Scenic Rail in Winter

Britain’s railways can be picture-perfect at any time of the year, but we think there is something magical about the glistening of scenic rail in winter.

As winter is just around the corner, we’ve collated some of our favourite scenic railway photographs taken over the years by our friends across community rail. A big thank you to our followers on Facebook, Instagram and X, that have shared their beautiful winter photos with us as well, some are included below.

Take some time out, get cosy and relax with a warm drink as you enjoy browsing these chilly, but charming, photographs of scenic rail in winter. Find even more inspiration for future trips in our other blogs here.

And don’t forget to follow us on social media for more stunning scenic rail photography throughout the seasons. We always love to see photos of your rail adventures, so be sure to share them with us.

Bridlington station, Yorkshire Coast Line

Photo: Alan Gouldthorpe, Yorkshire Coast Community Rail Partnership

Settle to Carlisle Railway

Photo: Anthony Ward

Blaenau Ffestiniog station, Conwy Valley Line

Photo: Phil Henry

Swaythling station, Three Rivers Rail

Photo: Robert Painton

St Germans station, Cornwall

Whatstandwell station, Derwent Valley Line

Photo: Colin Hoskins, Whatstandwell Station Adopters

Small Heath, Birmingham, Heart of England

Photo: Fraser Pithie

Aspatria station, Cumbrian Coast Line

Photo: Martin Tweddle

Sutton Park Line

Photo: Owen Griffiths

Chappel Viaduct, Gainsborough Line

Photo: Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership

Market Rasen station

Photo: Market Rasen Station Adoption Group

Solihull station

Photo: Ian Jenson

Llanwrtyd Wells, Heart of Wales

Photo: Jeremy Bolwell

West Highland Line

Photo: rudakasia82 on Instagram

Medway Valley Line

Photo: Dom the Train Nerd

Kents Bank station, Furness Line

Photo: Mary Rossall

Talyllyn Railway

Photo: Edward Neve, Talyllyn Railway

Esk Valley Railway

Photo: Dr Phil Brown

Blea Moor

Photo: Mark Andrew Jones

Ribblehead station, Settle to Carlisle Railway

Photo: Tom McAtee

Community Rail Charity Christmas Train with Father Christmas

Photo: Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership during their Charity Christmas Train event

We wanted to end this year’s Scenic Rail in Winter with this heartwarming story from our community rail friends. Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership united with NEST (North Essex Support Team) to offer a festive day out by train for local families in need. The special trip provided children the opportunity to meet Father Christmas, enjoy festive snacks and receive gifts, donated by local business and wrapped by the residents from a nearby care home. Everyone enjoyed the karaoke machine on board, singing along to Christmas favourites and at the end of the journey, children were able to choose a gift to take home and give to their parents on Christmas Day.

This is just one example of the vital work that is carried out across the community rail movement, throughout the year. Find out more and how you can get involved here.

We hope you’ved enjoy browsing these winter photographs, we’d love to hear what your favourite is. Join in the conversation on our socials using #ScenicRailWinter and sure to follow us on social media for more.

Please check for disruptions before you start your journey. You can do this through the National Rail website here.