4 of The Best Train Journeys in The UK
Many of us use trains to get from A to B as a convenient form of public transport. Tickets are relatively cheap, delays although sometimes unavoidable aren’t often and there are a lot of accessible train stations up and down the country meaning that it’s easier for those who struggle without help to travel easily too.
The UK was once known for its innovative railway network and was the envy of the world. Today much of the network still exists and is now enjoyed by visitors far and wide. There are so many train journeys within the UK it was hard to choose just 4, but the 4 below are the best in my opinion.
South Devon Railway
If you are planning a trip to Devon soon why not take a trip on the South Devon Railway? It is the longest established steam railway in the southwest and you won’t be disappointed. The railway was built in 1872. It runs for seven miles between Buckfastleigh and Totnes and through the valley of the River Dart. The line follows the river for most of the journey revealing beautiful scenery unseen from the nearby roads. Keep your eyes peeled to spot the valley’s wildlife. You can even visit Buckfast Butterfly Farm & Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary which is adjacent to the station before or after your journey if you wish.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs through the North York Moors National Park. It was first opened in 1836 and was planned in 1831 by George Stephenson as a trade route inland from Whitby. The line runs between Pickering and Grosmont and is popular with visitors young and old. Visitors can stop off at Goathland which was used in the Harry Potter films and was the setting for the very popular 90’s TV programme Heartbeat.
Settle to Carlise Railway
Completed in 1876 and the last of the great railways to be built in England, the Settle to Carlise line has 21 viaducts, 14 tunnels and is 72 miles long. Train enthusiasts from all over the world come to visit this fine example of Victorian engineering. The Ribblehead Viaduct and its 24 arches is one of the notable draws to this railway. The journey passes through Cumbria, the Blea Moor Tunnel (which is 5,000 feet beneath the Moor), and the Mallerstand Valley.
London to Fort William
If you’re looking for a memorable and unique train journey why not plan a trip on the Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston to Fort William. The route is said to be one of the best six train journeys in the world. Travellers leave London in darkness and reach Scotland by dawn and are able to witness a memorable sunrise over the Scottish Highlands. Sights along the way include Loch Lomond, Loch Treig and the Glenfinnan. Travellers can enjoy haggis neeps ‘n tatties and try one of 14 Scottish whiskies. The 13-hour journey finishes in Fort William.
Are you planning to take a trip on one of these railways soon, or perhaps one of the UK’s many others? If so, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
*This is a collaborative post
