Rainy day adventures by train
When the weather turns drizzly, don’t let it dampen your plans. Take the train to explore festive markets, historic houses, cosy cafés, and winter rambles, without the stress of driving. Our community rail friends have shared their favourite local spots, perfect for rainy day adventures this winter.
Magical Christmas markets
Nothing says Christmas like a bustling market filled with twinkling lights, festive treats, and unique gifts. These destinations are all easily reached by community rail lines so you can get straight into the heart of the action, without the stress of parking:
Head to Rochester Christmas Market, running every Fri–Sun until 14 December. Featuring over 120 stalls, traditional fairground rides and live entertainment. Don’t miss the nearby Dickensian Christmas Festival, where costumed characters and carol singers bring Victorian charm to life.
By train: Medway Valley Line.
Explore Manchester’s world-famous Christmas Markets, spread across the city centre, they feature hundreds of stalls offering crafts, food, and mulled wine.
By train: Hope Valley Line, Crewe to Manchester, Mid Cheshire Line, Calder Valley Line
Experience Bristol’s festive Christmas Market in Broadmead, where twinkling chalets, live music, and seasonal treats create a vibrant winter atmosphere.
By train: Bristol Temple Meads, Heart of Wessex Line
Browse the city streets of Leeds as its transformed into a festive wonderland, with beautifully decorated chalets, talented local makers market and the ever-popular Ice Cube ice rink.
By train: Leeds Station, Calder Valley Line, The Bentham Line
Discover York’s traditional St Nicolas Fair where wooden chalets line the historic streets, creating a magical backdrop for seasonal shopping and treats.
By train: York Railway Station
Photo by Rebecca Campbell for Unsplash
Fascinating museums
Step back in time and uncover local history as you explore these fascinating museums, perfect for rainy day adventures.
Bletchley Park
Uncover wartime secrets at the home of WWII codebreakers, packed with fascinating exhibits. By train: Bletchley Station, Marston Vale Line
Locomotion Museum
Explore Britain’s railway heritage at Locomotion in Shildon, home to iconic locomotives and interactive displays. By train: Shildon Station, Bishop Line
Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery
Discover local history and seasonal exhibitions in a Victorian music hall setting. By train: Shrewsbury Station, Heart of Wales Line
National Waterfront Museum
Celebrate Wales’ industrial and maritime heritage in a modern museum with festive family activities. By train: Swansea Station
Bletchley Park | Marston Vale Line
Winter rambles
Wrap up warm and enjoy a bracing walk in spectacular landscapes.
Dawlish Sea Wall walk
Brace the sea air with a short stroll along the famous sea wall, watching waves crash against the coast. By train: Dawlish Station, Riviera Line
Aviemore Lochan Trail
Enjoy a short circular trail through pine forests with snow-dusted trees and mountain views making an ideal magical winter ramble. By train: Aviemore Station, Highland Main Line
Conwy Castle & Riverside Loop
This short loop around the castle walls and along the estuary provides historic views and beautiful winter scenery. By train: Conwy Station, Conwy Valley Line
Cosy Cafés at Stations
Sometimes the best rainy-day plan is a steaming mug of coffee and a slice of cake. Many stations boast independent cafés:
Strawberry Line Café – Yatton Station
A community-run café serving homemade cakes, barista coffee, and locally sourced treats. Dog-friendly and full of character. Find out more. By train: Yatton Station
The Coffee Stop – Gobowen Station
A friendly café offering fresh coffee and light bites, perfect before exploring the Welsh Borders. Find out more. By train: Gobowen Station, Chester to Shrewsbury Line
Ribblehead Station Café – Ribblehead Station
A charming spot in the old station building serving sandwiches, cakes, and Yorkshire tea. By train: Ribblehead Station, Settle to Carlisle Railway.
Carnforth Station Heritage Centre Café – Carnforth Station
Step into railway history at Carnforth Station, famously featured in Brief Encounter. The heritage café serves hearty breakfasts, homemade cakes, and steaming mugs of tea in a nostalgic setting. By train: Carnforth Station, The Bentham Line, Furness Line
Check train times and festive event details before you travel, and don’t forget your umbrella!
