Known as the birthplace of train travel, taking a trip across the UK by rail is the ultimate way to explore its breathtaking natural beauty and incredible attractions. From epic cross-country adventures to shorter heritage steam trains across the charming countryside and pretty coastlines, here we take a look at the most charming rail journeys in the UK.

Running for two miles (3.2km) along the trackbed of the former Giant’s Causeway Tram, this narrow-gauge tramway features Northern Ireland’s most famous natural wonder. The original was the first long electric tramway in the world, operating for over 65 years until 1949. Today, the present railway offers incredible views across the rugged landscape as it links the town of Bushmills to the renowned Giant’s Causeway, the picturesque natural rock formation closely associated with myths and legends.

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 England. In just 15 minutes, the railway travels from St Erth past the sparkling sands and eye-popping blue waters of Carbis Bay and Hayle Towans before arriving at the popular seaside town of St Ives. With its close proximity to the beaches, the train provides unobstructed views across the coast.

Known as England’s oldest preserved standard-gauge railway, the Bluebell features one of the finest collections of vintage steam locomotives and carriages in the UK. Surrounded by rolling hills, the 11 mile-long (11.7km) route links Sheffield Park with East Grinstead. Stretching across the West and East Sussex border, the heritage line gets its name from the pretty bluebells that decorate the landscape each spring. With its railway staff dressed in period clothing, original signal boxes and charming vintage carriages, riding the Bluebell Railway is like stepping back in time.

One of Britain’s most popular heritage railways, the Swanage Railway is the ideal way to explore the Dorset coast. The six-mile (10km) trip 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.

Love this? Follow our Facebook page for more abandoned places and travel inspiration

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 jaw-dropping scenery. Soaring 3,560 feet high (1,075m) at its peak, the journey provides incredible panoramic views across Snowdonia.

Discover more of the best British tourist attractions

Nicknamed the ‘Poppy Line’, the North Norfolk Railway is one of the five great heritage lines of the UK. Operating since 1887, the railway travels for five-and-a-half miles (8.8km) taking in some of Norfolk’s prettiest sights. Steam locomotives whisk passengers from Sheringham past several Norfolk beauty spots including Kelling Heath and Sheringham Park, as it travels north towards the sea ending at the historic market town of Holt. The railway’s biggest draw are the beautiful primroses, bluebells and yellow gorse that dominate the landscape in early summer while swathes of the famous poppies appear later on in the year.

The Riviera Line runs 28 miles (46km) along the south Devon coast between Exeter and Paignton and is one of the country’s much-loved railways. Hugging the coastline, the journey begins at the bustling city of Exeter before passing by several pretty seaside towns including Dawlish and Teignmouth, plus dramatic cliff formations as it travels towards the picturesque English Riviera to Paignton.

A heritage line with locomotives dating back to the 1860s, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway offers a glimpse into the UK’s golden age of train travel. With steam engines and beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages, the journey skims around five-and-a-half miles (9km) from Smallbrook Junction to Wootton. The award-winning railway tours through the Isle of Wight’s idyllic countryside and ancient woodland that's buzzing with wildlife. Inside the railway shop at Havenstreet Station, there is a small gallery with artefacts exploring the steam railway’s history including nameplates and tools.

The oldest independent railway company in the world, the Ffestiniog Railway has been slicing through the Snowdonia National Park since 1832. The historic train takes passengers 13.5 miles (21.7km) from the harbour in Porthmadog to the slate quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, winding around the rocky mountains. Highlights from the journey include passing along mountain scenery, tranquil pastures and picture-perfect villages.

Check out these incredible images that capture the history of train travel

Known as the UK’s only double track mainline heritage railway, this impressive railroad travels through central England from north to south. Starting at Loughborough Central, the preserved steam train brings passengers through fields and greenery while stopping at historic country stations including Quorn & Woodhouse and Rothley before it arrives at Leicester North. The eight-mile (13km) railway provides travellers with lovely views of open countryside, the wooded hills of Charnwood Forest and the Swithland Reservoir. 

The South Devon Railway line begins at Buckfastleigh, a quiet market town set against the beautiful Dartmoor and Devon Hills. Opened in 1872, the former Great Western Railway line meanders for seven miles (11.2km) through peaceful farmland, dense woodland and charming villages before reaching Totnes Riverside station. Trailing up and down the pretty Dart Valley in a magnificent locomotive steam train, the line is a real gem of southwest England.

The Heart of Wales Line has been traversing the scenic countryside from the Midlands towards the Welsh coast for more than 150 years. Stretching 121 miles (193km) long, the rural railway starts at the quaint town of Shrewsbury, passing through the rolling Shropshire Hills before crossing the border into some of the most charming spa towns in Wales, including Llangammarch Wells. The train then travels past the magnificent Sugarloaf summit and the surrounding scenery before arriving at the city of Swansea.

