Discover some of the best train journeys and rail holidays in the UK, from luxury sleeper trains and heritage railways to scenic coastal routes and high-speed rail trips.
This guide includes famous journeys such as the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Scotland, the Night Riviera to Penzance, the Bluebell Railway in Sussex and the Jacobite steam train in Scotland.
Whether you're looking for scenic train rides, railway history, steam train experiences or unique UK holidays by rail, these are some of the top British train journeys to explore.
Sleeper train journeys in the UK
Take a sleeper train journey in the UK for an unforgettable travel experience. Save time and money travelling while you sleep, let the train gently rock you into a peaceful night's rest, and wake up to beautiful scenery.
The Caledonian Sleeper, from London to Scotland
What is the Caledonian Sleeper?
The Caledonian Sleeper is the UK's longest and most spectacular sleeper train route. Starting in London, the Caledonian Sleeper operates different routes directly to the north of Scotland, taking up to 14 hours to reach Inverness. The Caledonian Sleeper passes through spectacular landscapes, including several Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as well as many picturesque towns and several major cities. One of the most scenic sections of the route passes through Rannoch Moor on the way to Fort William. From there, travellers can connect to the Jacobite steam train across the Glenfinnan Viaduct to Mallaig.
Caldonian Sleeper routes and onboard features:
- Highlander route: Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William
- Lowlander route: Edinburgh and Glasgow
- Departure station: London Euston
- Frequency: six nights a week
- Route splits:
- Carlisle - Glasgow and Motherwell
- Edinburgh - Inverness, Aberdeen and Fort William
- Accommodation options: seats, standard berths and First Class cabins
- Onboard dining: breakfast served onboard
What are the Caledonian Sleeper routes?
| Route | Main destinations |
| Highlander | Inverness, Aberdeen, Fort William |
| Lowlander | Edinburgh, Glasgow |
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The Night Riviera, from London to Penzance
What is the Night Riviera?
The second-most famous, and perhaps most nostalgic, sleeper train in the UK runs from London to Penzance in Cornwall. This historic railway line hugs the coast for miles, offering phenomenal sea views for most of the trip (a lovely sight to wake up to!). After arriving on the Night Riviera in the seaside resort town of St Erth, take the opportunity to hop on another great British railway line. The trip from St Erth to St Ives, a tiny fishing village built in 1877, is England's shortest heritage railway line. Tracing the coastline of a tranquil blue sea that gives this area the name 'The English Riviera,' you'll catch snippets of beaches and coves hidden around nearly every corner.
The Night Riviera is one of the UK’s best-known sleeper train journeys, travelling overnight from London to Penzance in Cornwall. Parts of the route follow the coastline, offering sea views across Devon and Cornwall. After arriving near St Erth, travellers can continue on the scenic St Ives Bay Line from St Erth to St Ives, a historic seaside town known for its beaches, harbour and coastal scenery. The route passes beaches, coves and coastal villages along the Cornish coast.
How do you travel on the Night Riviera from London to Penzance?
| Feature | Details |
| Main route | London to Penzance |
| Intermediate stop | Exeter |
| Daytime alternative | Faster daytime trains available during daytime journeys |
| Bookable routes |
London Waterloo to Penzance London Paddington to Penzance |
| Night Riviera tickets | Not available through Trainline |
Beautiful train routes in the UK
Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog, Wales
The railway journey from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog is one of the most scenic train routes in Wales. Two narrow-gauge railway lines, the Welsh Highland Railway and the Ffestiniog tracks merge at the sleepy seaside town of Porthmadog before winding their way for 40 miles through the remote, lush forests of Snowdonia National Park. These tracks were entirely rebuilt by volunteers following years of disuse, and it's easy to see why they were worth saving.
Young kids travel free and dogs are welcome on the train, so it's perfect for family train holidays. You can book tickets with us for trains from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog.
Why take the Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog train?
- Route: Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog
- Region: Snowdonia National Park, Wales
- Railway lines: Welsh Highland Railway and Ffestiniog Railway
- Best for: scenic railway journeys and family trips
- Family-friendly: children travel free
Steam train holidays in the UK
Bluebell Railway, Sussex
Chugging through quiet country plains where sheep graze and the occasional country town is the only thing interrupting the rolling landscapes, the Bluebell Railway offers a unique train experience of a bygone British era. This railway in Sussex is one of the UK’s best-known heritage steam railways, running historic steam trains through the Sussex countryside from East Grinstead. Operating for almost 150 years, the railway preserves part of the original route and offers a traditional steam train experience through rural landscapes and historic stations. You can find tickets on our website from East Grinstead to a range of destinations.
