Traveling by train across the UK has completely changed the way I see this place. I never expected to stumble across such wild, jaw-dropping landscapes practically on my doorstep.
Some of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys snake through the British Isles, from Scotland’s rugged peaks to Wales’ windswept coastlines.
These five train routes floored me with their views—honestly, they’re every bit as stunning as anything you’d find abroad. You don’t have to go far to see something spectacular.
Each journey, in its own way, tells a story about Britain’s wild variety. The Yorkshire Dales roll out green hills and stone villages.
Scotland’s West Highland Line? That’s all shimmering lochs and mountains that seem to touch the sky.
On the coast, trains practically skim cliff edges and sandy beaches. You get a front-row seat to some of the UK’s most dramatic seascapes.
I picked these routes for their scenery, how easy they are to access, and just the pure adventure they offer. Whether you’re into mountain drama, coastal vibes, or iconic movie viaducts, these journeys will give you a whole new appreciation for train travel in the UK.
Why Travel the UK by Train?
Train journeys let you see Britain’s landscapes up close, minus the traffic jams and parking headaches.
The rail network links the Scottish Highlands to the Cornish coast, and you get perks like actual legroom, comfy seats, and flexible tickets.
Unique Advantages of Scenic UK Rail Journeys
Trains here reach places cars just can’t get to. The tracks slice through national parks and follow coastlines where there’s not even a road.
Oh, and you can drink alcohol on board after 10 AM. Some trains have bars or trolleys, but I usually grab a miniature bottle at the station just to be sure.
The comfort level? Way better than driving. I can stretch my legs, use a real bathroom, snack, and just watch the world roll by. No worries about directions or petrol.
Stations are right in the heart of cities. When I step off in Edinburgh or Bath, I’m already where I want to be. No endless searches for parking.
Rain or snow? It just makes the views more dramatic. I stay cozy inside while the weather does its thing outside.
How to Choose the Right Train Route
I usually start with the landscapes I want to see. If I’m craving mountains and lochs, Scotland’s Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh is unbeatable. For sea views, Cornwall’s St Ives Bay Line is a dream.
Think about how long you actually want to be on the train. Some scenic routes—like the Jacobite Steam Train—need booking months ahead and only run in summer. Others run year-round.
Heritage railways are a whole different vibe. Steam engines, shorter trips, but pure nostalgia. North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a classic.
Match your route to your mood:
- Mountains: Snowdonia Mountain Railway, Scottish Highland lines
- Coasts: Cornwall lines, Londonderry to Coleraine
- History: Ffestiniog Railway, Bluebell Railway
Double-check if your route connects easily to where you’re starting or ending up. London to Penzance, for instance, takes about 5 hours and usually involves a change at Plymouth.
Travel Tips and Essential Planning Advice
Book tickets ahead for the popular routes. Jacobite Steam Train? Sells out fast. Heritage lines? Same deal.
For long trips, I always buy online for the best prices. Shorter hops, you can usually just show up at the station.
Bring your own snacks and drinks. Even if there’s a food cart, it’s usually pricier than what you’ll get at the station.
Dress in layers—weather changes fast, especially in the mountains. Even summer in the Highlands can be chilly.
Download offline maps. Mobile signal disappears in the middle of nowhere, especially in the Highlands and Welsh mountains.
Check seasonal timetables for heritage lines. Many cut back or shut down in winter.
If you’re taking multiple trips, look into rail passes. They’re worth it if you’re covering a lot of ground.
Settle-Carlisle Railway: Exploring the Yorkshire Dales
The Settle-Carlisle line stretches 72 miles and crosses the legendary Ribblehead Viaduct, a Victorian marvel that soars 32 meters above the Dales.
My favorite stops? Dent Station, perched at 1,150 feet, and the postcard-perfect village of Appleby-in-Westmorland.
Ribblehead Viaduct and Victorian Engineering
The Ribblehead Viaduct is the showstopper here. At 440 meters long and 32 meters high, this thing is enormous.
Crossing it, I get views straight out over the Yorkshire Three Peaks. It feels a bit unreal, honestly.
Workers built it by hand between 1870 and 1875. Over 2,000 “Navvies” hauled stone and timber across boggy moors in all weathers. More than 100 people lost their lives building it.
The whole railway runs through 14 tunnels and 20 viaducts. It’s wild to think about the effort involved.
If you’re heading north, sit on the right for the best views of the viaduct and peaks like Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough.
Best Scenic Stops Along the Route
Dent Station claims the title of England’s highest. The views? Absolutely worth it, though the village is a good 4-mile trek downhill.
