Get ready to rumble along the tracks this weekend with a trip to one of these five must-visit British landmarks. Leave your car at home and pack a bag of scrumptious train snacks as you embark on a fantastically fun getaway with friends and family. You can even upgrade your railway escapade by travelling on a steam train to some of these historic attractions. So, what are you waiting for? Read on to start planning your next great train travel experience.
Salisbury Cathedral
The unmissable 13th century Gothic cathedral in Salisbury is home to one of only four surviving original Magna Carta documents from 1215. It also boasts the tallest church spire in the UK and claims the oldest working clock in Britain as its own. If that’s not enough to get you into gear, there’s a magnificent rail route between Exeter Central and Salisbury that is sure to turn a jolly jaunt to this historical landmark into a good old-fashioned day trip. Travel through the rolling East Devon, Dorset and Wiltshire countryside and trundle past picturesque market towns as you unwind in the comfort of your carriage during the idyllic 88-mile train journey.
Find out more on page 27 of Railway Day Trips by bestselling author Julian Holland
Hever Castle
Rich in history and with an abundance of activities for children and grown-ups to enjoy, Hever Castle is a fantastic day out for anyone of any age. Best known for being the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, visitors can while away their day exploring the castle rooms, exhibitions and award-winning gardens. You can even feast like a king on cakes, sandwiches and hot snacks in the moat café. But how do we get here by train, I hear you ask? A favourite rail route is the delightfully short journey between Tunbridge Wells West and Hever, which can currently only be undertaken on Saturdays from April to October. Travel on the Spa Valley Railway heritage line from Tunbridge Wells West to Eridge then change trains on to the national rail network for the 15-minute journey north to the pretty village of Hever, where they can then walk from the station to the castle in approximately 20 minutes via the Eden Valley Walk.
Find out more on page 46 of Railway Day Trips by bestselling author Julian Holland
Bodiam Castle
Another weekend, another castle. But who doesn’t love a glimpse of medieval splendour? Bodiam Castle is a fascinating 14th century moated ruin and is one of Britain’s most idyllic and romantic ancient monuments. What’s more, visitors can arrive in style when they catch the vintage steam-hauled train to Bodiam from Tenterden Town. This leisurely train journey passes through the rural water meadows of the peaceful Rother Valley. After crossing the county border from Kent into East Sussex, trains call at Northiam before finally reaching Bodiam Station where the village, Castle Inn and National Trust landmark are moments away.
Find out more on page 49 of Railway Day Trips by bestselling author Julian Holland
Snowdonia National Park and Caernarfon Castle
For a day trip to remember, book tickets for a ride along Britain’s longest heritage railway - Welsh Highland Railway. Passengers will be conveyed by a grand steam locomotive through glorious scenery in the Snowdonia National Park before arriving close to the walls of Caernarfon Castle, which is now part of a collection of impressive landmarks that form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the on-site exhibition within this incredible fortress-palace; take a tour of The Royal Welsh Fusiliers Mueum located within the monument; or spend your hard-earned pocket money in the castle gift shop.
Find out more on page 136 of Railway Day Trips by bestselling author Julian Holland
York Minster
Come and visit the vibrant city of York, which is steeped in Roman and Viking history. There’s so much for families to discover here but as a first port of call, take a trip to York Minster, one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals. Explore a myriad of medieval architecture before whisking the little ones off to the JORVIK Viking Centre, less than 1-mile away. To get to York, why not take a leisurely train ride from Leeds, on the route that passes through Harrogate and Knaresborough. The views from your carriage window are wonderfully scenic with plenty of open countryside to delight in.
Find out more on page 160 of Railway Day Trips by bestselling author Julian Holland
You can learn more about the best train day trips to embark on in Julian Holland’s book Railway Day Trips, which is available to buy online and at all good bookshops. Julian’s latest book Britain’s Heritage Railways is also a must-read for adventurers looking to explore some of the most remarkable historic train lines in the UK.