Yes, the UK is an island, and getting on a train to another country is not as straightforward as in continental Europe. But it is eminently possible, and it will make your summer holiday or short break a truly memorable adventure.
In this post, I am focusing on long weekend destinations.
If you think about your experience or fly to London from somewhere in Europe for a short break, what normally happens is: you get to the airport 2 hours before your flight, spend between 1 and 3 hours in the air, get out of the airport at the other end, and make your way to the centre of the city you are visiting. That takes between 5 and 7 hours.
So, I do not want to cheat and share unrealistic ideas. I am suggesting only destinations that you can reach by train in the same amount of time.
22 European short break destinations you can reach from London by train
We all know about Eurostar, with its direct connections between London and Brussels, Paris and Amsterdam. But those 3 destinations are just the beginning. If you add a train connection there are many more places you can reach from London in six hours or less.
And instead of *admiring* airport terminals, you can spend your time with views of the French countryside, mighty rivers, cathedral spires, and castles, from the comfort of your seat all the way to your final destination!
How do I plan my train trips? I normally start by checking the Trainline  to look at options. I also check the national rail operators of Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and France if I need more flexibility in designing my break or to catch some special offers.
So without further ado, here are my favourite weekend trips to Europe by train departing from London.
1. Paris
La Tour Eiffel © Tom King/Unsplash
Everyone knows that you can get to Paris from London in less than two and a half hours, way faster than it would take you to get to an airport, fly, and make your way to the centre of the French capital.
There is so much you can see on a weekend in Paris, from exploring a world-famous museum to walking along the Seine from the Eiffel Tower to the Latin Quarter, to visiting its great churches and palaces.
About once a year, when Eurostar has good deals on, I treat myself to a day trip to Paris. Granted, you will not get inside many attractions in a day, you will need to be selective, but it is such a treat.
I just walk around the centre, lunch at one of my favourite spots - or discover a new one - and make sure to hop into at least one attraction.
Parisjetaime has plenty of ideas for what to do if you are short on time, such as focusing on a specific quarter or theme.
2. Brussels
The Arcade du Cinquantenaire in Brussels © Thomas Somme/Unsplash
Thanks to the Eurostar, you can also get to Brussels from London in just under two hours.
And once you arrive...Stroll in the stunning eclectic mix of gothic and Renaissance/Baroque styles of the UNESCO-listed Grand Place, and the covered galleries in the nearby streets; climb up the twentieth century Atomium; visit to one of the city's museums, such as the 6 grouped under the Royal Museums of Fine Arts Belgium, dedicated to different artists and periods from the Flemish Old Masters to Magritte; immerse yourself into Brussels comic book culture by following the Comic Strip Trail; visit the European Parliament quarter; enjoy the parks and the outdoors, treat yourself to a delicious beer stew or waffles, and of course some chocolate, to discover for yourself the reasons why Brussels is considered one of the gourmet capitals of Europe!
3. Amsterdam
Amsterdam canal vibe © Jace and Afsoon/Unsplash
This is a slightly longer journey from London, at just under 4 hours.
Yet, it is well worth it! From the moment you reach Brussels the views from your train window will make you feel like you have been transported into a Flemish painting. And Amsterdam's cultural highlights will maintain you in that mood.
Book a boat day or night tour on the canals to admire the grand houses in all their splendour - the city looks so different from the water level!
Personally, I love going in winter, when it is quieter. The roads along the canals become very peaceful, and you can wonder around the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum without the crowds.
If you are lucky, you may even get a glimpse of locals ice-skating on the canals!
4. Reims, Troyes and Champagne region
Reims Cathedral © Pascal Bernardon/Unsplash
You'll be surprised by how easy it is to get to the Champagne region from London. The Eurostar arrives in Paris at Gare du Nord. Both Reims (pictured above) and Troyes are reachable from Paris Gare de 'Est - a 10 minutes walk from Gare du Nord. Depending on the connections, you'll be in Reims in just over 4 hours and Troyes in just over 5.
Both cities are gateways to the Champagne wine region, and boast stunning historical centres and architecture.
Reims cathedral is the traditional coronation side of the kings of France since the 5th century, and visiting it is a real journey through time.
The colourful half-timbered houses of Troyes whisk you away to the medieval past, when the city was the capital of the Counts of Champagne.
If you prefer to focus on the delightful sparkling wine, you can also choose Épernay as your base.
For more ideas, check out the post I wrote after my last long weekend in Champagne.
5. Aachen
The exterior of the Aachener Dom © Carolina Nichitin/Unsplash
Aachen, the medieval capital of the Holy Roman Empire is under 4 hours from London!
