Where to go by train from the UK

The rise in airline fuel costs is causing understandable concern, so why not travel by train instead

There has been a noticeable shift in the way people are thinking about travel this year. With rising airline fuel costs, ongoing global uncertainty, and conversations around flight disruptions becoming more frequent, many are starting to question whether flying is always the best option.

And in many cases, it no longer needs to be.

Rail travel offers a quieter, more considered alternative. It removes the rush of airports and replaces it with something far more enjoyable. There is time to sit, to read, and to properly begin your holiday from the moment you leave the station. It feels slower in the best possible way, without compromising on where you can go.

More than anything, it changes the experience of travel itself. The journey becomes part of the trip, not something to rush through.

For those looking for something closer to home or easily reachable without flying, these are some of the most beautiful short breaks you can take by train from the UK in 2026.

The Scottish Highlands, Scotland

There is something quietly special about boarding the Caledonian Sleeper in London and waking up in the Highlands. The journey feels calm and immersive, with soft lighting, comfortable cabins, and ever-changing scenery outside your window.

As the train moves north, the landscape shifts into misty moorlands, lochs, and rolling hills, before arriving into Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands.

Getting there:

Take the Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston to Inverness overnight, then continue on the scenic line to Kyle of Lochalsh if you want to explore further.

The Italian Riviera, Italy

This is a journey to take your time with. Travelling by train to the Italian Riviera allows you to experience a gradual shift from city to coastline, with each leg adding something new.

By the time you reach the Ligurian coast, pastel villages, turquoise water, and dramatic cliffs begin to unfold outside your window.

Getting there:

Take the Eurostar from London to Paris, continue via high-speed train to Milan, then connect to Genoa and the coastal line towards Cinque Terre.

Snowdonia National Park, Wales

Snowdonia offers one of the most scenic rail journeys in the UK, where heritage trains wind through mountains, valleys, and forests.

It feels nostalgic and peaceful, with landscapes that make you slow down almost instantly.

Getting there:

Take the train from London Euston to Bangor, then transfer to Caernarfon to board the Welsh Highland Railway through the national park.

The Isle of Skye, Scotland

Few places feel as wild and untouched as the Isle of Skye, and arriving by train only adds to that sense of escape.

The route to Mallaig passes beneath towering peaks and across famous viaducts before reaching the coast.

Getting there:

Take the train from London to Glasgow, continue on the West Highland Line to Mallaig, then take a short ferry to Skye.

Île de Ré, France

Île de Ré offers a softer, more understated kind of luxury, where days are spent cycling between villages and long lunches stretch into the afternoon.

It feels effortless and quietly refined.

Getting there:

Take the Eurostar to Paris, transfer across the city to Gare Montparnasse, then take the TGV to La Rochelle followed by a short bus onto the island.

Paris, France

Paris remains one of the simplest and most elegant journeys you can take from the UK, with the train delivering you directly into the heart of the city.

It works perfectly for both short breaks and longer stays.

Getting there:

Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord in just over two hours.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam has become one of the easiest European cities to reach by train, offering a mix of historic charm and contemporary culture.

It feels relaxed, creative, and easy to explore.

Getting there:

Take the direct Eurostar from London St Pancras to Amsterdam Centraal.

Biarritz, France

Biarritz combines coastal elegance with a more relaxed, surf-inspired atmosphere, creating a destination that feels both stylish and laid-back.

Getting there:

Take the Eurostar to Paris, then transfer to Montparnasse for the TGV direct to Biarritz.

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges feels timeless, with cobbled streets, canals, and historic architecture that invite you to slow down.

It is ideal for a short and easy escape.

Getting there:

Take the Eurostar to Brussels, then a short onward train to Bruges.

Meribel, France

For winter travel, the direct ski train offers a seamless route into the Alps, removing the need for long airport transfers.

It feels efficient, comfortable, and well suited to families or groups.

Getting there:

Take the direct Eurostar ski train from London to Moutiers, followed by a short transfer into resort.

Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp offers a more understated city break, known for its design, fashion, and architecture.

It is compact, stylish, and easy to explore over a few days.

Getting there:

Take the Eurostar to Brussels, then continue by train to Antwerp in under an hour.

Penzance, Cornwall

For a UK coastal escape, the overnight train to Penzance transforms the journey into part of the experience.

Waking up by the sea sets the tone for a slower, more restorative break.

Getting there:

Take the Night Riviera sleeper train from London Paddington to Penzance overnight.

Train travel is not simply an alternative to flying, it is a different way of experiencing travel altogether. It offers a sense of ease, a slower pace, and the opportunity to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

At a time when travel can feel uncertain, it provides a reassuring and elegant way to continue exploring.

If you are considering a trip and would like help planning routes, selecting hotels, or creating something more bespoke, we are always here to guide you through it.