A Pret sandwich, a solid Spotify playlist and maybe a few sheep grazing in a field is often as exciting as it gets for most of us when it comes to train journeys.
But not all commutes are created equal: according to the travel site Rustic Pathways, some of the most picturesque train rides in Europe are right here in the UK.
Vintage carriages, medieval bridges and Highland meadows are just some of the features of Britain’s best train journeys. Here’s Rustic Pathways’ full list of all the scenic railways journeys that made it into the company’s Europe-wide list.
Vale of Rheidol Railway
Woodlands, mountains and open fields, you can have it all on this journey across Wales. Running across Aberystwyth and Pontarfynach (also known as Devil’s Bridge), perhaps not one to sit back and relax on, the train ride traverses steep terrains in carriages built in the 1920s and 1930s. If you’re lucky, you might spot a buzzard soaring over the valley too.
Kyle Line
From Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, this trip through the Highlands stops at the village of Plockton and Attadale Gardens, which is known for its impressive rhododendrons and cosy tea room. Deer can often be spotted between Loch Luichart and Garve.
Settle-Carlisle Railway
A ride on the Settle-Carlisle Railway will get you a round-trip across the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennies in less than two hours. Hope you’re not afraid of heights, because it includes a stop at Dent, the highest mainline station in England.
Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways
A step above your typical train commute, this ride covers 40 miles of Snowdonia National Park, tunnelling through mountains as it weaves between rivers, castles and the Welsh coastline. Complete with an observation carriage and cream teas, it looks a lot more appealing than the sandwich you had packed.
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
Known as ‘La’al Ratty’ in local Cumbrian dialect, or ‘little railway’ to the rest of us, this route will get you a glimpse at one of the world’s oldest and longest surviving narrow gauge railways.
Brecon Mountain Railways
A trip to the glorious Brecon Beacons National Park isn’t complete without a ride on the Brecon Mountain Railway, running all the way from Pant to Torpantau with views over Bannau Brycheiniog.
Lynton and Barnstaple Railway
Fancy a trip back in time to Victorian England? This train in North Devon is the only steam railway in the UK where passengers can ride in carriages designed in the 1890s. Make sure you’re sitting on the right for the best view of West Lynn valley.
Llangollen Railway
Running through the Dee Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, spotting lambs and views over the river aren’t the only thing special about the Llangollen. The heritage railway in Denbighshire, north Wales, is also a volunteer-run. That’s some serious commitment to trains.
Bala Lake Railway
Using the same trains from over 100 years ago that transported slate from the quarries to the docks, plans were recently approved to expand this beloved railway in north Wales after £4 million was raised by campaigners. It’s worth a visit for that alone. With views of lakes and rolling hills, the new 1.2km of track means it will get a new station in Bala town centre.
Jacobite Steam Train
We know, a lot of these trips sound like something out of Harry Potter with all the mention of spectacular views and steam trains. But the Jacobite Steam Train was actually used in the films, earning it the nickname the Hogwarts Express. It’s a 41-mile journey round the Scottish Highlands, with a stop at Britain’s westernmost mainland railway station.
South Devon Railway
Passing through some of Devon’s most scenic countryside routes, including the River Dart and a stop at Staverton, a village complete with a medieval bridge.
West Somerset Railway
From Bishops Lydeard near Taunton to seaside town Minehead, this is the longest independent standard gauge heritage railway in the UK. Impressive, eh?
Trains, trains and more trains
Looking for more train travel inspo? We’ve also got you covered with the best sleeper trains in Europe with new routes announced for 2025. The UK could also be getting a brand new rail pass that will get you unlimited travel. And in even better news, train strikes in the UK are finally coming to an end.
Did you see? This UK rail company has banned dating apps on its trains.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.
