As the birthplace of train travel, the UK offers a railway experience like no other. Whether it’s an epic cross-country adventure through quaint countryside or a leisurely ride on a heritage steam train along stunning coastline, there’s something for everyone. Our well-travelled team has carefully ranked the most enchanting rail journeys in the UK – so hop aboard and explore the charm of these unforgettable routes.
Click through this gallery to discover our ranking of the most charming rail journeys in the UK...
Following the River Tyne as it zigzags through northeast England, the Tyne Valley Line connects Newcastle with Carlisle. Opened in the 1830s, the pretty line travels for 60 miles (96.6km), crossing the magnificent Tyne Bridge towards Wylam, where railway inventor George Stephenson was born. Other highlights along the route include Hadrian’s Wall and the ancient market town of Hexham.
For over 150 years, trains have journeyed along this scenic route, connecting the Midlands to the Welsh coast. Spanning 121 miles (193km), the Heart of Wales Line begins in the charming market town of Shrewsbury, winding through the rolling Shropshire Hills and crossing into Wales. Along the way it passes some of the country’s most enchanting spa towns, including Llangammarch Wells, before gliding past the striking Sugarloaf summit and culminating in the buzzing city of Swansea.
This charming heritage steam railway winds through the picturesque Severn Valley in the West Midlands. Covering 16 miles (26km) between Kidderminster, Bewdley and Bridgnorth, the route offers wonderful views of the countryside, passing through quaint towns and villages along the way. Following the meandering path of the River Severn, the journey takes around 70 minutes each way, offering a scenic and relaxing experience.
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Traversing the northern edge of the Scottish Highlands, the Far North Line connects Inverness with Wick and also Thurso, the most northerly station in the UK. Hugging Scotland’s east coast for the majority of the 110-mile (177km) long journey, the rural trip takes just over eight hours in total from Inverness, crossing the rugged firths of Beauly, Cromarty and Dornoch before travelling into Helmsdale Valley towards the fishing town of Thurso. Impressive sights include Dunrobin Castle, home of the Dukes of Sutherland, and magnificent views across the Orkney Islands.
The oldest independent railway company in the world, the Ffestiniog Railway has been slicing through Snowdonia National Park since 1832. The historic train takes passengers 13.5 miles (21.7km) from Porthmadog harbour to the slate quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, passing alongside looming mountains, tranquil pastures and picture-perfect villages.
The Cumbrian Coast Line offers an unforgettable journey through some of the region’s most spectacular landscapes and hidden gems. Spanning 85 miles (137km) from Barrow-in-Furness to Carlisle, this scenic route takes passengers through rolling fields, dramatic fells, and along the Irish Sea, with magnificent coastal views. Highlights along the line include Maryport, a historic town built on the site of a Roman port, the striking Black Combe fell and the infamous Lake District National Park.
The UK’s only double track mainline heritage railway, this impressive railroad stretches eight miles (13km) through the heart of central England. The line begins at Loughborough Central and winds through picturesque countryside, stopping at beautifully preserved stations like Quorn & Woodhouse before reaching Leicester North. Operating every weekend throughout the year, on bank holidays and selected weekdays during summer, the railway also hosts a popular Santa Express service during the holiday season.
The Gloucester Warwickshire Steam Railway offers a 28-mile (45km) round trip through some of the loveliest scenery in the Cotswolds. Using part of the former Great Western Railway line, the steam and diesel trains set off from Cheltenham Racecourse offering incredible views of sleepy hamlets and villages across the Malvern Hills and beyond, before finishing at Broadway in Worcestershire.
The South Devon Railway begins in the quiet market town of Buckfastleigh, set against the stunning backdrop of Dartmoor and the Devon Hills. Opened in 1872 as part of the former Great Western Railway, this seven-mile (11.2km) heritage line winds its way through peaceful farmland, dense woodlands and charming villages before arriving at Totnes Riverside station. Offering a nostalgic journey aboard a magnificent steam locomotive, the railway is a true gem of southwest England and a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the Dart Valley.
