
Interested in a Luxury Sleeper Train Journey? Here’s What It’s Like
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The top UK holiday destinations to visit in 2025
The best UK holiday destinations are found all around Britain too, from north to south. There are the Hebrides in Scotland, and the Cotswolds, whose enchanting rural scenery will leave you utterly mesmerised. The Forest of Dean is an exceptional place for woodland walks and wildlife spotting, while the Isles of Scilly are ideal for experiencing Caribbean-like beaches without the carbon footprint. Whether you’re planning on travelling as a couple, with your family, or solo, you’ll find a variety of places in the UK for an amazing staycation. The opportunities to see the charms of the UK are endless, whether you have a weekend or longer for a trip. We’re here to help and have rounded up the very best UK Holiday destinations to visit this year. The best ways to explore the UK include the Yorkshire Dales, Pembrokeshire, Bolton Abbey and Bolton & Bolton Railway, as well as the North Sea coast and the East coast of Scotland. We hope you’ll enjoy these holiday ideas.
When it comes to escaping the daily grind, the UK offers incredible sites you just won’t find abroad. From our amazing railways taking you through breathtaking countryside to our quaint villages and historic cities, there’s so much to explore at home, whether you have a weekend or longer for a trip.
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The best UK holiday destinations are found all around Britain too, from north to south. There are the Hebrides in Scotland, offering wild, remote beauty, and the Cotswolds, whose enchanting rural scenery will leave you utterly mesmerised.
The Forest of Dean is an exceptional place for woodland walks and wildlife spotting, while the Isles of Scilly are ideal for experiencing Caribbean-like beaches without the carbon footprint. The opportunities to see the charms of the UK are endless.
Whether you’re planning on travelling as a couple, with your family, or solo, you’ll find a variety of places in the UK for an amazing staycation.
1. Northumberland
England’s northernmost county is prized for its expansive rural landscapes, from vast grazing land in the north to the Pennine moors and dales in the southwest, as well as the sandy beaches and dunes of the eastern coast. There are many mysterious castles dotting these landscapes, like Alnwick Castle, which has made appearances in the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey.
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Another of Northumberland’s selling points is its pristine dark skies and extremely low levels of light pollution. It’s one of the best places in the country to discover the night sky and go stargazing, boasting International Dark Sky Reserve status. Join Country Living’s special stargazing trip to Northumberland and you’ll get to see these dark skies with a knowledgeable local astronomer.
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2. Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire is an incredibly scenic part of south-west Wales. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, this county offers seemingly endless coastal walks with awe-inspiring views. Along the coast, you will discover meandering trails leading to quaint harbours, hidden coves, and quirky towns, including Britain’s smallest city, St Davids.
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One highlight of the Pembrokeshire coast is the pretty village of Fishguard. From here you can explore the ancient woodlands of the Gwaun Valley, on a walking trail that takes in the River Gwaun, the medieval Llanychllwydog Pillar Stones, and the ancient St Brynach Church.
3. The Cotswolds
One of the most picturesque regions you’ll find in all of Britain, the Cotswolds are home to chocolate box villages, miles of rolling countryside and grand stately homes. Covering 800 square miles of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire, you can only imagine how much there is to explore.
The Cotswolds’ many fine gardens are one of its main selling points. From cosy cottage gardens blooming with rose and wisteria to the grand manicured ground of country estates, there’s plenty for green-fingered travellers to enjoy.
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If you join Country Living’s special five-day retreat you’ll explore some of the region’s finest gardens, including Sudeley Castle, Painswick Rococo Garden and Batsford Arboretum. A highlight will be visiting the Costwolds Farm Park with TV farmer Adam Henson, who will show you around and tell you more about his conservation work and sustainable farming.
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4. Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales offer spectacular rural scenery where you can truly soak up the beauty of England in the north of the country. This is a land of rolling hills, scenic rail journeys, quaint market towns and bracing walks. Travelling by heritage railway is one of the best ways to explore the gorgeous Dales, and the Pennine Bridleway offers fabulous routes for taking in the scenery by foot.
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Walking is an excellent way to take in the Yorkshire Dales’ breathtaking views and charming villages. You’ll also want to hop aboard the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway and the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway, and steam through the landscapes that inspired the Brontë sisters.
5. The Hebrides
The wildlife, white sand beaches and ample walking opportunities, Scotland’s Inner and Outer Hebrides are an utter delight. The more than 50 inhabited islands off the west coast of the country offer island hopping at its finest – because who needs Greece and Croatia when we have the islands of Islay, Mull, Harris and Lewis? It’s here that you can truly immerse yourself in Britain’s natural beauty by spotting puffins, eagles and deer.
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There are enchanting castles to discover too, such as Duart Castle on Mull and Dunvegan Castle on Skye, plus there’s whisky to try and dark skies for stargazing. Join an island-hopping adventure around the Hebrides with Country Living on a five-day trip. You’ll stay on the island of Benbecula and visit Eriskay, Barra, Harris and Lewis. Travel journalist and broadcaster Monty Halls will join you for a day exploring the islands of Eriskay and Barra and host a talk and Q&A.
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Another chance to discover these heavenly isles comes with Country Living’s five-day cruise over the August Bank Holiday. You’ll set sail from Edinburgh on the small luxury ship Bolette.
