4 English Vineyards Accessible via Public Transport from London

Looking for English vineyards near London you can visit by train? These are my top picks for wine tastings, tours and easy day trips without needing a car.

This is for you if you want a fun wine day out from London without hiring a car or organising a massive trip.

English wine is having a moment and honestly, it’s about time. With over 250 vineyards across the UK, there’s a huge amount to explore and some seriously impressive, award-winning wines being made right on our doorstep. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been on a bit of a vineyard-hopping mission, visiting some of the best English wineries and finding the ones that are actually worth your time (and train fare). Plus I’ve worked harvest in English vineyards, made wine in the cellars, so these aren’t random picks, they’re genuinely worth your time!

If you’re looking for an easy day trip from London, English vineyards are one of the best ways to escape the chaos without overcomplicating things. Think great wine, beautiful countryside, and a genuinely fun day out.

So if you’re ready to explore English wine country, here are a few of my favourite vineyards you can get to by public transport. 🍷

Balfour Winery: Kent's Hidden Gem

 

Where: Staplehurst, Kent  (nearest train station Marden)

Website: https://balfourwinery.com/

Getting There: Hop on a train from London Bridge to Marden (around 46 minutes), then utilise their free shuttle from Marden station every half an hour on a weekend.

Prices: Tours and tastings start at £50pp , self guided tour - free

Balfour is right at the top of my list. The tours and tastings are excellent, but if you’re after something a bit more relaxed (and free), I loved the self-guided walk through the vineyard. Afterwards, you can settle in with a wine flight and relax on the huge deck overlooking the vines. If that’s not quite your thing, there are plenty of other experiences to choose from too, including blending workshops and special dinners.

Their tasting room is so spacious that you'll feel like you're in an up-market London bar but with vineyards as your backdrop. The wines are fantastic and theres a massive range, so you won’t get bored of the options. The food is also delicious, it does come with a bit of a price tag (flat breads, basically pizzas start at £30).

I also helped make their 2023 vintage and worked in the cellar, making the yeasts and racking the wines—if you needed another excuse.

Denbies Wine Estate: The All-Rounder

 

Where: Dorking, Surrey  (nearest train station Dorking)

Website: https://www.denbies.co.uk/

Getting There: 50-minute train from London Waterloo to Dorking, then a 15-minute walk.

Prices: Vineyard Train Tours £12.95 for adults, £16.95 for indoor tasting, 2 hour guided walking tour £35

Denbies is like the Disneyland of English vineyards - there's something for everyone. Fancy a train ride through the vines? They've got it. Want to wine and dine? Sorted. It's great for groups, especially if some of your mates aren't big on wine (why are you friends with them again?). Plus plenty of vineyard tours, outdoor seating and even a hotel to stay over at if you want a few extra glasses of wine!

Plus they also host a Bacchus 10k and half marathon once a year- which is incredibly fun to take part in.

I’ve mapped even more vineyards across the UK. If you want the full list, click here.

Wildwood Vineyard: For Intimate Tours & Tastings

 

Where: Eridge, East Sussex (nearest train station Eridge)

Getting There: Train from London Bridge to Eridge (1 hour 3 minutes), then a 15 minute walk from the station.

Website: https://www.wildwoodvineyard.co.uk/

Prices: Tour and Guided Tasting £20 per person

Wildwood is a little peaceful retreat completely off the grid. It's small, it's intimate, and sometimes the vineyard owner Paul will show you around. How cool is that? Book in for a tour and tasting, or just check they are open and head down for a glass of wine.

Artelium: For Art Lovers

 

Where: Streat, East Sussex (nearest train station: Plumpton)

Getting There: Train from London Victoria to Plumpton (1 hour 3 minutes), then less than a 30 minute walk from the station (walking directions here)

Website:https://www.artelium.com/

Prices: Tours and tastings start from £30 per person

Artelium feels like a bit of a hidden gem. It’s peaceful, beautifully designed, and has a slightly more elevated, contemporary feel while still being completely surrounded by nature.

Book in for a tour and tasting if you want the full experience, or just head down for a glass of wine and something to eat on the terrace. It’s the kind of place you’ll end up staying longer than planned, especially on a sunny day.

Hopefully, you’ve now realised you don’t need a car (or a designated driver) to explore English wine. These vineyards prove that some of the best experiences are just a train ride away.

If you’re keen to discover more, I’ve put together a map of lots more wineries and vineyards across the UK or sign up to my newsletter below for more wine related fun 💛

If you want to explore more vineyards, download my FREE UK Vineyard Google Map which has over 250 vineyards you can visit.

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