Top 10 day trips from St Pancras
Discover top 10 (very instagrammable) day trips from St Pancras International
While London has a lot to explore, there are so many wonderful places within 2 hours of St Pancras which you can discover in a day.
Whether you are looking to whizz off for 24 hours in Paris, or stay closer to home exploring the Sussex coastline, travelling by train from St Pancras leads to many destinations, and it is the greener way to go!
1. Paris
Paris may be a city that never stands still but you can explore a lot of this romantic city in 24 hours. Start by visiting the iconic Eiffel Tower, sit on the grass with a picnic or brave the 674 steps to take in the Parisian views. From the Eiffel Tower, you can hop on a Seine River Cruise to take in all the main touristy sites, then jump off to see the Arc De Triomphe before swapping culture for consumerism as you walk down the mile long shopping street, Champs-Élysées.
Getting there: Paris is 2 hours from St. Pancras International via Eurostar, and with carbon dioxide emissions up to 14 times less than the equivalent flight, travel is guilt-free!
2. Brighton
South East England's coolest beach destination is ideal for a Summer day trip. Visit The Lanes to take in Brighton's thriving drinks, restaurants and independent shopping scene. Brighton also has some great coffee shops to get your caffeine fix and of course, you will have to try some fish and chips! Remember, the beach is pebble, so make sure to bring a towel or deck chair if you're in the mood for a beach day.
Getting there: Brighton is 1 hour 23minutes from St Pancras International, via Thameslink
3. Rye
If you love cobbled streets, tearooms and fish & chips then the medieval town of Rye is a place for you! When in Rye, you most visit one of the UK's most photographed and Instagrammable streets, Mermaid Street. Amply named, this pretty street provides the best backdrop with half timber houses, cobbled streets and Georgian residence. While there you can call into the 600 year old Mermaid Inn for a drink and rest.
Getting there: Rye is 1 hour 12 minutes from St Pancras International. Hop on a Southeastern train to Ashford International then board a National Rail Southern Train straight to Rye
4. Brussels
Brussels has enough art, culture, and cuisine to keep even the most ambitious explorer busy for days. And that’s before you’ve even started on the beer menu! Although in Belgium, it isn't just beer. There’s amber, blond, brown, dubbel, Flemish red, gueuze, lambic... and many many more! Click here to see five must try Belgium beers suggested by Eurostar.
Getting there: Brussels is 2 hours from St. Pancras International when travelling by Eurostar. And with carbon dioxide emissions up to 14 times less than the equivalent flight, travel is guilt-free!
5. Margate
A short journey on the high-speed line will bring you to the charming town of Margate which can only be described as an up and comer of family entertainment with something for everyone. The charming old town has great cafes, boutiques and restaurants to offer as well as an adrenaline filled, vintage amusement park called Dreamland.
Getting there: Margate is 1 hour 30 minutes from St Pancras international via Southeastern Railway
6. Ramsgate
With one of the warmest climates in the country, the beautiful seaside town of Ramsgate is definitely worth a visit this Summer. Home to the only Royal Harbour in the UK, Ramsgate has a number of waterfront bars, cafes and restaurants all worth visiting. Adrenaline junkies can enjoy scuba diving and kite surfing or if you would prefer a relaxing trip, Monkton Nature Reserve, is a lovely visit.
Getting there: Ramsgate is just over an hour from St Pancras International via Southerneastern Railway.
7. Canterbury
This enchanting city dates back to the Middle Ages. Wander its narrow, cobbled streets and explore its magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site cathedral. Canterbury boasts a variety of independent shops, boutique hotels, delicious restaurants and unique cafes and bars. So whether you’re out for the day or staying for the weekend, you’ll find so much do in this incredible city.
Getting here: Canterbury West is just 51 minutes from St. Pancras International via Southeastern Railway
8.Whitstable
Can there ever be too many seaside towns in a guide to day trips around London? We don't think so! Whitstable is famous for its oysters but there is much more to discover and enjoy in this pretty Kent seaside town. Whitstable is known throughout the UK for its oysters, but this small town is also famous for its thriving arts community and is one of Kent's most picturesque towns with something to inspire and delight all tastes.
Getting there: Whitstable is just 51 minutes from St. Pancras International via Southeastern Railway.
9. Deal
When it comes to day trips out of London, Deal does not get shouted about as much as some of the others, but in some ways, that is why it made out Top 10! This hidden gem has quaint streets with unique boutiques, a Castle and plenty Georgian townhouses. For any art lovers, you can visit galleries, exhibitions and museums to explore as well as well-loved markets with vintage clothing, bric-a-brac and much more!
Getting there: Deal is 1 hour 30 minutes from London St Pancras International via Southeastern Railway
If you're looking to discover a charming coastal town, head down to Folkestone. Explore the old town, galleries and independent shops on the cobbled streets of the Creative Quarter and not forgetting to visit the Harbour arm for tasty street food and anything from Champagne to speciality coffee. The colour houses make for a very Instagrammable background, as well as the beaches and sweet shops.
Getting here: Folkestone Central and Folkestone West stations are just under an hour from St Pancras International via Southeastern Railway
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For more information on things to do, places to eat and accommodation in Kent, click here