Days out away from London

Day trips out of London by train

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By South Western Railway April 17, 2025 9 min read
In this article, you'll learn the following:
Whether you live in the capital or are visiting, there are plenty of train trips from London you can take if you want to explore more of the UK. We’ve compiled our top destinations to inspire your next day out, from historic cities to green spaces and seaside escapes. Plus, it’s easy to get to each location from London when travelling on our network, ensuring a hassle-free day out! 

1. Explore Winchester’s historic sights 

Winchester Cathedral

If you love history, make sure to visit Winchester from London. This medieval city in Hampshire is home to a range of historic sights and attractions, from Winchester Cathedral to Wolvesey Castle. Read on to plan your train trip from London Waterloo to Winchester. 
 

Winchester Cathedral 


Discover over 1000 years of history at Winchester Cathedral – the longest medieval cathedral in the world. Pay a visit to marvel at this incredible example of Norman and Gothic architecture, or explore their varied events programme, featuring art installations, special exhibitions, cathedral and tower tours, concerts and craft workshops for kids.  

Price: £12.50 for standard tickets, £11 for over 66s and £6 for students. All tickets are annual passes, letting you visit the cathedral as many times as you like! 
Address: 9 The Close, Winchester SO23 9LS 

Wolvesey Castle 


A stone’s throw from the cathedral is the former residence of the Bishop of Winchester – Wolvesey Castle. Built in the 12th century for Bishop Henry of Blois, it’s now mostly a ruin, except for the 15th-century chapel. The chapel is part of the bishop’s current residence, Wolvesey Palace, which isn’t open to the public. However, you can explore the castle’s ruins and grounds to get an insight into its former grandeur. 

Price: Free 
Address: College Street, Winchester SO23 9NB 

Winchester College 


Although primarily a school, Winchester College is also one of the city’s most beautiful historic sights. Established in 1382, the surviving architecture includes a medieval hall, chapel and courtyard, which you might recognise from the Harry Potter films!    

However, the Winchester College Treasury Museum is a must-visit. This museum houses an impressive collection of art and archaeological artefacts, and is open to the public year-round. You can also take a guided tour of the grounds to learn more about the college’s history.   

Price: Entry to the Treasury Museum is free. Tours start from £12 for adults, £10.50 for concessions, and children under 11 go free. 
Address: College Street, Winchester SO23 9NA 

 2. Discover Windsor’s royal attractions 

Windsor Castle

Windsor is one of the best historic towns near London, thanks to its impressive architecture, proximity to nature and royal connections. Take a train from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside to get there in under an hour.  

Windsor Castle


A Windsor Castle day trip is one of the most popular days out from London, especially if you’ve already visited Buckingham Palace! The British Royal Family still inhabits parts of the castle, but the precincts, state apartments, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and St. George’s Chapel are open to the public year-round. 

Price: Tickets start from £31 for adults, £20 for young people (ages 18-24) and £15.50 for children (ages 5-17) and disabled visitors. Access companions and children under 5 go free. Visitors on Universal Credit and other named benefits can get £1 tickets with a valid ID. 

Address: Windsor SL4 1NJ 

Windsor Great Park 


Part of the Crown Estate, Windsor Great Park is a stunning green space just outside the town centre. Visitors can explore forests, grasslands, lakes and gardens, alongside historic monuments and rare wildlife. It’s the ideal place to enjoy a spring walk or spend a day exploring with kids. 

Price: Free entry to the park, but charges apply for parking, the Savill Garden and Adventure Play. 
Address: Windsor Great Park SL4 2HT 

LEGOLAND Windsor Resort 


Looking for family-friendly day trips from London? LEGOLAND Windsor Resort is a fun-filled, action-packed day out for the whole family, with rides, live shows and attractions. Located just 20 minutes from the town centre, it’s easy to get there after visiting the other main sights in Windsor! 

Price: Online saver tickets start from £29 per person. SWR Rewards customers can get 1/3 off entry to LEGOLAND Windsor Resort. 
Address: Winkfield Road, Windsor SL4 4AY 

3. Immerse yourself in Portsmouth’s maritime heritage  

Spinnaker Tower

Thanks to its location on the south coast and its rich maritime heritage, Portsmouth is the ideal destination when you need a change of pace from London. Hop aboard our London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour service to explore the top Portsmouth attractions and enjoy a day out by the sea. 

