England is full of beautiful places, but sometimes the journey can be just as enjoyable as the destination. A good train ride lets you sit back, watch the countryside pass by, and see parts of England that can be difficult to appreciate from a car. From steam trains crossing the North York Moors to peaceful journeys through the Yorkshire Dales, England has some fantastic railway experiences for travellers. If you are planning a rail adventure in 2026, here are 10Â of the best train rides in England that deserve a place on your travel list.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is one of the most memorable heritage railway experiences in England. The main route runs between Pickering and Whitby, travelling through the beautiful North York Moors.
One of the highlights is Goathland, a historic station surrounded by moorland scenery. The station is also well known to Harry Potter fans because it appeared as Hogsmeade Station in the films.
The journey combines old-fashioned railway charm with some impressive countryside views. Depending on the service and season, you may travel behind a steam locomotive or on another historic train.
The changing scenery is the main attraction. You get open moorland, green countryside, traditional villages and, eventually, the coast around Whitby.
Arriving in Whitby is another bonus. You can finish your train journey and spend the rest of the day exploring the historic seaside town.
- Route: Pickering to Whitby
- Best for: Heritage railway lovers, families and photographers
- Top stop: Goathland
- Trip idea: Combine the train ride with a day in Whitby
- Tip: Check the railway’s timetable before travelling because services vary by season and special-event days.
- For current timetables, fares and special services, check the North Yorkshire Moors Railway official website.
- VisitBritain also highlights the railway as one of Britain’s notable scenic heritage railways.
2. Settle–Carlisle Railway
If dramatic landscapes are what you are looking for, the Settle–Carlisle Railway is difficult to beat.
The route crosses some of northern England’s most impressive countryside, including sections of the Yorkshire Dales and the Eden Valley. The line is famous for its historic engineering works, particularly the spectacular Ribblehead Viaduct.
Rather than being a short tourist attraction, this is a working railway route, making it a particularly interesting choice for travellers who want to experience England by regular train.
The scenery changes throughout the trip. You can see wide valleys, stone villages, hills, farmland and impressive railway structures.
For many travellers, the Ribblehead Viaduct is the moment they are waiting for. Seeing the train crossing the viaduct while surrounded by the Yorkshire landscape is a memorable experience.
- Route: Settle to Carlisle
- Length: About 73 miles (117 km)
- Best for: Countryside views, railway history and photography
- Highlight: Ribblehead Viaduct
- Nearby area: Yorkshire Dales
- VisitBritain describes the Settle–Carlisle as one of Britain’s most scenic rail routes, noting its Yorkshire Dales and Eden Valley landscapes.
- Before travelling, check National Rail’s journey planner for the latest train times and service information.
3. West Somerset Railway
For a classic steam railway experience, put the West Somerset Railway on your list.
The railway runs between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead, travelling through the Somerset countryside toward the coast. At around 20 miles, it is one of England’s best-known heritage railway journeys.
The route passes through rural landscapes and near the Quantock Hills, giving passengers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery without having to drive.
The journey includes countryside, small communities and coastal scenery. Minehead is a particularly useful destination because you can combine the railway experience with time beside the sea.
This makes the railway a good option for a relaxed day trip rather than simply a short train ride.
- Route: Bishops Lydeard to Minehead
- Distance: Around 20 miles
- Best for: Steam train experiences and day trips
- Highlight: Somerset countryside and Quantock Hills
- Good combination: Train ride + Minehead
- The railway is recognised by VisitBritain as Britain’s longest heritage railway, with scenic views across Somerset and the Quantock Hills.
- For current operating dates, fares and special events, visit the West Somerset Railway official website.
4. Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway
The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway offers something a little different. This narrow-gauge heritage railway travels from Ravenglass into the Eskdale Valley in Cumbria.
It is a great choice if you want to experience the scenery of the Lake District without spending the entire day behind the wheel.
The railway is often known by its nickname, La’al Ratty, and the journey takes you through wooded areas, valleys and peaceful Cumbrian scenery.
The slower pace is part of the appeal. Instead of rushing through the landscape, you have time to enjoy the countryside and take photographs along the way.
Ravenglass is also located on the coast, so the trip gives you an interesting combination of coastal and inland scenery.
- Route: Ravenglass to Eskdale
- Region: Cumbria
- Best for: Lake District scenery and heritage railway fans
- Train type: Narrow-gauge heritage railway
- Good for: Families and relaxed day trips
- VisitBritain lists the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway among Britain’s scenic heritage railways and highlights its journey through the Lake District landscape.
- For seasonal schedules and ticket information, check the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway official website.
Located in Sussex, the Bluebell Railway is another excellent choice for anyone who enjoys historic trains and traditional railway stations.
The heritage route runs between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead, passing through attractive Sussex countryside along the way.
The restored stations and vintage carriages give the journey a nostalgic atmosphere. It feels less like simply travelling from one place to another and more like stepping into a different period of British railway history.
The combination of historic railway equipment and countryside is the biggest attraction. You can enjoy the train journey itself and then explore the surrounding area.
The railway also hosts different experiences and special events during the year, so it is worth checking the calendar before planning your visit.
- Route: Sheffield Park to East Grinstead
- Region: Sussex
- Best for: Steam trains, railway history and families
- Highlight: Restored stations and vintage carriages
- Tip: Look at the event calendar before booking.
- VisitBritain includes the Bluebell Railway among England’s scenic heritage railways and notes its preserved steam railway experience through Sussex.
- For the latest timetable and visitor information, visit the Bluebell Railway official website.