A quick change in Brussels Midi station will land you into one of the most amazing German cities, with a lovely compact city centre, dominated by Aachener Dom, the palace chapel and burial place of Charlemagne.
Called Aachen because of the thermal waters, the city is also a delightful wellness getaway. And the surrounding Eifel countryside, whose rounded hills belie a volcanic origin, is beautiful and yet relatively unknown outside Germany.
If you are looking for culture, relaxation, and a proper break from the hustle and bustle of London, Aachen is a perfect choice.
6. Bruges
The magic of Bruges© Despina Galani/Unsplash
Two hours get you from London to Brussels Midi, and in just another hour you can be in the medieval city of Bruges and daydream along its beautiful canals.
The entire historic centre of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and wandering through its streets, squares and along its canals you will feel like you are in a Flemish painting.
Stroll through the Grote Markt (Market Square), and sit down to people watch in a café. Climb to the top of the medieval Belfry, for the incredible views of the city. Catch a glimpse of Michelangelo's "Madonna and Child" sculpture in the museum of the majestic Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady). Take a boat tour or walk/cycle along the beautiful canals. And do not forget to channel your inner Epicure with a feast of local beer, hearty Flemish food, and chocolate!
7. Rotterdam
Rotterdam and its mighty river © Bart Ros/Unsplash
The London Amsterdam-Eurostar has an intermediate stop at Rotterdam. The comfortable direct journey from London is 3hours and 16 minutes!
Heavily bombed in WW2, Rotterdam emerged from its ashes as a visionary image of skyscrapers and waterways. Europe's biggest trading port is a world leader in sustainability and innovation, be it in architecture, transport, housing, food or even farming.
Tourists are invited to join the Rotterdam ethos from their arrival, welcomed into Rotterdam Centraal station, whose roof is covered in solar panels, and encouraged to walk and explore sustainably whenever possible,
From the newly opened Depot Bojimans, the first art storage facility opened to the public, to the horshoe-shaped apartment building overlooking a market square in Markthal, to the many museum and architectural feats, innovation and creativity are everywhere.
The Historisch Delfshaven, one of the areas that survived WW2, is a delightful throwback to the old Rotterdam of herring-fishing and gin distilleries.
Nature is a strong presence in a city that seems to be defined by the might Nieuwe Maas River, and boasts the largest city park in the Netherlands. And there are beaches nearby too!
8. The Hague
The Binnenhof © Marjoline Delahaye
The journey from London to The Hague takes just over 4 hours, with a quick change in Rotterdam.
The Hague (Den Haag to the locals) is a vibrant university city as well as the official seat of the Dutch Parliament (housed in the medieval Binnenhof) and of the Dutch royal family.
From climbing the tower of the Grote Kirk for magnificent views, to touring the iconic Peace Palace (seat of the International Court of Justice) to enjoying the amazing art collection at Mauritshuis, which includes the Girl with a Pearl Earring, you will be spoilt for choice.
Like all historic Dutch cities, there is the charm of the canals, and the canal side lifestyle, cycling or walking while swans glide past. But the canals are not the only water you'll enjoy in Den Haag.
Head to the magnificent dunes of Scheveningen and Zuiderstrand Beaches (30 minutes by bicycle or you can walk there in one hour), to walk on powdery sand, swim in the North Sea and join the locals for drinks and food in one of the beachside restaurants.
Thanks to the wonderful beaches, I strongly recommend The Hague as a summer break. I did it last year, and the combination of sea, sans and sightseeing made my long weekend feel much longer. You can read about my trip here.
9. Cologne
Cologne cathedral © Aravind Gopinath/Unsplash
A Roman city with two thousand years of history, Cologne boasts a magnificent medieval cathedral, often considered, together with the Brandeburg gate, one of iconic images of Germany.
The charms of Cologne are waiting for you, only 4 hours and 15 minutes from London! The trip is easy, thanks to great connections at Brussels Midi, and your arrival in Cologne will be unforgettable, as the famous cathedral is literally outside the station!
Walk through the delightful Old Town; visit the Romano-Germanic museum for an immersion in the city's Roman origins; relax in nature in Rheinpark (great views of the cathedral from across the Rhine) or by the Aachener Weiher Lake; visit a historic brewery.
If you are a classical music lover, Bonn, the former capital of Western Germany, and birthplace of Beethoven, is 20 minutes from Cologne.
10. Chartres
Chartres rose window from the distance © Mathias Reding/Unsplash
The cathedral of Chartres renowned for its painted glass windows, is recognised as one of the pinnacles of Gothic architecture and art.
