Get out and explore

While there is no denying the excitement of London living, you may sometimes feel like you need a break from the city. Day trips can be a perfect way to relax, either solo or with your mates, as well as an opportunity to explore a new area. Day trips don't have to break the budget either. This article includes a few suggestions of places to visit and things to do when you get there!

• Top Tip! For any students looking to travel around the UK, a Railcard is a must. For £30 a year, the Railcard gets you a 1/3 off the cost of all train travel around the UK. All the ticket prices included here are with a Railcard discount, but of course, you can still travel to all these destinations without one. 
• Use the Trainline app or website to see the different train times and schedules available for the day you wish to travel.

Whitstable

Famous for its Oysters, Whitstable is a seaside town in Kent. It's the perfect place to enjoy some fresh air at the seafront. Explore the town, take a walk along the beach and stop for lunch at The Forge to sample some fish and chips, a British Classic. 

Setting off from London Victoria and St Pancras International the journey to Whitstable takes around an hour and fifteen minutes, with a return ticket costing between £13-16. Check out this TikTok for inspiration! 

Greenwich

Situated in southeast London a day trip to Greenwich is a must. You can get there by train from London Blackfriars, Cannon Street and Liverpool Street. The journey takes between 12-26 minutes with a return ticket costing between £4-8. However, you can also travel to Greenwich by Uber boat!

• For lovers of history head to the Free National Maritime Museum
• Or visit the Greenwich market for some shopping or to explore the food market
• Greenwich park boasts some stunning views of the Thames and the city and is also home to the Royal Observatory but bear in mind you have to book tickets for this attraction.
• Take in some history at the National Maritime Museum (free!)

Brighton

Brighton, Sussex is a very popular UK seaside town and is an especially practical day trip for those living at Bankside House as you can travel directly to Brighton from Blackfriars station. You can also travel from London Victoria, with a return ticket costing between £13-20. 

Take a walk around Brighton and explore the famous Brighton Lanes and the Royal Pavillion gardens with a lunch break at Donatello! For amazing views and fresh air, watch the sunset at Devils Dyke  pictured below. Before heading back to London, finish your day with a cocktail at Twisted Lemon.

Bristol

A slightly longer and more expensive trip, but certainly worth the trip, a return to Bristol Temple Meads will cost between £30-50 (from London Paddington). The journey takes 1hr 30-45mins. Bare in mind that a cheaper, but longer, option would be to take the 040 National Express Coach. 

• Explore St Nicholas market (established in 1743) to enjoy some street food.
• View the Iconic Site of the City, The Clifton Suspension from the Clifton Observatory 
• Discover Bristol's street art by walking tour in the home of Banksy!

These are just a few examples of places to visit, of course, there are many more places to visit further afield including Oxford, Cambridge, Bath and even Stonehenge. Why not make the most of London's excellent transport links and head out for a day trip?