Winding 25 miles (40km) through the spectacular landscapes of Snowdonia, the Welsh Highland Railway is the UK’s longest heritage railway. Beginning in the historic town of Caernarfon, the route winds past the majestic foothills of Snowdon, through the stunning Aberglaslyn Pass and on to the coastal town of Porthmadog. Here, it meets the Ffestiniog Railway, sharing the same track gauge and creating a seamless connection between two iconic heritage lines.
Widely regarded as one of the finest heritage railways in the UK, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway has been running through Yorkshire’s stunning countryside since 1836. Its vintage steam and diesel trains carry passengers on a 24-mile (38.6km) journey back in time, traversing the magnificent North York Moors National Park. The route stretches from the market town of Pickering to the historic seaside resort of Whitby, with highlights along the way including the picturesque village of Levisham and the iconic Goathland Station, famously featured as Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
The Riviera Line stretches 28 miles (46km) along the stunning South Devon coast, earning its place as one of the UK’s most beloved railways. Starting in the bustling city of Exeter, this scenic route hugs the coastline, winding past seaside towns like Dawlish and Teignmouth. Along the way, passengers are treated to views of dramatic cliffs and sparkling waters before arriving in the idyllic English Riviera town of Paignton.
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Dubbed one of the world’s greatest railway journeys, the Settle-Carlisle line serves as a lasting monument to incredible Victorian engineering. Completed in 1875, the 73-mile (117.5km) long railway was built almost entirely by hand and took seven years to construct. The heritage line travels from the Yorkshire Dales to Cumbria through some of England’s finest countryside. One of the prettiest spots is when the train crosses the famous Ribblehead Viaduct which looms over the Yorkshire landscape.
Following the gentle curve of Cardigan Bay and the Wales Coastal Path, the Cambrian Line takes in some of the most beautiful spots along the Welsh coastline. Starting at Shrewsbury, the route encompasses 120 miles (193km) of unspoilt natural beauty, including the rocky Cambrian mountains, World Heritage Sites and historic castles. The railway merges with the Cambrian Coastal route before ending in the market town of Pwllheli on the Llyn Peninsula.
One of Britain’s most popular heritage railways, the Swanage Railway is the ideal way to explore the Dorset coast. The six-mile (10km) route chugs through the pretty Purbeck countryside from Norden, with epic views of Corfe Castle, before heading down towards the Victorian seaside town of Swanage. The traditional steam trains offer luxury dining experiences, while a museum detailing the railway’s history can be found at Corfe Castle station.
In the heart of the Lake District National Park, this scenic stretch of track in Cumbria is all that remains of the former Furness Railway. Following its closure in the 1960s due to a drop in passengers, three-and-a-half miles (5.6km) of the line was reopened in 1973 as the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway. Today, its nostalgic 1950s steam trains take passengers from the village of Haverthwaite past peaceful countryside before ending at the lovely Lakeside Pier, next to Lake Windermere, England's largest natural lake.
Snaking through the Looe Valley in southeast Cornwall, this short but sweet train ride is filled with beautiful views and incredible wildlife. Passing through the heavily wooded valley, the peaceful nine-mile (14km) journey connects the historic market town of Liskeard with the idyllic fishing port of Looe, known for its pretty sandy beaches. Trailing past the estuary as it nears the East Looe River, little egrets and grey herons can be seen wading in the waters, making it a bird watcher’s paradise.
Nicknamed the ‘Poppy Line,’ the North Norfolk Railway is a gem among the UK’s heritage lines. Operating since 1887, this route spans five-and-a-half miles (8.8km) from seaside town Sheringham to the historic market town of Holt – showcasing some of Norfolk’s prettiest scenery along the way. Primroses, bluebells and golden gorse brighten the landscape in early summer, while fields of waving red poppies steal the show later in the year. During the festive season, the railway transforms into a winter wonderland with its enchanting Santa Specials.
