Six epic UK train journeys, including this year's new launch
A more eco-friendly way of getting around than flying, train travel is becoming ever-more popular as people embrace slow travel and authentic local experiences – as evidenced by the introduction of several new long-distance routes and sleeper trains around Europe over the past couple of years. But you don’t have to go abroad to hitch a thrilling ride – despite our diminutive size, the UK is a brilliant place for train journeys and even sleeper trains.
Trains aren't only about getting you from A to B: they can be a way of taking in fantastic landscapes and sights while relaxing – often in indulgent luxury, with fabulous food and drink included as part of the experience. Many are great opportunities to experience the finer things in life, with champagne and fine dining served on board.
As well as taking you to incredible historic sights and cities such as castles and stately homes, many of these trains are also pieces of heritage in their own right, many with beautifully restored carriages and other original features, and some pulled by atmospheric steam engines for a trip back in time.
We’ve chosen some of our favourite rail journeys operating in England, Scotland and Wales, whether you’re looking for an unforgettable day trip by train or an overnight adventure you’ll never forget. Or want to be conveyed to a social event in style or join an escorted tour immersing you in some of the loveliest countryside in the UK over the course of several days.
The Jacobite Steam Train
Also known as the Hogwarts Express or Harry Potter Steam Train for its role in the iconic movies, and also as the Jacobean Train, this glorious steam train journey combines epic scenery, Scottish folklore and luxury travel in one intoxicating day out: the 84-mile round trip takes around six hours (two hours for each leg, with a 90-minute stop in Mallaig).
Running every summer since 1984 from near Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, and covering part of Scotland’s West Highland line, the train is most famous for crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, when it gives passengers heart-racing views towards the Glenfinnan Monument and Loch Shiel. Other gorgeous spots include Loch Eil, Loch Morar (Britain’s deepest freshwater loch), Arisaig (the westernmost mainland railway station in Britain, where the guard will let you alight by request), and Loch Nevis, Europe’s deepest seawater loch.
You travel in refurbished vintage carriages, with the option of upgrading to First Class, which includes private tables for two, traditional table lamps, more luxurious seats with extra leg room, and complimentary hot drinks. A little tip: you’ll get the best views by sitting on the left on the way to Mallaig and on the right on the way back.
Country Living's trip through the Scottish Highlands by steam train is a four-day escorted tour including a trip on the Jacobite and a cruise on Loch Katrine.
Britannic Explorer
Iconic for its super-luxe hotels and travel adventures in some of the world’s most desirable destinations, Belmond has now added to its impressive repertoire (which includes the Eastern & Oriental Express train in Southeast Asia and Europe’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express): the first ever luxury sleeper train in England and Wales.
Launching in July 2025, the Britannic Explorer will take you to sublime destinations in the Lake District, Cornwall, the Welsh valleys and elsewhere, while celebrating the art of slow travel through curated on- and off-board experiences.
Among the latter are culinary treats devised by Simon Rogan, whose restaurants worldwide (which include the three-Michelin-starred L’Enclume in the Lake District) collectively hold eight Michelin stars. Celebrating Great British terroir, Rohan’s curated menus are served in two restaurant cars, Malva and Samphire, with decor inspired by great British greenery in English country gardens and wildflower meadows, with potted herbs, botanical tapestries, limed oak joinery, unique woven finishes, and a trellis-inspired mirrored ceiling.
From lunch to bespoke afternoon tea and dinners, Rogan’s seasonally changing menus, which reflect his zero-waste ethos, are paired with handpicked British biodynamic wines. Meanwhile the bar, situated in the Observation Car, is a chic spot for herbal teas, bespoke cocktails and soft drinks inspired by Victorian apothecaries.
Country Living has three exclusive journeys on the Britannic Explorer, including three nights on the train, exciting excursions and more.
British Pullman
Another Belmond train, the restored 1920s British Pullman has hosted royalty amid its breathtaking Art Deco decor of antique-style marquetry, vintage lighting and heritage upholstery. Step aboard one of its four distinctive carriages to be whisked away to discover history-drenched cities such as Bath, York or Canterbury, along with ancient castles, stately homes and classic British events ranging from the Chelsea Flower Show to Royal Ascot.
The fine dining rivals the best London restaurants – expect British fare with an innovative twist, celebrating the regional highlights of the towns and cities you pass through. As well as glamorous lunches and dinners with menus by the likes of Theo Randall, Phil Howard, Atul Kochhar and Andrew Wong, there are classic afternoon teas to indulge in.
Normally, the British Pullman train is hauled by a diesel engine, but on some days a steam engine is used, and there are also special Golden Age of Travel journeys using steam traction for all or part of the journey.
Country Living has a day trip from London to Bath aboard the British Pullman, including a brunch and dinner with sommelier-selected wines and free time to enjoy the city of Jane Austen.
Alternatively, tuck into a three-course brunch on our trip from London to Blenheim Palace and a three-course dinner on your way home.
Poppy Line
Also known as the North Norfolk Railway, this passionately run heritage steam railway takes you through some of the county’s best coastal scenery on its journey between the Victorian seaside resort of Sheringham to the Georgian town of Holt.
Operated almost entirely by volunteers, the Poppy Line runs an array of railway experience days throughout the year, featuring once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as the chance to take control on the footplate or in a signalling box. There are also dining experiences including sedate Sunday lunches, romantic dinners, convivial fish and chips evenings, cream teas and even gin-tasting trips.
Experience the Poppy Line with Country Living, when you'll visit Norfolk and Sandringham with historian Lucy Worsley and enjoy three historic rail journeys, plus a trip on the Broads by paddle steamer.
Northern Belle
Traversing the British countryside en route to some of the country’s loveliest spots, the Northern Belle evokes 1930s rail travel in all its opulence. Offering an exclusive, intimate experience, it includes seven delightful carriages bearing the names of castles or stately homes, with lovingly restored interiors by marquetry experts, muralists, mosaic artists and other top British artisans.
Its journeys are a feast for all the senses, with staggering countryside views accompanied by classic and modern dishes based on seasonal ingredients from around the British Isles. Some trips are even food-centred, such as the The Spirit of Travel Lunch, a seven-course affair accompanied by sommelier-selected wines and topped off by an award-winning cheeseboard and glass of Port.
Trips aboard the Northern Bell include steam journeys, seaside escapes, historic towns and cities, and sporting and social events. There are also special-occasion trips ranging from Mother’s Day Sunday lunch or champagne afternoon tea to York’s Christmas markets.
Country Living has an exclusive train journey on the Northern Belle, visiting the late Queen’s yacht with her former press secretary Dickie Arbiter LVO and including a three-course brunch and six-course dinner.
Caledonian Sleeper
A symbol of Scotland, this is a unique, environmentally friendly way to travel between Scotland and London, with two trains running six days a week: the Highland Sleeper (serving routes to and from Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William ) and the Lowland Sleeper (serving routes to and from Edinburgh and Glasgow).
Accommodation is in private rooms, some with en-suite shower rooms, some with double beds, and some interconnecting. The best include station lounge access before and after you travel, priority access to the Club Car, and complimentary breakfast in the Club Car or delivered to your room.
Food and drink aboard the Caledonian Sleeer is sourced from Highland farms, city bakeries and other Scottish suppliers and includes the likes of Scottish haggis, neeps and tatties, a local cheeseboard, and craft gins and whiskies.
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