Somewhere interesting to go on the train for a day’s outing

Well, I promised to let you know where I went. I decided to take the easy option and got a train direct to Hastings. A pleasant journey, with only a few stops en route. On arrival, I walked through the town - the usual shops (Primark, Poundland, Sports Direct) 🙄. I carried on to the Old Town, passing many independent bookshops and a variety of others selling clothes, cards & gifts, bric-à-brac. It was a fine day and generally people were enjoying eating outside at the many cafes and bars. I chose an Italian restaurant for a light lunch of scallops. An enjoyable enough day, but I’ll be more selective next time.

Some good suggestions already. I like Oxford - the old centre is compact to walk around, there's the architecture of the colleges, the river, the Ashmolean museum and some shopping. Lots of cafes in the covered market. Only drawback is the longish walk from the station but there are taxis and buses.

How about a trip to Oakham in Rutland. A delightful county town surrounded by lovely scenery!

Wonderful suggestions .

I also love Richmond and Twickenham .
My weather relatives live over there - if only !

Kim19. We did that exact trip last week with our two grandsons. We all really enjoyed it.

Rochester, Whitstable, Hastings, rye, Brighton, Tunbridge wells, Tonbridge, Canterbury.

For Oxford I would take the Oxford tube from Victoria station, which is a very regular coach service you can pay as you board..last year £15 return

Rochester is a nice little place to spend the day. Also Broadstairs in Kent is still a lovely olde worlde seaside town.

For the past few years we have bought the Gardener’s World magazine with the 2 for 1 offer. This year lots of new places have been added, including National Trust and English Heritage properties. Too late for this year, but look out for it next March/April. It includes places such as Leeds Castle, Eltham Palace and Audley End House.

WWM2 - we are staying in Arundel for a few days at the end of the month. Do you recommend your eatery? If so, could you please share the details?

Some great suggestions here. Thank you so much. I already have a senior railcard, as I visit my sister in Devon and we also meet in Salisbury, which is virtually half way for us. Yes, Bromley South is easily accessible to me, and I do like those places pintuck. That was pretty time-consuming for you DeeJaysMum, and I’m sure they appreciated it. Train journeys are so relaxing and stress free when there are no strikes, delays or cancellations. I have a nephew who lives in Ham, and we had lunch at Ham House last time I visited him Supernan. A wander around Richmond would be lovely. Tunbridge Wells is only a short distance. I’ve been many times, but not for a while. I’m thinking of going somewhere on Friday, so will let you know how it went. I really appreciate this. 😊

From Waterloo I would take a river bus or a regular bus to Greenwich area.. Lots of mooching to do there including Cutty Sark, National Maritime museum, interesting market and a very pleasant high street in general.

If you are on Kent/SE London borders, are you anywhere near Bromley? If so, trains from Bromley South go along the North Kent coast. Apart from Canterbury, placed worth going to on that line ate Rochester, Whitstable, Faversham, Broadstairs and Margate.

There's so many places to go - maybe consider getting a railcard?

www.southernrailway.com/destinations-and-offers

Henley is delightful.

Canterbury is lovely it has the usual shops but also a Fenwicks. Lots of places to eat and drink and you can always walk by the river or even take a boat ride.

Lower Slaughter? Actually, anywhere in Costwolds?

Never mind the extortionate price of rail tickets, just try finding a train that's going where you want to be, when you want to be there!
My DS and their partner went away for a wedding at the weekend, but couldn't get a train to the airport because of the rail workers working to rule (and its not even a bank holiday!), so I ended up driving them the 140 miles to the airport at stupid o'clock on Friday. Then, to add insult to injury, there was no train on their return on Monday afternoon, so I had to go and fetch them, so I ended up driving 600 miles for them, when a train would have been far more environmentally friendly and I could have been doing something else, not that I begrudge them my time, but even so, I shouldn't have needed to get involved in their travel arrangements.

The naked ladies are still in Twickenham. They have been spruced up a bit. Then get the little ferry over to Ham House and its garden. Finish with tea in the garden. Bus back to Richmond. Do the shops. Perfect.

Does one not need a mortgage to pay for a train journey not booked weeks in advance?

Whitstable. But poss means go8ng in to London to come back out again. Independent quirky shops, cafes galore, seaside.

TerriBull

Richmond on Thames is easily accessible from Waterloo, it's a pretty town with lovely river views and Richmond Park at the top of the hill, lots of lovely shops. Further down the line is Teddington, again a pretty high street, nice for window shopping awash with great cafes. Bushy Park nearby and if you are an able walker, a walk through that park will take you to Hampton Court Palace. All those places I know well I lived in that area for many years.

Although having moved a bit further away I'd second WW choice of Arundel, lovely smallish town, castle, great shops, and plenty of enticing eateries.

I would also recommend Tunbridge Wells if you haven't already discovered that town, but in particular an area there called The Pantiles which has an amazing collection of shops and cafes, almost feels like France!

Canterbury also great.

A second vote for Richmond and Teddington. Or Twickenham too; hopefully the beautiful statues are still in York House Gardens. Sorry no longer live there so not up to date on that.

Henley-on-Thames has trains from Paddington (probably change at Twyford). And you can get to Winchester from Waterloo.

Just thinking - do you remember the “Granny Awaydays” when Senior Railcard holders (I think) could go anywhere on the train for £1.
Oh if only!

Cambridge is great for shops, it has the river and lovely architecture.