Explore the Unforgettable: Top 10 Remarkable Railway Journeys in the United Kingdom

Embark on a journey through the heart of the United Kingdom, where each turn unfolds a new chapter of scenic beauty and historic grandeur. Our curated guide to the top 10 most remarkable railway experiences invites you to traverse the diverse landscapes of the UK, from the rugged highlands of Scotland to the serene valleys of Wales and the picturesque countryside of England. These iconic train journeys offer more than just a mode of transport; they are a gateway to exploring the rich tapestry of British culture, history, and natural wonders. Whether you're a dedicated rail enthusiast or a casual traveller seeking unique adventures, these railway experiences promise to leave you with memories that last a lifetime. Buckle up as we take you on an unparalleled rail adventure, showcasing the very best of the United Kingdom's railways.

Machynlleth to Pwllheli

Nestled just within the southern edge of Snowdonia National Park, this journey is a natural spectacle from its outset. As the train embarks, passengers are treated to vistas of towering grass intermingled with wildflowers reaching waist-height and skies adorned with billowy clouds above forest-rimmed peaks. Sun-kissed streams twinkle, and distant hikers with their walking sticks offer friendly gestures. Beyond Dovey Junction station, the route meanders alongside the River Dyfi's curves before revealing the expansive vistas of Cardigan Bay's coast, with its stretches of pale sand and dunes seamlessly blending into the sea. Views from the train include rugged coastlines battered by jade waves and hillside campsites, their tents dancing in the breezy air. A landscape characterized by a blend of sand and shallow waters, overseen by mountains veiled in clouds, culminates in a gradual urban approach through Pwllheli's bustling market town.

St Ives Bay Line

This brief yet immensely rewarding 10-minute journey from St Erth village to the coastal town of St Ives presents passengers with stunning views of the Cornish coastline. It's advisable to choose a seat on the train's right side as it trundles past the Hayle estuary, offering sights of birds navigating through the waters. The train then ascends the dunes, hugging the curve of Porth Kidney Sands with its layers of blue and green waters. Passengers can inhale the ocean's salty fragrance as the train skirts above Carbis Bay, where beachgoers bask on the golden sands. Upon reaching St Ives, a visit to the café at Porthminster Beach is a must, where one can savour crab, chilli, and garlic linguine, complemented by a refreshing lemon-and-thyme G&T.

Settle to Carlisle

Inaugurated in May 1876, this route is among England's final grand Victorian railway segments, once at risk of closure in the 1980s but preserved thanks to dedicated campaigners, locals, and rail enthusiasts. Spanning 72 miles, it enchants both tourists and daily commuters as it traverses the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines. Departing from Settle station, passengers are immediately enveloped by sloping sheep fields, framed by the region's iconic dry-stone walls. The journey involves darting through tunnels, soaring over bridges, and navigating narrow rock cuttings. Along the way, the train traverses a landscape seemingly in flux, passing rivers, hamlets, and tranquil farmland. The experience reaches a crescendo crossing the 104ft-high Ribblehead Viaduct, with hikers greeting from below. In the journey's final stretch, gaze right for vistas across the Vale of Eden, its hedgerows and fields illuminated by sunbeams piercing through the clouds, before concluding in the historic city of Carlisle.

Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh

In a span of just under three hours, this journey offers a comprehensive array of sights one could desire on a Scottish rail trip. Departing Inverness, the train travels alongside the Beauly Firth's southern shore, looping around freshwater lochs and secluded white cottages nestled among trees and patchy moors inhabited by deer. Glimpses of shimmering water bodies and the occasional boat moored to a pier can be caught between dense Scots pine clusters. The picturesque village of Plockton is worth a detour, with its palm trees, quaint houses, and surrounding islets, not to mention the presence of sleek seals. Resuming the trip, the journey proceeds to Kyle of Lochalsh, with the Isle of Skye majestically emerging ahead.

Newcastle to Edinburgh

Defying the notion that high-speed city-to-city trains lack scenic beauty, this route travels from England's northeast coast into southern Scotland, weaving through a tapestry of countryside and misty ocean vistas. While the journey's initial moments may feature familiar sights of urban sprawl, the train quickly leaves behind the city's industrial facade, heralding its horn past pastoral landscapes dotted with sheep and enclosed farms. Due to the journey's rapid pace, fleeting images of bright yellow rapeseed fields, glossy Aberdeen Angus cows, and quaint villages are best savoured by seating on the right and facing backwards. The proximity to the sea becomes evident as the horizon blurs, and the landscape opens up to reveal the North Sea's vivid blue expanse. Moreover, since late 2021, Lumo has introduced a new service, providing travellers with budget-friendly fares and a journey aboard a cutting-edge, fully electric fleet, enhancing both affordability and environmental sustainability.

