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Clayton Tunnel, Sussex

Countryside, capital & coast with Thameslink

Hop on a Thameslink train to find yourself in the heart of London or zoom through the urban landscape to escape to less crowded places, breathe some fresh air and explore hidden gems off the beaten track.

With gorgeous market towns, access to the South Downs National Park and other Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), catching a Thameslink train straight to your destination is a great option.

If you're looking for a change of scene for an exciting solo day trip, a short break with friends or you want to linger for a family staycation, check out some top destinations and inspiring itineraries below.

Leave the car behind, sit back and enjoy the views!

Supported by Southeast Communities Rail Partnership, Meldreth, Shepreth & Foxton Community Rail Partnership, Darent Valley Community Rail Partnership, Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership, Beds & Herts Community Rail Partnership, Community Rail Network, Thameslink, South Cambridgeshire District Council.

Brighton Littlehampton Hassocks Redhill East Croydon East Grinstead Sevenoaks Otford Cambridge Foxton London St Albans Luton Bletchley Bedford

Destinations

Bletchley

Bletchley Park. Photo: Julie Clarke from Pixabay
Home to the iconic Bletchley Park, where the top-secret World War II Enigma Codebreakers made history, Bletchley has lots to offer.
35mins

Cambridge

Kings College Cambridge. Photo: alexxxis from Pixabay
The iconic city of Cambridge, known for its history and architecture, is ideal for some sightseeing before exploring the surrounding area by train.
50mins

Hassocks

Jack and Jill Windmills in the sunshine
Hassocks is located along the Brighton mainline and the station provides easy access to the beautiful South Downs National Park.
1hr

Luton

Luton countryside in the sunshine. Photo: Paul Gallimore from Pixabay
Although most commonly known for its international airport, the large town of Luton has so much more to offer.
25mins

Shepreth

Shepreth L-Moor. Photo: Meldreth, Shepreth & Foxton Community Rail Partnership
Home of Shepreth Wildlife Park, this quaint village also boasts beautiful gardens, a Grade II* listed church and a site of special scientific interest.
1hr 15

Itineraries

Marston Vale - Darent Valley - Rhee Valley - South East
Family fun along Thameslink route
Go wild in the Rhee Valley, delve into the rich heritage of Bedford or tire the kids out outdoors, see our ideas for family days out by rail along the Thameslink route.
St Albans - Luton - Bedford - Bletchley
Romans to code-breakers
Step in the footsteps of Romans in St Albans, hear the inspirational story of the World War II Codebreakers at Bletchley and discover the charming history of Bedford's riverside.
Cambridge to Sevenoaks
Awe-inspiring architecture
Discover some of the most inspiring and iconic buildings in the city of history before heading south to explore quaint traditional villages with 12th century churches and onwards to uncover a 400 year old archbishops palace.
Hassocks - Brighton - Littlehampton
Extraordinary artifacts
Delve deep into the history of gardening, sit on Britain's longest bench and marvel at a spectacular seaside palace.
East Croydon to East Grinstead
Pioneering history
Browse one of Britain's oldest street markets, see the world's first international airport terminal and learn the fascinating story of revolutionary World War II surgery techniques developed as you explore Croydon and East Grinstead.
Darent Valley - Rhee Valley - South east
Outdoor adventures by train
From lavender fields to ancient woodlands, step outside and explore the great outdoors by train
Darent Valley
From Hops to Lavender walk
Discover the Darent Valley on foot with this scenic walk through Samuel Palmer's earthly paradise, perfect for a day out by rail.
Darent Valley
Explore Kentish Wildlife Reserves on foot
A self-guided walking tour taking in three beautiful nature reserves, easily accessed by Darent Valley Railway.
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