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Home / TRIP IDEAS / A-List Travel Advisors / The UK's 8 Most Scenic Train Rides

The UK's 8 Most Scenic Train Rides

2022-11-13  Maliyah Mah

These British trains provide breathtaking views through the countryside and quaint beach resorts.

 

train trips
There's something incredibly romantic about train travel, from daring cross-country trips to opulent expeditions in the most picturesque locations on earth. It takes passengers back in time to a more innocent era while stressing the benefits of leisurely travel and, of course, showing breathtaking scenery along the way.

 

Fortunately, thrilling train journeys are available worldwide, including in the United Kingdom, which has some of the best, grandest, and most scenic trains. Consider taking one of these incredible train journeys in the UK if you're looking for a memorable vacation with beautiful countryside views, seaside towns, and cities.

 

British Pullman, London, Belmond Train

 

British Pullman
Belmond's British Pullman transports visitors back to the Roaring '20s in its storied art deco carriages, offering perhaps the most productive way to experience England's picturesque countryside. The ancient Chatsworth House, Highclere Castle (of Downton Abbey renown), and Belmond's Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons are all reachable by rail from London, Victoria, on a round-trip day journey. Delicious seasonal meats, veggies, and decadent desserts are part of the menu. Fans of design will appreciate how the Wes Anderson carriage combines symmetrical lines, pastel and jewel tones, and art nouveau style.

 

 

To Londonderry from Coleraine

 

Coleraine to Londonderry
 

 

If you're in a rush, it just takes 40 minutes to go from Coleraine to Londonderry (or vice versa). The train, a standard commuter route, traveled through some of Northern Ireland's most picturesque locations and was previously hailed by train enthusiast Michael Palin as "one of the most magnificent rail excursions in the world." Nature's painting is filled with exquisite fields, the deep blue sea on one side, and emerald mountains and the raging River Bann on the other. There are many tunnels, historic houses, churches, and beach villages. For its charming town and, provided it isn't too windy, a picnic on the beach, Castlerock is worth a visit. The Mountsandel Fort, Ireland's oldest human settlement, is in Coleraine. However, despite the town's rich history, we advise taking a bus to the Causeway Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site with attractions including the Giant's Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.

 

Scotland's Royal Scotsman, a Belmond train

 

Royal Scotsman
Welcome aboard Scotland's opulent sleeper train. With only 24 seats available, the atmosphere on board is cozy and rich. A few noteworthy features include:

  • En-suite accommodations.
  • Good meals (expect lots of Scottish salmon).
  • Spa services from some of the UK's chicest boutique companies.
  • An observation car with a balcony.

Landmarks like the Kyle of Lochalsh and the stunning Cairngorms National Park, a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II, will be visible to travelers. With breathtaking views of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the United Kingdom, and the Arisaig shoreline, daydreaming on board is a must after afternoon tea service begins. Aside from the abundant comforts, there are many options for adventure: exploring the Aviemore Gorges, taking windy walks on the Isle of Bute, paddling on the renowned Loch Ness, and clay pigeon shooting at the Rothiemurchus estate.

 

Steam Train with Jacobites

 

Jacobite Steam Train
It's not surprising that this now-iconic Scottish train is a top Instagram pick because the journey from Fort William to Mallaig features a surreal mashup of magnificent British vistas (think: craggy mountains, giant lakes, and the photogenic, 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for its starring role in the Harry Potter films). The time of year affects what you see. While winter provides frozen rivers and enormous trees gleaming with dagger-like icicles, summer brings fields of green and the most brilliant sunsets. Advice: Reserve a seat in advance since they may sell out quickly.

 

Carlisle—Settlement Railway

 

Settle—Carlisle Railway
The Settle-Carlisle Railway travels through 73 miles of gorgeous terrain, passing past numerous lonely and ruggedly attractive locations that Brits sometimes disregard. The Yorkshire Dales National Park, home to scented heather, wildflowers, dry stone walls, and undulating hills, provides the highlights. The surroundings include lush fields with sheep scattered around them, and the stations are equally as lovely (conjure up gorgeous pit stops sprinkled with hanging, posy-filled baskets). Yet another justification for boarding? One of the final major Victorian routes in England began this route in 1876.

 

Line of St. Ives Bay

 

St. Ives Bay Line
Even though it only lasts for ten minutes, this one is still worthwhile, and you may ride it back and forth as often as you like to make the most of the day. This section of track, which was first constructed in 1877, whizzes down the picturesque Cornish coast, a treasure trove of coves, blue waters, white sand beaches, and charming coastal towns that previously attracted celebrities like author Virginia Woolf and others. For the most outstanding views, including a sight of the hazy dunes that ultimately fade into the sparkling waters, sit on the right side of the train.

 

Railway to Snowdon Mountain

 

Snowdon Mountain Railway
This Victorian narrow-gauge railway is still worthwhile a ride, even if only for the open vistas, even though it's more of a tourist attraction and requirement for hikers needing a little assistance mounting the lovely Snowdon peak. The journey to the mountain by rail, which leaves Llanberis station every 30 minutes, takes around an hour. Have your cameras ready to snap historic farmhouses, historic walls, the occasional goat, and the towering Ceunant Mawr waterfall, which cascades more than 100 feet into a vast ravine, as you travel. The train travels only as far as Clogwyn since a portion of the route is sealed off due to age. You can get off and walk the remaining distance to Hafod Eryri (closed until 2023) to enjoy the expansive views. On a clear day, you can see as far as the shore of Ireland.

 

Scottish Sleeper

 

Caledonian Sleeper
This sleeper train service, which runs between London and Edinburgh along the picturesque Lowlander and Highlander lines across Scotland, is one of just two sleeper train services still operating in the United Kingdom. But this ride is different from others. This train now resembles a hotel on rails according to a 2019 renovation: Cabins with cozy double beds, luxury en-suite bathrooms, and adjustable lights for an added ambiance. A relatively upscale food cart ensures that passengers are fed during the eight-hour, 500-mile trip. Select from the standard options and Scottish specialties like haggis and tatties (potatoes) with a whiskey cream sauce. Additionally, getting up early to see the sunrise over the Northumbria countryside is worthwhile.


2022-11-13  Maliyah Mah