But there is far more to Chartres than the breath-taking UNESCO Heritage church. The centre of this small city is delightful.
I went for a day from Paris and wished I had booked an overnight ! I want to go back, to savour the charms of its medieval centre, walk along the beautiful Eure river, take the time to visit the museums and its authentic local shops and markets.
You can reach it from London in under 5 hours, changing station in Paris, from Gare du Nord to Montparnasse. The change gives you an excuse for a stroll or lunch in the Latin Quarter before boarding a train that takes you through lovely French countryside to the hillside city of Chartres.
11. Versailles
A royal view © Elena Rabkina/Unsplash
This is a trip I did with a toddler. It is super easy and a week end gives you the time to truly appreciate Versailles without rushing through the sights. You get off your Eurostar at Gare du Nord, walk 10 minutes to Gare de l'Est and get yourself on a local suburban train. You will be at the court of the Sun King in just under one hour!
The total travel time from London, considering the change of station, is about 4 hours.
Versailles is an extremely beautiful city. The city centre was designed by the same architect that designed the royal palace, and is filled with quirky antique shops, lovely restaurants and at week ends a mouth-watering farmers' market.
The formal gardens are free at sunset in the summer months, so you can go and watch the sun go down and drop into the magnificent fountain at the bottom of the formal gardens.
Staying for the week end also means you can visit the palace one day and the gardens and the Trianon the next, without rushing. And there are other beautiful buildings and museums in the city centre which I did not have time to visit.
It is also worth mentioning that beyond the formal gardens there is a vast park where you can sit down for a picnic by the lake or go for a hike in the woods to round off your sightseeing!
12. Strasbourg
Strasbourg's medieval centre © AXP Photography/Unsplash
With a quick change of station in Paris (Gare du Nord to Gare de l'Est) you can get from London to the medieval wonders of Strasburg in about 5 hours.
The medieval city centre, la Grande ÃŽle, is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and the cathedral is hailed as a gothic masterpiece.
If you have an interest in contemporary politics, you can visit the European parliament.
In the evening, you can relax over a hearty Alsatian meal washed down with a delicious local beer or wine.
Strasbourg's cathedral © Patrick Robert Doyle/Unsplash
Strasbourg is an ideal winter destination too, as it hosts one of France's most famous Christmas markets.
13. Colmar & fairy tale Alsace
Colmar's Little Venice © Aswaty N/Unsplash
Just like Strasbourg, the south of Alsace is also very well connected with Paris by high speed train. Some TGV trains stop at Colmar, and at some other times you can book a TGV to Mulhouse and then get on a local train to Colmar. Either way, you will be at your destination in under 6 hours.
Colmar, is surrounded by other equally interesting villages such as Eguisheim. (16 minutes by bus).
If you love medieval history, you will be in heaven. An 11-minute train ride to Sélestat, plus a 30-minute bus ride, will take you to the 900-year old Haut-Koenigsbourg castle, perched on top of a mountain overlooking the Rhine valley.
Haut Koenigsbourg in winter © Ronan Potier/Unsplash
Alsace is a year-round destination, and the Alsatian Christmas markets are world-famous. Each village and city has its own. Check the Alsatian tourist board's website for details.
One hour is a reasonable time to change station, although I prefer to leave a bit longer and have lunch in Paris - or travel out of London on a late Eurostar in the evening and continue onward the next morning.
14. Geneva
Le jet d'eau © Devam Jhabak/Unsplash
Fancy a magnificent continental lake escape? You can get from London to Geneva in six hours and 30 minutes.
When you get to Paris, you will need to change train and station - the Eurostar arrives into Gare du Nord and the train to Geneva leaves from Gare de Lyon. One hour is a reasonable time to change over but I tend to leave a bit more time and turn the change of station into a mini stopover. I either walk between the stations, discovering new parts of the city every time, or book myself a lunch somewhere nice, or head out of London the previous night, sleep in Paris and head off to Geneva in the morning. Either way, it is a lovely journey and you enjoy every minute of it.
Once you arrive in Geneva, there is a lot to do! Wander around the Geneva Old City, the birthplace of the Reformation, and Saint Pierre - the area around the Cathedral. Then make your way to the Jet d'Eau, the tallest water fountain in the world, and stroll through the buzzing lakeshore promenades. If you love history and politics, a guided tour of the European headquarter of the United nations in a must.
