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11 of the most breathtaking train journeys across the UK

Photo credit: GAPS - Getty Images
Photo credit: GAPS - Getty Images

From Country Living

Jumping on board and embarking on the best train journeys in the UK will transport you to a simpler time and a slower pace of life.

With Country Living's pick of the most breathtaking train journeys UK destinations have to offer, you can look out of the window and take in spectacular scenery, from country to coastline.

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You'll pass landscapes unseen from confines of the car and can travel safe in the knowledge that you're doing your bit for the environment.

From the romance of taking you back to a bygone era, to the sheer joy and anticipation of arriving at a new station, there are many reasons to experience a train journey in the UK this year.

Browse our pick of the most unforgettable train journeys in the UK to add to your British bucket list. All aboard!

1. Glasgow to Mallaig

Encounter some of the UK's most spectacular scenery by journeying from Glasgow to Mallaig. Travelling on Scotland's West Highland Line for a journey of 5½ hours, you will experience breathtaking views of vast isolated moorland, crumbling castles, and tranquil Scottish lochs.

Loch Lomond, the largest inland stretch of water in the UK, and the desolate wilderness of Rannoch Moor are two must-sees, as is Corrour Station, which sitting at 1,338 feet, is the UK's highest train station. It's also worth stopping at Corrour Station House along the way and tasting the local venison, bred on the 57,000 acre Corrour Estate.

Photo credit: RuslanKaln - Getty Images
Photo credit: RuslanKaln - Getty Images

Enjoy magnificent views of Ben Nevis and revel in delight when you pass over the infamous Glenfinnan Viaduct, eternalised by the Harry Potter films. Arriving in Mallaig's station, glorious views of the Isle of Skye will greet you, perhaps enticing you to take a boat trip across.

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2. Oxford to Hereford

Meandering through the undulating Cotswolds and the rugged Malvern Hills is the Cotswold Line. Passing through Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, it promises picturesque landscapes and a glimpse into the heart of traditional rural life.

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds' idyllic honey-coloured cottages, often bedecked with wisteria or rose climbers, make its villages particularly worth visiting on your way.

Photo credit: Martyn Ferry - Getty Images
Photo credit: Martyn Ferry - Getty Images

Be sure to take in Charlbury, nestled in the Evenlode valley, as well as Moreton in Marsh, which runs across the infamous roman road, The Fosse Way. Whilst there, why not stretch your legs and indulge in a cream tea at one of the locally run tearooms.

Back on board, the journey winds through Evesham, the Malvern Hills and over the Ledbury Viaduct. Stretching 86 ½ miles, the journey takes approximately 2 ¾ hours.

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3. Snowdon Mountain Railway

Wonder at the extraordinary landscape of Snowdonia National Park by taking the Snowdon Mountain Railway from the village of Llanberis to the summit of Mount Snowdon.

Follow in your ancestors' footsteps and take the trip to the summit in one of the Railway's oldest carriages, The Snowdon Lily, or hop in one of the more contemporary carriages for a more modern experience. As your carriage climbs ever higher, see if you can spot Ireland, England, Scotland and the Isle of Man, all of which are visible from the top.

Photo credit: Snowdon Mountain Railway
Photo credit: Snowdon Mountain Railway

Look out for peregrine falcons, uplands ravens and feral goats, as well as the famous Snowdon lily. Once at the summit, tuck into an Oggie, a Welsh type of pasty filled with local lamb and leeks, at the Summit Visitor Centre. While there, uncover the mystery and legend surrounding Snowdon, heralded as the burial place of the giant ogre Rhita, conquered by King Arthur.

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4. Settle to Carlisle Railway

To experience Victorian engineering at its peak, and witness the magnificence of the North Pennines, Eden Valley and Yorkshire Dales, hop on the Settle to Carlisle line.

Completed in 1876 and the last of the great railways to be built in England, the line is arguably the most impressive example of Victorian engineering. With its 21 viaducts and 14 tunnels, the 72 mile track offers a thrilling experience for train enthusiasts.


Photo credit: PaulaConnelly - Getty Images
Photo credit: PaulaConnelly - Getty Images

Be sure not to miss the Ribblehead Viaduct which, with its 24 arches, is spectacular. The journey passes through the beautiful landscape of Cumbria, the Blea Moor Tunnel, built some 5,000 feet beneath the Moor, and the Mallerstand Valley where the summit of Ais Gill can be seen.

When the train draws to a halt in Carlisle, you can explore the historic city with its castle and cathedral.

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5. Bluebell Railway

Marvel at the beauty of the Sussex countryside while onboard a steam locomotive on the Bluebell Railway, the first preserved gauge passenger railway in the UK. Running from Sheffield Park to East Grinstead, and offering a number of vintage locomotives to travel on, a ride on the Bluebell promises a superb day out.

For those who fancy a thoroughly English experience, you can book a seat on the Afternoon Tea Train, where a full afternoon tea is served, including delicious sandwiches, scones and cakes.

