With its thriving nightlife, global significance and centuries of political and economic power, for many, London may feel like the epicentre of the UK. But sometimes even the most devoted London-ite needs a break to sample the plethora of excellent cities that are within striking distance of the capital.
Whether you're craving some fresh sea air, a slice of medieval history, or just a change of scenery, a short train journey can deliver you to a refreshing city break and provide a great opportunity to explore somewhere new.
Cambridge – The Academic Jewel
Journey time: Approximately 50 minutes
Best train route: Direct from King’s Cross or Liverpool Street
Cambridge is much loved for its prestigious university, gothic architecture and the quintessential pastime of punting along the River Cam. It's a blend of academic history – shaping countless great minds, from Sir Isaac Newton to Alan Turing – and charming English countryside, which makes it a perfect day trip or weekend getaway, that can feel a world away from the capital.
Must-see sights include King’s College Chapel, the Fitzwilliam Museum and the contemporary Kettles Yard art gallery. The picturesque ‘Backs’ is an idyllic place to take an evening stroll.
Trains from London King's Cross offer the fastest route, taking around 50 minutes with frequent departures. An alternative is from Liverpool Street, which takes a little longer but can be more convenient if you're coming from the east side of London.
Brighton – Seaside Fun
Journey time: Approximately 1 hour
Best train route: From London Victoria or London Bridge
At just an hour’s journey due south, Brighton is arguably London’s favourite beach town. It’s vibrant, quirky and filled with independent shops, cafes, and a thriving arts scene that makes it a magnet for the capital’s day-trippers, weekend-breakers and those looking to relocate; so much so, it is often referred to as London-on-Sea.
The pebble beach, iconic pier, stunning Royal Pavilion and buzzing ‘Lanes’ area all add to its appeal. There are top-notch restaurants galore throughout the city and some seriously good coffee shops and bars. The seafront food market, The Shelter Hall, is relatively new on the scene and with seven operating kitchens and live music, really stands out, making the trip from the capital even more memorable.
Trains from London Victoria and London Bridge run frequently, and the journey takes around an hour or a little longer from Blackfriars. If you're planning to travel during a weekend, be sure to check for any engineering works, which are occasionally scheduled on the Brighton mainline.
Oxford – The City of Dreaming Spires
Journey time: Approximately 1 hour
Best train route: From London Paddington or London Marylebone
Much like its Oxbridge counterpart to the east, Oxford is another historic university city steeped in tradition and stunning architecture. Known as the “City of Dreaming Spires”, it offers a mix of academic prestige, literary connections and timeless charm.
Taking a stroll around Oxford, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were on a film set, with many locations in the city used for iconic scenes in the Harry Potter film franchise, including several of its 30 colleges. Other highlights include exploring the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and Christ Church College (which inspired parts of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts) as well as riverside walks, where one gets to absorb the subtle hum of this ancient city.
As you would expect with a well-heeled area that attracts some of the brightest minds across the world, there are some fantastic places to dine and enjoy a drink. The Bear pub is said to be the oldest in Oxford (which is quite some claim), whilst both the Perch and the Trout offer idyllic riverside locations.
You can travel from Paddington or Marylebone stations, with trains from Paddington being generally faster (around 1 hour) and more frequent, while the Marylebone route offers a quieter, more scenic ride.
St Albans – Roman Roots and Cathedral Views
Journey time: Approximately 20–30 minutes
Best train route: From London St Pancras International
Just north of London lies the historic cathedral city of St Albans. The closest city by train to the capital, it is an understandable go-to spot for wealthy commuters and consequently, it is bursting with character and buzzing with life. Its proximity to London makes it perfect for those short on time but looking for a day out with plenty to do.
Alongside its vibrant restaurant, bar and café scene, it’s the history that is the real star of the show in this small, but perfectly formed city. The stunning St Albans Cathedral, Roman Verulamium Park, and its bustling market that dates back to the 9th century would all sit comfortably on the ‘must see’ list of any city, and its beautiful Tudor streets make shopping an absolute delight.
Direct trains from St Pancras International get you to St Albans in about 20 minutes. The city is easily walkable from the station, making it ideal for a spontaneous escape.
Manchester – A Northern Powerhouse
Journey time: Approximately 2 hoursBest train route: From London Euston
Not an obvious choice, for ‘nearby cities’ to London, but train routes to this booming northern powerhouse make it closer than one might think and it is well worth a visit.
In just two hours from central London, you can be taking in the cobbles of Britain’s longest-running drama, Coronation Street; sampling the gastronomic delights of the city centre; or be entertained by one of the UK’s most thriving arts, music and sports scenes.
Frequent limited-stop trains from London Euston shoot up the spine of the country, arriving at Manchester Piccadilly in the heart of the UK’s fastest-growing economy, in the same time it can take to circumnavigate the M25.
You don’t have to travel far to discover something new. Within an hour or so from the capital, you’ll find cities rich in culture, heritage, and beauty. Whether you're craving places steeped in history, seaside cool, or regal grandeur, the country’s railway network makes exploring these gems simple and enjoyable. So next time you plan a getaway, let the train whisk you away.
