Taste your way by train
Indulging in delicious food and drink is essential for any day out – and the good news is we have all the inspiration you’ll need to taste your way by train this summer.
With the help of our community rail partnership and station volunteer friends, we’ve compiled some suggestions below for incredible ale trails, food festivals and other cafés, bars and restaurants that are easily accessible by train along community rail lines across Britain.
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HuddersFeast
HuddersFeast returns to St Peter’s Gardens on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August, just a short walk from Huddersfield Station. Hop on the Penistone Line from Sheffield or Barnsley to be soaking up the festival atmosphere within just one hour.
Foodie Friday
Hereward Community Rail Partnership has compiled the perfect itinerary for a half-day trip to Ely. Arrive into Ely during the afternoon and take the short walk from the station towards the riverside. Then, from 4-8:30pm on the last Friday of the month (28 August), enjoy meandering round the city’s historic market square, which offers an array of artisan stalls and street foods from across the globe.
Rail Ale Trails
The wonderful world of community rail is bursting with options for station-to-station walks with plenty of opportunity to quench your thirst along the way. Whether you’re looking for a cosy fireside pint, a traditional Sunday roast, a village beer garden or simply an enjoyable walk exploring somewhere new, these detailed guides make it easy to explore some of Britain’s best pubs, all without needing a designated driver.
Explore a little or a lot of the Abbey Line Community Rail Partnership’s 9-mile trail between Watford Junction and St Albans Abbey stations; use the railway stations at Foxton, Shepreth, Meldreth, Shelford and Whittlesford Parkway as starting points for Cam Valley Community Rail Partnership’s discovery trail; or enjoy real ales and top food as you explore pubs on Devon and Cornwall’s scenic branch lines. If you’re in the north of England, explore the beautiful Cheshire countryside on the Rail Ale Trail along part of the Crewe to Manchester Line; on the outskirts of the capital, why not seek out the best pubs within easy walking distance of the 12 stations along the Hertford Loop; or collect 10 stamps to win a t-shirt when you embark upon the Salisbury to Exeter trail.
Tipples, Treats and Trails
Hampshire Community Rail Partnership has brought together over 200 independent venues and walking routes from stations, making it easy to eat and drink your way along the Hills to Harbour, Three Rivers and Wey Valley lines. Explore the interactive map to plan your next excursion.
Festival of Food
Food lovers are invited to embark on a culinary journey around the globe as the Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival returns to the town centre on Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August 2026. Alight at the station along the St Edmunds Line and after a 10-minute walk you’ll be sampling authentic flavours from 16 different countries.
In (Station) House Catering
Who’s to say you even need to leave the station to enjoy a brew or a pint and a bite to eat! Many stations boost independent cafés and pubs, perfect for either a refreshing pit stop or the final destination on your journey. Try cafés at Yatton, Gobowen, Ribblehead, Haltwhistle, Ridgmont, Filey, Bricket Wood and Carnforth stations for a cuppa and some lunch. If you’re looking for a special meal out, why not try the Station Bistro at Wymondham, or The Old Lamp Room on Cottingham Station, a quirky restaurant which focuses on cooking from scratch using locally sourced produce.
Best of British
South East Manchester Community Rail Partnership is proudly sponsoring the Northern heats of this year’s British Street Food Awards, which will be held just a short walk from Stockport Station on Sunday 23 August, 12-6pm. Hop on the train to sample from 20 food stalls, enjoy live music and children’s activities, and cast your vote for the ‘People’s Champion’ award.
Grazing Walks
Take advantage of the stunning Suffolk countryside whilst you work up an appetite on these ‘grazing walks’. Hop off the train at Stowmarket Station to enjoy a walk and call in at a pub, café or local shop to sample some culinary delights. You could even call in at the UK’s only museum of food to enjoy hands-on activities, talks, exhibitions and events, including outdoor cooking and ‘thrills and grills!’
Looking for more inspiration? Explore days out by rail scenic routes, local family favourites and days out for less this summer.
