10 best day trips from Birmingham by train

Are you looking for places to visit near Birmingham? Searching for the best days out from Birmingham for the whole family? Thankfully, taking a train from the UK’s second-largest city to some of England’s top destinations is easy and affordable. With fast, frequent services to and from seaside retreats, wild spaces and iconic Midlands cities, there are plenty of one day trips from Birmingham to suit every taste.

This guide picks out ten of the best day trips from Birmingham by train. You’ll find popular tourist spots alongside a few hidden gems, and every destination can be reached easily within a couple of hours, giving you abundant time to explore and enjoy a great day out. So, what are you waiting for? Make the most of being in one of the UK’s major transport hubs and dive into your next adventure.

Stratford-upon-Avon: The Bard’s birthplace

The historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon is an ideal location for a day trip from Birmingham. History buffs will enjoy the abundance of Tudor-style buildings, while those looking for a relaxing day out can take a stroll along the riverside.

To travel back in time, we recommend a visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace, a quaint building where the iconic playwright was born and died, where you can browse the Bard’s former residence, replete with an array of authentic artifacts, including handwritten notes and letters. Theatre fans should make time to see a play at the iconic Royal Shakespeare Theatre and, to round out the trip, don’t forget about Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, a well-preserved thatched cottage that was the home of Shakespeare’s wife.

In under an hour and with frequent trains to get you there, Stratford-upon-Avon is one of the best choices of day trips by train from Birmingham for culture seekers.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Worcester: Cathedral city

Worcester Cathedral

If you want a day strolling around a traditional English city, Worcester is a great choice. Flanked by the River Severn, this proudly independent city is full of architectural surprises, and with frequent fast trains from Birmingham New Street to the centre of Worcester, you’ll have plenty of time to explore them all!

Bursting with Tudor and English Civil War History, Worcester is a city of magnitudes. The unmissable Worcester Cathedral, which dates back to 1084, is sure to impress – both inside and out. The city’s rich history extends to Anglo-Saxon and Roman remains, with many buildings that remain very well preserved. The popular Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum is also free to visit and just a few minutes’ walk from Foregate Street Station.

Outside of historic sites, Worcester is renowned for its wide array of independent cafes and restaurants. If you’re looking for a characterful spot for an afternoon’s refreshment, try the Cardinal’s Hat on Friar Street, just opposite the cathedral, which is Worcester’s oldest pub.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Oxford: An intellectual’s paradise

Christchurch Meadow

If you’re looking for places to visit near Birmingham with a rich cultural heritage, then Oxford must be on your radar. This historic city is just over an hour from Birmingham and boasts a striking combination of intellectual heft and magnificent architecture.

The prestigious University of Oxford makes it presence felt all around the city. Bibliophiles will want to make a visit to the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, while Harry Potter fans can revel in the magic of Christ Church College, which served as a filming location for the film series.

While in Oxford, don’t miss the Ashmolean Museum, which was founded in 1683 and stands as the oldest public museum in the UK. Its many delights include ancient Egyptian relics and ceremonial suits of armour for a samurai. Later, you can relax with a peaceful stroll through the University Parks, bathing in the calm beauty of Oxford’s green spaces.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

The Malverns: Victorian spa town

The Malverns promise a varied and enjoyable day trip by train from Birmingham. At the foot of the Malvern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, lie two towns both worth a visit - Great Malvern is a quaint town home to the impressive Great Malvern Priory, while the elegant Victorian town of Malvern is a treasure trove of independent shops and craft stalls.

Malvern has roots that extend back to the Bronze Age, giving it a rich cultural feel; be sure to browse its many galleries, boutiques and second-hand bookshops for a cultured and historical day out. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing lunch in one of many independent restaurants and cafes. With two options of rail stations – Great Malvern and Malvern Link – that both have direct services from Birmingham, visiting the Malverns by train is always a great option.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Cannock Chase: Forest park

Cannock Chase National Landscape

Recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Cannock Chase National Landscape is a stunning stretch of countryside in Staffordshire. Set over some 2,684 hectares, the landscape has dozens of hiking trails suited to all levels – perfect to blow away the city cobwebs and get you back to nature.

