the most beautiful palaces in London, and the perfect day trip from Central London!
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Cheap Day Trips from London by Train: Kingston-upon-Thames
Kingston upon Thames, also commonly called Kingston, is a town you can reach pretty easily from the center of London, and is also another historic town.
Indeed, its history can be traced back to the early medieval period, and you’ll find them really picturesque views.
From beautiful views of the Thames river to cafes, restaurants, and the Ancient marketplace, there is lots to do in Kingston.
One of the main attractions in Kingston upon Thames is the Out of Order phone booth sculpture, which seems like it’s falling like a row of dominos.
The All Saints Church and the Kingston Parish Church are two other beautiful architectural creations to visit when in town, before enjoying some laidback afternoon tea.
Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in London
9 Cheap Day Trips from London to Magical English Towns
There you have them, all the cheap day trips from London you can take to save some money on travel and still have fun out of town!
There are obviously lots of other beautiful villages near London and bigger cities like Liverpool and Manchester, but it can be trickier – and more expensive to visit.
However, you already have some of the most beautiful cities in England to visit, so all that’s left to do is book and enjoy the ride!
Until next time!
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