Appleby-in-Westmorland is a treat. Five minutes from the station, you’re in a little town with indie cafes, a castle, and riverside walks.
Ribblehead Station puts you right by the famous viaduct. From April to October, there’s a cafe at the station and a cozy pub (The Station Inn) just a couple minutes away.
Other handy stops:
- Carlisle (great for connections)
- Kirkby Stephen (20-minute walk to town)
- Horton-in-Ribblesdale (base for the Three Peaks)
- Settle (quick walk to the market town)
The Little White Bus links Garsdale Station to Hawes, so you can keep exploring the Dales even after the train ride ends.
West Highland Line: Majestic Mountains and Lochs
The West Highland Line is a jaw-dropper. It carries you from the edge of Loch Lomond through Scotland’s wildest scenery.
Mountains, pristine lochs, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct (yep, the one from Harry Potter) all make appearances.
Passing Through Loch Lomond and Rannoch Moor
Leaving Glasgow, the train glides into Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. It hugs the lake’s eastern shore, so you get uninterrupted views of water and rising hills.
Islands dot the loch, and the mountains just keep getting bigger. Every mile feels a little wilder.
After Crianlarich, it’s like entering another world. Rannoch Moor opens up—empty, boggy, and hauntingly beautiful.
What stands out:
- Loch Lomond: 24 miles long, glassy and huge
- Ben Lomond: 3,196 feet tall, always looming
- Rannoch Moor: 50 square miles of wild nothingness
- Corrour Station: Most remote station in Britain
No roads cross Rannoch Moor, just the railway. It’s peaceful, almost eerie, and I love it for that.
Glenfinnan Viaduct and Ben Nevis Views
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is the highlight for most people. This curved concrete bridge stretches 1,248 feet and stands 100 feet high.
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll recognize it instantly. The train sweeps around the curve, with Loch Shiel below.
Tips for catching the best view:
- Sit on the left if you’re heading to Mallaig
- Snap photos just after you cross—the curve is perfect
- The whole thing feels cinematic
Past Glenfinnan, Ben Nevis starts peeking out. At 4,413 feet, it’s the UK’s highest mountain.
Most days, clouds hide the summit, but when it’s clear, the view is epic.
Fort William sits right at the base of Ben Nevis. From there, the line twists through glens and by sea lochs, until the mountains finally give way and you roll into the fishing village of Mallaig.
Coastal Gems: Breathtaking UK Rail Routes Along the Sea
Some of the UK’s best train journeys run right beside the sea. These two routes blew me away with their coastal scenery and easy access to proper beach towns.
St Ives Bay Line: Dreamy Cornish Coast Views
The St Ives Bay Line is pure magic in just 12 minutes. This little branch line hugs the estuary and Atlantic coast, and the views are unreal.
Waves crash just meters from the train. The sand is blindingly white, the water turquoise.
Why it’s special:
- Only 12 minutes from St Erth to St Ives
- Beaches and sea views the whole way
- You step off right by Porthminster Beach
- Skip the holiday traffic entirely
You can literally walk from the train onto the sand. No buses, no stress.
St Ives is all cobbled streets, art galleries, and the Tate St Ives. The center is five minutes from the station—super easy.
Coleraine to Londonderry: Northern Ireland’s Spectacular Coastline
This 40-minute ride along Northern Ireland’s north coast deserves way more hype. Michael Palin called it “one of the most beautiful” railway journeys, and I totally get why.
The train runs right along cliffs and wild beaches. It feels untouched, even compared to Cornwall.
What I love about it:
- 40 minutes of non-stop sea views
- Rugged cliffs, empty beaches, and open Atlantic
- Way less crowded than English seaside routes
- Easy access between two historic cities
You’ll spot fishing boats, seabirds, and miles of sand. Both Coleraine and Londonderry make great bases for exploring the Causeway Coast.
Cambrian Coast Line: Snowdonia Peaks and Welsh Beaches
The Cambrian Coast Line stretches 53 miles from Dovey Junction to Pwllheli, winding past medieval castles and the towering peaks of Snowdonia mirrored in river estuaries.
This route goes straight through Snowdonia National Park, so you’re never far from a mountain hike.
Highlights of Harlech Castle and Barmouth Estuary
Harlech Castle stands out along this coast. Built in 1290, it’s perched on a hill and the climb up from the station is no joke—it used to be the world’s steepest street.
The castle survived a legendary seven-year siege and inspired the Welsh song “Men of Harlech.” The views from the walls are next-level, looking out over Cardigan Bay and the peaks of Snowdonia.
Barmouth is a different vibe. The train rolls over the 150-year-old Barmouth Bridge, an 860-meter wooden viaduct across the River Mawddach.
