Is there anything better than watching the city race past the window as you speed away for a romantic weekend train getaway from London? The capital may be packed full of things to do and see, but sometimes a change of scenery is just the ticket after a busy week. With hybrid working making the Friday commute a thing of the past for many, you could set off straight after work. If you work compressed hours and enjoy Fridays off then all the better, it’s time to maximise that weekend joy!
From seaside strolls in Margate to soaking in Bath’s famous spa waters, these romantic weekend getaways by train from London are ideal for couples who want quality time together without the stress of long travel. Simply pack an overnight bag, hop on a train, and you’ll be stepping into a new adventure in no time.
Brighton
Freethinking Brighton is the perfect choice for couples seeking an artistic seaside escape. Get your pulses racing with a trip 138 metres above the city in the i360. Back at ground level, take a stroll through The Lanes, a labyrinth of alleys and squares packed with artisan shops and trendy cafes. Marvel at the beautiful Royal Pavillion and its gardens before tucking into some fish and chips on the beach.
How to get there: Regular trains from London Victoria and London Bridge take under 1.5 hours.
Best time to visit: Summer is Brighton’s high season, with lively beaches and festivals, but spring and autumn are perfect for romantic strolls along the seafront without the crowds.
Where to stay: An icon of the Brighton seafront, The Grand has recently undergone a £16 million refurbishment.
Best for: Seaside-loving couples who want vibrant nightlife mixed with coastal relaxation.
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Rye
History-lovers will melt at the sight of Rye’s twisting narrow streets and weatherboard houses. Drop in to the Rye Heritage Centre, which illuminates the centuries-long history of this port town that now lies two miles from the sea. Make it a movie night with a trip to the Kino, a stylish cinema housed in a Victorian library. Or pick up a trail map and head into the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, an intriguing landscape of shingle and salt marshes, home to rare species of plants and animals.
How to get there: With a quick change at Ashford International, you can get from London St Pancras to Rye in just over an hour.
Best time to visit: Spring and summer bring colourful blooms around Mermaid Street and mild weather for coastal walks. Autumn is also magical, with cobbled streets glowing at sunset.
Where to stay: The Mermaid Inn embodies the history of Rye. At 600 years old, and rumoured to be haunted, a stay here is a must.
Best for: Couples seeking a budget-friendly yet picture-perfect getaway, with cosy pubs and coastal charm.
Oxford
Enjoy a dreamy weekend in the City of Dreaming Spires, the perfect choice for history and art lovers. While away a few hours at the Ashmolean Museum, home to a wealth of historical treasures and artworks. Take a leisurely trip on the Thames or Cherwell rivers to see the city from a different perspective. Or take a walking tour to uncover the city’s many literary connections, from Tolkein to Harry Potter.
How to get there: Trains from London Paddington to Oxford take just under one hour.
Best time to visit: Spring and early summer are especially romantic, when college gardens are in bloom and the riverside is buzzing with life. Winter also brings a magical feel, with frosty mornings and cosy pubs.
Where to stay: The historic Old Bank Hotel offers 5-star luxury just moments from the city’s iconic colleges.
Best for: Couples who love history, culture, and a traditional city break feel without travelling far.
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Stratford upon Avon
Stratford is stretching our two-hour limit just a little but this list wouldn’t be complete without the birthplace of Shakespeare. Take a tour of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre before discovering the birthplace of the bard himself and the romantic cottage where he courted his wife, Anne Hathaway. When you’ve had your fill of Will, take a trip on the river or explore the MAD Museum (Mechanical Art and Design) packed full of entertaining interactive artworks and automatons.
How to get there: Trains from London Marylebone, with a change at Leamington Spa, take just over 2 hours.
Best time to visit: Spring and summer are especially romantic, with riverside picnics and Shakespeare performances at the RSC. Autumn also adds a special charm, with golden leaves framing Tudor buildings.
Where to stay: The Townhouse offers 12 individually designed rooms housed in a Grade II listed building opposite Shakespeare’s school.
Best for: Couples who love literature, theatre, and a slower-paced romantic escape steeped in English history.