6. Dartmouth Steam Railway
If you want a train ride that combines countryside, coastline and a historic steam train, the Dartmouth Steam Railway is a great choice. The railway runs between Paignton and Kingswear in Devon and is particularly enjoyable during the warmer months.
The route follows the beautiful South Devon coast, with views of the sea, green countryside and the River Dart. Arriving at Kingswear also gives you the chance to explore Dartmouth, which is just across the river.
The scenery changes throughout the journey, so it never feels like you’re looking at the same landscape for too long. One minute you’re travelling beside the coast and the next you’re passing through peaceful countryside.
You can also combine the railway with other forms of transport, making it possible to create a full-day South Devon adventure.
- Route: Paignton to Kingswear
- Location: Devon
- Best for: Coastal scenery and steam trains
- Highlight: Views around the River Dart
- Ideal trip: Combine the train with a visit to Dartmouth
- For current timetables, fares and operating dates, check the Dartmouth Steam Railway official website.
7. East Lancashire Railway
The East Lancashire Railway offers a classic heritage railway experience in northern England. The line connects several historic towns and villages, including Bury, Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall.
The journey is a nice change of pace from the busy cities of northern England. Instead of rushing between destinations, you can enjoy vintage trains, traditional stations and views of the Lancashire countryside.
Steam locomotives are a major attraction, but services can vary depending on the operating calendar.
Ramsbottom is one of the most popular stops along the route. The town has independent shops, cafés and places to explore, making it easy to turn the train ride into a relaxed day out.
The railway also holds special events during the year, so there can be something different to experience depending on when you visit.
- Region: Lancashire
- Popular stops: Bury, Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall
- Best for: Heritage railway fans and families
- Highlight: Vintage trains and historic stations
- Tip: Check the timetable before travelling because services vary.
8. Severn Valley Railway
The Severn Valley Railway is another excellent option for travellers who enjoy historic trains. Although the railway travels through both Worcestershire and Shropshire, it makes a great addition to an England travel itinerary.
The route follows the River Severn between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, passing through attractive countryside along the way.
The railway is known for its collection of historic locomotives, carriages and railway buildings. For anyone interested in Britain’s railway heritage, there is plenty to see beyond the train journey itself.
The journey feels like a step back in time. Historic stations, steam locomotives and traditional railway details give the trip a very different atmosphere from travelling on a modern train.
Bridgnorth is also worth exploring once you arrive, particularly if you have enough time to make the train ride part of a longer day trip.
- Route: Kidderminster to Bridgnorth
- Region: West Midlands/Shropshire
- Best for: Railway history and steam trains
- Highlight: River Severn scenery
- Good for: Families, photographers and railway enthusiasts
- For tickets, timetables and special events, visit the Severn Valley Railway official website.
9. Mid-Hants Railway — Watercress Line
Known as the Watercress Line, the Mid-Hants Railway is a charming heritage railway in Hampshire. It runs between Alresford and Alton through attractive countryside.
The railway gets its unusual name from the watercress that was historically transported along the railway to London. Today, the main attraction is the preserved railway experience and the scenery surrounding the route.
The journey is relatively easy to combine with exploring the towns at either end.
You can enjoy historic locomotives, traditional railway stations and peaceful Hampshire landscapes. Special events throughout the year can also make the experience different from a standard heritage railway trip.
Alresford itself is particularly pleasant for a leisurely wander, with historic streets, independent businesses and places to stop for refreshments.
- Route: Alresford to Alton
- Region: Hampshire
- Best for: Heritage railway experiences
- Highlight: Steam trains and countryside
- Best idea: Spend time exploring Alresford before or after the journey
- For current operating information and tickets, check the Watercress Line official website.
10. The Cotswold Line
For travellers who prefer a regular passenger train rather than a heritage railway, the Cotswold Line is a wonderful option.
The railway connects Oxford with Worcester, passing through parts of the Cotswolds along the way. This makes it particularly useful for visitors who want to explore the region without relying completely on a car.
Along the route, you’ll find classic English countryside, rolling hills and access to attractive Cotswold towns and villages.
The biggest advantage is that the railway can be part of a wider England itinerary. You don’t need to book a special steam-train experience to enjoy the scenery.
You can start in Oxford, travel through the Cotswolds and continue towards Worcester, stopping along the way depending on your plans.
- Route: Oxford to Worcester
- Region: Oxfordshire and Worcestershire
- Best for: Independent travellers and countryside lovers
- Highlight: Cotswold landscapes
- Best for: Combining rail travel with village visits
- Because this is a regular railway route, train times and services can change. Check the latest information through the National Rail website before setting out.
Final Thoughts
England has plenty of scenic train journeys, from historic steam railways to regular routes through beautiful countryside. Whether you want coastal views, mountain landscapes or a nostalgic railway experience, these train rides offer a memorable way to explore England in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- The Settle–Carlisle Railway and North Yorkshire Moors Railway are two excellent choices for beautiful scenery.
Which train ride is best for families?
- North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Bluebell Railway and Severn Valley Railway are popular family-friendly options.
Can I ride a steam train in England?
- Yes. Several heritage railways operate steam trains, depending on the season and timetable.
When is the best time for train rides?
- Spring, summer and autumn are great times for scenic railway journeys, but always check the operating schedule before travelling.
I am Sabiq Hasan Rasel. Coffee with Travel, Recipes & Reviews is a cozy and engaging content space that blends a love of coffee with exciting travel experiences, delicious recipes, and honest reviews. It offers inspiration for coffee lovers who enjoy exploring new places, trying unique flavors, and discovering lifestyle tips along the way.
