Exploring by train
Take the train for a country ramble, a day in the city or an epic railway adventure.
The train is the ultimate day-off transport. Instead of staring at the road ahead, you can gaze at the view or browse on the wi-fi. Enjoy a coffee, a book or a snooze. And you’re helping to cut traffic and pollution while you ride.
We’ll help you cut the cost too, with top tips for finding cheap rail tickets and discounts at attractions when you arrive by train. It’s the best way to explore the UK – from London it’s 3 hours to Snowdonia National Park and 5 hours to Edinburgh Castle.
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Short train journeys
You can take the train many of the UK’s top attractions, with our easy travel directions and car-free discounts. Or take in some culture in the city, without the drama of parking – add bus travel around town with Plusbus. The train is also perfect for exploring the countryside, with a car-free walk between stations.
For shorter train journeys you can usually buy an Off-peak Day Return ticket, on the day. See our tips on how to find cheap train tickets.
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Long train journeys
The train is a wonderfully relaxing choice for longer journeys – sit back and enjoy a grandstand view of the great British countryside. Instead of crossing your legs for a motorway service station, stretch your legs for onboard refreshments and loos. You could even treat yourself to an upgrade with Weekend First (buy on the train) or Seatfrog.
For longer train journeys you can often save money by booking an Advance Ticket.
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Holidays by train
The UK boasts some of the most scenic railway journeys in the world, from the beautiful branch lines of Cornwall to Scotland’s epic Welsh Highland Line (as seen in Harry Potter!).
You’ll find loads of ideas for car-free adventures on Good Journey, from famous cities to secret rural retreats. Whet your appetite with our e-book of Scenic rail and bus journeys of Britain – free with our newsletter, below. And for more inspiration visit Scenic Rail Britain.
If you know your travel plans, you can save money by booking Advance Tickets. If you’d like to spend a few days exploring a particular part of the country, a Rail Rover ticket can be great value. Or if you’re planning to travel all round Britain for a week or two, consider an All Line Rover or BritRail Pass (overseas visitors only). For Welsh adventures check out Wales on Rails.
If you’d rather someone else took care of the timetables and the tickets, check out organised rail holidays from companies like Railtrail and Ffestiniog Travel.
