As the winter chill sets in and the days grow shorter, the search for the perfect escape from the capital begins. The prestigious title for the ultimate seasonal excursion has now been officially awarded.
The Winning Winter Experience
According to the newly published Time Out guide to the top winter day trips for 2025/26, the undisputed champion is the Kent and East Sussex Railway. This charming, old-fashioned steam train experience beat out all competition to claim the top spot, offering a nostalgic and picturesque retreat from city life.
For weary London commuters accustomed to the hustle of the Tube, this journey presents a completely different kind of rail travel. The heritage line runs on a scenic route from the picture-perfect town of Tenterden to the small village of Bodiam, chugging peacefully through the heart of the Garden of England.
What Makes the Journey Magical
This is no ordinary train ride. The magic lies in the details: the plush, upholstered carriages of a bygone era, the distinctive whiff of burning coal carried on the wind, and the rhythmic sound of the steam engine. It’s a 30-minute step back in time.
Passengers are treated to views of rolling farmland, including a vast former Guinness hop farm, quaint cottages, and beautifully kept gardens. The journey is as much about the scenery as it is about the historic transport, culminating at the foot of a spectacular historical site.
Exploring Your Destination
The train’s terminus offers its own grand reward: Bodiam Castle. This stunning 14th-century moated fortress, now under the care of the National Trust, is widely regarded as one of Britain's most picturesque and romantic ancient monuments. Disembarking passengers can spend the day exploring its towers and battlements.
Planning your visit is essential, as the steam trains from Tenterden operate on a selective schedule during the winter months. Travellers are advised to check the railway's official website for precise departure dates and times before making the trip.
How to Get There
Reaching this idyllic escape from London is straightforward. The journey involves a 57-minute train ride from London Bridge to Headcorn, followed by a 20-minute bus transfer. For those preferring to drive, the trip by car from central London takes approximately two hours.
This winter, swap the damp laundry and grey skies for the enchanting puff of steam and green countryside on what has been officially recognised as the best day trip from the capital.
