Summer is on its way and what better excuse to experience an adventure by rail? Pack a picnic, your train ticket and maybe even a sunhat if you’re willing to put your faith in the British weather... It’s time to sit back and relax on some of the most scenic train rides the UK has to offer.
Snowdon Mountain Railway
Britain’s first and only tourist steam mountain railway opened from Llanberis to the summit of Snowdon in 1896. This once in a lifetime adventure has been described as one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world; with visitors treated to a magnificent view over Snowdonia and the Irish Sea. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be privy to one of the most spectacular panoramas on the planet - you’ll even find a café and gift shop; perfect for travellers keen on buying a souvenir or keepsake to commemorate their visit. Subject to weather conditions, trains on the Snowdon Mountain Railway depart daily from Llanberis from late March to the end of October.
Find out more in Britain’s Heritage Railways by Julian Holland
Penzance to St Ives – St Ives Bay Line
This is a great train trip to explore one of Cornwall’s premier seaside resorts and avoid traffic queues in the busy summer months. The short railway journey from Penzance to St Erth gives fine views of Mount’s Bay and St Michael’s Mount before turning inland at Marazion to cross this narrow point of the Cornish Peninsula. Passengers must change trains at St Erth onto the St Ives Bay Line to continue their travels. The breathtaking scenery, which can be enjoyed from the comfort of your train seat, sweeps along the coast overlooking the twinkling ocean and the golden silken sands of Cornwall’s finest beaches before arriving at its final destination of St Ives.
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Oxford to Hereford – Cotswold Line
Experience the delights of some of Britain’s most charming countryside when you take the trip from Oxford to Hereford by rail. Also known as the Cotswold Line, trains trundle from Oxford through picturesque Cotswold countryside, villages and towns. On arrival at the city of Worcester, travellers will need to change trains to continue their journey to Hereford. From here, you’ll want to keep your eyes fixed on the carriage windows to fully appreciate the enormity of the Malvern Hills, which tower over the idyllic spa town of Malvern.
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North Yorkshire Moors Railway
A journey on this impressive railway, one of the most visited in Britain, across the wild grandeur of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park – from Whitby to Pickering - involves a steep climb to Goathland. This is a must-see stop thanks to the part it played in the first Harry Potter film as Hogsmeade Station. Onwards, through the picturesque Newtondale Gorge to Levisham, where visitors will discover a 1912 styled railway station and can embark on a delightful circular walk, through open fields, forests and rolling countryside. Hop back on the next train to reach the final stop of Pickering; a 1930’s themed station that will transport you back in time to the steam era.
Find out more in Britain’s Heritage Railways by Julian Holland
Edinburgh to Berwick-upon-Tweed
This day trip to the historic border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed starts at Edinburgh’s Waverley station. After passing through the city’s suburbs, trains head out into the rich farming countryside of East Lothian. Speeding through Prestonpans and Longniddry, passengers are treated to views of the Firth of Forth and the Fife hills beyond. The railway soon meets the coast, and the steep-sided Bass Rock can be seen to the north. For the final, dramatic part of the journey to Berwick, the railway heads south along the cliff tops, passing the historic lineside indicators marking the Scotland-England boundary along the way. On arrival at Berwick-upon-Tweed, visitors should look out for the remains of the Great Hall of Berwick Castle, which was demolished in 1847 to make way for the station.
Find out more in Railway Day Trips by Julian Holland
Discover more of the UK’s best scenic train rides in Julian Holland’s books Britain’s Heritage Railways and Railway Day Trips, which are both out now in paperback and available to buy online and from all good bookshops.