Winding 25 miles (40km) across Snowdonia, the Welsh Highland Railway is the longest heritage railway in the UK. Passing the foot of Snowdon from Caernarfon, the train cuts through the gorgeous Aberglaslyn Pass before arriving at Porthmadog on the Welsh coast where it shares a track gauge with the Ffestiniog Railway.

Discover 30 reasons to love Wales

Whether it’s 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. 

Discover the UK’s most beautiful views ranked

Considered one of the greatest heritage railways in the UK, the North York Moors line has been slicing through Yorkshire’s incredible countryside since 1836. Its vintage steam and diesel trains transport passengers 24 miles (38.6km) back in time through the North York Moors National Park, from the pretty market town of Pickering to the historic seaside resort of Whitby. There are plenty of beautiful sights and fun attractions along the way, including the lovely village of Levisham and the famous Goathland Station which served as the original Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Inspired? See our guide on what else to do in the North York Moors

With nearly 300 years of history to its name, the Tanfield Railway is one of the oldest railways in the world. Its first wagonway was built in 1725 and the railway has been operating its service through northeast England ever since. Its beautifully preserved Victorian steam trains whisk passengers on a six-mile (9.7km) long scenic journey between East Tanfield and Gateshead, through the picturesque Causey Valley and rolling countryside.

Following the gentle curve of Cardigan Bay and the Wales Coastal Path from Shrewsbury, the Cambrian Line takes in some of the most breathtaking beauty spots on the Welsh coastline. Starting at Shrewsbury, the line spans 120 miles (193km) of unspoilt natural beauty crossing into Wales through the rocky Cambrian mountains, quaint market towns, World Heritage Sites and castles towards the west coast. The railway merges with the Cambrian Coastal route before ending at the market town of Pwllheli on the Llyn Peninsula.

Discover the UK’s most beautiful train stations

Often considered one of the greatest railway journeys in the world, this 84-mile (135km) round trip takes passengers on the West Highland Line through some of Scotland’s most impressive attractions. The Jacobite steam train starts at Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, closely passing by the deepest loch and the shortest river in Britain, Loch Morar and River Morar, respectively. The train rounds off the incredible journey at Loch Nevis near the fishing port of Mallaig. Some may recognise the train carriages and the Glenfinnan Viaduct en route as the iconic Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter films.

In the heart of the Lake District National Park, this scenic stretch of tracks 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 at the foot of the famous Lake Windermere, England's largest natural lake.

Explore the UK’s most stunning natural wonders

Traversing the northern edge of the Scottish Highlands, the Far North Line joins 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 en route include Dunrobin Castle, home of the Dukes of Sutherland, and the magnificent views across the Orkney Islands from Thurso.

Winding through some of Northern Ireland’s most picturesque spots, we can 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) railway between Derry and Coleraine packs in plenty of stunning sights. Following the River Foyle, the route showcases breathtaking views of the golden sands of Benone Strand, colourful seaside villages and the magnificent Binevenagh Mountain.

The Severn Valley Railway is a charming steam train railroad that runs along the Severn Valley in the West Midlands. The 16-mile (26km) route between Kidderminster, Bewdley and Bridgnorth takes in picture-perfect countryside views as it trails through charming towns and villages. The journey mostly follows the River Severn as it zigzags through the landscape and takes around 70 minutes each way.

These are the UK's prettiest small towns and villages

Following the River Tyne as it zigzags through northeast England, the Tyne Valley Line joins together Newcastle with Carlisle. Originally opened in the 1830s, the pretty line travels for 60 miles (96.6km) along much of the former Newcastle & Carlisle Railway route, 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.

Snaking through the picturesque 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. 

Scotland’s Classic Splendours Tour is an epic cross-country journey through the heart of Scotland. Passengers 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 the famous Forth Bridge, one of the greatest crossings in the world. 

The Cumbrian Coast Line is a wonderful route that loops through some of the county’s most spectacular sights and hidden gems. Trawling 85 miles (137km) from Barrow-in-Furness to Carlisle, the train takes travellers through rolling fields, striking fells and provides breathtaking views across the Irish Sea. The line's main attractions include Maryport, a tiny town that lies at the site of a Roman port and is steeped in history, the beautiful Black Combe fell and the incredible Lake District National Park. 

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 pretty Malvern Hills and beyond, finishing at Broadway in Worcestershire. 

Now explore America’s most incredible train journeys 

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.

Discover the UK’s most beautiful bridges