There’s an underrated romance when it comes to experiencing a railway journey with a loved one. From finding two cosy seats together, to warming your hands on a hot flask of tea or coffee, and gazing not just at yours truly but at some of the world’s most spectacular scenery from the comfort of a quiet carriage.
Wow your significant other with one of these five iconic heritage railway journeys that are sure to keep your love life on track. Here’s where to head for a romantic train trip in 2023.
‘The Jacobite’
‘The Jacobite’ is a world-famous award-winning steam train journey that runs from Fort William to Mallaig between mid-May and the end of October each year. Sit back and relax as you power past stunning scenery along a route made famous in the Harry Potter films. Overlooked by Ben Nevis, trains for Mallaig depart northwards from Fort William’s 1970s-style terminus. One of the most breath-taking moments of the trip is the awesome view from the iconic 21-arch viaduct that looks over the Glenfinnan Monument and along the length of Loch Shiel.
Plan your romantic adventure: www.westcoastrailways.co.uk
Snowdon Mountain Railway
Subject to weather conditions, trains on the Snowdon Mountain Railway depart daily from Llanberis from late March to the end of October. Soon after leaving the station, the train crosses the first of two viaducts across the Afon Hwch, where a waterfall plunges majestically into the gorge below. The train continues to pass through the stations in the valley, climbing higher with unforgettable views all-around before making its final ascent to the Summit, which is reopening in May 2023. From here, you’ll be privy to one of the world’s great panoramas.
Plan your romantic adventure: www.snowdonrailway.co.uk
Ffestiniog Railway
Ffestiniog Railway opened as a horse-drawn tramway between slate quarries at Blaenau Ffestiniog and the harbour town of Porthmadog in 1836. Horsepower was replaced by steam in 1865 and 4 years later the FR introduced the first of its powerful double-ended locomotives. Today, visitors can enjoy the miles of stunning Welsh countryside and discover a never-ending landscape of patchwork fields, ancient woodlands and valleys at every turn. With a breath-taking backdrop of mountains to boot, a trip on this heritage railway makes the ultimate romantic treat.
Plan your romantic adventure: www.festrail.co.uk
North Norfolk Railway
Take a moment to let the glorious sea views sink in as you trundle along one of the country’s most stunning coastal heritage railways. From the idyllic seaside resort of Sheringham to the Georgian town of Holt, visitors will journey past beautiful heathlands and beaches, stopping at restored period stations like Weybourne, which has often been used as a location for well-known TV shows and films. Enjoy one of the line’s exclusive railway experiences or depart at one of the stops for a scrumptious lunch of fish and chips.
Plan your romantic adventure: www.nnrailway.co.uk
Dartmouth Steam Railway
For even bigger sea views, the Dartmouth Steam Railway is a must. See the picturesque sights along the English Riviera Geopark coastline from Paignton, through the quaint stations at Goodrington and Churston before arriving at Kingswear, where you can catch a ferry across the river Dart to the historic town of Dartmouth. There are endless opportunities for you and partner to have non-stop fun when you spend a day travelling along this exquisite railway line.
Plan your romantic adventure: www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk
Discover more romantic heritage railway adventures around Britain in Julian Holland’s book Britain’s Heritage Railways, which is out now in paperback and available to buy online and from all good book shops.