Train Travel // Exploring Britain’s Hidden Hotspots By Rail

This summer marks 200 years since Britain’s first passenger railway – and there’s no better time to celebrate than by discovering the country’s hidden gems by train. Think indie art scenes one minute, storybook villages the next in a buzzing northern city. The best bit? These places couldn’t feel more different, yet they’re all effortlessly connected by train. Mountain trails to rooftop gardens, this is sustainable travel, the blockbuster edition. Hop on and get ready for a summer full of adventure.

Sustainable adventures: Go greener, go slower, go by train

There’s something nostalgic about exploring Britain’s hidden gems the slow way – by train, on foot or even by bike. Maybe it is the chance to watch the hills roll by, or the joy of stepping straight off the platform and into the countryside. Just a rail pass and green adventures to look forward to.

Ceredigion, Wales

For a slower pace, explore Ceredigion on the Welsh coast. Visitors can base themselves in Aberystwyth, a vibrant seaside town easily reached by rail on the Cumbrian Line from major hubs like Birmingham and Shrewsbury, then take the historic Vale of Rheidol Railway. The heritage line that snakes through forests and up to Devil’s Bridge, home to cascading waterfalls and misty walking trails straight out of folklore. From here, it’s not far to the Wales Coast Path which leads from Aberystwyth to Aberaeron, with clifftop views and the chance to spot dolphins riding the waves.

Angus, Scotland

Angus is a corner of Scotland that often goes under the radar. Use Dundee as a rail base and explore by day. Start with a kayaking tour at the Arbroath Cliffs, navigating sea caves and secret beaches that feel like something from a fantasy novel. Back on dry land, golf fans can tee off at Carnoustie Golf Links, home to The Open and some of the most challenging fairways in the world (plus a free 6-hole course for beginners and families).

Kent, England

Kent, in southeast England, packs in mighty castles and coastal charm – from fairytale Leeds Castle to Anne Boleyn’s childhood home at Hever, plus seaside hotspots like Margate and Folkestone. But the region offers more than just castles and coastline. Start the journey from Canterbury – a historic city with cobbled streets, an iconic cathedral and plenty of character, making it a convenient gateway to explore the region. Meanwhile, over in Margate, the Turner Contemporary art gallery brings the town’s creative energy to the fore. With a seafront location and deep ties to its community, it hosts a dynamic programme of contemporary exhibitions featuring both international names and emerging talent. It’s easy to get around the region with Southeastern Railway, which connects key towns and attractions across Kent.

Yorkshire, England

In Yorkshire, green hills meet historic market towns. Stay at Dovecote Barns in Kelfield, where converted barns blend luxury with eco-living – from ground source heating to welcome hampers packed with local treats. Just up the road, Laurel Vines in Driffield invites guests to wander among the vines, sip English wine, and enjoy a picnic or an afternoon tea among sheep and grapevines in their award-winning farm partnership.

Finish the Yorkshire journey in York itself, where the National Railway Museum gives rail history a high-tech twist. The Flying Scotsman VR Experience brings the golden age of steam to life, a fitting tribute during this year’sRailway 200 celebrations. Step aboard for a 360-degree virtual journey in the driver’s cab, complete with the sights, sounds and steam of Britain’s most iconic locomotive.

Hiking along railways: Exploring the wild side, one station at a time

Thanks to a network of former rail lines and charming countryside stations, some of the most beautiful walks in Britain start with the thud of a train door closing. 

Let’s begin in Cheltenham, the Regency spa town on the edge of the Cotswolds. From here, it’s easy to pick up the Cotswold Way, a National Trail stretching 100 miles (160km) from Chipping Campden to Bath, that snakes through rural villages, over rolling hills, and past ancient beech woods. 

