All aboard for a whistle-stop tour of the best train journeys in the UK!
From steam-powered trips down memory lane to luxurious rides through the Highlands, each route is a ticket to breathtaking views and charming British landscapes.
Whether you’re after a highland adventure or a quaint countryside escape, these train journeys are the perfect way to see the UK in all its glory.
Ready to explore? Let’s dive into the best train rides the UK has to offer!
Related: Day Trips From London By Train
1. The Jacobite Steam Train
Route: Fort William → Mallaig
Journey Time: Around 2 hours each way
Why Go:
Often described as “the greatest railway journey in the world”, the Jacobite Steam Train offers an unforgettable ride through the Scottish Highlands. The route crosses the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, made iconic by the Harry Potter films, and passes rugged peaks, shimmering lochs, and remote villages, showcasing Scotland at its most spectacular.
The Experience:
The 84-mile round trip begins near Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, and continues past a list of record-breaking landmarks, including the country’s most westerly railway station (Arisaig), the deepest freshwater loch (Loch Morar), and the shortest river (River Morar), before finishing beside Loch Nevis, the deepest seawater loch in Europe.
Onboard, you’ll step back in time to the golden age of steam. Comfortable carriages, the gentle rhythm of the locomotive, and the scent of coal smoke drifting through the Highlands make this a journey that’s both nostalgic and cinematic.
Season & Booking Details:
- 2025 Season:
- Morning Service: Monday 7th April – Friday 24th October (runs seven days a week)
- Afternoon Service: Monday 5th May – Friday 26th September (also seven days a week)
- Bookings for 2026: Open between late November and early December 2025.
- Tickets: Available via West Coast Railways – The Jacobite. Advanced booking is essential, as seats often sell out months ahead of departure.
Top Tip:
Sit on the left-hand side when departing Fort William for the best views of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Loch Shiel, and the coast towards Mallaig. On the return, switch to the right-hand side for equally stunning scenery.
Good to Know:
Accessibility: Wheelchair spaces are available in selected carriages; see the official site’s Disability Policy for full details.
Duration: 2 hours each way (approx. 6 hours including stopover)
Departure Point: Fort William Station
Extras: You can book High Tea onboard or purchase a Jacobite Gift Voucher, perfect for a special occasion or rail enthusiast.
The Jacobite Steam Train appears on many top railway journeys around the world.
2. North Norfolk Poppy Line
- Route: Sheringham to Holt.
- Journey Time: About 25 minutes.
- Train Details: Heritage railway with steam and diesel trains, offering views of the North Norfolk countryside.
- Ticket Information: Tickets available at stations or online.
- Stops Along the Way: Weybourne and Kelling Heath.
Running from Sheringham to Holt, this heritage railway takes you back in time through the picturesque countryside and coastal beauty of North Norfolk, ideal for experiencing the charm of vintage steam and diesel trains.
3. St Ives Bay Line
- Route: St Erth to St Ives.
- Journey Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
- Train Details: Regular service with scenic coastal views.
- Ticket Information: Standard rail tickets; can be purchased at stations.
- Stops Along the Way: Carbis Bay.
This short but incredibly scenic route from St Erth to St Ives boasts panoramic views of the Cornish coast, making the journey to the charming seaside town of St Ives a visual treat.
4. Snowdon Mountain Railway
- Route: Llanberis to the summit of Snowdon.
- Journey Time: About 1 hour to the summit.
- Train Details: Cog railway offering a unique mountain ascent.
- Ticket Information: Tickets can be purchased online or at the station.
- Stops Along the Way: Non-stop to the summit.
Starting from Llanberis, this unique rack-and-pinion railway offers an awe-inspiring ascent to the summit of Mount Snowdon, providing breathtaking views of Snowdonia National Park.
5. The Flying Scotsman
- Route: Various routes across the UK.
- Journey Time: Varies depending on the route.
- Train Details: Iconic steam locomotive with heritage carriages.
- Ticket Information: Special event train; tickets available through tour operators.
