When it comes to getting a train around Britain, it usually includes a winding route through the scenic countryside, making you feel like you are aboard the Hogwarts Express.
Often, no matter where you are heading to from London, you will hit a remote area quickly and be shocked that you could access it so quickly. There is one thing you can be sure you are always going to see: a mesmerizingly luscious landscape and probably quite a few sheep.
These can be a day-trip from luxurious hotels near Earls Court tube, like Park Grand Kensington London, or even for a weekend getaway.
But, truth be told, the most exciting part is being on the trains themselves: it is all the journey rather than the destination.
Here are a few of our top picks for scenic train routes from London.
- The Caledonian Sleeper
Starting strong, we have the Caledonian Sleeper train. This newly-revamped overnight train is a fantastic route to some of Scotland’s most remote highland parts, directly from the bustling metropolitan city. Starting in London, you head straight to destinations such as the cultural and historical gem of Scotland, Edinburgh.
One moment you are nibbling on Park Grand Kensington London’s afternoon tea spread, the next you are snapping photos outside Edinburgh Castle or tucking into some haggis in Glasgow. But your time on the train is just as vital as the destination, similar to how being snuggled in your luxury hotel spread back in London is just as important a part of your trip as traversing London’s iconic landmarks and sights.
Jetting north on the Caledonian Sleeper, you will be taken through some of Britain’s most beautiful, scenic areas such as the sweeping Yorkshire Dales or the character-filled Lake District. While the food and drinks onboard will blow you away, the most memorable part will be all the boundless panoramic vistas.
- The Flying Scotsman
If you would rather have a day-time trip than an overnight one, for the sake of being awake to continuously take pictures as you hurtle through the countryside, then The Flying Scotsman is your next bet. It will take you to Edinburgh along the spectacular Northumberland coastline in under five hours.
You will be swept away by the arresting views of Durham city, castle and cathedral, as well as of the metropolitan northern hub of Newcastle. You traverse along the coast, looking out at sweeping views of the ocean in twee rural towns such as Berwick Upon Tweed, and gawk in all-encompassing admiration at the natural beauty of the English/Scottish countryside.
- West Highland Line
This is best done in conjunction with the Caledonian Sleeper or The Flying Scotsman, as the most Southern train on this line starts in Glasgow. The West Highland Line is all about the on-board views and experience. Hopping onto the line on arriving in Glasgow, you can either do a couple of stops before heading home or the whole hour and 25-minute line.
It really doesn’t matter where you go, as all the stops along the way are worth exploring and because the most special part of the experience is the view you see while cruising over the Glenfinnan viaduct. Most Potterheads will feel the familiarity instantly – it is the train used as the Harry Potter films as the Hogwarts Express.
- The Night Riviera
After a fine dining experience at the Park Grand Kensington London Restaurant, pack an overnight bag and jump aboard the Night Riviera from London Paddington to Penzance. Though you are asleep for the first section of the trip, which leaves Paddington at around midnight, you will wake up with the sun and enjoy beautiful views of the South of England as you start nearing Cornwall. The onboard breakfast area and lounge is where you can perch yourself with a crisp croissant and coffee, overlooking the beautiful scenic views of Plymouth, Newquay, Falmouth and more.
- Cornwall
While the London Paddington to Penzance Night Riviera is a really special experience, you may, like with the Caledonian versus the Flying Scotsman, prefer to do the trip during the daylight hours. Also leaving from Paddington Station, you can head to either St Ives or Penryn, depending which part of Cornwall you want to end up in. The route takes you right through the middle of the North Wessex Downs – one of many of the UK’s areas of outstanding natural beauty. The last segment of the route is particularly special, as it hugs the southern coast, proffering views of the glistening English Channel.
- Carlisle
The route from London to Carlisle (particularly via Settle, requiring a train-change in Leeds after departing from London Euston) is breathtakingly beautiful. Carlisle itself is well worth a visit, but the route it takes is the real show-stopper.
The route hikes its way through the Yorkshire Dales National Park, a marked area of outstanding natural beauty. You can expect to see (but are not limited to seeing) babbling brooks, sweeping moorlands, rustic barns made of stone and even Pen-y-Ghent mountain, which is one of the Three Yorkshire Peaks. Basically, everything you have ever associated with the British countryside. This route is exceptional in all weather – in fact, a batch of rain does wonders for the scenic ambience and the creation of crashing waterfalls (which is lucky given the likelihood of rain in this neck of the woods!)
On your way towards Carlisle, you will also pass over the Ribblehead viaduct, so be sure to stay alert and enjoy all this train journey has to offer. If you leave early in the morning, spend the afternoon exploring Carlisle and head home on the evening train, you can be back in the hotel’s bar with a cocktail before the day is out!
There you have it – great ways of not only exploring the United Kingdom from your hotel near Earls Court tube, but also on a scenic basis on your travels.
Time is never wasted when you are catching a scenic-route train because a great portion of the fun and experience is just in the travel. Look out into the expansive greenery or the shimmering water and no matter what: get some pictures.
Book your accommodation at Park Grand Kensington London and start planning your day trip or weekend away now!