Further north, the Pennine Bridleway begins near Manchester, the industrial (and cultural) powerhouse with a green underbelly. Stretching approximately 205 miles (330km) from Derbyshire to Cumbria, this trail is made for walkers, cyclists and horse riders alike, winding through the hills of the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales. Visitors can trade saddle for train seat anytime, with stations linking sections like a countryside hop-on-hop-off adventure. While in the north of England, let’s not forget the Wirral Way in Merseyside. Once a railway line, this peaceful path now weaves through country parks, past sandstone cliffs and sea-view sections. It’s only a 20-minute journey on the Merseyrail train fromLiverpool to Hooten, where the trail starts, and offers an entirely different pace just a few stops away from the city. 

Down in Cornwall, the Camel Trail charts a gentler course – 18 miles (29km) of riverside calm, tracing a former railway line from Bodmin to Padstow. It’s suitable for families, foodies, and fans of slow travel. Arrive by train, hire a bike, and end the journey with fish and chips by the harbour. Over in Devon, the Tarka Trail –named after the beloved otter in a Henry Williamson’s novel – also follows disused railway tracks through some of the region’s most enchanting scenery. Think estuaries, woodlands, and wildflower meadows.

Urban cool to countryside charm: London – Cotswolds – Manchester

A seamless shift in scenery – from indie neighbourhoods to chocolate-box towns, and cultural powerhouses – all effortlessly connected by train. 

Start off in Hackney, East London’s home of cool. Think artisan doughnuts, vinyl markets, and canal side strolls where street art meets Victorian warehouses. To really get under the skin of the area, join the Shoreditch Street Art Tour anduncover the stories behind the ever- changing murals. Or wander through the lively lanes of Spitalfields Market, where centuries of trading history meet fashion pop-ups, vintage finds, and global street food. Take a moment to slow down at theMuseum of the Home, a little time machine near Hoxton Station, which explores the way we live, from the past to the present. Stay at The Stratford Hotel, a sleek hotel that balances modern minimalism with a cosy, community vibe. 

Next, we trade concrete chic for country charm with a rail journey to the South Cotswolds. Use Kemple (for Cirencester) or Stroud as a rail base – both have direct train connections to London Paddington, making them easy to reach. Step off the train and into storybook England: dry stone walls, rolling hills, and historic market towns. Visitors can rest their heads at The Ingleside House in Cirencester and enjoy its Georgian grandeur. Boasting boutique interiors and an on-site theatre, it’s a countryside escape with a touch of the unexpected. For a taste of local flavour, visit Roots and Seeds Kitchen Garden, conveniently located near Gloucester Station, where fresh, homegrown produce is the star of the show. 

Then it’s back up north to Manchester, hopping off at Manchester Piccadilly station. Whether exploring the Northern Quarter’s street art or catching a gig atBand on the Wall, this is a city that knows how to impress. And for a fresh perspective – quite literally – take a stroll along the Castlefield Viaduct, a National Trust sky garden that’s transformed a Victorian railway into an urban oasis. Elevated above the city streets, it is where industrial heritage meets wildflower blooms and scenic views. Stay at the elegant King Street Townhouse for rooftop pool views, or head to the new Soho House – located in the old Granada Studios building, complete with art deco glamour. 

And the best part? These three stops are a breeze by train, linking city lights, village charm, and industrial edge into one easy loop.

On-track treasures across Britain

For those who fancy weaving in a little extra, the tracks are full of surprises. For a fully immersive train experience, the East Somerset Railway steam engine taster experience allows visitors to hop into the driver seat, shovel coal and sound the whistle. Or solve a mystery aboard the Bluebell Railway, where vintage glamour meets Agatha Christie-style theatrics in a steam- powered whodunit through the Sussex countryside.

For a taste of the Lake District with a gourmet twist, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway serves up a deluxe tapas picnic hamper in their first-class saloon car, all against a backdrop of lakes and mountains. For a bit of elegance, hop aboard theBelmond British Pullman, where vintage carriages, five-star dining and routes to cities like Bath, York and Edinburgh make the journey as exciting as the destination. For longer luxury adventures, the new Belmond Britannia Explorer offers multi-day itineraries through some of Britain’s most breathtaking landscapes – for those who want to slow down and savour the ride. Or go a little wilder with the Forest of Dean Steam and Wye Valley tour, a five-day slow-travel adventure through ancient woodlands, hidden hamlets and river valleys.