Bath
Looking like it’s dropped straight out of Bridgerton, Bath is a top destination for a romantic escape. Stroll along the grand sweeping Royal Crescent, take a dip in a thermal rooftop spa, or simply pack a picnic and spread out a blanket in a riverside park with views of the historic Pulteney Bridge. Top off your weekend with a visit to the Jane Austen Centre, author of some of the greatest romances in literature. And how about afternoon tea at the centuries-old Pump Room, where Austen herself was a patron.
How to get there: Regular trains link Bath to London Paddington in approximately 1.5 hours.
Best time to visit: Bath is beautiful year-round, but it’s especially romantic in autumn, when the Georgian crescents are framed by golden leaves, or in winter, when you can combine the city’s Christmas market with a soak in the Thermae Spa rooftop pool.
Where to stay: Get the Bridgerton treatment at the Gainsborough, housed in a landmark Grade II building and featuring a spa with exclusive access to Bath’s thermal water.
Best for: Couples looking for a luxury spa break with culture and history. Bath is perfect if you want indulgence without a long journey.
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Windsor
Enjoy a royally good weekend closer to home in Windsor. Windsor Castle is the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world; tour the lavish state apartments and ceremonial rooms as well as St George’s Chapel, the resting place of Queen Elizabeth II. Take a walk in Windsor Great Park, keeping an eye out for the red deer that call the 4,000+ acres home. Complete your royal flush with a visit to the Windsor and Eton brewery where you can sample beers such as Guardsman and Knight of the Garter.
How to get there: Take a train from London Paddington to Slough and on to Windsor in approximately 45 minutes.
Best time to visit: Windsor is a delight year-round. Spring is perfect for strolling through Windsor Great Park when the gardens are in bloom, while summer offers riverside picnics and boat rides on the Thames. In December, Windsor Castle is beautifully decorated for Christmas, adding a magical touch.
Where to stay: The Royal Adelaide Hotel is a family-owned boutique hotel opposite the Long Walk.
Best for: Couples seeking a mix of history, royal romance, and countryside walks just outside London.
Cotswolds
The classic romantic destination. The Cotswolds is home to some of England’s most picture perfect villages, from Bourton-on-the-Water with its whimsical bridges, to Castle Combe, so idyllic it’s made a slew of TV and film appearances. Cosy up in one of the many pubs for a pint and a roast or be transported back to the golden age of rail travel on the Gloucester Warwickshire Railway.
How to get there: Take the train from London Paddington to Moreton-in-the-Marsh in just under 1.5 hours.
Best time to visit: The Cotswolds shine in spring, when wildflowers bloom in the meadows, and in December, when villages like Bourton-on-the-Water are dressed in Christmas lights.
Where to stay: The Bell Inn at Moreton-in-the-Marsh is a coaching inn dating back two centuries, considered to be the inspiration for the Prancing Pony in the works of J. R. R. Tolkien.
Best for: Luxury-seeking couples or those who want a quintessentially English countryside experience.
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Margate
If you enjoy a classic seaside town then you’ll love the retro vibes of Margate. Take your time over a fresh seafood lunch followed by a trip to the vintage Ramsay and Williams ice cream parlour. Explore the town’s many galleries and museums, including the Turner Contemporary and the fun and quirky Crab Museum. Then make it a date night at Dreamland. This 100-year old fun fair reopened in 2015 following a restoration championed by Margate locals. Enjoy a range of classic rides including a pirate ship, big wheel, and the ‘Queen of Dreamland’ the Scenic Railway rollercoaster.
How to get there: Take the train from London St Pancras or Victoria to Margate in just over 1.5 hours
Best time to visit: Summer is the classic choice, with sandy beaches and sea swims, but spring and autumn weekends are perfect for quieter walks along the coast and browsing the town’s creative scene.
Where to stay: No.42 by Guesthouse, Margate offers 21 chic guestrooms and Lookout Suites sprinkled with Victorian charm.
Best for: Creative couples looking for a mix of seaside fun, art, and a relaxed yet playful romantic vibe.
The Hattie 