More importantly, if the lake is the real draw for you, wherever you are in Geneva, you are never far away from Lac Leman, the largest freshwater body in Europe! Explore its glittering beauty, and if it is summer treat yourself to a few hours, or a day, of swimming and sunbathing at Bains des Pâquis,
If you are staying more than a couple of days, I recommend a day trip to another gorgeous lakeside town.
You could opt for beautiful Lausanne, with its lively Old Town, Switzerland's finest gothic cathedral, and elegant houses on the hills sloping down Lac Leman.
The roofs of Lausanne © Wassim Chouak/Unsplash
If you are a music lover, there is Montreux, whose recording studios saw the birth of some of the most legendary rock and pop albums. Freddie Mercury recorded a number of Queen albums at Phoneix Studios, where Bowie, Stones and Iggy Pop also recorded. The Jazz Festival in July is world-famous. As for historical sights, Chillon Castle, situated on a rocky island on Lake Geneva, is one of Switzerland's most iconic and well-preserved medieval landmarks.
The journey from Geneva to Lausanne and Montreux is as great as the destination. The train coasts the lake all the way. You could potentially catch a train on the Geneva Milan route all the way. Past Montreux, you'd continue through the magnificent Valais canton, cross the Italian border and ride along Lago Maggiore. I cover the journey from Geneva to Milan in my post on Europe's most scenic train journeys. The Geneva-Milan trip takes over 4 hours, so if you do it back and fourth it will take you a day, but it will be absolutely memorable!
15. Lyon
The Weight of One's Self, rising from the Saone river © Alps2Coast
A train journey from London to the gorgeous and in my view not sufficiently known city of Lyon is perfectly feasible.
Check out my post on a long weekend in Lyon for ideas on what to do.
16. Normandy
The arch at Etretat © Meizhi Lang/Unsplash
Many of Normandy's famous towns and villages are easily accessible from London in 5 hours or less.
The lovely beach of Deauville, the cathedral and tapestry of Bayeux, the medieval centre of Rouen, and the castle and abbeys of Caen are all accessible with a change of station in Paris - the Normandy line leaves from Saint Lazare.
If you are travelling in spring and summer, consider travelling to Vernon-Giverny. The station, on the same Saint Lazare high-speed Normandy line, is just one hour from Paris. You will then either catch a taxi or walk for an hour amidst enchanting countryside to reach the village of Giverny. In the village is the house of the painter Monet, and the dreamy garden he created. You'll see the waterlilies of his most famous series in the flesh!
Last but not least, iIf you are happy to squeeze in a 30-minute bus ride (Bréauté-Beuzeville to Etretat), you can even get from London to the iconic white cliffs of Etretat in 5 hours 15 minutes.
17. Dijon & Burgundy
Dijon's Notre Dame © Chrisda/Pixabay
Fancy a gourmet weekend in Burgundy? Catch a train from London to Paris Gare du Nord, hop across to Gare de Lyon and get on a superfast TGV Lyria. The whole journey from London to the centre of Dijon will take 5 hours.
Dijon is the capital of one of France's most fascinating historical regions, a former duchy and before that an independent kingdom! The distinctive polichrome roofs, toits bourguignons, add character to this unique city, brimming with buildings ranging from medieval Gothic to art deco, and surrounded by vineyards.
Visit the Palais des Ducs, also home of one of France's great museums, the Musée de Beaux Arts, pause to admire the stunningly elegant Notre Dame de Dijon with its slender gothic columns, or step inside to admire Notre-Dame de Bon-Espoir (Our Lady of Good Hope), one of the most ancient French statues of the Virgin Mary. Visit the cathedral of Saint Bénigne, walk through the ancient streets to soak in the atmosphere, or if you are feeling more epicurean visit the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin.
Surrounded by vineyards, Dijon is the starting point of the the "route des Grands Crus", where eight of the world's top ten most expensive wines are produced.
The 'route des grand crus' ends in stunning Beaune, which you can also reach from Geneva in between 3 and 4 hours (change in Lyon). Wander through the half-timbered houses of the Old Town, admire the Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu), and hike or cycle the Chemin des Grand Crus to visit wine cellars the active way.
Backstreets of Beaune © Saul Mercado/Unsplash
18. Loire Valley
After Burgundy, another fairy tale destination easily reachable from London for a long week end escape: the Loire Valley From the water-straddling Chenonceau to Leonardo da Vinci's final retreat at Amboise, you'll be steeped in history with a capital H.
Change train and station in Paris (From Gare du Nord to either Bercy or Montparnasse), and head to Blois-Chambord, the main TGV station in the area, or Amboise. 20 minutes away from Blois.
