Day Trips From London by Train in Winter
Winter in London feels magical with twinkling lights, cozy cafés, and that festive buzz in the air. But sometimes, stepping out of the busy city for a day feels refreshing and almost necessary.
Honestly, some of our best winter memories are from these little escapes bundled up in warm coats, sipping hot chocolate, and discovering quiet corners wrapped in mist.
Whether you live here or are just visiting, planning a winter day trip is super easy and so rewarding. Pack a scarf, comfy shoes, and a little festive spirit and you’re ready to go!
Here are some winter day trips from London that we personally loved, with distances, introductions, favorite moments, and extra tips.
The train from London Kings Cross to York takes just under 2 hours.
Day Trips From London by Train in Winter
1. Oxford
Location: Oxfordshire
Distance: ~1 hour by train from London Paddington or Marylebone
Introduction:
Best day trips from London. Known for its ancient university, dreamy spires, and classic English charm, Oxford feels especially magical in winter. Soft mists weave between old college buildings, and little cafés glow with golden light.
Getting There:
Trains leave regularly from London Paddington and Marylebone, and it’s just about an hour.
Must-See Attractions:
- Radcliffe Camera
- Covered Market
- Bodleian Library
Where to Eat:
Try The Handle Bar Café for hearty brunch or The Missing Bean for amazing coffee.
Activities:
- Take a guided walking tour full of spooky tales.
- Wander cobbled streets early for peaceful photos.
- Warm up with hot chocolate inside the market.
Experience:
Standing by the Radcliffe Camera wrapped in mist felt like stepping into a novel. Later, we cozied up with a giant hot chocolate at the market, our noses still cold but hearts so happy.
2. Windsor
Location: Berkshire
Distance: ~1 hour by train from Paddington Station
Introduction:
Windsor brings festive magic and royal elegance together. In winter, the town sparkles with fairy lights, and the historic castle looks even grander against the crisp sky.
Getting There:
Catch a train from London Paddington; it’s a short and easy journey.
Must-See Attractions:
- Windsor Castle
- Windsor Great Park
- Eton College (just across the bridge)
Where to Eat:
The Duchess of Cambridge Pub serves delicious British classics, perfect for a winter day.
Activities:
- Watch the changing of the guard.
- Wander through festively decorated streets.
- Cross to Eton for charming old-world lanes.
Experience:
We still talk about the morning we heard the royal band play Christmas carols during the changing of the guard pure magic! With hands wrapped around warm coffee cups, we strolled through the twinkling town, feeling like we were inside a Christmas card.
3. Bath
Location: Somerset
Distance: ~1 hour 20 minutes by train from London Paddington
Introduction:
Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage city with honey-colored stone buildings, ancient Roman baths, and a relaxed, elegant vibe. Winter dresses it up even more beautifully, with soft lights reflecting off old stones.
Getting There:
Direct trains run often from London Paddington.
Must-See Attractions:
- Roman Baths
- Bath Abbey
- Pulteney Bridge
Where to Eat:
Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House don’t miss their famous buns!
Activities:
- Soak in the rooftop Thermae Bath Spa.
- Shop at festive stalls if visiting during the Christmas Market.
- Take a scenic winter walk along the Royal Crescent.
Experience:
After wandering the frosty streets, sinking into the warm rooftop waters of Thermae Spa as the sun set behind Bath’s spires was one of the dreamiest moments ever. The mist rose around us, and everything else melted away.
4. Harry Potter Studio Tour
Location: Leavesden, Hertfordshire
Distance: ~1 hour by train and shuttle from London Euston
Introduction:
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping inside the magical world of Harry Potter, this is the place. In winter, the studios are even more magical Hogwarts gets blanketed in “snow,” and the Great Hall glows with Christmas feasts.
Getting There:
Take a train from London Euston to Watford Junction (20 mins), then hop on the Harry Potter shuttle bus.
Must-See Attractions:
- The Great Hall dressed for Christmas
- Diagon Alley with snow
- Hogwarts Castle model under snowfall
Where to Eat:
Grab a Butterbeer at the Backlot Café halfway through the tour!
Activities:
- Try riding a broomstick (green screen fun!)
- Explore costumes, sets, and props up close.
- Shop for wands and souvenirs in the gift shop.
Experience:
Walking into the Great Hall with its huge trees and festive feast literally gave us goosebumps. It felt like being inside the movies. We spent forever in Diagon Alley, laughing and taking goofy photos under the “snow.”
5. The Cotswolds
Location: Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire
Distance: ~2 hours by car from London
Introduction:
The Cotswolds are a dreamy patchwork of tiny villages, rolling hills, and honey-colored stone cottages. In winter, these villages look like they’re straight out of a snow globe quiet, cozy, and postcard-perfect.
Getting There:
Best by car (easiest to hop between villages), but you can also take trains to Moreton-in-Marsh or Kingham and get a taxi.
Must-See Attractions:
- Bourton-on-the-Water (the “Venice of the Cotswolds”)
- Bibury (the famous Arlington Row)
- Broadway Tower
Where to Eat:
The Swan Hotel in Bibury or The Slaughters Country Inn for a hearty countryside meal.
Activities:
- Stroll riverside paths dusted with frost.
- Cozy up by roaring fires in village pubs.
- Explore little Christmas markets (if timing fits).
