19 ways to discover Britain by rail

From historic towns to lesser-seen landscapes, riding the rails or walking disused routes unearths treasures

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, from storybook villages to buzzing northern cities. 

The best bit? These places couldn’t feel more different, yet all are effortlessly connected by train. From slow-pace adventures through the rolling countryside to former rail lines now walking trails and immersive journeys on luxury sleepers, here’s the ultimate rail guide. 

Sustainable adventures

There’s something nostalgic about exploring Britain’s hidden gems the slow way, whether 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.

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 such as 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. 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.

Aberystwyth / ©Shutterstock/Sigitas Duoblis

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).

Station in Brechin, Angus / ©VisitBritain/Pinzutu Films/Ula Blocksage

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 such as 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. southeasternrailway.co.uk 

Margate Harbour Arm, Kent / ©VisitBritain/Robin Creative Media

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’s Railway 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.

River Ouse, York / ©VisitBritain/Alasdair

Hiking along former rail lines

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 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. 

Peak District National Park / ©Visit Peak District & Derbyshire/Tony Pleavin

While in the north of England, don’t 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 from Liverpool 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 that's 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.

Padstow, Cornwall

Immersive train experiences

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 more luxurious experience, hop aboard the Belmond British Pullman, where vintage carriages, five-star dining and routes to cities such as Bath, York and Edinburgh make the journey as exciting as the destination. The new Belmond Britannia Explorer offers longer adventures with multi-day itineraries through some of Britain’s loveliest landscapes, and guests can enjoy treatments on board in the UK’s first train spa. 

Alternatively, go 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.

Luxury on the Belmond British Pullman

Journey from London to the Cotswolds to Manchester

These three stops are a breeze by train, linking city lights, village charm and industrial edge into one easy loop, giving passengers access to a diverse array of sights and experiences, from indie neighbourhoods to chocolate-box towns and cultural powerhouses.

Start off in Hackney, East London’s home of cool. Think artisan doughnuts, vinyl markets and canalside strolls where street art meets Victorian warehouses. To really get under the skin of the area, join the Shoreditch Street Art Tour and uncover 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 the Museum 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 property that balances modern minimalism with a cosy, community vibe.

Spitalfields Market / ©Brendan Bell

Next, 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 with a touch of the unexpected, with its boutique interiors and on-site theatre. 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.

Cirencester, Cotswolds

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 at Band 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.

For more information, visit www.visitbritain.org/starring-great-britain-premium-collection-2025 and download the Starring Great Britain – A Premium Collection 2025 guide here.