From rails to reels
Are you a lover of all things film and television? Do you fancy hopping on a train for a star-studded adventure, stepping off into your favourite cinematic locations? Good news – we have all the inspiration you’ll need to go from rails to reels this summer.
With the help of our community rail partnership and station volunteer friends, we’ve compiled some suggestions below for incredible TV and movie-inspired locations and family days out easily accessible by train along community rail lines across Britain – from popular blockbuster backdrops to the more magical hidden gems.
For more inspiration follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for ideas direct to your inbox every month.
Cultural Cambridgeshire
Cambridge is a fantastic place to visit if you’re interested in film and TV locations. Its historic architecture, iconic university colleges and picturesque streets have made it a popular backdrop for a variety of productions, from period dramas such as Grantchester to biographical films like The Theory of Everything. Check out this list courtesy of Cam Valley CRP.
Why not make a day of it! Hop on a train for less than 20 minutes to Ely, and visit the impressive cathedral which was the setting of Queen Elizabeth’s wedding in The Crown, as well as a location in The Kings Speech and Maestro.
Ely Cathedral | Hereward Line
A wizarding whirlwind from London to Scotland
Harry Potter fans shouldn’t miss the chance to visit King’s Cross Station in London and make a special stop at Platform 9¾, where a luggage trolley appears to vanish into the wall – perfect for a magical photo opportunity. Just nearby, the Harry Potter shop offers themed merchandise, making it a must-visit spot for anyone wanting to see where Harry began his journey to Hogwarts.
Those looking to completely immerse themselves in the wizarding world should look no further than the West Highland Line, known around the world as the stunning journey to Hogwarts. As the iconic Hogwarts Express train travels over the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the big screen, there’s little wonder why this route is considered to be one of the most scenic routes in the world.
Glenfinnan Viaduct | West Highland Line
From stations to The Salt Path
Stunning coastal scenery is the real star of the show in the recently released The Salt Path, which tells the story of one couple’s epic journey around the south west of England. Discover five of Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership’s favourite coastal path walks from stations in Devon and Cornwall to see the outstanding beauty for yourself.
A touch of romance from Bath to Lancashire
Carnforth Station in Lancashire famously served as the filming location for the 1945 romantic classic Brief Encounter, directed by David Lean. The station’s clock and refreshment room featured prominently in the film, and today visitors can journey along the Bentham Line to explore the Heritage Centre, which celebrates its cinematic history and offers a nostalgic glimpse into wartime Britain.
If romance is very much your thing, and living out your Regency fantasies is what you desire, take the train to Bath and promenade through its beautiful and historic streets on the Bridgerton tour. Step back in time at No.1 Royal Crescent, which has been decorated and furnished just as it would have looked in the late 1700s, and doubles as the home of the Featheringtons in the hit show.
Carnforth Station
Go behind the scenes in the south east
Just an hour outside of London, the Historic Dockyard Chatham has served as an iconic backdrop for over forty years, gracing the screen in productions such as Sherlock Holmes, Call the Midwife, Mission Impossible and many more. Take the Film Location Tour for an all-access pass to the often-hidden world of filmmaking, and experience firsthand where some of TV and film’s favourite scenes were created, from high sea adventures to dramatic historical re-enactments.
Crack the code at Bletchley
There’s nothing enigmatic about the benefits of train travel – you can relax and enjoy the journey, explore new places sustainably and know you’re doing your bit for the planet. If you do fancy a bit of code cracking, however, venture down the Marston Vale Line to Bletchley Park, once home to the top-secret World War II Codebreakers and the magnificent backdrop of The Imitation Game. Plus rail passengers receive 2 for 1 entry.
Bletchley Park | Marstone Vale Line
Wonderful Wales
Gwili Railway is one of the UK’s most picturesque heritage lines, following the River Gwili on a steady uphill journey through farmland and wooded hillsides. The heritage railway was featured in The Edge of Love, a film all about the Welsh poet Dyland Thomas, and offers vintage steam train rides through the lush countryside. If you’d like to delve further into the history of the famous literary figure, including seeing where he was born, you can also take a leisurely 5-mile walk from Swansea Station, courtesy of South West Wales Connected.
From Barton to the big screen
Just a short stroll from Barton station, the Ted Lewis Centre celebrates the life and work of the acclaimed local author and former Barton Line commuter, Ted Lewis. His gritty novel Jack’s Return Home, set in and around Barton-upon-Humber, famously inspired the cult classic film Get Carter. Step inside the centre and you’ll even find Michael Caine’s original chair from the production – an iconic piece of film history nestled in the heart of Yorkshire & Humber.
Ready to unlock more exciting ways to go from rails to reels for family adventures?
Find even more inspiration, travel tips and scenic rail routes for family days out across Britain here.
Join the conversation online and share your favourite moments using #DaysOutByRail – we’d love to see where your journey takes you!
