City to coast: 5 mini breaks by train

Part of our Responsible Travel series
Published 2026
Read time: 8 minutes

Edinburgh to Fife

Start with a couple of days exploring Edinburgh’s historic streets before heading across the Firth of Forth to the quieter coast of Fife. Your destination is Lower Largo, a small coastal village with the Fife Coastal Path on its doorstep and views across the Firth towards Edinburgh.

Hotel city stay: 23 Mayfield, Edinburgh

Your starting point is this Victorian villa beneath Arthur’s Seat, full of period charm, with original fireplaces and ornate ceilings. There are just six bedrooms, and breakfast is a celebration of Scottish produce with Arbroath smokies and rare-breed sausages. Central Edinburgh is easily reached by bus, so spend your first couple of days exploring the city before swapping cobbled streets for the coast.

Getting to the coast without a car

23 Mayfield > Edinburgh station: around 16-minutes on foot, or 8-minutes by taxi

Edinburgh Station > Leven Railway station (1 hr 16-minutes followed by short taxi or 15-minute bus)

Coastal pub stay: The Crusoe

The Crusoe is about as close to the sea as you can get. This 1820 granary-turned-inn sits directly on the water, with sea views from every bedroom and waves occasionally lashing the windows of the bar. Local ales and seasonal seafood make the pub a natural place to settle in, while the Fife Coastal Path runs from the door. It’s the perfect second act to an Edinburgh stay, with less sightseeing, more sea air and watching the tide roll in.

Bath to Dorset

Spend a couple of days wandering Bath’s elegant Georgian streets, soaking up its Roman history and eating your way around its independent cafes and restaurants. Then head south into Dorset, where the landscape opens up and the Jurassic Coast awaits.

Hotel city stay: The Roseate Villa

Tucked away on a quiet street overlooking Henrietta Park, The Roseate Villa is a peaceful base for exploring Bath on foot. Pulteney Bridge is just five minutes away, while the Roman Baths, galleries, shops and restaurants are all within easy reach. Back at the hotel, there’s an excellent breakfast and a smart little bar for an evening drink after a day exploring.

Getting to the coast without a car

The Roseate Villa > Bath Spa Railway Station: around 15-minutes on foot, or 10-minutes by taxi

Bath Spa Railway Station > Wool Station (2 hr 20-minutes followed by 10-minutes by bus)

Coastal pub stay: The Castle Inn

A short stroll from Lulworth Cove, The Castle Inn is a 17th-century village pub with a thatched roof, cosy snugs and gardens overlooking the hills. From here, head out onto the Coast Path, explore the Jurassic Coast or simply settle down with a pint of Butcombe and a plate of seasonal pub food. It’s a slower, wilder second half to a Bath break, with some of Dorset’s most beautiful coastline on your doorstep.

London to Sussex

Start among the grand squares, galleries and busy streets of central London before swapping the city for the quiet shores of Pagham Harbour in West Sussex. Here, tidal waters, wildlife and coastal walks replace the Tube and traffic.

Hotel city stay: Lime Tree Hotel

Set in two elegant Georgian townhouses less than a mile from Buckingham Palace, Lime Tree Hotel is a peaceful base for exploring London on foot. Wander through Belgravia’s leafy streets, head towards Westminster or Sloane Square, then retreat to the hotel’s pretty garden after a busy day in the city. Breakfast is served in the bustling Buttery cafe, with excellent local suppliers including Cackleberry Farm and Paul Rhodes Bakery.

Getting to the coast without a car

Lime Tree Hotel > Victoria Station: around 7-minutes on foot

London Victoria Station > Chichester Railway Station (1 hr 32-minutes followed by 20-minutes by bus, followed by a 10-minute walk)

Coastal pub stay: The Crab & Lobster

This 17th-century whitewashed inn sits beside Pagham Harbour, a peaceful tidal estuary alive with birds and largely overlooked by tourists. Spend your time walking the marshes, exploring the nearby villages and beaches or heading into the South Downs, then return for fresh local seafood. It’s a wonderfully quiet change of pace from London, with sea air, wildlife and plenty of space to slow down.

Bristol to Devon

Spend a couple of days exploring Bristol’s creative neighbourhoods, independent shops and harbourside food scene before heading south into Devon. Your destination is Branscombe, a tiny village tucked into the rolling hills of the Jurassic Coast, with a pebble beach just half a mile away.

Hotel city stay: Artist Residence Bristol

Set in an old Bristol square, Artist Residence brings together bold art, vintage finds and a laid back atmosphere. You’re within easy walking distance of Stokes Croft, the harbourside and Clifton, with plenty of independent cafes, shops and restaurants to discover along the way. There’s good local food at the hotel too, plus a sun terrace for warmer days.

Getting to the coast without a car

Artist Residence > Bristol Temple Meads: around 24-minutes on foot, or 10-minutes by taxi

Bristol > Honiton (1 hr 30-minutes followed by 20-minute taxi)

Coastal pub stay: The Masons Arms

Hidden among the rolling hills of Branscombe, The Masons Arms is a characterful old village pub just half a mile from the beach. Walk down to the pebbly shore, follow the South West Coast Path towards Beer or simply settle beside the fire with a pint and a plate of local food. With cosy rooms, a big terrace and footpaths leading in every direction, it’s a wonderfully peaceful change of pace from Bristol.

Brighton to Sussex

Technically, you get a double dose of the coast with this one. Start with a couple of days exploring Brighton’s lively mix of independent shops, restaurants and seaside charm, before heading along the Sussex coast to the quieter village of Climping, just outside Littlehampton.

Hotel city stay: Artist Residence Brighton

Set in a colourful Regency townhouse in the heart of Brighton, Artist Residence is a good match for the city’s creative, slightly eccentric spirit. Its individually designed rooms are packed with original art and vintage finds, while the café, bar and terrace look out towards the sea. From here, you’re perfectly placed for Brighton’s independent shops and restaurants, as well as the Royal Pavilion and iconic Pier. There’s plenty to discover on foot, with Brighton station around 16-minutes away.

Getting to the coast without a car

Artist Residence > Brighton Station: around 16-minutes on foot

Brighton Station> Littlehampton Rail Station (55-minutes followed by 10-minute bus, followed by a 10-minute walk)

Coastal pub stay: The Black Horse

A short walk from the beach, The Black Horse is a village pub in a beautifully restored 17th-century building. Settle in for seasonal, locally sourced food and a pint of Sussex Bitter, then wander down to the sea or explore the nearby South Downs. The seven bedrooms are full of character, with nature-inspired wallpapers and locally sourced antiques, while two have rooftop balconies overlooking the fields. Come morning, take an early swim before returning for breakfast.

Explore all our special places to stay >

You might also like