Waterloo Station is an important part of London’s transport infrastructure. But it’s more than that, too. This is both a train and a bus station that operates as a terminus of several major railway lines throughout southern England.
That makes Waterloo a great place to begin a day trip from London. Drop off your bags at a Waterloo Station luggage storage, and you’ll be ready to travel light and see more of the country than just its capital. These day trips can show you a different side of England that you won’t necessarily get in London, and if nothing else, they’ll give you a break from the hectic pace of the big city.
Weymouth
This is a seaside town in Dorset that’s about two hours from London by train. It’s a popular destination for tourists, and there are plenty of things to do here, including shopping, swimming, and sunbathing on the beach. There’s also a harbor where you can take a boat ride or just enjoy the views.
Bath
This city in Somerset is most famous for its Roman baths, which are still open to the public and definitely worth a visit. But there’s more to Bath than that. It’s also a great place to shop, with plenty of high-end stores as well as more affordable options. There are also several museums if you’re interested in learning about the area’s history. The train journey from London takes about 1.5 hours.
Brighton
This seaside town in East Sussex is just over an hour from London by train. It’s a popular destination for tourists and has a lot to offer in terms of things to do. You can spend the day shopping, exploring the pier, or simply relaxing on the beach. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes if you get hungry.
Brighton is also the UK’s LGBT capital, and it’s a city known for its permissive attitudes and lively nightlife. As well as being a classic British seaside resort, Brighton is a home for artistic and countercultural types, and that makes it a fantastic place to explore outside of London.
Portsmouth
This city in Hampshire is home to a large naval dockyard where you can learn about the history of the British navy and see the HMS Victory. There’s also a popular shopping district, and the views from Portsmouth Cathedral are definitely worth checking out. In fact, there are many things to see and do in Portsmouth, UK. The city is home to the Mary Rose Museum and the Spinnaker Tower. The journey from London takes about 1.5 hours by train.
Salisbury
This city in Wiltshire is most famous for its cathedral, which is one of the largest in the UK. The city is also home to a number of museums, including one devoted to the history of the Magna Carta. You can reach Salisbury by train from London in about an hour and a half.
Salisbury is also notable for being the closest train station to Stonehenge. This prehistoric monument is located in Wiltshire, not far from Salisbury. It’s one of the most famous landmarks in the UK, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in history or archaeology. You can reach Stonehenge by taking a bus from Salisbury, and it may be worth investing in a guided tour to learn more about this mysterious monument.
Canterbury
This city in Kent is most famous for its cathedral, which is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. It’s also a popular tourist destination, with plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy.
The ultimate destination of medieval pilgrimages, Canterbury is immortalized in the Canterbury Tales, one of the defining works of English literature. In many ways the spiritual heart of England, Canterbury has had an influence on the history of the nation that is completely out of proportion with its relatively small size, making it well worth a visit if you have the chance.
Hampton Court Palace
This palace is located in Richmond, Surrey, and it was once the home of King Henry VIII. Today, it’s open to the public, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in British history. You can reach Hampton Court Palace by taking a train from Waterloo Station to Richmond, which takes about half an hour.
A guided tour of Hampton Court Palace will fill you in on the sometimes turbulent history of this magnificent building. And a stroll around the beautifully manicured gardens is the perfect antidote to the fatigue that can set in after too long spent in London. Although it’s only a short distance from the heart of the capital, this palace makes a great place for a quick trip that will recharge your batteries so you can carry on enjoying everything London has to offer.
Windsor Castle
This castle is located in Berkshire, just outside of London. It’s the official residence of the British royal family, and it should be on your itinerary if you want to learn more about the monarchy. You can reach Windsor Castle by taking a train from Waterloo Station to Slough, which takes about half an hour.
The town of Windsor is also well worth exploring while you have the chance. This quaint little town is full of traditional British pubs and cute cafes, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of London.
Reading
Reading, located in Berkshire, is most famous for its university, but there’s also a lot to see and do for tourists. The journey from London by train takes about an hour.
When you’re in Reading, be sure to check out the Uffington White Horse. This prehistoric hill figure is located just outside of the town, and it’s definitely impressive, especially if you’re interested in history or archaeology. You can reach the Uffington White Horse by taking a bus from Reading.
Conclusion
Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, food, or relaxing in the countryside, these day trips from Waterloo Station can give you lots to enjoy. Drop off your bags and get ready to see more of what southern England has to offer, and you’ll be planning your next trip before you know it.
