Best day trip city named for those wanting to ‘escape’ London – not Kent

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