Family travel adventures by train

Could your family do with a break from the norm, a change of scenery, something… different? Why not venture out together on family travel adventures by train. Experience scenic landscapes, the beautiful outdoors, fascinating new places and create memories that will endure long after the kids have grown up?

Trains don’t simply transport us places, the excitement of the journey itself can be part of a delightful family day out. Spend quality time catching up, pack a picnic and get creative with travel games (I-Spy is a classic favourite!). Plus, by taking the train, you can relax knowing that your trip is not harming the environment – it’s one of the greenest ways to travel.

With the help of our community rail and station volunteer friends, we’ve collated some ideas for you to consider for your future family travel adventures by train.

Uncover Britain’s hidden gems together

Head off the beaten track and explore lesser-known, and often less crowded, places bursting with history.

Explore one of the prettiest towns in England, dating back to the 12th century, when you take a trip along the Shakespeare Line to Henley-in-Arden. Try the famous Henley Ice Cream and visit the museum to learn more about the area’s history. Perfect for families fascinated by history and architecture.

Take a trip along the North Staffordshire Line and visit the capital of ceramics, Stoke on Trent. Enjoy an interactive family day out where everyone can get stuck in and experience pottery making for themselves as you explore an incredible array of factory tours and museums across the city.

Only 15 minutes by train from historic Cambridge, you’ll experience chocolate box villages with thatched cottages, medieval churches and traditional pubs as you journey along the Rhee Valley Line to Royston.

Let their imaginations run wild with a visit to Blair Castle and Gardens, in the Scottish Highlands. Only a 5 minute walk from the railway station, this majestic castle boasts a nine-acre walled garden, exotic conifers and plenty of space for children to roam and burn off some energy.

Explore Scotland’s history like never before with a visit along the picturesque Borders Railway to The Great Tapestry of Scotland, located a short walk from Galashiels Station. Scotland’s past comes vividly to life through the Tapestry with 160 panels and 140 meters of linen, depicting stories of Scotland’s people and landscapes unfolding over thousands of years from prehistoric to the present day.

Have a budding Knight in the family? Take them to Templecombe, along the Blackmore Vale Line and visit St. Marys Church. As you enter the cool interior of the church, look for one of England’s finest hidden gems, the only ‘Head of Christ’ panel painting in the UK that legend says is linked to the Knights Templar.

Family discovery trails

Join Duck Bills on his adventure around Stoke. Go exploring and enjoy a fun, family story trail through Stoke as you help Duck Bills learn more about the history of the area and the railway. Follow the story trail map from Stoke Library to Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station, discovering lots of interesting facts and completing challenges along the way. Download the trail here.

Take a scenic trip through the historic landscape of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site with the friendly Perrie the Peregrine as your guide. With family friendly walking routes, fun activities and things to spot from your train, the Derwent Valley  Line Family Activity Guide is your must-have companion for a fun-packed day out from Nottingham to Matlock. Download the Family Activity Guide here.

Families can collect a free Symbol Spot pack with a valid rail ticket from the Bedford and Bletchley Stations or Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre during normal opening hours. The pack is full of facts, figures and lots for children aged 5 and over to see and look for along the beautiful Marston Vale Line.

Help your younger family members learn the importance of rail safety with the help of EMR’s recently launched ‘safety activity book’. Download the booklet here and take it on your next journey with you.

Whether you’re heading off on a day out by train with the family or are looking for some railway-themed fun at home, you can be sure the kids will love our Scenic Rail Britain railway-themed activity pack. Download for free here.

From castles to coast in Wales

While travelling along the scenic Conwy Valley Line you won’t be able to miss the impressive Conwy Castle, towering over the town for over 700 years. Leave the train and after a short 5-minute walk you’ll be ready to explore one of the most magnificent and well-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe.

Walk 10 minutes from Criccieth station towards Cardigan Bay and discover the historic Criccieth Castle towering over the Welsh landscape. You’ll soon understand why Turner felt moved to paint it. A visit to the castle would be a great addition to your train journey along the spectacular Cambrian Coast Line, considered to be one of the most scenic railway routes in Britain.

Thrills by the sea

Did you know Blackpool Pleasure Beach is considered to be the UK’s favourite amusement park and has its very own train station, delivering you straight to the thrills? The journey along the South Fylde Line from Preston takes you past picturesque Lancashire countryside, stopping off at the seaside towns of Lytham and St Annes on Sea along the way as well.

Explore the traditional seaside towns of Cromer and Sheringham with easy access by train from the historic city of Norwich, perfect for a day out. This picturesque journey along the Bittern Line connects city with coast and travels through the beautiful Broads National Park. You may even catch a glimpse of the North Sea from the train.

Uncover one of Kent’s lesser-known beaches as you travel along the scenic Swale Line to reach Sheerness Beach. Just under a 15 minute walk from Sheerness-on-Sea railway station, this beautiful shingle beach is great for spotting sea creatures in the exposed pools during low tide and boasts views out towards the Essex coastline. The beach is a winner of the prestigious Blue Flag and Seaside Awards for 2021 so feel free to bring your swimsuit, just double check tide times before visiting.

Uncover the secrets of the Roman Empire

Step back in time and take a trip to Northumberland as you discover what life was like in the Roman Empire. Built to guard the wild northern frontier of the Roman Empire in AD122, Hadrian’s Wall sprawled almost 80 miles long from the North Sea to the Irish Sea, and is now a World Heritage Site.

Take a scenic journey by train from Newcastle or Carlisle along the Tyne Valley Line. Leave the train at either Hexham or Haltwhistle and hop onto the AD122 bus. Be sure to visit The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre, a perfect place to start exploring Northumberland National Park, and a fantastic location to connect with nature and the area’s unique and special landscapes. Great for families, especially for when the little ones are learning about this part of history at school.

Experience the journey to Hogwarts

Little witches and wizards across the world dream about taking the magical journey to Hogwarts – a trip along the impressive West Highland Line is about as close as you can get to the real thing. Grab a window seat (and don’t forget your camera!) for a journey packed with epic landscapes, towering mountains and glistening lochs around every bend.