Tucked just outside the capital is a popular city that has been named the best day trip destination for Londoners looking to escape.
London is known for its fast-paced energy, high-rise buildings and large population. However, constantly being in the capital can be overwhelming and overbearing, especially in summer, leading Londoners to find a new destination to visit for a much-needed break away.
Locals tend to head further east to Kent due to its close proximity, beach and city views and affordable pricing. However, a new top day trip destination has been named for Londoners eager to escape the city’s fast pace. Premium student accommodation, Chapter London, has revealed its top 10 list for the best day trip locations across the UK.
The ranking is based on the average return ticket cost, the price of a return ticket with a 16-25 or 26-30 railcard, the average travel time, the number of attractions, the number of places to eat, the number of Instagram hashtags for the location, and a total day trip score.
The location declared as the number one spot is the popular seaside destination of Brighton. The coastal city is just two hours and 15 minutes from London by train.
This vibrant area offers more than 600 attractions, including the iconic Brighton Palace Pier, the exotic Royal Pavilion, and the unique independent shops of The Lanes. With over 900 dining spots, there’s something for every taste—from traditional fish and chips on the beach to stylish vegan brunches in hidden cafés.
It earned a strong day trip score of 8.52, with average return fares at £26.49, or £17.54 with a 16–25 Railcard. Despite not ranking first place, Maidstone in Kent comes in a respectable second place. The Kentish town has an average day trip score of 6.57.
Maidstone’s biggest weakness is its lack of attractions compared to Brighton, as it only has 212. It also has limited places to eat (243) and a smaller number of Instagram hashtags (611,000), but it is the closest location out of all 10, being an hour and 45 minutes away.
Ranking number 10 on the list is Canterbury. Its average return ticket is the second priciest at £41.19. It is also one of the furthest away, with a travel time of three hours and two minutes. However, it has more attractions than its neighbouring city, Maidstone.
Full ranking for the best day trip location below
Rank
Day trip location
Average return ticket cost
Price of a return ticket with 16-25 / 26-30 railcard
Average train travel time
Number of attractions
Number of places to eat
Number of Instagram hashtags for the location
Total day trip score
/10
1
Brighton
£26.49
£17.54
2h 15m
683
925
8,500,000
8.52
2
Maidstone
£21.49
£14.29
1h 45m
212
243
611,000
6.57
3
Southend-on-Sea
£29.79
£19.79
2h 45m
266
590
457,000
6.39
4
Cambridge
£54.69
£36.24
2h 53m
510
441
5,900,000
6.33
5
Windsor
£26.39
£17.49
3h 05m
177
200
2,900,000
6.20
6
Rochester
£18.59
£12.39
2h 11m
107
87
5,751
6.18
7
Hastings
£33.29
£22.14
2h 46m
190
302
1,200,000
5.96
8
Guildford
£36.89
£24.49
2h 08m
192
182
850,000
5.85
8
Dorking
£27.99
£18.69
2h 03m
71
86
234,000
5.85
10
Canterbury
£41.19
£27.44
3h 02m
349
207
1,400,000
5.79