Doorstep discovery

You don't have to travel too far from home to have a day out by rail. Heading out for the day while staying closer to home can be a great way to increase your confidence of travelling, now lockdown restrictions have eased. Plus, it can be just the excuse you're looking for to get out of your slippers and get your walking shoes on! To help you plan your journey, many train operators have capacity checking tools or provide advice on when services may be quieter on their websites so do give them a try to help avoid the crowds.

Check out our very own scenic rail map is a great place to start. Here you can see your location and chose a scenic route that works for you nearby. So why not because you can pack a picnic (don't forget the blanket and mini sausages!) and spend the day on the train window gazing or choose a route that will let you explore somewhere new. Below we've included some scenic rail highlights from across Britain to inspire you. And remember whatever you choose to do, going by train is one of the greenest ways to travel so know that you're helping the environment and having a great day out too!

We feature inspiration for day trips, short breaks and staycations on our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels so be sure to follow us for daily travel inspiration.

Train times are subject to change. Please check your route before you set off and allow extra travel time. We strongly suggest you travel outside of busy periods and book in advance where possible. The advice on our website is given in good faith.

South west

Tamar Valley Line

Plymouth to Gunnislake

Marvel at the inspiring views from Calstock Viaduct as you journey along the picturesque Tamar Valley Line. Explore the route...

Check times & book tickets: Great Western Railway

Tarka Line

Exeter to Barnstaple

Explore scenic North Devon on the Tarka Line for a real taste of the great British countryside. Explore the route...

Check times & book tickets: Great Western Railway

TransWilts

Swindon to Salisbury

Discover this historic line as it meanders through the beautiful scenery of Wiltshire, bound for Westbury and its iconic White Horse. Explore the route here...

Check times & book tickets: Great Western Railway

South east

Uckfield & East Grinstead

Rolling green countryside, wild heathland and tranquil streams can be explored by foot or two wheels along the Uckfield & East Grinstead Line. You may even stumble across a castle! Explore the route here...

Check times & book tickets: Southern

Southampton to Salisbury

From maritime to medieval, this picturesque railway connects the historic port of Southampton, boasting links to the Mayflower and Titanic, with the medieval city of Salisbury. Explore the route here...

Check times & book tickets: South Western Railway

New River Line

Hertford East to Broxbourne

Escape the city and take a relaxing journey through historic towns and villages, passing picturesque meadows and grassland, less than an hour from London. Explore the route here...

Check times & book tickets: Greater Anglia

Severn Shores

Cheltenham to Newport

Skirting the western shore of the Severn Estuary, this rail journey will treat you to breath-taking views of the River Severn no matter what time of year you're travelling. Explore the route...

Check times & book tickets: Cross Country

Darent Valley

Sevenoaks to Swanley

Take the train to see historic houses, lavender fields, a unique solar system model and even a vineyard nestled in the pretty surroundings of Darent Valley countryside. Explore the route...

Check times & book tickets: Thameslink

Midlands

Cotswold Line

Oxford to Hereford

Spanning across four counties this charming line passes through beautiful English countryside along its 86 mile route. Explore the route...

Check times & book tickets: Great Western Railway

Barnt Green to Droitwich

Travel through lush countryside as you journey from the quaint village of Barnt Green to historic Droitwich Spa. From Barnt Green Station platform, see if you can spot the Lickey Incline, the steepest sustained include on the UK main line. Explore the route...

Check times & book tickets: West Midlands Railway

East

Hereward Line

Peterborough to Ely

Enjoy rolling countryside, wildlife havens, historic market towns and impressive cathedrals along the beautiful Hereward Line. Explore the route...

Check times & book tickets: Greater Anglia

Marston Vale Line

Bedford to Bletchley

Combine wonderful countryside and tranquil riverside walks with rich heritage and fascinating WWII code breaking as you explore the picturesque Marston Vale Line. Explore the route...

Check times & book tickets: London Northwestern Railway

Wherry Lines

Norwich to Yarmouth/Lowestoft

Experience the scenic beauty along the Wherry Lines, passing delightful Broadland villages and windswept marshy landscapes that inspired the great Charles Dickens. Explore the route...

Check times & book tickets: Greater Anglia

North West

Mid Cheshire Line

Manchester to Chester

Enjoy marvellous days out along the Mid Cheshire Line connecting Chester to Manchester via the charming destinations of Northwich, Knutsford, Altrincham and Stockport. Explore the route...

Check times & book tickets: Northern

Clitheroe

Manchester Victoria to Clitheroe

From the vibrant northern city of Manchester, passing through some of the most scenic parts of Lancashire and arriving at the delightful market town of Clitheroe. Explore the route...

Check times & book tickets: Northern

Yorkshire & North East

The Bentham Line

Leeds to Morecambe via Lancaster

Travel past Pennine peaks, stunning Yorkshire Dales landscapes and the impressive Forest of Bowland Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) before reaching the picturesque shores of Morecambe along The Bentham Line. See a video of the railway's highlights and explore the route here...

Check times & book tickets: Northern

Penistone Line

Sheffield to Huddersfield

See for yourself the skills of Victorian engineering as you travel across four viaducts showcasing superb views of the South Pennines. Explore the route...

Check times & book tickets: Northern

Hope Valley Line

Manchester to Sheffield

Marvel at dramatic scenery, visit quaint villages and travel over historic viaducts with a journey along the Hope Valley Line. Explore the route...

Check times & book tickets: Northern

Scotland

South West Scotland

Gretna Green to Stranraer

Explore the beautiful scenery of Scotland and marvel at the breath-taking views from the train as you journey from Gretna Green to Stranraer via Kilmarnock and Ayr. Explore the route...

Check times & book tickets: ScotRail

East Lothian

Edinburgh Waverley to North Berwick

Stretching 25 miles from the busting Scottish capital of Edinburgh to the charming seaside town of North Berwick where you'll be treated to views out to the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock, home of the world's largest northern gannet colony. Explore the route...

Check times & book tickets: ScotRail

Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh

Travel coast to coast across the Highlands in the shadows of mountains and forests, beside bright lochs and wide open moors. Explore the route...

Check times & book tickets: ScotRail

Don't forget to follow us on social media to get a daily boost of inspiration on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

We encourage you to explore these journeys safely by adhering to the latest government advice. Before planning any journey, please check the government guidance on travelling on public transport, relevant to where you are: England, Scotland, Wales. Please research your journey in advance as timetables can change and check for disruptions before you set off.

These scenic railway routes are supported by community rail partnerships, you can find out more about each partnership on the individual line pages linked above. Community rail is a growing grassroots movement made up of community rail partnerships and groups across Britain. They engage communities and help people get the most from their railways, promoting social inclusion and sustainable travel while working alongside train operators to bring about improvements. Learn more about community rail across Britain and how you can get involved through the Community Rail Network website.