The ‘magical’ old-fashioned steam train that is officially the best day trip from London this winter

We know winter is depressing. It’s cold, dark, and your laundry is always still a tiny bit damp. The silver lining though: you live in in London, which means that whatever the season, there is always an abundance of activities, food, drink, parks and day trips to distract you from your plants that aren’t quite getting enough light and your perennially moist laundry. 

Today we’re here to talk about day trips. Specifically, the best day trip out of London for this winter, which we have just crowned in this list. 

According to Time Out (we’re biased, but we think we give the best advice), the best day trip from London this winter is the charming Kent and East Sussex Railway, a whimsical steam train route which runs from the picture-perfect Tenterden to the small village of Bodiam. 

We know what you’re thinking – I commute via train in London every day, what’s so special about this one? Well, this old-fashioned steam train chugs through the green countryside of the Garden of England. And what could be more magical than than jumping in the upholstered carriages of an old-fashioned steam locomotive, the whiff of burning coal whipping past the windows? All aboard!

During the 30-minute journey you’ll trundle past farmland (including a massive former Guinness hop farm), quaint cottages, pretty gardens, and historical sites like Bodiam Castle. Once your ride is complete you can explore the National Trust-owned castle; a 14th-century moated structure that is is one of Britain's most picturesque and romantic ancient monuments. 

Do make sure to plan ahead, because trains from Tenterden only run on select dates during the winter months. You can check the website for details of departures before setting off. To get there, it’s 57 minutes by train from London Bridge to Headcorn, then 20 minutes by bus. If driving, it takes about two hours from the city centre. 

Find all of Time Out’s brilliant winter day trips from London here. 

New images have been revealed of London’s new £1 billion neighbourhood for movie-making. 

One of London’s most confusing attractions is getting easier to navigate.

Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel.