There’s tons to see and do in Leicester (see our Visit Leicester by Train page). But if you fancy venturing a bit further afield, see our pick of destinations that you can get to by train from Leicester for a short day trip.

From scenic countryside to historic buildings, culture, restaurants and shopping, you’re bound to find something to enjoy.

You can plan your train journey here, and don’t forget if you have a Railcard you can get 1/3 off your rail fares.

Day trips from Leicester in 1 to 2 hours

Royal Leamington Spa

Historically famous for its medicinal mineral springs that were said to cure gout, rheumatism and paralysis, the beautiful spa town of Royal Leamington Spa is worth a trip for its Regency architecture, green spaces and boutique shops.

Visit Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum(external link, opens in a new tab), which has over 12,000 objects in its collections, or take a stroll around Jephson Gardens(external link, opens in a new tab), a formal Victorian park in the middle of the town with a café, a sensory garden and flowerbeds galore.

Nearest station: Leamington Spa

Stratford-upon-Avon

Best known as the birthplace and final resting place of playwright and poet William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a beautiful town south of Birmingham. See a play at one of 3 theatres run by the Royal Shakespeare Company(external link, opens in a new tab), or visit Shakespeare’s New Place, the playwright’s final home which has a small museum and lovely gardens. Get 2FOR1 entry to Shakespeare’s Birthplace(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Days Out Guide.

Take some time in nature at the Butterfly Farm(external link, opens in a new tab), the UK’s largest tropical butterfly paradise, or enjoy a boat trip(external link, opens in a new tab) along the River Avon and learn about its role in the Industrial Revolution

Nearest station: Stratford-upon-Avon

Lincoln

This walkable city is a hidden gem with award-winning attractions and a great selection of restaurants and shops. Walk up Steep Hill, the fourth steepest in England, which is packed full of vintage boutiques and tea rooms. Visit Lincoln Cathedral(external link, opens in a new tab) and Lincoln Castle(external link, opens in a new tab), where you can see the world famous Magna Carta(external link, opens in a new tab), which dictated that kings had to act within the rule of law.

If you fancy taking in some nature, Lincoln Arboretum(external link, opens in a new tab), which was designed by celebrated Victorian gardener Edward Milner, is a treat.

Nearest station: Lincoln

Sheffield

Once world famous for its steel production, this vibrant South Yorkshire city has plenty of things to do and see. Visit Sheffield Botanical Gardens(external link, opens in a new tab), which has 18 different gardens linked by twisting pathways or paddleboard on the city’s waterways with DC Outdoors(external link, opens in a new tab).

You can explore the city’s history either at the Cholera Monument(external link, opens in a new tab) – visible across the city, it is a memorial to the people who died during the 1832 cholera outbreak – or at the Kelham Island Museum(external link, opens in a new tab) which shows what it was like to live and work in Sheffield during the Industrial Revolution.

• Read more about Sheffield on our Visit Sheffield by Train page.

Nearest station: Sheffield

Doncaster

Awarded city status in 2022, Doncaster boasts the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which offers a walk-through animal adventure that takes in polar bears, big cats, red pandas and rhinos, and the Doncaster Dome, which has over 50 activities including a 7-pool water world and a split-level ice rink. Meanwhile, Cusworth Hall, a Grade I-listed building, is set in acres of historical parkland and is perfect for a picnic.

Nearest station: Doncaster

Manchester

The city is jam packed with museums, art galleries, theatres and shops. Visit the impressive Manchester Art Gallery(external link, opens in a new tab), which has been standing in the centre of the city for nearly 200 years and has nearly 13,000 works of art, or drop into the vibrant HOME(external link, opens in a new tab) arts centre, cinema and theatre complex.

For something a bit different, there’s Ordsall Hall(external link, opens in a new tab), the oldest building in Salford, which is now a free-to-visit historic house with a Great Hall and 2 resident ghosts.

• Read more about Manchester on our Visit Manchester by Train page.

Nearest stations: Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria, Manchester Oxford Road, Manchester Deansgate