Glasgow to Mallaig

Departing from Glasgow Queen Street, the train initially trails the River Clyde before venturing into the heart of Scotland's untouched wilderness. The journey is adorned with glens coloured with the hue of wild heather, ascending and wrapping around Loch Lomond's beautiful banks, bordered by birch woodlands. Beyond Tyndrum, it's recommended to move forward in the train to witness its navigation around Beinn Doran's horseshoe bend, eventually progressing towards Fort William. The voyage is delightful in summer, but winter brings its own allure with icy rivers and frost-adorned trees. Approaching the journey's end, the train traverses the Glenfinnan Viaduct's 21 arches atop Loch Shiel, a sight familiar to Harry Potter enthusiasts as the Hogwarts Express's path.

The Caledonian Sleeper

As one of the UK's remaining two overnight services, the Caledonian Sleeper offers journeys from London to Edinburgh and Glasgow on the Lowlander route, and to Aberdeen, Fort William, and Inverness on the Highlander route. A 2019 revamp transformed the train into a travelling hotel, featuring double beds, private bathrooms, and adjustable lighting, ensuring a comfortable overnight journey. Upon boarding, passengers can explore the dining car to enjoy smoked salmon and a classic haggis, neeps, and tatties dish, served with a whisky-cream sauce. A quiet nightcap precedes a peaceful slumber, with London's nighttime backdrop fading into the distance. Waking up to morning mists shrouding the moors signifies the start of a new day.

Exeter St Davids to Newton Abbot

To the uninitiated, this 18-minute ride might resemble a typical urban commute, with views of graffitied barriers, residential backyards, and industrial landscapes. However, a glance to the left reveals a transformative scene: green marshlands converging to a point, the receding tree line, and the train's intimate embrace with the grand, expansive River Exe. Seasonal shifts bring varied spectacles, from summer's sailboat clusters and winter's bird-rich wetlands to the merging of the river with the English Channel at Dawlish Warren, where walkers enjoy the coastal path's tranquillity. As the journey continues down the coast, the train veers inland, tracking along the River Teign before concluding at Newton Abbot.

The Belmond Royal Scotsman

Spanning seven nights with impeccable steward service, gourmet four-course dinners, and an abundance of whisky, a journey aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman is an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in Scotland's grandeur. Starting in Edinburgh, passengers are escorted to their private compartments, reminiscent of an elongated Edwardian manor, adorned with rugged tartan accents, polished wooden surfaces, and vases of fresh heather. As the journey commences towards Falkirk, it's tempting to get lost in reverie by the window. However, the dining car beckons with a sumptuous afternoon tea featuring salmon sandwiches and rich Dundee cake. Over the subsequent days, the train showcases vistas of Fort William, Ben Nevis, the Glenfinnan viaduct, and the Arisaig coastline, with excursions to Inverlochy Castle and the Isle of Bute. The journey is an indulgence in every sense, offering brisk walks, historic castles, soothing massages, and mornings greeted by the aroma of fresh coffee and sizzling bacon.

The Night Riviera

As the UK's other remaining sleeper service, the Night Riviera offers an exciting journey from London's Paddington station to Penzance, starting with a serene boarding experience. Passengers with sleeper compartments are prioritized, and while many families opt for early nights under silky duvets, the dining car buzzes with life, where fellow travellers and regulars socialize over snacks and drinks. The train's rhythmic movements might disturb light sleepers, so packing earplugs is advisable to mute the ambient sounds of nocturnal cabin activity. However, any sleep disruption is quickly forgotten upon dawn's arrival, when opening the blinds reveals moorland mists and skies painted with dawn's hues, accompanied by the morning ritual of coffee and a freshly prepared bacon roll.

The UK is known for its picturesque landscapes and historic railways, making train travel a delightful experience. Let's explore your questions:

What is the most scenic railway journey in the UK?

The West Highland Line in Scotland is often hailed as the most scenic railway journey in the UK. This spectacular route takes passengers through some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes, including the rugged Highlands, serene lochs, and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, which gained worldwide fame through the Harry Potter films. The journey from Glasgow to Mallaig offers panoramic views of natural beauty that are quintessentially Scottish.

What is the most famous train in the UK?

The Flying Scotsman is arguably the most famous train in the UK. A symbol of the golden age of steam, the Flying Scotsman became the first locomotive to officially reach 100 miles per hour in 1934 and was a flagship express train for the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER). Today, the restored Flying Scotsman still runs special trips and is a beloved icon of British railway history.

What are the longest UK rail journeys?

Among the longest rail journeys in the UK, the Inverness to Penzance journey stands out. Spanning over 800 miles, this trip takes around 15 hours and offers a cross-country experience, from the Scottish Highlands to the southwestern tip of England. Another notable long journey is the Aberdeen to Penzance route, which is slightly shorter but still offers an extensive cross-country experience. These journeys provide an opportunity to see a wide range of the UK's diverse landscapes, from coastal views to rolling countryside.

Each of these journeys provides a unique way to experience the beauty and history of the UK, whether you're a train enthusiast or a casual traveller looking for a memorable adventure.