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard 


Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is undoubtedly the highlight of any trip here. Whether you’re a maritime enthusiast or not, there’s something everyone can enjoy. Visit the HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum to learn more about these ancient battleships, or check out HMS Alliance – a WWII submarine.  

Price: Tickets start from £36 for adults, £35 for seniors and £26 for children.  
Address: Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsea, Portsmouth PO1 3LJ 

Spinnaker Tower 


Standing 170 metres tall over the harbour, Spinnaker Tower is a must-visit attraction in Portsmouth. Ascend to the top for breathtaking panoramic views across the Solent and the South Downs – you can even see the Isle of Wight on a clear day. If you’re feeling brave, take the Sky Walk or book an abseiling experience.  

Price: Online saver tickets start from £13.95 for adults, £12.65 for students and seniors and £9.95 for children. Family tickets are also available. SWR Rewards customers can get 20% off entry to Spinnaker Tower. 
Address: Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth PO1 3TT 

Gunwharf Quays 


This area on the waterfront is home to outlet shopping, restaurants and entertainment, making it the perfect pit stop on your day out in Portsmouth. Head to Gunwharf Quays and present your SWR train ticket to save an extra 10% off outlet prices with SWR Rewards. 

Address: Portsmouth PO1 3TZ 

Explore more of the best day trips out of London 

The New Forest

Once you’ve visited Winchester, Windsor and Portsmouth, add these must-visit destinations to your list – all easily accessible by train from London.  

Box Hill


Box Hill in Surrey is a popular cycling destination, so hop on your bike and challenge yourself to a solid mile-and-a-half climb! It’s also a great place for walking, with family-friendly trails and more challenging hikes. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy spectacular views across the North Downs. 
 
How to get there: Catch the train from London Waterloo to Box Hill & Westhumble station. If you’re bringing your bike on board, find out everything you need to know before you travel. 

New Forest  

The New Forest is one of the best places to visit by train from London if you’re looking to get close to nature. It’s a tranquil haven where pigs, highland cattle and ponies roam wild, and wildflowers bloom in ancient forests. Check out our recommendations for days out in the New Forest to plan your visit. 
 
How to get there: Take the train from London Waterloo to Brockenhurst – a picturesque village at the heart of the New Forest.  

Guildford 

Sunny days call for a dip at Guildford Lido, or keep your feet dry and take a walk along the River Wey, finishing at Dapdune Wharf – a former industrial boat yard. Film buffs should visit the impressive Guildford Cathedral, which featured in The Omen. Discover more of the top filming locations in the South West in our guide. 
 
How to get there: Take the train from London Waterloo to Guildford – a 30-minute journey. 

Salisbury 

Best known for being the gateway to the iconic Stonehenge monument, Salisbury is an excellent place for a budget historical staycation. Begin your trip with a bus tour to Salisbury Plain, where you’ll visit Stonehenge and Old Sarum. Don’t miss the Gothic architecture of Salisbury Cathedral, which has the tallest church spire in England.  

If you’d prefer to stay a night or two, check out our guide to spending 48 hours in Salisbury for more inspiration. 
 
How to get there: It takes about 1.5 hours by train from London Waterloo to Salisbury.  

Isle of Wight 

The Isle of Wight is known for its breathtaking beaches, coastal walks and fossil hunting spots, so it’s well worth a visit! Walkers will enjoy a ramble across the Ventnor Downs, or hop on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway to see more of the island. Planning a weekend trip? Our guide to spending 48 hours on the Isle of Wight has you covered, with all the best sights and attractions.  
 
How to get there: Take the ferry from Portsmouth, Southampton or Lymington to the Isle of Wight. Don’t forget to combine your train and ferry tickets to save on your journey.  

Plan your next day out with SWR 

Ready to plan your next day out from London? With South Western Railway, day trips are hassle-free! Find cheap train tickets for your journey to save on your day out. We offer a range of ticket types, including Advance, Semi-Flex return and Sunday Out tickets. Travelling with family or friends? Make the most of our GroupSave offers, and don’t forget to check your eligibility for Railcards and discounts for further savings. 

While you’re here, sign up for our newsletter to get travel inspiration, competitions and offers sent straight to your inbox. 

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