London is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world but one of the best things about it is how accessible the rest of the country is from the central capital hub.
There are hundreds of incredible potential train journeys leaving London every day that could form the backbone of an exciting staycation. Here are just a few of the most interesting London train destinations.
The Cotswolds
A picture-perfect representation of what an English holiday is all about, The Cotswolds is full of charming villages and is commonly referred to as one of the most beautiful parts of the country. From Castle Combe and the famous Painswick Beacon to the shopping paradise of Chipping Campden, if you’re looking for a taste of the way Britain used to be, The Cotswolds are ideal. Best of all, you can take a direct train from London to Banbury on the outskirts of the Cotswolds in less than an hour.
Brighton
Perhaps the most famous of all London train journeys, the London to Brighton route on the Thameslink Railway is something of a classic trip. It takes just over an hour and is a famously scenic ride and then you get to enjoy all the seaside delights of Brighton itself. Brighton beach alone is worth making the journey for, as it stretches for miles along the bottom of the city, also boasting one of the longest piers in the world. The nightlife is pretty incredible too, so you’ll regularly find revellers from London popping down to Brighton for a heavy weekend.
Seven Sisters Cliffs
Just a short jaunt south of Brighton, the Seven Sister Cliffs is an idyllic location for everything from cycling and long walks to kayaking and wildlife spotting. It’s one of the most iconic country parks in the UK and provides a gentle pivot from the hustle and bustle of London and Brighton. It’s also remarkably easy to reach by train. Take the roughly 90-minute train from London to Eastbourne station and then the part is just a 10-minute walk from there.
Stonehenge
The ancient British landmark against which all other ancient British landmarks are judged, Stonehenge is a truly humbling thing to experience. Easily accessible by taking a train from Waterloo station straight into Salisbury just 10 miles south of the world wonder, it’s a journey that every Londoner owes themselves to take at least once in their lives.
Oxford and Cambridge
The twin cities of Oxbridge are revered for their Universities but they are also densely historic regions with their own unique charms that make them ideally placed for days out. A train from London to Oxford can also take less than 45 minutes on a good day and you might want to consider stopping off in Reading on the way.
Images courtesy of unsplash.com
