Travel guides by Window Seater
Have you ever wondered about the hidden stories behind your train journey? Try out the free Window Seater app on your next green adventure and discover the fascinating world outside the train window.
Drawing on local knowledge and insights from community rail, the new series of mindful, geo-located audio travel guides will provide a different way to enjoy train travel, whether you're a new passenger or a frequent traveller.
Learn how a Cotswold market town inspired famous author J.R.R Tolkein, hear tips on where to go in Bath from a local tour guide, discover the architectural history of Bristol Temple Meads and lots more with the Window Seater App.
How does Window Seater work?
To listen, passengers can download the free Window Seater app from the Apple or Android app stores. Passengers then simply choose a route, grab their headphones and enjoy the journey learning about the landscape and places they move through.
Download, travel and explore the community rail audio travel guides along these routes:
Cambrian Line
Aberystwyth | Pwllheli | Shrewsbury - Discover the rich heritage and fascinating local stories behind this stunning scenic railway line from the coastline to castles and even the birthplace of Lawrence of Arabia.
Severn Beach Line
Bristol to Severn Beach - Hear about Bristol's creative heart, uncover the history behind the area's industrial heritage and learn about the unique ecosystem around the Severn Estuary.
Cotswold Line
Oxford to Hereford - Discover the traditions (and superstitions!) of bee-keeping in Worcestershire, hear about Brunel's battle and Worcester's most famous export while travelling through some of Britain's most beautiful landscapes.
Golden Valley Line
Cheltenham to Swindon - Find out about the railway's connection to the world's first steam-powered bus service, discover the filming locations of Gloucester and hear why Swindon is considered the home of James Bond.
Heart of Wessex Line
Bristol to Weymouth - Explore the stories of a town historically built around chocolate, hear about where the first flushing toilet was invented and discover the fascinating heritage of the quaint town of Bradford-on-Avon.
TransWilts Line
Swindon to Westbury - Learn about the birth of photography, discover what makes a town 'Royal' and hear the curious stories behind the White Horse of Westbury.
North Downs Line
Reading to Gatwick - As you pass picturesque countryside on your train journey you'll hear about walking routes to explore along the Wey and Arun Canal and in the Blackwater Valley. Also listen out for the fascinating story about the village that moved.
Reading to Basingstoke
Learn about the imprisonment of Oscar Wilde in Reading, discover the well-preserved remains of a once-bustling Roman city and hear about the eclectic story of Basingstoke.
London to Edinburgh for children
LNER's route along the East Coast passes some of Britain's most picturesque and historic places. The kids will love learning about plundering pirates of Alnmouth, Gravity in Grantham, Stevenage's speedy superstar and more through fun quizes and interesting facts.
