Discover England's classic routes

England's iconic railway links thriving cities, picturesque villages and some of the region's most stunning and inaccessible landscapes.

From modern locomotives to steam trains, classic British trains inspire the imagination. Take an unforgettable trip along classic UK routes.

Jacobite, Scotland

A steam locomotive from the “Harry Potter” saga, called the Hogwarts Express Jacobite Passes through some of Scotland's most beautiful places. Departing from Fort William at the foot of England's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, the train winds its way between snow-capped mountains and deep lakes on its way to the town of Mallick.

Credits: Colin Roberts/Visit Britain

The famous Jacobite steam engine

The famous locomotive passes through the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct, with breathtaking views over Lake Shiel and the surrounding mountains, before stopping at the Glenfinnan Station Museum where you can discover the region's rich railway heritage.

Imagine taking in the views of Europe's deepest seawater lake, Lake Nevis, before tucking into fresh fish and chips at a restaurant in Mallaic.

Anyone passing through the Scottish capital can stay here Waldorf Astoria – Caledonian Edinburgh's old railway station has been converted into a modern hotel.

Within walking distance of Edinburgh's main attractions, many of its rooms offer impressive views of Edinburgh Castle and the city.

By train in Snowdonia, Wales

Travel through the magical landscapes of the Snowdonia Mountains on board Welsh Highland RailwayA historic and lovingly restored Welsh railway line linking Porthmadoc with Caernarfon.

Credits: Ben Selway/Visit Britain

Travel through the magical landscapes of Snowdonia's mountains on the Welsh Highland Railway.

You can visit the towers of Caernarfon Castle, one of the four castles in the area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and mesmerize the picturesque village of Bedgelert as you pass the snowy Snowdon Mountains on a winter walk. .

See the wonders of the Aberglass route and board the award-winning Ffestiniog Railway – the world's oldest narrow-gauge railway of around 200 – to discover the pinnacle of rail travel in Britain.

With three original engines and luxurious carriages, relax in luxury as you pass glorious coastal views, ancient woodlands and vast fields of Welsh countryside.

Sleep on the way to South West England

After an overnight train departure from London, wake up to the beaches and beautiful coastal scenery of South West England. Riviera at nightOperated by Great Western Railway.

Credits: Train Photos/Wikimedia Commons

This train connects London with the beautiful area of Cornwall.

Connecting London's Paddington station to the charming part of Cornwall, this train offers comfortable one and two-berth carriages and a host of amenities.

Settle-Carlisle Railway

Take a trip on the Settle-Carlisle Railway to get an up-close look at the wonders of the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines in northern England.

Dating back to the mid-19th century, the almost 120 km long route passes through remarkable tunnels and tunnels.

Credits: Wirestock/iStock

The main line has daily routes, while classic locomotives run on certain days of the year

Following the natural landscape of the area, the train passes the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct and a section of remote, arid terrain. The main line has daily routes, while classic locomotives run on certain days of the year.

Travel in style

Those looking for a luxurious and stress-free trip can embark on a generous adventure in the countryside of the United Kingdom. Wonderful Belmond British Pullman It features refurbished carriages that capture the golden age of rail travel in England in the 1920s and 1930s.

Credit: Disclosure

Belmond British Pullman Interior

With routes to vibrant cities, ancient castles and elegant palaces, it's a great option for those who want to travel in Bath style. Or visit Blenheim Palace, birthplace of William Churchill.

Following the line of luxury and style, many iconic hotels have been built near the railways in London, including the Hotel. Revival of St. Pancras.

Overlooking St Pancras Station, it dates back to 1873 and is fully connected to the railway. Designed by George Gilbert Scott, the five-star luxury hotel has a rich and eclectic history.

Its centerpiece is the magnificent Victorian Gothic staircase, lovingly restored to its 1901 glory. Another option is the 'world's first grand railway hotel' in the heart of King's Cross St Pancras: the luxury hotel. Great North It opened its doors in 1854 and has been welcoming travelers ever since.

Dartmouth beauties

The Dartmouth Steam Railway is a 6.7-mile (10.8 km) heritage railway between Picton and Kingswear in the beautiful county of Devon, England.

Most of the railway's journeys come from summer tourists from the resorts of Torbay, who travel to Kingsware, while the Dartmouth passenger ferry takes them across the River Dart to Dartmouth.

Hills and Castles in Southern England

A historic route from Wareham to Swanage on the south coast of England dating back to Victorian times. A journey originally cost passengers 11 old pence (a pre-decimal United Kingdom monetary unit adopted in 1971).

Credit: Disclosure

A steam locomotive travels from Wareham to Swanage

Railway Swanage Stretching almost 10 miles through Dorset and its hills, atmospheric forests and even beautiful countryside. Corfe Castle of William the Conqueror. A journey through time with steam locomotives dating back to 1885.

Stay at the luxurious Pines Hotel in Swanage to wake up to stunning sea views. Offering a peaceful environment to relax, many rooms have sea-facing balconies.

Isle of Wight Railway

A museum of vintage steam trains and a working railway are both award-winning Isle of Wight Steam Railway Bringing more than 150 years of history.

Credits: Dave Collins/iStock

Isle of Wight steam locomotive

The 16 km route allows you to travel in antique carriages, pulled by impressive steam engines, with several stops at historic stations along the way.

A highlight of the journey is a stop at the renovated 1940s Havenstreet Station, which houses a railway discovery centre, fascinating museum and wagon workshops.

A journey into Yorkshire's past

A journey through the stunning Yorkshire countryside on the historic Yorkshire Railway. The North Yorkshire Moors.

Credits: tirc83/iStock

Maria Fumasa on the North Yorkshire Moors Historic Railway

Stops along the 38km route include the chance to step back into the 1930s. Among the restored Pickering Station are Lewisham Station with its 1912 decor, and Grosmont Station – recognizable as Hogsmeade from the Harry Potter saga.

The line leads to the seaside town of Whitby, the historic center of Yorkshire. There, you can admire ancient ruins and walk the famous 100-step staircase.

Plus, you can enjoy a traditional portion of “fish and chips”, a delicious traditional treat for the colder months of the year!

Lake District

The railway runs through England's highest mountains Ravenglass and Eskdale, 7 miles long, passes through some of the most dramatic landscapes in England. The route starts at Ravenglass, the only coastal town in the Lake District National Park until 1875.