Far From the Travelling Crowds

Trainline’s Travel Update for 2026

When it comes to the Easter holidays, the nation will be planning time away to take advantage of the long weekend.

Trainline has crunched the latest data* to uncover this year’s top trending destinations, as well as the ones that might be flying under the radar. The seasonal findings demonstrate growth across a mix of coastal, countryside and well-connected regional destinations ahead of the long weekend, suggesting British travellers are keeping their travel options open to make the most of the break.

Trainline's most popular Easter stops

Paignton

Paignton is a seaside favourite that has seen the largest passenger uplift so far, with an increase of +120%. A family friendly option that showcases the best of the English Riveria, children who are paying a visit during the Easter break could check out a beach-based Easter Egg Hunt organised by the Paignton Lions.

Newquay

Newquay is another coastal location that’s showing a surge in Easter bookings (+80%) which has its own fair share of Easter attractions on offer. Families can choose from a free Easter Egg Extravaganza Hunt arranged by the local council or enjoy themed events at the nearby Newquay Zoo.

Whitby

Whitby is a popular option for those in the North, showing a passenger uplift of (+63%). Visitors can pop along to the Easter Quest at Whitby Abbey or the Made In Whitby Easter Festival, which is a four day festival based in the nearby Cholmeley House.

Weston-Super-Mare

Weston-Super-Mare is also showing a notable uplift (+60%) and visitors can take full advantage of the Easter Dinosaur Egg Hunt at Marine Parade, which is right on the beach.

The full list of trending Easter destinations* for 2026 includes:

• Paignton (+120%)
• Middlesbrough (+114%)
• Northallerton (+109%)
• Moreton-in-Marsh (+100%)
• Berwick-upon-Tweed (+89%)
• Newquay (+80%)
• St Ives (Cornwall) (+78%)
• Truro (+76%)• Bridlington (+72%)
• Newton Abbot (+67%)
• Whitby (+63%)
• Perth (+61%)
• Weston-Super-Mare (+60%)
• Bodmin Parkway (+59%)
• Castle Cary (+58%)
• Aviemore (+57%)
• Darlington (+51%)
• Swansea (+49%)
• Totnes (+49%)
• Abergavenny (+48%)

Trainline has also looked into some surprising locations that could be on the quieter side as well, giving visitors a great chance to experience some of the best tourist spots that the UK has to offer, without having to battle the crowds.

Trainline’s Quieter Easter Destinations

Hebden Bridge

Hebden Bridge, the bohemian market town in West Yorkshire is showing a decrease in anticipated visitors, making it a perfect option for those wanting a leisurely walk around the Yorkshire countryside before heading into a quaint local pub, perhaps even for Easter lunch. The White Lion is one of the oldest buildings in the area and offers a gastro-pub menu as well as accommodation. There’s also an Easter Duck Race for those who fancy a quacking Easter time.

Getting there: Hebden Bridge station is a 10-minute walk from the town centre, with the White Lion just 9 minutes’ walk.

Lake District

The Lake District, a perennial tourist favourite, is showing a decline in passenger bookings for a number of scenic stop offs, including Oxenholme, Windermere and Penrith. Those who decide to venture this way can take a beautiful Spring walk from Windermere station to Orrest Head Viewpoint, for an amazing view of the lakes.

Getting there: The most accessible train station for travel to the Lake District is Oxenholme, offering connections to further Lake District destinations via public transport. For the Orrest Head Viewpoint, travel to Windermere station and it’s just 14 minutes’ walk to the spectacular spot.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon, the historic birthplace of William Shakespeare, is looking like a more relaxed option despite the recent cinematic success of Hamnet. Why not try a matinee at the RSC theatre or wander around the nearby picturesque Waterside and Bancroft Gardens area along the River Avon.

Getting there: Stratford-upon-Avon train station is approximately 15 minutes’ walk from the Waterside and RSC area.

Cardiff

Cardiff has also seen a decline in bookings for the break. Why not make the most of the peace and quiet, and visit the epic Cardiff Castle (which typically hosts an Easter trail every year) or wander over to the beautiful Bute Park, as well. Families with Lego fans can enjoy special sessions where you can build your own Lego Easter egg and take it home for free. These events will run in the Cardiff Lego store on 28–29 March, from 10am to 12pm and 12pm to 2pm.

Getting there: Cardiff Castle is 13 minutes’ walk from Cardiff Central, and Bute Park is a few minutes’ further. The Cardiff Lego store is just 8 minutes’ walk from the station, too.

Save on Easter travel with Trainline’s top travel tips

Let SplitSave find cheaper combinations

Buying separate tickets for different parts of the same journey can sometimes be cheaper than one through fare. SplitSave, a feature built into the Trainline app, automatically checks this for you. You stay on the same train, but the app finds better value ticket combinations where they exist.

Consider getting a Railcard before you go:

A Family & Friends Railcard gives 1/3 off adult fares and 60% off kids’ tickets – really handy for sightseeing days out. It’s a myth that it’s just big groups as well – single parents travelling with children can benefit too.

Travelling as a pair? Try the Two Together Railcard. It’s another common misconception that this railcard is just for couples. You can have multiple cards with different partners (not just romantic!) travelling at the same time, making it ideal for days out with other friends and family coming along for the ride.

Remember GroupSave if you’re travelling with friends

GroupSave offers up to 1/3 off train fares for groups of 3–9 people travelling together on Off-Peak services – perfect for day trips, sightseeing, or exploring the UK as a group. Just make sure everyone travels on the same train and the discount will be applied automatically when booking!

*Data based on increase in passenger numbers 2–6 April 2026 compared to 26–30 March 2026.