Lady’s 7 Beautiful Villages Near London by Train

Today I want to bring you my guide to the most beautiful villages near London by train. The English countryside is hard to beat when it comes to aesthetics, and it’s worth a special trip to see the most charming places outside the city. From Kent to Buckinghamshire and the Cotswolds, there are picturesque villages in easy reach of London by rail. Read on for my list. I’ve included a map, too.

Beautiful Villages Near London by Train

The difficult thing about creating a list of the most beautiful villages near London by train is that there are so many to choose from. The whole of the English countryside is pretty, and a lot of the best places to visit in the UK can be found here.

From gentle hills to adorable sheep, this green and pleasant land feels like it’s straight out of a storybook. But since it’s real and I’ve committed to making a list of some of the prettiest villages near London by rail, I’m going to give it my best effort.

Whether you’re seeking destinations for country breaks near London, places with idyllic thatched-roof cottages, or good ideas for day trips from London by train, there’s no shortage of beautiful villages in England you’ll love discovering.

If you’re new to British rail travel, you can take a look at my guide to train travel in the UK. It will help you understand how to get around and where to book tickets.

1. Kingham, Oxfordshire

Kingham tops my list of beautiful villages near London by train. From topiary hedges to stone cottages, this prettiest of places in the Cotswolds has me reaching for my camera at every step.

The village streets are packed with charming houses, and there’s serene countryside all around. This is one of my favorite Cotswolds villages for good reason.

While here, you can even walk to Daylesford Organic Farm in Gloucestershire. This upscale complex is replete with with shops, restaurants, and a garden center.

If you prefer to stay in Kingham, there’s a local shop to browse, the historic St Andrew’s Church to admire, and atmospheric pubs to eat and spend a night (or three) in. You can see more things to do in and around the village in my itinerary for 3 days in the Cotswolds.

Kingham is easy to get to by train from London, so it’s the perfect place to go if you want to visit the Cotswolds without a car. The station is around a 20-minute walk from the heart of the village, and you’ll pass over bridges and alongside churches as you go.

If you’re interested in Cotswolds walks, my blog post about a Kingham circular walk is for you. This ramble is ideal if you want to get out and see the English countryside around the village while you’re visiting.

If Kingham appeals, you can book a place to stay here. There are several options for accommodation, including country hotels and pubs with rooms.

I’ve stayed at The Kingham Plough and I love it. This historic property is a village pub with lovely rooms. You can book your stay here.

2. Old Amersham, Buckinghamshire

Amersham is next on my list of the best villages near London by train. Located just outside the city, it’s so close you can reach it on the tube.

Amersham is known for the heritage homes and historic buildings on and around the high street in Old Amersham. From houses that date back to 1450 to the Market Hall and the 13th-century St Mary’s Church, there’s a lot to see here.

The village is a great place to travel if you want an easy half-day trip from London with as little time in transit as possible. It’s also a great option if you’re on a budget, as it’s one of the best cheap days out from the city.

Old Amersham is around a 20-minute walk from the tube station. The route goes through beautiful woodland, and it’s a picturesque way to arrive in town.

Speaking of which, this place is also beloved for country walks, as it’s located in the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If you want to do a combination of a village visit and a ramble, this is just the spot.

If you’re interested in extending your stay and living like a local, you can book accommodation in Amersham here. There’s a variety of options to choose from, including historic inns and hotels.

My top pick is the Kings Arms. This beautiful heritage pub with rooms is right on the high street in the heart of Old Amersham. If that appeals, you can book a room here.

3. Cookham, Berkshire

West of London, Cookham is another of the most beautiful villages near London by train.

Right on the Thames, this place is renowned for its connections to Sir Stanley Spencer. He was one of the great British painters of the 20th century, and a lot of people come here to visit the Stanley Spencer Gallery.

Even if art’s not your thing, there’s plenty to love about this village. You’ll find one of the oldest pubs in England here, as well as sweeping views from Winter Hill and a heritage church with Norman roots.

Cookham is also one of the places where the United Kingdom’s annual Swan Upping Ceremony happens. If you’re curious about this long-standing tradition, you can time your visit to coincide with it in the summer.

If this English village appeals, you can book a place to stay in Cookham here. There’s a range of hotels to choose from.

My top pick is Bel & The Dragon. One of the oldest coaching inns in England, it’s right on the village high street. The rooms are classic, too. If that sounds good, you can book a room here.

