Life in the capital is often busy, both through a combination of tightly packed schedules and the crowds that are a permanent fixture in central London. However, as one of the most well-connected cities in the world, London opens up the possibility of thrilling weekend adventures through access to a variety of European and UK cities by high-speed rail links.
The most notable of these, of course, is the Eurostar, running from London St.Pancras station with trains transporting travellers to several countries across Europe and beyond each day. Whilst both conveniently placed and thoroughly flexible, Eurostar destinations are not the only options for a fantastic weekend break from the city. Whether craving crisp coastal air, grandiose Georgian Architecture, or a relaxing spa break, these destinations are all accessible in a matter of hours from the city centre.
Bath
Few cities in the UK deliver quite so thoroughly on a weekend escape as Bath. The famous spa destination’s allure lies in its easy-on-the-eye architecture, panoramic landscapes beside the River Avon, and, of course, its rejuvenating geothermal properties. The focal point of this natural wonder is the acclaimed Roman Baths, which are among the best preserved in the world. The fascinating structure whisks visitors back to the city’s ancient past, where the steaming waters continue to gush out of the original Roman plumbing.
For a modern interpretation of the antiquated experience, the Thermae Bath Spa offers a rooftop pool with stunning views across Bath’s spired skyline, as well as the opportunity for indulgent treatments, sensory rooms, and thorough relaxation. Aside from wellness, Bath also offers visitors a bevy of artistic pursuits, from the Museum of Fashion and The Assembly Rooms exhibits to the curated local arts presence found in all the nooks and crannies of the city’s beautiful cobbled streets. Reachable from London Paddington in as little as an hour and twenty minutes, it's the ideal destination for a last-minute weekend getaway out of London.
Paris
Hopping on the Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris’ Gare du Nord station for a very modest two hours is the kind of intercontinental adventure that is incredibly accessible for Londoners. Bridging the gap between two of the world’s most prominent capital cities without the need for an airline service is a far smoother experience and a perfect showcase of the capabilities of modern rail travel.
With frequent services running from 5 am to last trains departing at 11 pm, travellers can freely plan an indulgent night or two away exploring France’s famous city of lights without the need to factor in lengthy journeys to airports that will waste their precious time exploring. Climbing the steps of Montmartre for picture-perfect views and tiny wine bars, exploring the life and works of one of France’s most acclaimed painters at the Musée Marmottan Monet – the options are endless and can be enjoyed for much longer due to a less stringent and centralised method of travel by train.
Bournemouth
From London Waterloo, Bournemouth can be reached by direct train in just under two hours, making it an incredibly appealing prospect for those wanting to escape the city and enjoy some fresh sea air, no matter the time of year. The town’s wide, sandy beach stretches for more than 8 miles and is reachable from the train station in less than 20 minutes. The sea is refreshing yet warm during the summer months, and the cliff-top walks offer panoramic views out over the English Channel, across the surrounding bay area of the start of the Jurassic Coast, and the Isle of Wight.
Whilst the town centre offers a raft of possibilities for visitors during their stay, those wishing for a more laid-back weekend can stop before reaching Bournemouth in the riverside town of Christchurch, or stick to the suburbs of Pokesdown, where the beach is mere minutes away and far quieter in stretches. Journeying further onwards to Poole’s famous marina and lagoon, or staying in affluent communities like Canford Cliffs or Sandbanks, are perfect bases to appreciate a more refined side to Bournemouth that isn’t as commercial as its central hub.
Amsterdam
Introduced in 2019, Eurostar’s stopping service to Amsterdam changed the possibilities for further rail travel in Europe from the UK. After a successful trial period, the service has been fully incorporated into the Eurostar schedule, with a new terminal built at Amsterdam Central to accommodate the greater demand for seats on this route. With a journey time of just over 4 hours, this alternative to air travel is not just a greener option, but offers a pragmatic choice for those living in central London wishing to hop on the train straight from the office and head to the Dutch Capital.
Amsterdam’s appeal is as deep and intricate as its network of waterways that visitors can explore on foot, by bike, or by boat. A city renowned for its art and heritage, the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House form a golden triangle of sorts that enshrines Amsterdam’s appeal to those seeking a cultured weekend break. For those wanting to explore more of the Netherlands outside the city, the stopping service on the Eurostar also opens up the possibility of visiting Rotterdam, as an alternate weekend destination, whilst other destinations such as The Hague and Utrecht make for fantastic day trips from the capital.
York
The density of York’s fascinating heritage is reason alone to visit this northern jewel. Within its compact centre, you’ll find York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, along with Roman ruins, Viking exhibitions at the Jorvik Centre and timber-framed tearooms along the medieval street known as The Shambles. It’s a magical destination and easily reachable from London in around two hours, furthering its appeal for weekend breaks that are focused on exploring Britain’s rich history.
For walkers, it's a fantastic starting point to venture out from the city limits and explore the sweeping scenery of the Yorkshire Dales, trekking up rugged hills and down into deep valleys, where cosy stone-walled pubs await to offer respite from the tough terrain. Alternatively, visiting the spa town of Harrogate or the beautiful riverside community of Knaresborough, both just minutes away from York by train, are worthy activities for weekend visitors to explore more of this part of the country.
Brussels
Often overshadowed by Amsterdam and Paris, the capital of Belgium offers a different kind of weekend trip. The focus when visiting Brussels is always centred around a quieter, more nuanced look at a city that’s not short on grand plazas and some of the most indulgent comfort food and drink on the continent. With a journey time from London of just under two hours on the Eurostar, weekend travellers are well-placed to capitalise on Brussels’s offerings with considerable ease.
Whether perusing the endless options of the country's excellent varieties of beer, learning about the age-old art form of chocolate making, or exploring the many adventures of Tintin at the Hergé Museum, Brussels has plenty to keep visitors engaged during a weekend stopover. The nearby towns of Bruges and Ghent are both under an hour by train, and ideal for visiting out of the busy summer seasons, whilst the Waterloo Monument makes for a great walking trip exploring one of Europe’s most famous battlefields.
