The 8 best train rides in the UK
There are so many scenic train journeys across the UK, where to start?! Well, this post contains a collection of the 8 best train rides throughout the UK, with input from myself and 8 other enthusiastic train travellers. I have grouped the routes by country, so there is no hierarchy in the numbering. If you think we forgot to mention another fantastic route, do leave a comment below! ๐
Wales
1. Chester – Holyhead
Recommended by Eveline @greenhabitsuk & me
This Transport for Wales service is one of my personal favourites. The route is beautiful and varied as you follow along the northern coastline of Wales. Views include beaches, mountains, a castle and picturesque little train stations. You’ll also be passing through the town with the second longest name in the world: Llanfairยญpwllgwyngyllยญgogeryยญchwyrnยญdrobwllยญllanยญtysilioยญgogoยญgoch. This route is perfect when you want to explore Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) and for onwards travel to Dublin. Just don’t forget to ask the conductor to stop the train if you’re planning to get off at a small station.
England
2. Exeter – Newton Abbot (Riviera Line)
Recommended by Fi @fidarby.
The south of England is a great region to travel through by train. Running parallel to the stunning Devon coastline, the Riviera Line allows you to admire the sea and estuary for most of the way. According to Fi, it’s impossible to grow tired of this route. It connects to lots of walks and swimming spots, so make sure to plan a couple of days in this area. As you can see from the photos, the Rivera Line deserves its place amongst the best train rides in the UK.
3. Plymouth – Penzance
Recommended by Inge @met_de_trein_door_europa
For more breathtaking coastal views, take this recommendation from avid train traveller Inge. She has a book coming out in September which includes lots of beautiful routes both in the UK and beyond, so keep your eyes out for that! Plymouth to Penzance is one of the stretches of rail on her list of favourites. You can prolong this journey to and from London, or even take a direct train all the way from Edinburgh!
4. Manchester – Sheffield (Hope Valley Line)
Recommended by Solveig @tootly.travels & me
I am fortunate to call this my commute, and it’s also a favourite of Solveig. The Hope Valley Line crosses right through the Peak District National Park, granting easy access to lots of hiking and cycling routes. Sometimes the sunlight makes the hills sparkle as the train drives past them, other times mist gives the area a spooky vibe. When planning this route, make sure you pay attention to whether you are taking the direct intercity or the slower train that stops at all stations. You definitely won’t regret either option.
5. York – Durham – Edinburgh
Recommended by Emma @that_travel
To experience beautiful train stations at both ends and a cathedral on the way, this is the route! About halfway, you will be passing through (or should I say over) Durham. Emma loves this view of the cathedral and the city around it, and so do I! It doesn’t get more English, especially on a clouded day. Another impressive station to look out for on this route is Darlington.
Scotland
6. Edinburgh – Aberdeen
Recommended by me
Crossing the รresund Bridge between Denmark and Sweden is cool, but so is the train ride across the Forth Bridge north of Edinburgh. As you’re crossing the bridge, you look out over the Firth of Forth estuary. Not much later, you cross another bridge towards Dundee. And that’s where the coastal views up to Aberdeen start. Believe me, the choppy water and cliffs look impressive in any weather. This train ride connects well to other parts of Scotland, England, as well as the ferry to Orkney and Shetland.
7. London – Glasgow/Edinburgh/Inverness (Caledonian Sleeper)
Recommended by Patrick @nightsontracks and Solveig @tootly.travels
Another popular train through Scotland starts all the way down south in London. It’s the Caledonian Sleeper train! Imagine waking up to a view of dramatic Scottish landscapes. You can take this train all the way up to Glasgow, Edinburgh or Inverness, or disembark at one of the many other stops in Scotland. The Caledonian Sleeper is more than a way from A to B, it’s an experience no slow traveller should miss. This list of best train rides in the UK simply wouldn’t be complete without it.
8. Fort William – Mallaig (Glenfinnan Viaduct)
Recommended by Matt & Jade @giveback.guide and James @thenonflyingscotsman
Last but certainly not least is this well-known route taken by the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter series. It’s possible to travel on the iconic Jacobite Steam Train between Fort William and Mallaig from April to October, but you can also take a regular train. Aside from the gorgeous views along the way, this route connects two convenient places. From Mallaig you can take ferries to several of the inner and outer Hebrides. And Fort William is a fantastic base for hiking some of Scotland’s most impressive mountains, including Ben Nevis. You can also extend the journey to/from Glasgow (recommended by Patrick).
* This post includes affiliate links. Booking your train Transport for Wales ticket through this link helps maintain The Sustainable Travel Guide, as I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Similarly, we both get a discount if you book any UK train travel via Trainpal. I only share affiliate links for brands that I support, consider sustainable, and buy from myself.
