Skip to main content

South East

Cross Country train passing the side of the Severn Estuary on a sunny day

Arun Valley Line train pasing through countryside with Arundel Castle and forest in the background

Train travelling over bridge leading onto Portsea Island

Brick viaduct along the Darent Valley Line

South East

Exploring South East England by train is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to uncover this beautiful region. Whether you’re planning a relaxing day out or a longer getaway, the area offers stunning railway journeys packed with history, culture, and breathtaking scenery.

Travel along the Arun Valley Line to experience the charm of West Sussex and catch a glimpse of the magnificent Arundel Castle, a medieval masterpiece rising above the River Arun.

For seaside fun, head to the vibrant Brighton Pier, where family-friendly attractions meet thrilling rides for adventure seekers.

Prefer natural beauty? Take the Sussex Downs Line and journey through the South Downs National Park, passing chalk cliffs and rolling hills along England’s iconic coastline.

Scroll down to find inspiration for your next scenic rail adventure.

South East

Arun Valley train pasing through countryside with Arundel Castle and forest in the background | south east

Arun Valley Line

Gatwick – Bosham

Often overlooked due to the area’s busy international airport, the Arun Valley Line has a lot more to offer than just a gateway to overseas.

Great Malvern Station along the Cotswold Line

Cotswold Line

Oxford – Hereford

Spanning across four counties the charming Cotswold Line passes through beautiful English countryside along its 86 mile route.

Darent Valley train crossing viaduct

Darent Valley

Sevenoaks – Swanley

Take the train to see historic houses, a vineyard and a solar system in the pretty Darent Valley countryside.

East Hampshire Line

East Hampshire Line

Liphook – Rowlands Castle

Explore quaint villages, scenic landscapes and a historic market town in the middle of the South Downs National Park.

Rodborough Common

Golden Valley Line

Swindon – Cheltenham Spa

Discover contrasting landscapes from dramatic valleys and canals to industrial and urban heritage along this 42 mile route.

Train travelling past Hovercraft on the Isle of Wight | Island Line

Island Line

Ryde Pier Head – Shanklin

Visit the picturesque Isle of Wight and travel on the Island Line linking Ryde with the seaside resorts of Sandown and Shanklin.

Rye Station

Marshlink Line

Ashford International – Eastbourne

Discover the Marshlink Line, scenic rail route passing through picturesque landscapes and historic towns with sea views.

Train travelling through picturesque countryside along the Medway Valley Line. South East UK.

Medway Valley Line

Strood – Tonbridge via Maidstone

Discover riverside walks, medieval bridges and quaint villages.

Boats along the river with colourful trees along the New River Line

New River Line

Hertford East – Broxbourne

Escape the city and take a relaxing journey through historic towns and villages, along the New River Line, less than an hour from London.

North Downs in the Autumn

North Downs Line

Reigate – Guildford

Journey through beautiful countryside that forms the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Station connection to Mottisfont Abbey

Southampton to Salisbury

Southampton Central – Salisbury

From maritime to medieval, explore the picturesque Southampton to Salisbury line.

Southampton Walls

Southampton to Winchester

Southampton Central – Winchester via Eastleigh

Take the train as it follows the River Itchen and meanders from Southampton to Winchester.

Southend Pier

Southend Line

Wickford – Southend

Journey through Essex market towns as you travel along the Southend Line ending at this traditional seaside town.

Explore Surrey Hills to South Downs

Surrey Hills to South Downs

Haslemere – Farncombe

Explore historic towns and charming villages along the Surrey Hills to South Downs line.

Cuckmere Haven and Seven Sisters

Sussex Downs Line

Brighton – Seaford

Travel through the beautiful South Downs National Park as you explore the Sussex Downs Line.

Kingsferry Bridge and Sheppey Crossing along the Swale Rail Line.

Swale Line

Sittingbourne – Sheerness-on-Sea

Travel from the coastline to the countryside on the Swale Line.

Walking in the Ashdown countryside High Weald

Tonbridge to Reigate

Tonbridge – Reigate

Cutting through the rolling Kent and Surrey countryside parallel to the North Downs, this line takes you to wonderful cycling and walking routes.

Bench seat overlooking Ashdown Forest

Uckfield & East Grinstead Lines

Uckfield – East Grinstead

Rolling green countryside, heathland and streams, delightful walks and cycle routes, and three of the best heritage railway lines in the country.

Garden in full bloom in front of WIndsor Castle along the Windsor to Reading line

Windsor to Reading

Windsor – Reading via Ashford

The Windsor to Reading line is bursting with a world of possibilities and exploration.

Find your next journey

Not sure where to go? Simply tell us your interests and we’ll highlight a few scenic routes on our interactive map for you to browse. Let us help you find your next journey by clicking the button below to get started.

You may also like

Family waving at train as it approaches the station | Days Out by Rail

Days Out by Rail

Spend quality time with the family as you embark on unforgettable days out by rail. Take a look at our suggestions, curated by community rail, here.

Station sign with rolling hills in the background

Combine train and bus for greener adventures

We're getting on board for Catch the Bus Month and bring you some suggestions on how you can explore further when you combine your adventure with trains and buses.

Ingleborough in the snow along The Bentham Line

The Bentham Line

Leeds – Morecambe / Heysham Port via Skipton, Bentham & Lancaster

Explore the beautiful Bentham Line, nestled in scenic Yorkshire & Lancashire countryside.

Start planning your trip

Ready to start planning for your trip? We’ve got some helpful tips and advice to get you started. We’ve also collated links to some of our partners’ journey planning tools to help you prepare for your next car-free journey.