England’s Popular Train Journeys – Explore Britain By Rail

Travelling throughout Britain is getting harder and more expensive with rising fuel costs and busy motorways, but there is a much easier way to travel – by Britain’s extensive train service.  Travelling in this way can mean increased comfort and the whole family will be less stressed.  There is no shortage of places served by the British rail system, including many historic homes and gardens.

A good starting point is to head into London to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.  This is a great day out for those who want to learn more about flora and fauna.  The gardens are located just outside of London city centre at Richmond, which is a short train journey from the centre.

Popular Journeys by Rail

Take a train to Liverpool and just a few minutes’ walk from Lime Street Station there is a variety of galleries and museums to suit all tastes.  The Walker Art Gallery and the World Museum are close to the station and a little further away at the Albert Dock is Tate Liverpool, the Slavery Museum, the new Liverpool Museum and a popular exhibition on the Beatles.  The Albert Dock is great for shopping and Liverpool is one of the country’s most vibrant cities so visitors can enjoy the atmosphere.

Edinburgh is a great place to visit during July and August with so many festivals and events on.   Getting there by train takes just a few hours via the fast trains from the main UK cities.  While there, visitors can take in the castle and explore the vast array of shops.

Bristol is one of the country’s most popular cities and kids will love a day out at Bristol Zoo.  This is located in the trendy Clifton area of the city and is easily reached by train.  The zoo has a variety of animal species and there is an on-site shop and eateries.

A day at the seaside is always appreciated and Scarborough is undergoing something of a revival at the moment.  Visitors can enjoy traditional fish and chips, a picnic on the beach and explore the shops.  Trains to the area run frequently from main departure points such as Manchester and can be arranged through agents such as Co-op travel.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a great place for literary tourists.  With several attractions that are linked directly to Shakespeare and theatre productions to see, there is something for everyone.  As the city is in the heart of England, reaching it takes only a couple of hours no matter which direction you are coming from, with regular trains running from major cities such as London and Birmingham.

Plenty of people head to the Norfolk Broads for holidays and this is one of the most beautiful areas of the country.  Trains to Great Yarmouth are frequent and this is a good starting point for a break there. Boat hire and cycle hire are available in the area for travelling while there.

The Lake District in the north-west is another popular destination and there are trains that run right through to Windermere, one of the area’s most famous lakes.  This region is ideal for those who want to walk, cycle or ride to get around and there are plenty of hotels and campsites for family holidays that can be organized via travel specialists.

Train companies usually offer cheaper tickets online, it is well worth while checking online in advance to find the best available ticket offers and prices. You can usually pick up some cheaper deals, and looking online can also allow you to keep updated on possible delays and journey adjustments. Websites can also advise on fast and the slower, standard train services. It is also possible to purchase multi-day passes, these will normally allow you to travel on multiple trains and buses over the course of a day. Also keep in mind that an Oyster card can be used in London zones 1-9, this could also be useful in cutting the cost of transport.

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About The Author:  Anna Dewinter is a freelance writer who loves travelling and meeting new people.
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Photo Credits: Geograph.org.uk #1, #3, #4, Flickr #2-Jordan S. Hatcher