- Stops Along the Way: Varies by tour.
An emblem of British engineering, this world-famous steam locomotive operates special journeys across various UK routes, allowing passengers to experience the golden age of steam travel.
6. Settle to Carlisle
- Route: Settle to Carlisle.
- Journey Time: About 1.5 hours.
- Train Details: Regular service through scenic landscapes, including the Ribblehead Viaduct.
- Ticket Information: Standard rail tickets; available at stations or online.
- Stops Along the Way: Appleby, Kirkby Stephen, among others.
This historic route takes you through the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines, featuring majestic structures like the Ribblehead Viaduct and offering stunning views of rural England.
7. Ffestiniog Railway
- Route: Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
- Journey Time: About 1.5 hours.
- Train Details: Historic narrow gauge railway through Snowdonia.
- Ticket Information: Tickets available online or at stations.
- Stops Along the Way: Minffordd, Tan-y-Bwlch, among others.
Traversing from the coast at Porthmadog to the slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, this narrow gauge heritage railway showcases the splendid landscapes of Snowdonia.
8. Londonderry to Coleraine
- Route: Londonderry to Coleraine.
- Journey Time: About 45 minutes.
- Train Details: Regular service with stunning coastal and river views.
- Ticket Information: Standard rail tickets; available at stations or online.
- Stops Along the Way: Bellarena, Castlerock, among others.
A picturesque journey in Northern Ireland, this route is famed for its coastal scenery, including views of the River Bann and the Atlantic Ocean, and is often cited as one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world.
9. North Yorkshire Moors Railway
- Route: Pickering to Whitby.
- Journey Time: About 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Train Details: Heritage steam and diesel trains through the North York Moors.
- Ticket Information: Tickets available online or at stations.
- Stops Along the Way: Goathland, Grosmont, among others.
Journey through the heart of the North York Moors National Park, enjoying the beautiful moorland scenery and historic stations, perfect for fans of heritage railways.
10. Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh
- Route: Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh.
- Journey Time: About 2.5 hours.
- Train Details: Regular service offering views of the Scottish Highlands.
- Ticket Information: Standard rail tickets; available at stations or online.
- Stops Along the Way: Dingwall, Plockton, among others.
This route offers some of the most spectacular Scottish Highland scenery, passing through remote villages and providing views of iconic landmarks like the Skye Bridge.
11. Bluebell Railway
- Route: Sheffield Park to East Grinstead.
- Journey Time: About 40 minutes.
- Train Details: Preserved steam railway through the Sussex countryside.
- Ticket Information: Tickets available online or at stations.
- Stops Along the Way: Horsted Keynes, Kingscote.
Experience a nostalgic trip through the Sussex countryside on one of the first preserved heritage lines in the UK, featuring a remarkable collection of vintage steam locomotives and carriages.
12. Machynlleth to Pwllheli
- Route: Machynlleth to Pwllheli.
- Journey Time: About 2 hours.
- Train Details: Regular service with views of the Dyfi Estuary and Cardigan Bay.
- Ticket Information: Standard rail tickets; available at stations or online.
- Stops Along the Way: Aberdovey, Barmouth, among others.
This journey along the Cambrian Coast offers striking views of the Dyfi Estuary, Cardigan Bay, and the Snowdonia National Park, highlighting the diverse beauty of the Welsh coastline and countryside.
13. Newcastle to Edinburgh
- Route: Newcastle to Edinburgh.
- Journey Time: About 1.5 hours.
- Train Details: Regular intercity service with coastal views.
- Ticket Information: Standard rail tickets; available at stations or online.
- Stops Along the Way: Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnmouth, among others.
This East Coast route offers dramatic views of the North Sea coastline, passing through historic towns and offering glimpses of famous landmarks like the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
13. Glasgow to Mallaig
- Route: Glasgow to Mallaig.
- Journey Time: About 5 hours.
- Train Details: Regular service through the Scottish Highlands, including Rannoch Moor.
- Ticket Information: Standard rail tickets; available at stations or online.
