VisitBritain/Ben Selway
Britain’s most scenic heritage railways
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With spring promising renewed greenery, Britain’s historic railways offer a nostalgic journey through time, combining stunning landscapes with vintage steam locomotives. More than just transport, these heritage lines celebrate Britain’s rich railway history, from the pioneering days of the steam-powered Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825 to today’s sophisticated networks. In 2025, Railway 200 is a nationwide year-long celebration marking two centuries of rail travel’s impact on the country. Whether clients are steam train enthusiasts, history lovers, or simply seeking a unique day out, these journeys promise unforgettable experiences. With peak season demand high, booking early is essential to secure a place on these iconic rail adventures.
England
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Route: Pickering to Whitby
Travel through the heart of the North York Moors National Park on this historic railway, with stops at charming period stations like Goathland (featured as Hogsmeade in Harry Potter). The final stop in Whitby offers a chance to explore the seaside town’s gothic charm. In spring, clients can enjoy the stunning sight of bluebell woods lining the tracks, while summer brings the chance to indulge in a classic afternoon tea experience as they glide through the heather-clad moors. For something truly special, clients can book one of the railway’s specialist services in the 1940s Great Western Saloon carriage, with experiences ranging from Pullman dining to gin tastings.
Belmond British Pullman
Route: Various luxury day trips from London
Step aboard the Belmond British Pullman and experience the golden age of rail travel in opulent Art Deco carriages. Departing from London Victoria, this iconic train offers day journeys to destinations such as Bath, Canterbury, and the English countryside. Clients can enjoy indulgent seasonal experiences, from champagne afternoon teas to gourmet dining hosted by celebrity chefs. Holiday packages include garden tours, visits to stately homes, and even a murder mystery lunch for a touch of 1920s intrigue.
Great Rail Journeys
Route: Various luxury rail holidays across Britain
Great Rail Journeys offers rail-based holidays, combining breathtaking scenery with first-class comfort. In spring and summer clients can explore Britain’s rugged coastlines, rolling countryside and historic cities, with itineraries which discover the Isles of Scilly (from London Paddington) or Edinburgh and the Highlands by Steam (from Edinburgh). Packages include luxury accommodation, fine dining, and guided excursions.
Bluebell Railway
Route: Sheffield Park to East Grinstead
Explore the picturesque Sussex countryside on this beautifully preserved steam railway. With immaculately restored carriages and stations, the Bluebell Railway offers a nostalgic journey between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead. Afternoon tea experiences take place throughout the year. In spring and summer, look out for additional special offerings, from the Bluebell Railway Branch Line Gala to elegant Pullman-style Golden Arrow Evening dining, where clients can enjoy gourmet meals in 1920s-style carriages. For hands-on enthusiasts, footplate experiences provide the chance to fire up a real steam locomotive.
West Somerset Railway
Route: Bishops Lydeard to Minehead
As Britain’s longest heritage railway, this 20-mile journey takes passengers through the rolling hills and coastal scenery of Somerset, passing charming villages and the stunning Quantock Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Dedicated events include the Spring Steam Gala, where multiple heritage locomotives take to the tracks, and Murder Mystery Specialsfor amateur sleuths.
Severn Valley Railway
Route: Bridgnorth to Kidderminster
The Severn Valley Railway offers a 16-mile journey through picturesque countryside along the River Severn. Visitors can explore beautifully preserved stations and even dine on board. To mark the Severn Valley Railway’s 60th anniversary and Railway 200, a Spring Steam Gala from 18 to 21 April will see several locomotives in operation, before further celebrations as part of a Spring Diesel Festival from 15 to 18 May.
Swanage Railway
Route: Norden to Swanage
Swanage Railway takes clients around the Isle of Purbeck, a peninsula in Dorset, offering spectacular views of Corfe Castle and the Jurassic Coast, before ending at the Victorian seaside town of Swanage. Offering a leisurely way to explore Dorset’s heritage sites, special events and experiences for spring include a Champagne Afternoon Tea (available from 14 April 2025) and a Diesel Gala, from 9 to11 May 2025.