Those looking for more activities can book a treetop adventure with Go Ape Cannock or try out some of the many mountain biking trails. Or, if a more sedate afternoon is what you had in mind, pack a picnic and laze around by the beautiful lakes. Getting to Cannock Chase by train from Birmingham New Street couldn’t be easier, with fast, frequent travel to Hednesford starting from just £2.90.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Matlock: The heart of the Peak District

Lumsdale Waterfall

Days out near Birmingham don’t get much more scenic than the Peak District. The national park is known for its wild natural scenery, with vast swathes of rugged moorland that extend for miles. From Birmingham New Street, you can easily arrive by train into Matlock, a characterful town packed with pretty streets full of small shops.

From Matlock, take a stroll to Lumsdale Waterfall, an impressive natural feature north of the town. Many visitors also end up in Hall Leys Park, a popular and laid-back green space with a boating lake and riverside walks. Just a mile and a half to the south, you’ll find Matlock Bath, which you can reach by walking the scenic route along High Tor.

Matlock Bath is one of England’s first true tourist destinations and a great day out for the whole family. For those seeking a more peaceful visit, a tranquil stroll alongside the River Derwent should do the trick. For the best views, ride in a cable car to the Heights of Abraham, a historic 60-acre hilltop estate.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Lydney: Steam train in the forest

Dean Forest Railway Line

When arriving into Lydney, you’re handily only a five-minute walk from Lydney Junction, the first stop on the famous Dean Forest Railway Line, where you can take an unforgettable journey on a steam train along the four-and-a-half-mile line through beautiful woodland and countryside (though advanced booking is required).

What’s more, at five stops along the way, you’ll have the chance to hop off and explore the magnificent natural surroundings within the Forest of Dean. For stunning views across the River Severn, we recommend heading down to Lydney Harbour.

Train enthusiasts in Birmingham can easily access the Dean Forest Railway with a fast, direct train from New Street Station. This convenient day trip from Birmingham is pretty easy on the wallet too, with tickets starting from just £5.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Weston-super-Mare: All the fun of the seaside

Grand Pier

For fans of traditional seaside towns, Weston-super-Mare is an obvious choice for a day out near Birmingham. Families will find tons of activities to keep everyone happy, from the famous Grand Pier to Europe's biggest Helicopter Museum.

Not only that, a range of theatres and comedy venues make for a lively entertainment scene (though check ahead to see what’s on), and children can choose from mini golf, climbing, laser quest and tenpin bowling. At under two hours on the train, and with services running until after 10pm, visitors to Weston-super-Mare from Birmingham can enjoy a full day out in the bracing sea air.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Black Country Living Museum: Open-air heritage

For a unique experience right outside Birmingham, hop on a train to Dudley to visit the Black Country Living Museum. This open-air museum is a fully reconstructed historical monument to Black Country heritage.

Spanning 26 acres, the museum brings together more than 250 years of history, from the Industrial Revolution to post-war prosperity. An educational and entertaining visit for the whole family: kids will love the chance to see history come to life, and they can even interact with costumed characters! A full day out without having to travel too far from Birmingham.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Royal Leamington Spa: A beautiful town

Royal Leamington Spa is a delightful Regency town full of charm – perfect for a romantic weekend visit. Known for its natural spa springs discovered and commercialised in the nineteenth century, this beautiful spa town can be easily reached from Birmingham via fast, frequent trains.

Nature lovers should make time for a stroll around the sprawling Jephson Gardens, home to an assortment of interesting and unusual trees, as well as a fascinating glasshouse. Elsewhere, The Royal Spa Centre is appreciated for its quality comedy and drama, while the Loft Theatre is highly regarded as a leading independent theatre.

Shopping opportunities abound around Leamington Spa’s many boutiques, too. Wherever you end up, keep an eye out for the town’s Regency architecture as you wander its streets.

*Fares and timetables are approximate and can vary based on booking time, peak hours, and ticket type

Ready to go?

There are so many places to visit near Birmingham, whether you’re looking for a relaxed day out near a lake or an action-packed sightseeing city tour. Situated in the heart of the Midlands, Birmingham is the ideal starting point for dozens of unforgettable trips, from the wild landscapes of the Peak District to the frolicking fun of Weston-super-Mare and the sophistication of Royal Leamington Spa.

Best of all, day trips from Birmingham by train are easy and cheap. For the best prices, get organised and remember to book in advance. So, what are you waiting for? Book your next adventure with Trip.com now!

Don't miss our guides on the best day trips by train from Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Manchester!