Crossing it, I get those perfect mirror-like reflections of the mountains in the water—especially on calm days.
The town itself? Golden beaches, harbor walks, and a lovely stretch of Victorian houses along the promenade. I could wander for hours.
Snowdonia National Park from the Rails
The railway winds right through Snowdonia National Park, so you get up-close views of some of Wales’ most dramatic mountain scenery. South of Barmouth, Cader Idris just dominates the horizon, rising to 893 meters, and you’ll find hiking trails that snake all the way to its summit.
As the train glides between mountains and sea, you’ll catch unique perspectives of both. I loved watching the peaks shift and change as clouds rolled over the summits throughout the day.
From Porthmadog station, you can hop on a bus to Beddgelert village—seriously, it’s one of Snowdonia’s prettiest spots. The village nestles among the mountains and connects you to a bunch of hiking trails.
On clear days, Mount Snowdon, Wales’ highest peak at 1,085 meters, suddenly appears on the horizon. You can’t reach it directly by train, but buses from places like Porthmadog make a day trip totally doable.
Mixing the coast and mountains like this? It’s honestly one of the UK’s most beautiful train journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Train travel across the UK can be surprisingly scenic. You’ll find routes through Scotland’s wild mountains, along Wales’ rugged coast, and even some romantic journeys for couples.
A lot of trips start in London and take you out to see both mountains and the sea. It’s hard not to feel inspired.
What are the top scenic train routes in Scotland for picturesque landscapes?
The West Highland Line tops my list for Scottish scenery. It stretches from Glasgow to Mallaig and takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes.
You’ll glide over Rannoch Moor, which is dotted with purple heather and quiet lakes. The train weaves through thick pine forests and past peaceful mountain tarns.
The Jacobite Steam Train is another classic. It covers 84 miles round trip, with each leg taking about 2 hours.
It famously crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct—the one from the Harry Potter films. Along the way, you’ll spot Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, and see Loch Shiel unfurling into the distance.
Can you recommend a scenic coastal train journey within the UK?
Try the Cambrian Coast Line in Wales if you’re after coastal views. The route runs from Shrewsbury out to the Welsh coast, hugging the Irish Sea almost the whole way.
You’ll cross the Barmouth Bridge, which stretches over the Mawddach Estuary. Beaches, little coastal towns, and—if you’re lucky—dolphins, all pop up along the ride.
I’d sit on the left side for the best sea views. If you catch an afternoon train, you might get a sunset over the Irish Sea. Not bad at all.
What are some of the most romantic train journeys available in the UK for couples?
The Jacobite Steam Train just oozes romance with its old-fashioned steam engine. The two-hour journey each way is perfect for couples to soak up mountain and lake views together.
The West Highland Line, with its 5.5 hours of wild Scottish scenery, feels pretty magical too. You’ll pass through misty moors and spot lonely islands—ideal for a romantic escape.
For sunset lovers, the Cambrian Coast Line can’t be beaten. The ocean views as the sun drops are something special.
Which train journey from London offers the best scenic views?
The Settle-Carlisle Railway is a real stunner, and you can get there from London with a few connections.
You’ll reach England’s highest mainline station at 1,150 feet up. The journey takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes, and the mountain views are non-stop.
You’ll travel through the Blea Moor Tunnel and over the Dent Head Viaduct. Every season brings fresh colors to the Yorkshire Dales, so it never looks quite the same twice.
How does the West Highland Line compare in terms of scenery to other UK train routes?
The West Highland Line gives you the UK’s longest scenic journey at 5.5 hours. That means more time to watch the landscapes shift and change.
You’ll roll through moors, forests, mountains, and even coastal stretches. Most other routes stick to just one vibe, but this one mixes it up.
It even reaches remote spots other trains just don’t. Think wild landscapes and isolated islands—places you’d never see from the road.
Are there any train trips that reveal both mountains and coasts within the UK?
Absolutely! If you crave a train journey that shows off both rugged peaks and salty sea air, the UK’s got you covered.
Let’s start with the West Highland Line. This route kicks off with sweeping mountain views—think Rannoch Moor, all wild and dramatic.
As the train rolls on, those highlands slowly give way to the coastline. Before you know it, you’re gazing out at the sea as you pull into the charming town of Mallaig.
Another gem? The Cambrian Coast Line in Wales. The train snakes through lush Welsh hills and mountains, and then suddenly, the Irish Sea appears on the horizon.
It’s honestly hard to beat that mix of craggy landscapes and sparkling water. If you’re after variety, these routes won’t disappoint.