East Lancashire Railway
Route: Heywood to Rawtenstall
Combining vintage locomotives with a nostalgic atmosphere, East Lancashire Railway offers trips through the scenic Lancashire countryside. Special events include Vintage Vibes festival at Bury station (24 to 25 May 2025), dining experiences including gin tastings, and diesel galas. Families can enjoy immersive events such as the The Dino Adventure (10 April and 28 May 2025) with dinosaur-themed activities or the interactive Wizarding Adventure (selected dates throughout 2025).
Settle-Carlisle Railway
Route: Settle to Carlisle
The Settle-Carlisle Railway is one of Britain’s most scenic rail routes, stretching 73 miles (117km) through the landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Eden Valley. Famous for its views, striking engineering such as the Ribblehead Viaduct, and numerous tunnels carved through countryside, the historic route is part of two lines: Leeds-Settle-Carlisle and Leeds-Bentham-Morecambe. Several providers, including the luxurious Northern Belle, run steam services along the route throughout 2025. Information on Group Travel can also be found on the railway’s website.
Saphos Trains
Route: Various routes across Britain
Saphos Trains offer luxurious, high-quality rail experiences across Britain, providing a range of trips through different regions and landscapes. Featuring elegant carriages and fine dining, clients can enjoy themed journeys, including afternoon teas and gourmet dinners while exploring picturesque British countryside. Highlights include tours along the English Riviera traversing Somerset and Devon (on the English Riviera Express), and along the Kentish coastline (on the Golden Arrow), including historic sites and iconic views like the White Cliffs of Dover. Most tours include the option to book Pullman fine dining.
Steam Dreams
Route: Various routes across Britain
For those seeking more than just a scenic ride, clients can try one of Steam Dream’s luxurious multi-day steam train excursions which include the option to book Pullman-style fine dining. Highlights include The Sunset Steam Express (10 July and 21 August 2025) from Paddington, offering clients a nostalgic steam train journey through the scenic Chiltern Hills at sunset, featuring an optional luxurious fine dining experience with Champagne.
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
Route: Ravenglass to Eskdale
The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway offers journeys through the lush Lake District landscape. Known as the ‘La’al Ratty’, this narrow-gauge railway celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025 and runs through scenic Cumbrian valleys and lush woodlands, providing a relaxed and picturesque way to explore the region. The railway also offers seasonal events and themed activities throughout the year, including a Steam Gala from 3 to 5 May.
Scotland
West Highland Line
Route: Glasgow to Mallaig
Experience one of Scotland’s most scenic journeys aboard the West Highland Line. Running past lochs, mountains and coastal regions, this iconic route offers clients breathtaking vistas of the Scottish Highlands. The scenic railway sets off from Glasgow and takes in tranquil lochs and dramatic viaducts on its way to one of two destinations, as the line splits at Crianlarich. Travellers will either reach the harbour town of Oban or the picturesque fishing port of Mallaig. The journey crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, featured in the Harry Potter films, and takes in areas rich in natural beauty and historic significance, including Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, and the remote wilderness of Rannoch Moor. Clients can enjoy a variety of activities and sights along the way depending on their chosen route, from exploring the historic town of Oban and its distillery to experiencing the grandeur of Ben Nevis from Fort William.
Caledonian Sleeper
Route: London to Scotland (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, Fort William)
The Caledonian Sleeper offers overnight journeys from London to the heart of Scotland. Clients can wake up to breathtaking Highland landscapes, from misty lochs and mountains to dramatic coastal views. Routes include the famous West Highland Line to Fort William, one of Britain’s most scenic rail journeys. Onboard, clients can enjoy private en-suite cabins, a cosy lounge car serving Scottish whisky and locally sourced cuisine, and even a full Scottish breakfast on arrival.
Wales
Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways
Route: Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog and Caernarfon to Porthmadog
The historic Ffestiniog Railway is the world’s oldest narrow-gauge railway, taking clients on a 13.5-mile journey from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog. The Welsh Highland Railway is one of Britain’s longest heritage railways running for 25 miles from Caernarfon to Porthmadog via the Aberglaslyn Pass. Both narrow-gauge railways wind through Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park, passing waterfalls, forests and mountain peaks (from 29 March 2025). For the ultimate steam experience, The Snowdonian (26 to 27 April 2025) offers a rare opportunity to travel the full length of both railways in a single day, with heritage locomotives pulling carriages through some of Wales’ most spectacular landscapes.
