13 Impossibly Beautiful Train Rides You Can Only Take In Britain

1. The Jacobite From Fort William to Mallaig in Scotland

This is the quintessential steam train journey in Britain, and it also happens to be the route taken by the Hogwarts Express! The Jacobite journey in the Scottish Highlands runs over the majestic Glenfinnan Viaduct, as well as quaint coastal villages and sea lochs.

2. The Snowdon Mountain Railway in Wales

The Snowdon Mountain Railway may be under 5 kilometers long, but there’s no other train like it in Britain. It’s the only public rack-and-pinion railway (aka a type of steep railway) in the country, and it runs to the summit of the highest mountain in England and Wales — Snowdon.

3. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway in North Yorkshire, England

Running through the lovely North York Moors National Park, The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a heritage railway dating back to the early 1800s. The line passes through rural villages, hidden valleys, and miles upon miles of magical purple heather moorland.

4. The Great Western Railway From London to Bath

Matt Cardy / Stringer

Bath is a must-visit for anyone who’s interested in history and architecture, boasting ancient Roman baths (hence the name) and impressive Gregorian architecture. The Great Western Railway can take you there from London in fewer than 90 minutes, and the route passes through rolling farmland and cute villages and towns.

5. The Borders Railway from Edinburgh to Tweedbank in Scotland

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Officially opened by the Queen in September 2015, the Borders Railway takes passengers from Edinburgh through Midlothian, terminating in Tweedbank in the Scottish Borders. (It’s the first line that’s connected Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders in almost half a century!) The route takes just under an hour from one end to the other, passing through rolling hills and farmland, as well as the lovely River Tweed.

6. The Riviera Line Between Exeter and Paignton in Devon in England

“The English Riviera” is a thing — and it gives other European rivieras a run for their money. The Riviera Line runs along the South Devon Railway seawall, with views of the open sea on one side, and mountains and seaside towns on the other.

7. The Ffestiniog Railway in Wales

Another train journey in the Welsh highlands, this time on a heritage railway. The Ffestiniog Railway is located primarily in Snowdonia National Park and runs from Porthmadog harbor to the mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. The mountain scenery is gorgeous, and the area has plenty of recreation to offer, from Europe’s longest zip-line to subterranean trampolines.

8. The Settle–Carlisle Railway in North England

James Pawlowski

One of the most iconic and scenic journeys in Britain! The Settle–Carlisle line stretches for 72 miles in North England, passing over several historic viaducts and running through the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines. (That means you’ll see plenty of gorgeous hills, valleys, rivers, and streams.)

9. The St. Ives Bay Line in England’s Cornwall

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This railway is short, but the views are definitely worth it. The St. Ives Bay Line operates along the coast of Cornwall between St. Erth and St. Ives, with breathtaking coastal scenery along the entire path. The trip is only ￡4, and after you disembark, you can partake in swimming, surfing, and sunbathing on the beach.

10. The Royal Scotsman Classic Journey, Starting in Edinburgh

Martin Harvey

Taking a several-day journey by train doesn’t mean roughin’ it — it can be a super luxe experience. The Royal Scotsman offers fine dining, five-star service, and accommodates just 36 passengers. The classic journey, starting and ending in Edinburgh, takes travelers through the Highlands and Cairngorms National Park, and even makes stops at several world-class distilleries.

11. The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway in England’s Lake District

The L&H Railway is a little heritage railway in the picturesque Lake District, with vintage steam trains and lush green views. The train runs through the Leven Valley, at the southern end of Windermere (the largest natural lake in England). Tickets are only ￡4 one way, and can be purchased with lake cruises and museum passes.

12. The Heart of Wales Line From Swansea

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Running through the heartlands of Wales from Swansea to Shrewsbury, the Heart of Wales Line is scenic and idyllic. For 121 miles, the railway passes through everything from rugged landscapes, to marshes, to remote villages, to Victorian spa towns, as well as numerous tunnels and impressive bridges.

13. The Swanage Railway in Dorset, England

Another heritage steam railway, the Swanage Railway runs from Dorset to Swanage every day of the year. The highlight of the trip is Corfe Castle, a fortification built by William the Conquerer in the 11th century. The trip, which is only 22 minutes total, ends at the beach at Swanage by the awe-inspiring Jurassic Coast.

Only in Britain can you experience mountains, moorland, beaches, and more without traveling for ages. Take the scenic route through Great Britain.