- Stops Along the Way: Fort William, Arisaig, among others.
A journey through the rugged and remote beauty of the Scottish Highlands, this route includes stunning sights such as Rannoch Moor and Loch Lomond, leading to the fishing port of Mallaig.
14. The Caledonian Sleeper
- Route: London to various destinations in Scotland.
- Journey Time: Overnight (varies by destination).
- Train Details: Sleeper service with comfortable accommodations.
- Ticket Information: Reservations recommended; available online.
- Stops Along the Way: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Fort William, among others.
Connect London with Scotland’s major cities in comfort, offering a convenient overnight journey and a unique way to travel between England and Scotland.
15. Exeter St Davids to Newton Abbot
- Route: Exeter St Davids to Newton Abbot.
- Journey Time: About 30 minutes.
- Train Details: Regular service with scenic views along the Devon coast.
- Ticket Information: Standard rail tickets; available at stations or online.
- Stops Along the Way: Dawlish, Teignmouth.
A scenic journey along the Devon coastline, offering views of the English Riviera and passing through seaside towns and along the Dawlish Sea Wall.
16. The Belmond Royal Scotsman
- Route: Various routes around Scotland.
- Journey Time: Multi-day luxury tours.
- Train Details: Luxury train with fine dining and elegant accommodations.
- Ticket Information: Advanced booking required; available through Belmond’s website.
- Stops Along the Way: Varies by tour, including the Highlands and Edinburgh.
A luxury train offering an exclusive travel experience through Scotland’s landscapes, including the Highlands, with opulent accommodations and fine dining.
17. The Night Riviera
- Route: London Paddington to Penzance.
- Journey Time: Overnight (about 8 hours).
- Train Details: Sleeper service, providing a comfortable journey to Cornwall.
- Ticket Information: Reservations recommended; available online
This sleeper service offers a comfortable and time-efficient way to travel between London and Cornwall, ideal for those looking to explore the Cornish coast.
18. The Dartmoor Line
- Route: Exeter to Okehampton.
- Journey Time: About 1 hour.
- Train Details: Regular service offering a scenic journey through the Devon countryside and along the edge of Dartmoor National Park.
- Ticket Information: Standard rail tickets; available at stations or online. No advance booking is typically required.
- Stops Along the Way: The route is primarily direct, with limited stops between Exeter and Okehampton.
Reopened after many years, this line offers a scenic journey between Exeter and Okehampton, skirting the edge of the dramatic Dartmoor National Park.
19. The Heart of Wales Line
- Route: Shrewsbury to Swansea.
- Journey Time: Approximately 4 hours.
- Train Details: This route offers a leisurely and scenic journey through the heart of Wales, passing through small towns and rural landscapes, including picturesque valleys and rolling hills.
- Ticket Information: Standard rail tickets; available at stations or online. This line is known for its relaxed pace and scenic beauty, making it a favorite for leisurely travel.
- Stops Along the Way: The train makes several stops at quaint Welsh towns and villages, including Llandrindod Wells, Llanwrtyd Wells, and Llandovery.
This scenic route travels from Shrewsbury in England to Swansea in Wales, meandering through the picturesque Welsh countryside. The journey offers views of rolling hills, quaint villages, and the beautiful rural landscapes of Mid and South Wales, making it a tranquil and scenic trip that captures the essence of Wales’ natural beauty.
20. Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh
- Route: Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh.
- Journey Time: About 2.5 hours.
- Train Details: Regular service offering views of the Scottish Highlands, including picturesque villages, lochs, and rolling landscapes.
- Ticket Information: Standard rail tickets; available at stations or online. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during tourist season.
- Stops Along the Way: Includes stops like Dingwall, Achnasheen, Strathcarron, and others, each offering a glimpse into rural Scottish life and landscapes.
This journey is celebrated for its stunning views, often regarded as one of the most scenic train routes in the UK. It takes you across the Highlands to the charming coastal town of Kyle of Lochalsh, the gateway to the Isle of Skye.
