Historic Train Rides in the UK for a Short Break
There are many options for historic rail travel in the UK, and you don’t need very long to take most of them. Whether you’re British or are visiting from abroad, taking to the railways is a great way to immerse yourself in history, see beautiful landscapes, and do it in a relatively short amount of time. Wherever you are and wherever you’re headed, you can find a historic rail journey that will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time in a matter of minutes.
Penistone Line
On the Penistone Line, you can experience the skills of Victorian engineers. From Sheffield to Huddersfield you can travel across four viaducts that put the vistas of the South Pennines on full display. Operational in 1850, the Penistone Line offers the best of both worlds as far as urban and rural travel. On the route, you pass through bustling cities and tiny villages, rolling hills, and lush greenery.
Bishop Line
For under a half an hour, Bishop Line takes passengers through rich heritage and beautiful landscapes. The trip is not only short, but it is also relaxing. Perfect for anyone with a short amount of time to explore some of the oldest rails in the UK. There is much history on this route.
Departing from historic Stockton, this is the first passenger route still in use today. Passing over the Skerne Bridge, which opened in 1825, you get a feeling of what it was like to travel on these rails for the first time. You will also get the chance to see the first locomotive that took them at a local steam train museum. Short and sweet, the Bishop Line is for those who really want to dive into the rail history of the UK.
The Flying Scotsman
If you need to get to Edinburgh from London, one of the best ways to do so is to ride the steam locomotive the Flying Scotsman according to the MoneyPug, the specialist site used to compare holidays.
The old train takes you on a 630km route but only takes four and a half hours. Along the way, you will be able to take in the beautiful landscape, unique towns, and the region’s charming coast. You will also get a chance to see the famous Angel of the North.
The West Highlands
One of the most popular rail journeys is to take the Jacobite through Scotland’s Highlands. Another classic steam train takes you through dramatic scenes of rolling hillsides and mountains reflected in pristine lakes. Originally created to make this remote destination accessible, the route’s extension was constructed over a century ago. It has continued service to the Scottish Atlantic since.
On this route, you can also catch a glimpse of the Glenfinnan viaduct, which was made famous in the Harry Potter film series. This route takes under an hour and a half but provides unforgettable views along the way. Check some of Scotland’s most jaw-dropping locations here.
Bentham Line
Another historic route is the Bentham Line from Leeds to Morecambe. While this doesn’t offer a steam train as the others, you will have the chance to explore the history of the area, which is nestled in the scenic countryside of Yorkshire and Lancashire. Though this route no longer has a steam locomotive, it provides the chance to travel along one of the country’s earliest railways.
The spectacular 75 mile trip from West Yorkshire passes through valleys like Aire, Ribble, Wenning, and Lune. Then through Pennine peaks and through the Forest of Bowland, you find yourself at the gorgeous shore of Morecambe Bay.
Along this route, you can explore Saltaire, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you will even have the opportunity to make a connection on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.
Historic Train Rides in the UK: Whether your plans include historical stops, tunning nature, or amazing heritage sites, you can find it all on a historic train route through the UK. The best part is that all of these train rides are short. You can easily take them for a day trip or connect them to other routes and destinations. By the way, in case you have 48 Hours in the Cotswolds check here what you can do there.
You can use these historic trains and railways to travel from big cities or get out of town. One thing is for sure, you will have an unforgettable time taking in the history of an old train, an old route, and a landscape that is older than all of it.
