British railway journeys are renowned for their beautiful countryside and rich history. Over the past 150 years, the British railway network has played a crucial role in shaping the identity of the country. This guide to train journeys UK will show you the most picturesque routes. Visitors can plan travels across the nation with a train journey planner UK.
1) The Caledonian Sleeper
Image Credit: sleeper.scot
Route and Duration – Starts from London Euston and goes to Edinburgh – 8 hours 10 minutes, Aberdeen – 10 hours 5 minutes, Glasgow – 7 hours 30 minutes, Inverness – 11 hours 5 minutes, Fort William – 12 hours
The Caledonian Sleeper train connects London with several popular Scottish destinations. Christmas Steam Train Rides in England provide joyful travels through the countryside. Running since 1996, the Sleeper has upgraded carriages with modern amenities and attached bathrooms. The Caledonian Sleeper train allows visitors to access several renowned Scottish locales from London.
2) Snowdon Mountain Railway
Image Credit: snowdonrailway.co.uk
Route – Starts from the Base of Mount Snowdon and ends at the peak of Mount Snowdon in Wales.
Duration – 1 hour
Snowdon Mountain Railway is among the popular British railway journeys. This railway carries people to the summit of the highest mountain in Wales, Mount Snowdon. The train, which leaves from the Llanberis station every 30 minutes takes around an hour to climb 1064 meters to the summit. It is becoming a favourite among visitors and hikers looking for a lift halfway. Visitors on this route can see the Ceunant Mawr waterfall, which plunges over 100 feet into a gorge. The train will go as far as Clogwyn from where hikers can try the hour-long walk to the summit. The train will reach the summit of Hafod Eryri, where you can enjoy the expansive views and catch a glimpse of a peregrine falcon.
3) The Dartmoor Line
Image Credit: dartmoorline.com
Route – Okehampton and Exeter
Duration – 40 minutes
One of the most beloved train lines in the West Country reopened at the end of 2022, linking Exeter and the market town of Okehampton, following a 50-year hiatus. To the joy of hikers, people who love rail journeys, and campers they can go up to the northern edge of Dartmoor National Park.
4) Coleraine to Londonderry
Route – Starting from Coleraine to Londonderry
Duration – 40 minutes
Passengers get a sample of some of the most beautiful sights in Northern Ireland on the Coleraine to Londonderry route. The carriages are surrounded by fields on one side as soon as they leave, and the River Bann runs along the other. As the train approaches the seaside community of Castlerock, it passes by a caravan park. The train disappears under tunnels and resurfaces next to a golden sandblazer, continuing until the next curve. Passengers can get spectacular views of the River Foyle towards the last 10 minutes of the journey.
5) The Jacobite Steam Train
Route – Starting from Fort William to Mallaig
Duration – 1 hour 25 minutes
The Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland travels through breathtaking scenery between Fort William and Mallaig, providing vistas of lochs, mountains, and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a popular bridge famous for its appearance in Harry Potter films. Enjoy one of the most striking vistas in the UK while you recline in the carriage. Admire the undulating terrain, towering mountain peaks that appear to caress the heavens, and the shimmering lakes situated underneath them. The 67-kilometer trip from Fort William to Mallaig is sure to captivate you. The inside of the train is luxurious and comfortable.
6) The Night Riviera or Penzance Sleeper
Route – Starting from London Paddington and ends at Penzance
Duration – 8 hours 10 minutes
The Night Riviera or Penzance Sleeper is the only other sleeper service in the United Kingdom. An exciting journey awaits you as soon as you queue up to board the night train from Paddington to Penzance. Boarding priority is granted to passengers in sleeper compartments. The bumps and jolts could be disruptive for light sleepers, and it is a good idea to bring earplugs to drown out the noises of other travellers stumbling down the hallways. Wake up to see the moors covered in purple mists, the skies streaked with apricot light, and someone knocking on your door to deliver coffee and a hot bacon roll.
7) The Flying Scotsman
Route – Starting from King Cross in London and ends at Waverley in Edinburgh
Duration – 4 hours 20 minutes
Edinburgh is one of the best places to visit in UK. The Flying Scotsman departs from downtown London and travels to Edinburgh, passing several notable sights along the way. Its 630 km journey gives numerous vistas of breathtakingly stunning nature while passing through the quaint countryside. Make sure to keep an eye out for the 54-meter-wide wings of Antony Gormley sculpture, the Angel of the North.
8) The Belmond Royal Scotsman
Route – Edinburgh Waverley to Edinburgh
Duration – 3, 4, 5, and 7 nights
Travel across the Scottish Highlands in style with luxury train journeys UK such as the Belmond Royal Scotsman. Travelling on the Belmond Royal Scotsman is an opportunity of a lifetime to experience Scotland in all its splendour, featuring steward service, four-course dinners, and plenty of whisky. The private compartments are decorated with tartan cushions and lacquer-polished furniture. The train travels past Fort William, offering vistas of Ben Nevis and the Glenfinnan viaduct. The train heads north along the Arisaig coastline, stopping for day trips to Inverlochy Castle and the Isle of Bute.
9) Highland Main Line
Route – Starting from Glasgow in Edinburgh and ends at Inverness
Duration – 1 hour 10 minutes
the Highland Main Line is considered one of the most breathtaking train routes in the world. Passengers can admire the Cairngorms National Park, the hills and rivers of Highland Perthshire, and the mountains next to the Spey Valley. See the magnificently restored Pitlochry Victorian station, the historic Dunkeld and Birnam station with its signal box and Dalwhinnie, a station famous for its whisky production. Take pictures of the amazing Blair Castle, the Ruthven Barracks, Kincraig Wildlife Park, and the Old Pack Horse Bridge.
10) Inverness – Kyle of Lochalsh
Route – Starting from Inverness and ends at Kyle of Lochalsh
Duration – 2 hours 40 minutes
There is no greater way to appreciate the coastal towns of Britain than taking the Inverness-Kyle of Lochalsh line. You get to cross the highlands and visit the many lochs and moors, hiding beneath the shadow of the mountains. The ideal spot for a stopover is Dingwall, a charming market town that lies next to Inverness. This is where you may connect to the Far North Line, which will take you past the Torridon Peaks mountains.
11) Chester-Shrewsbury
Route – Starting from Chester and ends at Shrewsbury
Duration – 55 minutes
Passengers can be mesmerised by the breathtaking vistas of the viaducts, and charming small towns and villages along this tour. Look out for the Pontcysyllte aqueduct, a world heritage landmark. From the luxury of your carriage, passengers can admire the Chester’s Romanesque architecture of Chester and the picturesque views of rural Britain.
12) Conwy Valley Line
Image Credit: scenicrailbritain.com
Route – Starts from Llandudno and ends at Blaenau Ffestiniog
Duration – 1 hour 25 minutes
Lean back and let the charm of Wales captivate you as you ride the Conwy Valley line from the charming bay of Llandudno Queen of the Welsh Resorts. This thirty-mile circuit passes through the Conwy and Lledr valleys. The trains on this line wind through the largest single-bore tunnel in Wales as well as a route that is 790 feet above sea level.
13) North Staffordshire Line
Route – Starting from Crewe and ends at Derby
Duration – 1 hour 18 minutes
The journey will start at Crewe, one of the oldest train stations in the world. Enjoy the view of Stoke on Trent, popularly known as The Potteries, a delightful city with outstanding museums and the stylish Staffordshire Hoard. The line ends in Derby, a city with a distinct identity in British history and culture.
Conclusion
UK travel on budget is possible with affordable rail fares. To design your rail routes effectively and guarantee a seamless travel experience, use a train journey planner.