Experience:
We stayed until sunset in Bibury the golden stone cottages looked even more magical under the soft glow of fairy lights. After a snowy walk by the river, we ended the evening with a fireside dinner, rosy-cheeked and completely in love with the winter countryside.
6. Stratford-upon-Avon
Location: Warwickshire
Distance: ~2 hours by train from London Marylebone
Introduction:
The birthplace of Shakespeare is a charming town full of half-timbered houses, historic theaters, and river walks. In winter, it feels especially timeless like you’ve stepped into a storybook.
Getting There:
Take a direct train from London Marylebone to Stratford-upon-Avon.
Must-See Attractions:
- Shakespeare’s Birthplace
- Royal Shakespeare Theatre
- Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
Where to Eat:
Loxley’s Restaurant & Wine Bar cozy and elegant with delicious seasonal dishes.
Activities:
- Watch a play at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
- Explore Tudor-style houses decorated for Christmas.
- Take a quiet walk along the River Avon.
Experience:
We watched a Shakespearean comedy in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, then wandered through the quiet, lamp-lit streets. The timbered houses looked like they were holding centuries of secrets, and the chilly air just made the whole town feel even more magical.
7. Cambridge
Location: Cambridgeshire
Distance: ~1 hour by train from London King’s Cross
Introduction:
Cambridge’s ancient colleges, quiet courtyards, and beautiful river views are charming all year, but in winter they feel particularly peaceful. There’s a calm beauty here especially when soft fog hugs the spires.
Getting There:
Fast trains from London King’s Cross reach Cambridge in about an hour.
Must-See Attractions:
- King’s College Chapel
- The Backs (views along the River Cam)
- Fitzwilliam Museum
Where to Eat:
Fitzbillies is famous for its sticky Chelsea buns and a cozy winter lunch.
Activities:
- Take a winter punting tour with blankets and hot drinks.
- Visit the colleges decorated with wreaths and lights.
- Explore small bookshops and art galleries.
Experience:
We bundled up in thick blankets for a winter punting ride on the River Cam mist rising from the water, and the spires peeking through the fog. Afterward, we devoured sticky buns at Fitzbillies, fingers sticky and happy.
8. Brighton
Location: East Sussex
Distance: ~1 hour by train from London Victoria
Introduction:
Brighton may be known for its summer beach vibe, but winter gives the seaside town a raw, peaceful beauty. Windy walks along the pier, cozy shops in The Lanes, and sunset skies make it perfect for a different kind of coastal trip.
Getting There:
Direct trains from London Victoria reach Brighton in about an hour.
Must-See Attractions:
- Brighton Palace Pier
- The Lanes (charming little streets)
- Royal Pavilion
Where to Eat:
The Coal Shed for a warming meal of steaks or fish, or cozy up in one of the small cafés in The Lanes.
Activities:
- Wander the pebbled beach and watch the winter waves.
- Visit the Royal Pavilion, which looks like a fairy-tale palace.
- Browse quirky shops and vintage boutiques.
Experience:
The wind was wild when we visited, but walking the almost empty Brighton Pier with a giant bag of hot donuts in hand was pure joy. Later, we ducked into a tiny café in The Lanes and watched the rain tap against the window while sipping hot coffee.
Quick Recap:
| Place | Distance from London | Highlight Moment |
|---|---|---|
| Harry Potter Studio Tour | 1 hr | Great Hall at Christmas, magical Diagon Alley snow |
| Cotswolds | 2 hrs | Sunset in Bibury, fireside dinners in old stone cottages |
| Stratford-upon-Avon | 2 hrs | Shakespearean play and riverside walk |
| Cambridge | 1 hr | Punting on the misty River Cam with cozy blankets |
| Brighton | 1 hr | Windy pier walks, hot donuts, and warm coffee in The Lanes |
Conclusion
Winter day trips from London by train offer a cozy and magical escape from the city. Whether you visit charming towns like Bath or Canterbury, or explore the festive lights of Brighton and Windsor, each destination has its own winter charm.
Trains make travel easy and comfortable, even on chilly days. From Christmas markets to peaceful countryside walks, there’s something for everyone.
Winter may be cold, but it brings a special beauty to these nearby spots. So bundle up, grab a warm drink, and enjoy a perfect winter adventure from London!
FAQs
Q1: Do I need to book train tickets in advance?
Booking in advance is recommended to get cheaper fares, especially for popular places. Tickets are often more expensive if you buy them on the day.
Q2: What should I wear for a winter day trip?
Dress warmly! Layers are best — think a good coat, hat, gloves, and waterproof shoes. Some destinations can get windy or rainy, so a small umbrella is handy too.
Q3: Are there winter festivals or Christmas markets worth seeing?
Yes! Many towns have festive markets, lights, and events. Bath, Winchester, and Canterbury are especially famous for their Christmas markets.
Q4: Are attractions open in winter?
Most attractions stay open, but opening hours may be shorter. Some outdoor attractions might close early due to daylight. Always check official websites before planning your visit.
Q5: Can I take a day trip to the countryside in winter?
Yes! Places like the Cotswolds and Seven Sisters are stunning even in winter. Just be mindful of shorter daylight hours and pack accordingly.
Q6: Is it safe to travel by train during winter weather?
Yes, it’s generally safe. British railways are well-equipped to handle winter, but it’s smart to double-check weather forecasts and train services, especially if snow is expected.