Bluebell Railway at a glance
- Location: Sussex, England
- Main station: East Grinstead
- Train type: heritage steam railway
- Best for: railway history and family train trips
- Experience: historic carriages and countryside views
High-speed train trips in the UK
If you're looking to get to your destination in a hurry, there's no better choice than taking one of the UK's high-speed train journeys. The most impressive is the Eurostar, which reaches speeds of up to 186 miles per hour and goes directly from London King's Cross St Pancras station to Brussels, Paris, and several other northern European cities in under two hours! Passing through the Channel Tunnel, the Eurostar offers the best of both train holidays in the UK and a trip to Europe. Since you get to go directly from one city centre to another, it's much quicker and efficient than taking a flight, so you'll have more time to enjoy yourself in mainland Europe.
Of all the other high-speed UK train journeys, the train from London to Ashford is probably the pick of the bunch for train journey holidays. A historic centre of Kentish culture, Ashford is also a modern hub for outlet and duty-free shopping and is perfectly located at the southeastern tip of Britain for continuing your trip overseas. Several bus and rail services connect Ashford International station to major European cities and towns. Find out more about Ashford and its bus and rail links on our website.
Heritage train rides in the UK
If you have a taste for historic train travel, it's hard to beat train journey holidays on the West Somerset Railway, a gorgeous journey through pleasant countryside and charming villages. Or, visit the fantastic Peak District for unbeatable hiking and cycling opportunities. Situated close to several major cities, with the closest station to the Peak District being Sheffield, this area feels like another world. The Peak District is a hub for heritage and steam train holidays, with numerous original lines snaking their way through the country.
Train holidays to UK attractions and events
Many of the UK’s top attractions and events are easily accessible by train, including theme parks, heritage sites and major festivals. Popular destinations include Alton Towers, Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and major events such as Glastonbury Festival and the Farnborough Airshow.
UK attractions you can reach by train
Alton Towers
- Nearest station: Uttoxeter
- Best for: theme park visits
- Access: onward transport required from station
Stonehenge
- Nearest station: Salisbury
- Best for: visiting the Neolithic stone circle
- Access: shuttle or bus from station
Windsor Castle
- Nearest station: Windsor & Eton Central / Windsor & Eton Riverside
- Best for: royal residence and historic town visits
- Access: short walk from station
UK events reachable by train
Glastonbury Festival
- Nearest station: Castle Cary
- Access: shuttle bus from station
- Best for: music festival travel
Farnborough Airshow
- Nearest stations: Farnborough North, North Camp, Aldershot
- Access: free shuttle bus services
- Best for: international airshow event
Theme train experiences in the UK
Agatha Christie Murder Mystery Lunch
A totally unique and unforgettable experience, the Agatha Christie-inspired Murder Mystery Lunch train journey is fun for group trips, special occasions, or corporate events. Although this runs from London Victoria on the plush British Pullman service rather than on the Orient Express, the scenery and overall experience is just as impressive. Combining classic railway travel with an interactive theatrical performance, this is a must for any true ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ fan. If you’ve ever wanted to be part of one of the world’s most famous whodunnit stories, this is your chance!
Harry Potter (Scotland) - Fort William to Mallaig, Jacobite steam train
Speaking of living in a fantasy world, no train journey in the UK can compete with riding the Hogwarts train from the Harry Potter movies. One of the world’s most spectacular train rides, the Jacobite steam train route between Fort William and Mallaig, used for establishing shots of the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter series of films, has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. You don’t need to crash through a brick wall on the platform to get on board – it’s much easier to just book tickets for this special steam train holiday online! You can book the Caledonian Sleeper route with us, getting you to Fort William directly from London.
Now you have an idea of the range of great train journeys you can enjoy, and information on how to find and book them. The problem now may be choosing which one is the best option for you! You can also discover top destinations, travel tips, money-saving ideas and much more in our summer train travel guide. And if you're looking for places to spend your holiday in the UK this year, check out our guide to 6 of the best UK staycations for 2024.