If you’re arriving in London by train or air, there’s a good chance that you’ll make your way through London’s Victoria Station. The station is actually two major railways in a single location (which once told the story of two rival rail companies back in the day before they joined together in 1899). Plus, is located just south of the worldwide recognizably known Buckingham Palace (try and find the Queen of Prince William and Kate while there).
Here are a few interesting facts about London’s Victoria Station that might make your arrival at this terminal a little more fascinating:
- The station was actually a terminus during the First World War. It was at Victoria Station that trains would carry soldiers into the area to and from France. There is even a commemorative plaque on Platform 8 to view.
- Contrary to what you might think, Victoria Station wasn’t named after Queen Victoria. It was named after the actual street where it resides, Victoria Street.
- Before it was named Victoria Station is was called Grosvenor Terminus
- Victoria Station, once upon a time, once had a cinema called the Victoria Station News Theatre. It was built back in 1933. Unfortunately, it closed decades later in 1981, so you won’t be able to visit it today.
If you choose to stay and explore, perhaps your next trip is merely an hour or so from departure, look for Victoria Station luggage storage so that you can enjoy Victoria Plaza. This plaza hosts numerous shops to explore and indulge in. However, if you have a day or so, then you should absolutely venture outside the station.
Here are the best day trips to take from London’s Victoria Station.
Feel smart along the streets of Cambridge
Simply say the word Cambridge and your mind goes to preppy, scholastic images akin to that of Harvard or Oxford. But beyond the ivory walls of the elite school, Cambridge is actually a quintessential city unto itself. Cambridge is only a very short train ride from London and is located on the River Cam. As a University town, it hosts many markets and places to dine. You can also visit Kings College Chapel, referred to as one of the most breathtaking, gothic churches in the country (built in the 16th century). While here, it’s highly recommended to take a university tour because the campus and buildings themselves are historic, founded in the Middle Ages, and boasts a history unmatched in other parts of the world.
Sail along the seaside in Margate
You can trade in cobblestones for grains of sand in only an hour and a half drive away from London to the coastal seaside town of Margate. Margate also happens to be surrounded by two other seaside escapes, Ramsgate and Broadstairs. But Margate itself has one thing these other two places do not—Dreamland, a brightly colored theme park that appeals to both kids and adults alike with its rides and big wheels. But you won’t visit here simply for the amusement park, you’ll come for the beach and boats that can be seen from the shore. Like any other seaside town, it has lovely shops and cafes and places to eat. Discover your local find at the Old Kent Market.
Be taken back in time to Winchester
While much of England is historic, the city of Winchester is one of the oldest established cities in all of the United Kingdom, and only a two-hour drive from London (there is train access, at only an hour of time). Winchester’s historic streets pave the cobblestone way to Jane Austen’s burial site at the enormously beautiful Cathedral, which also is home to one of the oldest bibles. Space and star enthusiasts will likewise enjoy the Winchester Planetarium. And, if you happen to be in the area around the holiday season you can visit the Winchester Christmas Market, a delight for anyone eager for the Christmas spirit.
Conclusion
These three key cities will offer you a day’s adventure that you’ll be grateful to have experienced. Thankfully, Victoria Station luggage storage offers plenty of stow-away luggage options so you can leave your unnecessary belongings behind as you take any one of these day trips. You can easily drop off your luggage on Sutherland Street, Victoria, near Pimlico Station, at Victoria Station, on Buckingham Palace Road, in South Kensington, at St. James’s Park Station, at Knightsbridge, around Piccadilly, near the Shepherd’s Market, around Leicester Square, at Oxford Circus or Oxford Street, at the Covent Garden, on Old Brompton Road, at Vauxhall, inside Charing Cross Station, at Battersea, near Mayfair Market, on Gloucester Road, at Grosvenor Square, near Lambeth North Station, at the Bond Street Station, the Broadwick spot, and so many more. What’s more, many of these Victoria Coach Station luggage storage spots are available 24/7 so that you can easily drop off and pick-up your items at your convenience as your depart or return from your best day trip from Victoria Station.
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