You don’t have to leave the UK to experience history, culture or beautiful scenery. Here are the top 5 places in the UK you can and should travel to by train. There are several stop suggestions along the way, too.
Scotland (Edinburgh to Inverness – through Glasgow, Fort William, Mallaig and Isle of Skye)
Travel from the lowlands to the highlands on this scenic Scottish journey. Start off your day in Edinburgh exploring some of the city’s highlights like Edinburgh Castle, before catching the train to Glasgow where you’ll have the chance to investigate some of the most eye-catching modern art in the country.
Once you’ve had your fill of art and culture, head north to Fort William. You’ll experience some of the most breath-taking scenes as you pass the Scottish highlands for approximately four hours. Now it’s time to explore the Nevis Range until you’re tired enough to catch the next train to Mallaig. If you fancy treating yourself you can upgrade to the steam train that featured in Harry Potter!
To reach the Isle of Skye you’ll need to travel by ferry. Be sure to check out Fairy Pools whilst you’re there. The next morning it’s time to cross the bridge to Kyle of Lochalsh where you can catch the train to the capital of the highlands, Inverness.
Cornwall (St. Ives to Plymouth – through Falmouth, St. Austell, Newquay and Looe)
Moving to the far south-west of England now, here’s an itinerary through Cornwall.
Book train tickets with national rail and then Starting off in St. Ives, you’ll want to explore the golden, sandy beaches of Carbis Bay before making your way across to Falmouth. You’ll be met with an iconic maritime museum, or if that’s not your cup of tea, you could take a gentle boat ride along the River Fal. More than likely you’ll want to spend the night in this town, so in the morning take a short train to St. Austell where you can enter The Eden Project – a uniquely fantastic set of biomes that bring the Mediterranean to Cornwall.
Head back to the station to catch the train along the Atlantic Coast Line to Newquay where you’ll have the option of over 10 beaches to explore. If you’re feeling adventurous try your hand at surfing at Fistral Beach or grab an ice cream and head to the Blue Reef Aquarium instead.
The small fishing village of Looe is a 3-hour journey from St. Austell. There’s no shortage of things to do in this pretty village which runs along an estuary teeming with wildlife. Looe Island features its very own marine nature reserve which is worth checking out whilst you’re there and before you prepare to travel to the final stop – Plymouth.
When you reach Plymouth you have several options. You could walk along the city’s waterfront, clamber to the top of Smeaton’s lighthouse Tower or continue on to explore more of Devon – depending on how much energy you’ve got left!
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