Winding through some of Northern Ireland’s most stunning spots, it's easy to see why actor and explorer Michael Palin described this short train ride as “one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world”. Although just under an hour-long, the 29-mile (47km) route between Derry and Coleraine packs in the sights as it follows the River Foyle, with breathtaking views of Benone Strand's golden sands, colourful seaside villages and the magnificent Binevenagh Mountain.
Recognised as one of the world's oldest railways, the Tanfield Railway has been operational since its first wagonway was constructed in 1725. This heritage line offers a scenic six-mile (9.7km) journey between East Tanfield and Sunniside in Gateshead, traversing the majestic Causey Valley and rolling countryside. Passengers travel aboard beautifully preserved Victorian steam trains, immersing themselves in the rich history of northeast England's industrial past.
Take a two-mile (3.2km) journey along the historic trackbed of the world’s first long electric tramway, which operated for over 65 years before closing in 1949. Restored in 2002 as a heritage railway, it now connects the charming town of Bushmills with the iconic Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its natural beauty. Passengers are treated to stunning views of Northern Ireland’s rugged coastline, rolling sand dunes and the River Bush, making this a perfect experience for both history buffs and nature lovers.
Travelling up and down the highest peak in England and Wales, the Snowdon Mountain Railway has been serving passengers since 1896. From the town of Llanberis, the steam train climbs four miles (6.4km) to the rocky summit of Snowdon through some of Wales’ most striking scenery. Reaching 3,560 feet high (1,075m) at its peak, the journey provides incredible panoramic views across Snowdonia. Operating seasonally from late March to October, with summit services typically starting in May, this iconic railway offers an unforgettable experience.
Whether starting from Inverness or Kyle of Lochalsh, this coast to coast rail journey through the Scottish Highlands is a truly unforgettable experience. Spanning 80 miles (129km) from Scotland’s east coast to the west, the Kyle Line travels from jagged peaks and dense forests to picturesque hillsides and glittering lochs. The spectacular journey takes around two hours and 40 minutes featuring gorgeous views of Skye, stunning Highland scenery and the pretty shores of Loch Alsh.
Sweeping along Cornwall’s spectacular coastline, this 4.25 mile (6.8km) route is arguably one of the most beautiful train rides of its kind. In just 15 minutes, the railway carries passengers from St Erth to the bustling seaside town of St Ives, passing the golden sands and shimmering waters of Carbis Bay and Hayle Towans along the way. Hugging the coast, the train offers uninterrupted, postcard-perfect views of the beaches, making it a must-ride for anyone exploring Cornwall.
The Isle of Wight Steam Railway offers a nostalgic journey through the island’s idyllic countryside and ancient woodlands, showcasing heritage steam locomotives dating back to the 1860s and beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages. Spanning five-and-a-half miles (8.8km) between Smallbrook Junction and Wootton, with a central stop at Havenstreet Station, the award-winning railway gives passengers a glimpse into the golden age of UK train travel. Don't miss the charming museum at Havenstreet Station, which recreates the atmosphere of an Edwardian country terminus.
Scotland’s Classic Splendours Tour is an epic cross-country journey through the heart of Scotland. Step aboard a luxury Royal Scotsman Belmond train for a 720-mile (1,159km) round trip, venturing through the middle of the Scottish Highlands. Spread across five days, the journey begins in Edinburgh, taking in cities including Dundee, Inverness, Montrose and Perth, before looping back to the capital. The train also passes through the Cairngorms National Park, the largest in the UK, and over the famous Forth Bridge, one of the greatest crossings in the world.
Our pick for the most charming train journey in the UK, this 84-mile (135km) round trip takes passengers through some of Scotland’s most impressive attractions. The Jacobite steam train starts at Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, closely passing by the nation's deepest loch and shortest river, Loch Morar and River Morar respectively. The incredible journey ends at Loch Nevis near the fishing port of Mallaig. Some may recognise the train carriages and the Glenfinnan Viaduct enroute as the iconic Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter films.