Travelling the UK by train: a guide for weekend breaks

Britain's railways reach most of its cities and many of its most beautiful corners, and travelling by train can turn the journey into part of the holiday. You arrive in the centre of town, avoid parking problems and can watch the scenery go by. This guide covers the essentials of planning a UK break by rail, from tickets and railcards to sleeper trains and scenic lines, and suggests how to choose somewhere to stay.

The main lines

Several main lines radiate from London. The East Coast Main Line runs from King's Cross through Peterborough, York and Newcastle to Edinburgh. The West Coast Main Line runs from Euston through the Midlands and the North West, serving Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Lancaster, the Lake District gateway stations of Oxenholme and Penrith, and on to Glasgow. The Great Western Main Line runs from Paddington to Bristol, Bath and Cardiff, with routes continuing into Devon and Cornwall. St Pancras serves the East Midlands and Sheffield, high-speed services into Kent, and international trains to the continent.

Tickets

Train tickets in Great Britain generally come in a few types. Advance tickets are tied to a specific train and are often the cheapest, especially when booked early; they are released by train companies up to several weeks ahead. Off-peak and super off-peak tickets are flexible within certain times of day, and anytime tickets are the most flexible and the most expensive. Splitting a journey into separate tickets for different legs can sometimes save money, as long as the train stops at the stations where your tickets change. Many routes now accept digital tickets on your phone, and contactless pay-as-you-go travel is available in and around London and on some other networks.

Railcards

Railcards typically give a third off many fares, and they can pay for themselves on a single longer weekend trip. Options include the 16-25 Railcard, the 26-30 Railcard, the Senior Railcard for those aged 60 and over, the Two Together Railcard for two named adults travelling together, the Family and Friends Railcard for groups with children, and the Disabled Persons Railcard. Restrictions on times of travel and minimum fares apply to some cards, so check the conditions before you buy.

Sleeper trains

Two overnight sleeper services run in Britain. The Caledonian Sleeper connects London Euston with Scotland, serving Edinburgh and Glasgow and, on a separate train, Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William. The Night Riviera runs from London Paddington to Penzance in Cornwall. Both offer cabins with beds, and taking one saves a night's accommodation and a long daytime journey. They are a superb way to start a trip to the Scottish Highlands or Cornwall.

Scenic routes

Some of the most beautiful railway journeys in Europe are in Britain. The West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William and Mallaig crosses Rannoch Moor and the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The Settle to Carlisle line crosses the Ribblehead Viaduct in the Yorkshire Dales. The Kyle Line runs from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, near the Isle of Skye. In the south west, the line along the sea wall at Dawlish in Devon and the branch line to St Ives in Cornwall are both memorable. The Conwy Valley Line in North Wales and the Heart of Wales Line also offer lovely views.

Planning a weekend by train

Choose a destination with a station in or close to the centre, such as York, Bath, Edinburgh or Brighton, all of which can be explored on foot. Check for planned engineering works, which often take place at weekends and can mean replacement buses. Leave enough time for connections, and bear in mind that Sunday services can start later and run less frequently.

Choosing where to stay

Staying close to the station is practical for a short break, especially if you are carrying luggage. Many towns have guest houses and hotels within a few minutes' walk of the station. Look at the map on each listing to see how far a property is from the station, and contact owners directly to ask about the best walking route, early breakfasts if you have a morning train, or storing luggage on your last day.

Accessibility

Train companies offer free assistance for passengers who need help, including support getting on and off trains and through stations. Booking assistance in advance is recommended, though it is also available on the day. Many stations have step-free access, but not all, so check before you travel.

Travelling with luggage, bikes and pets

Most trains have luggage racks at the ends of carriages and above the seats, but space can run short at busy times, so travel light where possible. Many long-distance services require a free reservation for bicycles, and space is limited, so book early if you plan to cycle. Dogs are generally allowed on trains in Great Britain free of charge, within limits and kept on a lead or in a carrier. Check the train company's own policy before you travel, and ask your accommodation whether pets are welcome.

Combining destinations

Rail makes multi-stop trips easy. London to York to Edinburgh along the East Coast is a classic, as is Bath and Bristol on the same line from Paddington. Read our UK city breaks guide for more ideas, then browse listings by town, such as London, York and Edinburgh.