Looking for something slightly different for this year’s autumn break?
Whether you’re going alone, with your partner or in a group, going by train could make a brilliant idea. By leaving the car at home, you can still access incredible areas of natural beauty and some of the liveliest cities all around the UK, just without the pressures and stressors that come with driving.
No matter your usual style when it comes to holidaymaking, it’s always worth knowing about the possibilities of going by rail – along with the most convenient routes from anywhere else in the country.
Top destinations for UK holidays by train
- London
No matter where you’re travelling from in the UK, you’ll be able to reach London by train. And with twelve major railway stations in and around the city, it’s possible to plan your journey down to the finer details. Even if you wanted to spend some time in France too, you could easily cross the channel on a train from London St. Pancras.
But London itself makes a delightful holiday destination choice. Whether you’re hitting the streets of Soho or heading to the capital for a shopping frenzy down Oxford Street, you’ll find something to appease almost every niche. And for the foodies, sampling local and exotic delights at world-leading food markets in London is a huge part of the appeal.
- Brighton
For families going on holiday with young children, Brighton makes an excellent destination of choice. Spacious pebbled beaches with warm, shallow waters stretch down the shore, which is teeming with ice cream parlours, quaint cafés, and an array of entertainment options too.
Whether you prefer to take it easy and soak up some rays, experience the fun of the fair or hit the town at night, there’s something for everyone in Brighton. Large groups of friends and big families alike will appreciate the colourful variety on offer in Brighton, alongside the town’s warm and pleasant climate. Furthermore, it’s easily reached from London.
- Edinburgh
If you’re planning a romantic retreat, taking the train to Edinburgh promises a wonderful weekend break. This ancient Scottish city is conveniently placed at the top of the East Coast Main Line, meaning that it’s easy to get there on comfortable, direct trains from London and other major towns in the East Midlands.
Edinburgh is famed for its strong connection to the arts and literary scene and hosts the annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe, but there’s so much more going on in the city throughout the year. You can peruse the streets and browse charming shops down Princes Street, grab a bite to eat at one of the city’s many artisan cafés, and challenge yourself to reach the top of Arthur’s Seat.
- Newcastle
Don’t forget to consider northern locations when you’re booking a holiday by train. There are plenty to choose from, including Manchester, but Newcastle is perhaps best suited to those looking to strike a balance. Tall, regal buildings and an historic culture are juxtaposed with a lively party scene in Newcastle, perfect for those breaks with friends.
Newcastle also boasts an exceptional public transport system. You can hop on the Metro to almost any of the surrounding areas, including the beautiful seaside town of Tynemouth. It’s a hotspot with surfers and promises a brilliant day out when you’re based in the big city.
- Cardiff
Lastly, the Welsh capital is easy to reach by train and offers a wide array of activities and opportunities for tourists to get stuck into. It’s not only teeming with shops, restaurants, and a lively university culture, but Cardiff is also just a stone’s throw from the breathtaking natural beauty found in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Our tip: for a coastal small-town feel, the city of Swansea makes a charming choice destination for a daytrip from Cardiff. There, you’ll be even closer to the remarkable scenery in the Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, alongside beautiful sandy beaches that stretch out for miles.
Regardless of your plans, you’ll be able to plan and enjoy a brilliant holiday by train in the UK. Don’t forget to take out travel insurance – you might still need it, even if you’re not going abroad.