Photo credit: Peter Edwards
Photo credit: Peter Edwards

If you would prefer something more occasioned, take a seat on the Golden Arrow Pullman Dining Train, where the glamorous world of the Golden Arrow (which once connected London to Paris) is re-created.

Enjoy the stations along the journey, particularly Horsted Keynes, where Downton Abbey enthusiasts can explore the set for the village station.

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6. London to Fort William

For a truly unique experience, take the Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston to Fort William, in the deep highlands of Scotland. The route, named the Deerstalker, has been proclaimed as one of the best six train journeys in the world.

Leaving London in darkness, the train reaches Scotland by dawn, with passengers witnessing a memorable sunrise over the wild Scottish Highlands.

Photo credit: Photography by Deb Snelson - Getty Images
Photo credit: Photography by Deb Snelson - Getty Images

Sights not to be missed are Loch Lomond, Loch Treig, Rannoch Moor and the Glenfinnan Viaduct. While on board, engross yourself in all things Scottish and tuck into haggis neeps 'n tatties, or treat yourself to a Scottish whisky, choosing from 14 varieties.

After a 13-hour journey, the train draws to a halt in Fort William, the outdoor capital of the UK, which sits beneath the imposing magnificence of Ben Nevis.

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7. Poppy Line

The Poppy Line, or the North Norfolk Railway as it is also known, is one of Britain's best heritage railways. Lovingly run by volunteers, the steam train takes you back in time on a nostalgic steam train journey, where you can sit back and enjoy a relaxing ride.

Running from the Victorian seaside town of Sheringham through heathland to the Georgian town of Holt, it's a superb way to take in both coast and country.

Photo credit: Leigh Caudwell
Photo credit: Leigh Caudwell

With the impressive steam engines, three wonderfully restored stations and refreshments available, it makes for a fantastic day out in Norfolk.

Sheringham Station is one of the highlights, where you'll want to check out the 1950s' waiting room and restored signal box.

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8. Derry to Coleraine

Described by Michael Palin as "one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world", the route from Derry to Coleraine in Northern Ireland is certainly worth the trip. Although only 45 minutes long, you can expect wonderful views of the north coast and many opportunities to discover its rich history and wildlife.

Leaving the historic walled city of Derry, the line curves northwards, giving beautiful views of the Foyle Estuary and its wildlife of waders and seabirds.

Photo credit: Jacek Kadaj - Getty Images
Photo credit: Jacek Kadaj - Getty Images

As the tracks run directly alongside the beaches, the line enables passengers to take in the view without spoliation. Stopping at Castlerock, explore the historic station that dates to 1875 and enjoy a scenic picnic.

The journey continues from Castlerock to Coleraine, where you can uncover the history of the town, which houses the remains of the oldest known human settlement in Ireland.

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9. Durham to Berwick-Upon-Tweed

Offering passengers idyllic views of the north-east coast of England, the journey from Durham to Berwick-Upon-Tweed is a must-do. Home to much unknown and undiscovered scenery, the line begins in the historic city of Durham and passes through Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, before heading north into the rugged Northumbrian countryside.

Photo credit: Chris Mellor - Getty Images
Photo credit: Chris Mellor - Getty Images

For those who love history, keep your eyes peeled for sites along the way, including Alnwick Castle and Banburgh Castle, both dating to the time of the Norman Conquest.

Also look out for the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, sitting proudly a few miles off the Northumbrian coast, which can be accessed via Berwick-Upon-Tweed at the end of your journey. The train draws to a halt in the pretty, coastal town of Berwick, the perfect place for a relaxing break.

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10. Belmond British Pullman

For a taste of railway luxury, step aboard the Belmond British Pullman and allow yourself to be transported into the world of the roaring 20s. In the splendid comfort of vintage carriages, which once ran on services such as the Brighton Belle, be absorbed in the glamour of the moment.

Chose from a range of day trips and weekend excursions to cities and country houses, such as Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

On the way, delight in a wonderful fine dining experience, and taste food inspired by the views of the surrounding countryside, sourced only from fresh local produce.

Take in the quirks onboard, from the veneered panels to the brass luggage racks, and revel in the splendour of the carriages. Some have even been used by the Royal family.

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11. South Devon Railway

A wonderful insight into the idyllic Devon countryside can be gleaned by hopping aboard the South Devon Railway, the longest established steam railway in the southwest.

Built in 1872, the line runs seven miles between the small Devon market towns of Buckfastleigh and Totnes, through the glorious valley of the River Dart. Following the river most of the journey, the track reveals stunning scenery unseen from the nearby road.

Photo credit: Julian Elliot Photography - Getty Images
Photo credit: Julian Elliot Photography - Getty Images

This is your opportunity to spot the valley's rich array of wildlife. If you are a butterfly enthusiast, you can visit Buckfastleigh Butterflies, adjacent to the station before your journey. For those interested in rare breeds, Totnes' award winning Rare Breeds Farm is a must as well.

Along the way, stop at Steverton and stroll through the pretty lanes to the 14th century church before enjoying a picnic along the riverside.

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