If you want to splurge, Cliveden House is just the place. This 5-star luxury hotel in Berkshire is housed in a historic Italianate mansion.

Surrounded by National Trust gardens, it features a mix of Edwardian style and contemporary elegance. The restaurant has 3 AA Rosettes, too. You can book a room here.

4. Brockenhurst, Hampshire

Another of the most beautiful villages near London by train is Brockenhurst. Nestled in the heart of the New Forest, this charming spot has been named ‘Britain’s Most Beautiful Place to Live’.

Brockenhurst features a high street full of shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants. You can also do activities like cycling, walking, and horseback riding while you’re in town.

It’s easy to come here on a New Forest day trip from London, or make it part of a longer journey. One reason to extend your stay is that there are famous restaurants like The Pig nearby.

And that’s to say nothing of other villages like Beaulieu and Lyndhurst, which aren’t far away.

If all that appeals, you can book a place to stay in Brockenhurst here. There’s a wide variety of options to choose from, including hotels, inns, and apartments.

My top pick is the Cottage Lodge Hotel. This eco-chic bolthole is full of historic wooden beams, handmade bricks, and ship timbers from the 17th century. It’s also conveniently located near the train station. You can book a room here.

5. Eynsford, Kent

Next on my list of the most beautiful villages near London by train is Eynsford. Located near Sevenoaks, this picturesque spot in the Darent Valley is part of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

There’s a lot to do and see in Eynsford, too. The village is littered with country pubs, and there are heritage buildings galore. Notable examples include St Martin’s Church, Eynsford Castle, the Ford at Riverside, Lullingstone Roman Villa, and Lullingstone Castle.

If you love getting into the countryside, this is a great place for walks near London by train, too. From pretty riverside areas to woodland paths, there’s a lot of variation here.

The train station is located at the southern end of Eynsford. It’s around a 10-minute walk from the heart of town.

If this sounds like your kind of English village, you can book a place to stay here. There are several options in and around the center.

My top pick is the Castle Hotel. Just across from Eynsford Castle, this country pub has contemporary decor and traditional food. You can book your stay here.

6. Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire

Great Missenden is another of the most beautiful villages near London by train. This place is famous thanks to its Roald Dahl connections.

The beloved children’s book author lived in Great Missenden for 36 years, and there’s a small museum dedicated to him in the heart of town. The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre is a must for anyone who loves his work.

There’s more to see in the village, too. The High Street and Church Street are lined with pretty historic facades and dotted with listed heritage buildings.

Given Great Missenden is situated in the Chiltern Hills, there are lots of country walks and places to explore in nature around the village. From Abbey Park to Angling Spring Wood, you have plenty of options.

The village is also accessible from London by direct train, so it’s an ideal trip if you don’t have a car. I’ve done it before and I had a great time.

If Great Missenden appeals, you can book a place to stay here. There’s a range of options to choose from, including hotels, cottages, and inns.

My top pick is The Nags Head. This 15th-century inn is a historic English pub with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, and the property is a 10-minute walk from the middle of town. You can book a room here.

7. Aylesford, Kent

Another of the most beautiful villages near London by train is Aylesford. Nestled in the heart of the English countryside, this is one of the best places to visit in Kent.

The village of Aylesford lies on the River Medway near Maidstone. The heart of town is home to pretty historic houses, classic pubs, and local shops. It’s fun to stroll around and take in the views while you’re visiting.

It’s an easy 10-15 minute walk from the train station to the middle of town, so you’ll have no problem getting here when you arrive from London.

If Aylesford appeals, you can book a place to stay here. There’s a range of options to choose from, including local B&Bs.

My top pick is the Aylesford Guesthouse. It’s not far from the high street, and the rooms are modern and clean. If living like a local sounds good to you, you can book a room here.

Map of Villages Near London by Train

Beautiful Villages Near London by Train

I hope you’ve enjoyed my list of beautiful villages near London by train and that it’s helped inspire your future travels in the UK.

If you want additional ideas, you can take a look at my blog post about the prettiest towns and villages in Britain. It includes charming places like the town of Rye in Sussex.

If you prefer to stay closer to the capital (or in it, rather), there are some great villages in London you can explore.

From Hampstead Village to Dulwich Village, Highgate Village to Greenwich Village, they’ll give you your fix without requiring you to leave the city. Happy travels!

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