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From the earliest steam trains to today’s electric carriages, Britain’s railway has formed a huge part of our culture. With over 150 heritage railways across the nation, it’s no surprise that Britain is steaming ahead with exciting train experiences for you to get stuck into. Whether it’s firing up a steam train for yourself, or dining out in style with iconic scenery aboard the restored 1920s Belmond British Pullman, you’ll find the national full of experiences to get you out onto the tracks. 

A sustainable and exciting way to travel, British trains connect our thriving cities, picturesque villages and some of the country’s most striking and inaccessible autumn and winter scenery. So, what are you waiting for? A journey across British rails will leave you in the midst of adventure.

Enjoy a Great British train journey

Britain’s most iconic train journeys

Glenfinnan, United Kingdom

Cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Hogwart’s Express.

VisitBritain/Alex Nail

A steam train on the Glenfinnan viaduct, a historic viaduct crossing over the valley at Glenfinnan.
Llanberis, Caernarfon

Enjoy a relaxing journey up Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa).

VisitBritain/Dave Newbould/Snowdon Mountain Railways

Snowdon Mountain Railway, the final ridge with clouds in the background
Penzance, United Kingdom

Venture from London to Cornwall overnight.

GWR

GWR train journey
Scotland, United Kingdom

Travel in comfort from London to Scotland overnight.

Lucy Knott Photography

Caledonian Sleeper
The Belmond British Pullman

Mix luxury and adventure on travels across Britain.

VisitBritain/North York Moors Railway

On board staff serving coffee on the Pullman Dining Train.
New Town, Cheltenham

Experience the Cotswolds aboard a heritage steam railway.

GWSR

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

Experience the thrill of driving a train for yourself

Go full steam ahead on the Great Central Railway, driving a steam or diesel train.

Fire up the engines with GCR

Visit Leicester

Leicestershire, England

A train crosses a bridge as part of the Great Central Railway
Great Central Railway

wyvernrail

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

Get behind a steam engine at the world’s first preserved railway.

Go full steam ahead at Talyllyn Railway

Visit Wales

Train on Talyllyn Railway
Talyllyn Railway

Go full steam ahead on the Great Central Railway, driving a steam or diesel train.

Fire up the engines with GCR

Visit Leicester

Leicestershire, England

A train crosses a bridge as part of the Great Central Railway
Great Central Railway

wyvernrail

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

Get behind a steam engine at the world’s first preserved railway.

Go full steam ahead at Talyllyn Railway

Visit Wales

Train on Talyllyn Railway
Talyllyn Railway

More steam train adventures in Britain

South Devon Railway

Take the tracks along Devon’s River Dart on a South Devon Railway Heritage Steam Train Experience day. With both diesel and steam driving experiences on offer, you’ll be leading the way between Buckfastleigh and Totnes, chugging through Devon’s iconic scenery.

North Staffordshire Railway - Foxfield Railway

One of Britain’s oldest heritage steam railways, Foxfield Railway offer steam train driving experiences in North Staffordshire. So, it’s full steam ahead as you fire up the engine and gain insight into how the locomotion operates and how the coal is burnt.

Avon Valley Railway

Opening in 1869, this iconic railway connected Birmingham to the South Coast. Now, experience the railway for yourself as you drive either a steam engine or diesel locomotive and take controls through the countryside.

Plan your trip around Britain

Looking for a great British adventure? Welcome to our shores! Find useful information on accessible transport in Britain along with accessible facilities across the UK.

VisitBritain/SolStock/Getty Images

Boy, with Downs Syndrome, walking up a hill with his father by the coast

Gastronomic adventures to eco-friendly stays, world-class sports, and brand-new cultural hubs, 2024 is packed with opportunities to see things differently in Britain.

Getty Images/Digital Vision/Flashpop

A woman sits on a mans shoulders at a festival in the summertime

How to get around once you’re here

VisitBritain/Simon Winnall

A couple enjoying a drink while travelling by train from Bath, sitting at a table, toasting

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