Traveling by train from London Waterloo to the south coast of England has never been easier. This terminus in south London services all the major towns that sit along the English Channel. Almost directly south is Brighton, a bohemian enclave of Sussex that many have likened to a condensed version of London by the sea. As you travel west along the coast, major stops include Portsmouth, with its proud naval history, and where visitors can explore some of the most famous warships ever built: HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose. Portsmouth is also home to the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Southampton has a buzzing waterfront with many bars and restaurants, as well as the huge City Art Gallery.

Trains from Waterloo also provide services further afield into the western counties that sit along the south coast: Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. Among the longest rain journeys from Waterloo are to St Ives at the tip of Cornwall which, since 1993 it has been home to an outpost of the Tate Gallery, and Penzance from where you can catch the ferry to the Isles of Scilly, an archipelago of the south western tip of the country that benefits from one of the warmest climates in Britain.

Visitors may wish to combine their visit to the south coast with a stay in London, and the Travelodge Waterloo hotel provides a comfortable, affordable option for those wishing to spend a night or two in the capital before traveling on to the coast. Staying in the area allows the visitor to access some of London’s most well-known attractions, particularly those along the south bank of the river Thames. Here you will find the recreated Shakespeare’s Globe which, during the summer months, plays host to a season of the bard’s plays, but also houses a fascinating museum open all year. Just nearby is Christopher Wren’s house, home to the architect responsible for how much of the center of London looks. The South Bank Center is an arts hub that plays host to the Hayward Gallery which predominantly features contemporary artists. For a birds-eye view of London, take a turn on the London Eye. And you can catch a movie at the National Film Theater, one of the world’s most renowned cinemas. River boats cruises allow you to access all the attractions along the banks of the river.