4 great days out by train

Ditch the car for a stress-free Bank Holiday Monday. Here are four places that are easy to get to by train and offer the promise of a day away from the London crowds.

HISTORIC ST ALBANS This Hertfordshire town boasts a stunning cathedral, a Roman theatre, a museum of Roman life and a fine old market. There are also plenty of pubs. The tourist board (01727 864 511) runs history and special interest walks. Around 20 min from King's Cross Thameslink, four trains an hour, cheap day return £7.20. www.stalbans.gov.uk.

MINIATURE MANNINGTREE England's smallest town is almost dolls house-like with narrow streets and crooked Georgian architecture. It's a sleepy place but there's a lively pub (Crown Hotel) with stunning views over the Stour Estuary. Wander down the hill to neighbouring Mistley for great riverside walks. Around one hour from Liverpool Street, two trains an hour, cheap day return £11. Station around one mile from town. www.manningtreeaz.co.uk.

TRANQUIL LEWES East Sussex's county town is a network of cobbled streets with period shops, a Norman castle and views over water meadows to the coast. Places to visit include Anne Of Cleves' House and Southover Grange Gardens. Around one hour from Victoria, two trains an hour, cheap day return £15.10. www.lewes.gov.uk.

FLORAL FARNHAM Less than an hour by train from the capital, Farnham has plenty of watering holes, along with historic churches, a 12th-century castle and the ruined Waverley Abbey three miles outside town. The Farnham In Bloom committee ensures the town is awash with floral displays and there's pleasant riverside walking along the Wey. Around 50 min from Waterloo, two trains an hour, cheap day return £10.50. www.farnham.co.uk.