Once there, you can move around by local train, or make the most of the flat Loire landscape and rent a bicycle - like I hope to do next time I am in the area.
The castle of Amboise © Inha Bae/Unsplash
Personally, being Italian, I have a soft spot for Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life. Visiting his last home, and his tomb in the royal chapel, can be deeply moving. The city itself is delightful, and a great base to visit Blois, Chambord, Tours, Azay le Rideau, Chenonceau and enjoy the natural landscape of the majestic river - the longest in France.
Azay le Rideau © Veronica Reverse/Unsplash
The whole region is UNESCO-listed, and while the presence of castles creates a common thread, each setting and village has its own character and uniqueness, in terms of architecture, food, wine and vibe. You can scratch the surface in 3 days, although 4 days will let you enjoy more of this amazing part of the world.
The chateau of Chambord © AXP Photography/Unsplash
19. Bordeaux
Porte de Cailhau © Zakaria El Bazi/Unsplash
The Paris-Bordeaux line leaves from Montparnasse, and depending on time the direct train takes between 2 and 3 hours. So you if you arrive from London, you can treat yourself to a lunch of early dinner in the Latin Quarter before boarding your train to Bordeaux.
This southern French city with a sunny climate, eponymous world-class wines, and an intriguing blend of Gothic and 18th century architecture is a perfect place to escape winter gloom, or enjoy a late summer sunset.
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city centre, step into the cathedral, where Eleanor of Aquitaine celebrated her first wedding, admire the spire and church of Saint Michel, climb the Porte de Cailhau, watch the world go by in one of the delightful sunny squares, be charmed by the Miroir d'eau (Water Mirror), or discover all about Bordeaux and the history of wine at the aptly named Cité du Vin.
The Miroir d'eau © Juan DI Nella/Unsplash
20. The German Black Forest
Black Forest view © Florian Schmetz/Unsplash
The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) remains one of the eeriest densely forested areas of Europe. The dark conifers to which it owes its name since Roman times kept the ravages of civilisation at bay. Even today only there are only a string of pretty villages but no major cities within it.
However, it is still reachable by train. If you come from London, Using Baden-Baden or Offenburg/Strasbourg as bases seem like the quickest options (with the easy change in Paris from Gare du Nord to the nearby Gare de l'Est).
The journey from London to either Baden-Baden or Offenburg is 6 hours and 20 minutes.
Whichever you choose as your base, both these cities are on the Black Forest Railway line, so you will be able to explore the area sustainably and without the worry of a car. Alternatively, you can hike/hire bicycles for a more adventurous short break.
21. Saint Malo (Brittany)
Mont Saint Michel © Alexander Van Steenberge/Unsplash
From Paris Montparnasse you can get to the walled city of Saint Malo in 2hours and 20 minutes, so a long week end by train from London is eminently feasible.
Once in Saint Malo, you can rely on local trains to get to the half-timbered centre of Rennes, the regional capital, or on frequent buses to what is one of the most recognisable sights on earth, the abbey of Mont Saint Michel.
The medieval monastic complex can be reached on foot at low tide, whereas at high tide it becomes an island. I cannot think of a better apex for a low-carbon long weekend than embracing the magic of ocean tides.
22. Basel
The Rhine in Basel © Johannes Siebler/Unsplash
The journey between London and Basel takes 6 hours and 30 minutes. Just like for trips from London to Geneva, when you arrive in Paris you will need to change stations and make your way from Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon.
Basel is an interesting city, and you can easily spend a day or two visiting the medieval cathedral, the cobbled Altstadt, the Minster, the many museums, before making your way to Dreiländer Deck, where your gaze can span over three countries (France, Germany, and of course Switzerland).
If you feel like an active break, with your tourist BaselCard you can hire a bicycle to explore the town centre for 20 CHF. Or you can hike the 5km Rehberger-Weg which connects Basel and Weil am in Germany.
Then there's the Rhine, the lifeblood of Basel. You can cycle or walk along it, book a boat tour, and in summer try that unique and unforgettable Basel - swimming in the Rhine!
I particularly love Basel in winter - a good alternative to Germany for Christmas market magic - and in summer - when the Rhine banks are buzzying with excitement.
Next time you travel from London to Europe, try going by train
Have I tempted you to switch the plane for the train? I hope so.
There are many other places in Europe you can reach from London that may appeal to you even more. Just think of a bucket list destination and, before going on to an airline website, check if you can go there by train.
If you have any questions reading this post, do get in touch through the contact form. And do not forget to subscribe to the blog to get my weekly posts on European seasonal travel, train, and road trips, directly into your inbox.
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