Day Trips From Oxford by Train
Hop on a train from Oxford to the surrounding areas, with stunning scenery and bustling towns to explore
There’s tons to see and do in Oxford (see our Visit Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford in 1 hour or under
Warwick
Warwick is a picturesque market town steeped in history that lies less to the south east of Birmingham. You can get 1/3 OFF entry to Warwick Castle with National Rail’s Days Out Guide(external link, opens in a new tab). The castle is a reminder that the town was once a fortified settlement. Learn about its fascinating 1,100-year history, enjoy live jousting or watch Britain’s largest working siege machine, the trebuchet, in action.
Or take a walk alongside the River Avon, wander through Priory Park(external link, opens in a new tab)’s meadow and woodland or visit Guy’s Cliffe Walled Garden(external link, opens in a new tab).
Nearest station: Warwick
Royal Leamington Spa
Once 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 cafe, a sensory garden and flowerbeds galore.
Nearest station: Leamington Spa
Bicester
The historic market town of Bicester, in northern Oxfordshire, is surrounded by green fields and picturesque villages perfect for cycling and walking. Visit Island Pond Wood(external link, opens in a new tab), on the outskirts of the town, for a decent circular walk or bike ride and then head back into Bicester to explore the medieval church of St Edburg’s(external link, opens in a new tab) or Bicester Heritage(external link, opens in a new tab), the UK’s only hub for the restoration and sale of historic vehicles.
Fashion fans should head straight to Bicester Village(external link, opens in a new tab), the designer shopping outlet with more than 150 boutiques alongside a selection of restaurants.
Nearest station: Bicester Village
Banbury
Once a centre for wool trading, Banbury became a small industry hub when the Oxford Canal was opened in the late 18th century. Since then, it’s become a bustling town with historic buildings, pretty streets and plenty of new developments.
Hire a boat for the day with Oxfordshire Narrowboats(external link, opens in a new tab) and drift along the canal or visit Broughton Castle(external link, opens in a new tab) and admire its impressive moat. History fans should visit the Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn(external link, opens in a new tab), where Oliver Cromwell is thought to have planned the Battle of Edge Hill during the English Civil War.
Nearest station: Banbury
Moreton-in-Marsh
Located in the north Gloucestershire Cotswolds, Moreton-in-Marsh’s streets are lined with buildings made of honey-coloured stone, including the White Hart Royal Hotel, where King Charles I is thought to have stayed during the English Civil War.
Visit the outdoor market, open every Tuesday and the largest in the Cotswolds, or head to the Batsford Arboretum(external link, opens in a new tab), home to rare trees, shrubs and bamboos. Take time to wander through Bourton House Garden(external link, opens in a new tab), with its topiary walk, colourful borders and seven-acres field of trees.
Nearest station: Moreton-in-Marsh
Day trips from Oxford in 1 to 2 hours
Bath
Established by the Romans in 76BC, the Somerset city of Bath is almost untouched by time. When it was home to Jane Austen in the early 19th century, Bath was a fashionable spa resort with thermal springs and breathtaking architecture. These days, the limestone buildings and thermal springs can still be enjoyed, alongside plenty of restaurants, cafes and boutique shops.
Marvel at the Roman Baths(external link, opens in a new tab), take a dip in natural hot spring water at Thermae Bath Spa(external link, opens in a new tab) or admire the breathtaking Georgian architecture of the Royal Crescent(external link, opens in a new tab).
Read more about Bath on our Visit Bath by Train page
Nearest station: Bath Spa
Cheltenham
The Gloucestershire Regency-era town was a key spa destination in the 18th century and now hosts more than 35 festivals a year, including the Cheltenham Festival (4 days of horse jumping every March that culminates in the Gold Cup), the Cheltenham Literature Festival (10 days of events in October) and the Cheltenham Music Festival (8 days of classical music in the summer).
There are also myriad independent restaurants, cafes and shops.
Nearest station: Cheltenham Spa
Birmingham
The second-largest city in Britain truly has something for everyone. Marvel at the redeveloped New Street station when you step off the train then pop into Mailbox(external link, opens in a new tab) for some retail therapy and a wide selection of canalside dining.
Pop into the 10-level Library of Birmingham(external link, opens in a new tab), which shares an entrance with the Birmingham Repertory Theatre(external link, opens in a new tab), and take the elevator up to the panoramic viewing gallery to enjoy impressive views across the city.
Read more about Birmingham on our Visit Birmingham by Train page
Nearest station: Birmingham New Street
Bristol
Bristol is the city that has everything. As well as being Banksy’s home city, it has a picturesque floating harbour packed full of museums, galleries, restaurants and bars and Cabot Circus(external link, opens in a new tab), a light and airy shopping mall.
Its most remarkable feat is, however, the Clifton Suspension Bridge(external link, opens in a new tab), designed by the engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, which took 33 years to finish and is now one of the city’s key tourist attractions.
Read more about Bristol on our Visit Bristol by Train page
Nearest station: Bristol Temple Meads
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Bath image credit: © Visit Bath
Bristol image credit: © Gary Newman
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