Festive Train Journeys to Take This Christmas
Whether you're travelling back home to see family or you're heading on a new adventure this Christmas, journeying by rail is a great way to get into the festive spirit. And while you might not be travelling all the way to the North Pole, you can still feel just as Christmassy on board an Avanti West Coast route.
With several routes voyaging along scenic countryside and through some of the prettiest festive villages, you can really start to feel like it’s the most wonderful time of the year when travelling on the train. Here are our favourite Christmas train journeys in the UK.
Christmas train journeys to and from London
London at Christmas time is magical, and the rail journeys around and out of the city can also offer some of the best festive viewing experiences. It doesn't matter which way you're heading, there will be something special for you to see on the way.
If you manage to be in London in the depths of December when things are extra festive and there's a chance of snow, you're in for a real treat when travelling by rail – no matter which route you're on. London is surrounded by an abundance of villages and small market towns that just twinkle with Christmas cheer when the frost sets in or the snow falls.
For those heading towards Milton Keynes and Lichfield, your route will take you through Bletchley which is simply breathtaking at Christmas. When journeying through this station, you might be able to catch a glimpse of Bletchley Park, the iconic home of World War Two code breakers. During the festive season, Bletchley Park goes vintage with 1940s decorations; if you've got time, it's definitely worth stopping here to go and have a look. The stunning country manor is just minutes from Bletchley train station.
If you're heading further north, for example to Liverpool from London, you've got a long route with plenty to see on the way. From picturesque villages on the outskirts of Northampton to the stunning countryside of Cheshire in the North. You could even stop off at one of the destinations en route and check out a Christmas market if you leave London early enough.
Christmas train journeys in the North West
If you're travelling into Manchester or Liverpool, you'll be arriving at city centre stations which, when decked out with all the trimmings, will launch you into their own style of Christmas-land as soon as you step off the train.
Manchester has a lot to offer over the holiday season, with Piccadilly train station situated just a short walk from the main market and its selection of food, drinks and unique gifts. If you're not getting off here, you could still get into the festive spirit as you people-watch Christmas shoppers from the window of your carriage.
If you're travelling later in the day, city centres like Manchester and Liverpool really come alive with their twinkling lights when it gets dark. There are so many lights to see that you won't know which way to look when travelling through or to either of these destinations.
For those travelling to Blackpool or close by, you're in for a real treat. Already known for the famous illuminations that light the skies of Blackpool every winter, the Christmas lights here really go the extra mile. If your trip is during the day and you've travelled from the South, you could stop off at nearby Warrington for some last-minute shopping.
Christmas train journeys in Scotland
Scotland is one of the most scenic parts of the UK at any time of year, but during the festive season, it becomes even more spectacular. As you travel through the Lake District up to Scotland, you're already spoiled with dramatic hills, fells and mountains. There's just something extra Christmassy about seeing misty, frosty peaks in the winter while you're wrapped up and feeling cosy on the train.
Once you're past the border, it gets even better. We all know that Scotland has a much higher chance of snow than England and Wales, and what's more festive than snow-topped rooftops, frost-blanketed countryside and twinkling lights shining from the quaint villages along the route?
If you're headed from Lockerbie to Glasgow, you'll be travelling along the outskirts of Lanark. This beautiful village has a real Christmas feel about it, especially if you manage to pass through when it's blowing a gale, frosty or snowing.
Christmas train journeys in Wales
North Wales offers some of the most stunning countryside views from the comfort of a train than anywhere else in the UK, whether you're travelling from the Midlands, the North or London. But what will really get you in the festive spirit is the views of Snowdonia.
As you approach closer to the snow-capped mountains of Snowdonia National Park, it's possible to feel like you're in a Christmas movie, especially if you're heading home to see family and friends. Why not cosy up with a hot chocolate from the onboard café and take in the views from your seat – without being exposed to the cold temperatures outside.
Christmas steam train journeys
Steam trains are synonymous with Christmas, from the small wooden ones that circle the tree on Christmas morning to the real ones we see in our favourite festive films. As such, we've come to associate the smell, sight and sound of steam-hauled trains with the holiday season and all that it stands for. So if you don't need to travel to a specific location over the festive period, why not plan something a little different with a steam train ride?
There are several festive steam train experiences to choose from, with something in every corner of the UK. For those in the Midlands, Severn Valley Railway offers Santa Specials comprising a train ride to the village of Arley where you'll be treated to a special Christmas show. Better still, Santa Claus will be on board on the way back to hand out presents to the children.
If you're based in the South, Dartmouth Steam Railway’s Train of Lights is a must-do. Step aboard your locomotive in Paignton and steam through wooded glades along the South Devon coastline, complete with thousands of twinkly lights both inside the train and outside in the enchanted forest.
For fans of the award-winning film The Polar Express, it's worth considering booking tickets for the immersive and magical train experience at Wensleydale Railway. Once you hop aboard, you'll be greeted by familiar characters from the film, including singing chefs who will recite the original story to you as you make your way to the North Pole. Your booking will of course include a cookie and hot chocolate, as well as a visit from the main man himself who will join you onboard. If you (or your kids) are wondering how he can be in two places at once, be reassured that he has a special Festive Season Ticket and uses it regularly.
Travelling via rail at Christmas
Rail travel is one of the busiest modes of transport during the festive season, so it's always a good idea to plan your trip in advance to ensure you can choose your seats and avoid peak times where possible. Additionally, the further in advance you book, the greater the cost savings you'll make.
Use our journey planner to organise your trip, and don't forget to download the Avanti West Coast app to keep track of live journey information and any disruptions that could occur.
No matter where you're heading this Christmas, you can make your train ride even more festive with a selection of Christmas refreshments and a good Christmas playlist. So grab a mince pie and hot chocolate once you step inside your carriage, and settle down for the ride.
