Great British Rail Sale: 5 winter day trips from south London

Bromley: The Great British Rail Sale is back! From January 14 to January 20, you can snag discounts on loads of train journeys across the UK.

If you’re thinking about a winter day trip, now’s the time to book. You can get these sweet deals for trips between January 17 and March 31.

Whether you’re into cozy bookshops or exploring historic castles, there’s plenty to do indoors during these chilly months.

First up is Rochester in Kent. You can catch a train from Bromley South for just £2.50 one way. This charming riverside town was once home to Charles Dickens, making it a perfect spot for a winter visit.

Rochester has a stunning cathedral, castle ruins, and two museums to check out. If you love books, don’t miss Baggins Book Bazaar, England’s largest second-hand bookshop. It’s a book lover’s paradise!

There are also cute cafes and independent shops to explore. If the weather’s nice, take a stroll along the River Medway.

Next, we have Canterbury, another gem in Kent. A one-way ticket from Bromley South is just £5. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its links to Chaucer and its breathtaking cathedral.

Canterbury is packed with over 1,500 listed buildings and tons of museums, like the Canterbury Roman Museum and the quirky Beaney House of Art and Knowledge.

Don’t forget to visit Canterbury Cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century and played a key role in the Magna Carta. If it’s sunny, Westgate Gardens is a lovely spot to see spring flowers blooming.

Then there’s Faversham, a market town just £3.90 away from Bromley South. With its cobbled streets and independent shops, it has that charming old-town vibe.

If you’re there on market days—Tuesdays, Fridays, or Saturdays—you can find second-hand crafts, antiques, and delicious local produce.

Beer lovers will enjoy a tour of Shepherd Neame’s brewery, which has been around for over 400 years. You’ll learn about the brewing process and get to taste some fresh beer!

Royal Tunbridge Wells is next on the list. Just under an hour from Bromley South, you can hop on a train for £2.60. This former spa town is known for its Georgian architecture and vintage steam trains.

Check out the Pantiles, a historic area filled with shops and restaurants. If you’re a train enthusiast, the Spa Valley Railway offers rides on vintage trains through beautiful scenery.

Finally, let’s talk about Arundel in Sussex. Known for its stunning 11th-century castle, you can get there from Clapham Junction or East Croydon for just £3.50.

This picturesque town has a rich history, with parts of the castle dating back to 1068. You can easily spend a day exploring the castle and its beautiful gardens.

Arundel also has a lovely 19th-century cathedral and plenty of antique shops to browse. So, grab your tickets and enjoy these fantastic winter day trips!