Once in Scotland, you’ll visit the scenic Orkneys archipelago with its well-preserved Stone Age settlements, the Neolithic sites of Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar. You’ll also dock at Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, where you can stroll through the bustling port town of Stornoway, explore the impressive grounds of Lews Castle and visit the Callanish Standing Stones.
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6. London
It might not be the first place you think of for a staycation if you’re looking to practice slow travel, but there’s more to the capital than its famous squares and skyscrapers. Look beyond the concrete and there are some glorious gardens and green spaces to find peace and nature in the city. Royal Botanic Garden, Kew is a classic example. With over 320 acres of green space and tropical glasshouses, it’s a little paradise in the city.
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Then, of course, there are the capital’s many famous palaces, and historical buildings. From the imposing Tower of London to the leafy ground of Hampton Court Palace, the city is bursting with history.
If you’re a history buff, you’ll be pleased to hear about Country Living’s exclusive four-day trip with Tudor historian and author Tracy Borman. You’ll visit Westminster Abbey, Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle from your base at the wonderful five-star Royal Horseguards Hotel on the banks of the Thames.
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If you’d prefer to explore independently, there’s not shortage of excellent hotels in London, with many luxurious options ideal for returning to after a busy day. Take the Pan Pacific in the heart of London’s Square Mile. Check in here and you’ll be perfectly placed to explore London’s most iconic landmarks, bustling markets and Michelin-starred restaurants, all a stone’s throw from the hotel.
Country Living has a great offer for a one-night stay at the Pan Pacific, where you’ll enjoy dinner and breakfast in the fabulous Straits Kitchen, access to the SENSORY wellbeing floor with use of the infinity pool, relaxation area and gym, and an hour-long holistic massage.
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7. Kent
A haven for gardeners, Kent is a superb county for seeing England at its very best. Here, you can stroll through writer Vita Sackville-West’s Sissinghurst Castle Garden, take in the impossibly pretty manor house Ightham Mote and sip delicious wine at Chapel Down.
White Garden. National Trust Images/Andrew Butler
There’s plenty to explore in Kent, from gorgeous gardens to vineyards and castles. A great place for a couples’ escape, there’s romance all around and if you’re after a quintessentially British country getaway, there are miles of it to discover on two feet – or two wheels.
On Country Living’s gardens of Kent and Sussex tour, you’ll explore some of the beautiful attractions in the county and beyond. You’ll be joined by garden designer Sarah Raven, visiting Sarah’s own garden. Visits to Sissinghurst, Great Comp and Scotney Castle are included.
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8. Lake District
The Lake District is an enormous natural playground that attracts visitors from all over the world. Adventurous travellers flock here to try activities like forest biking, fell hiking, paddleboarding, rock climbing, and wild swimming, all set against a backdrop of towering peaks and tranquil lakes
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The Lake District’s extraordinary natural landscapes are some of the finest in the UK. They are so beautiful that they’ve inspired some of the country’s most famous writers and poets, including Samuel Coleridge, William Wordsworth, Thomas de Quincey and beloved children’s author Beatrix Potter.
On a very special trip to the Lake District on board the luxury Britannic Explorer, you’ll visit Beatrix Potter’s former summer home at Lingholm Estate, a Grade II listed Victorian mansion. On this trip, the journey itself is part of the experience, as you spend three nights on England’s first-ever luxury sleeper train. Another highlight will be a gala dinner in the Le Belle Époque dining room at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Raymond Blanc’s famous country estate
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9. Isles of Scilly
Sitting 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, these idyllic islands are the UK’s answer to the Caribbean. The heavenly white sands, turquoise waters and slightly milder climate make the Isles of Scilly a UK holiday destination everyone should have on their bucket list. Five of the 140 isles are inhabited (St Mary’s, Tresco, St Martin’s, Bryher and St Agnes) and boast some of Britain’s most outstanding attractions, including Tresco Abbey Garden.
Ashley Cooper // Getty Images
There are dark skies for stargazing, wildlife that thrives (including puffins and Atlantic grey seals), plus the laidback lifestyle that’s high on most island holiday wish lists.
You’ll find a range of hotels, cottages and B&Bs to book in the Isles of Scilly, such as in Hugh Town, St Mary’s. But for an unforgettable tour of the islands, join Country Living’s exclusive trip with wildlife and nature expert Julian Branscombe to really get to know the flora and fauna of this wonderful archipelago.
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10. Norfolk
With its royal attractions, wonderful wildlife and postcard-perfect scenery, Norfolk is a marvellous destination for your UK bucket list. Marvel at its windmills, watch the seals and their pups and be amazed by the unspoilt countryside. There’s no better way to explore Norfolk’s charms than by train, with the Bittern Line, Poppy Line, Bure Valley Railway and the Mid-Norfolk Railway providing relaxing rides.
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Join Country Living on a special trip to Norfolk with acclaimed historian Lucy Worsley. You’ll visit the Royal Family’s Sandringham Estate and take in the nature of the Broads on a paddle boat. Lucy will give an illuminating talk about Sandringham and the modern monarchy and answer your questions in a Q&A session.
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11. Cornwall
The Cornish coast is home to some of the best beaches in the UK. With its miles and miles of picturesque coastline, with quaint fishing villages, golden sandy beaches, and rugged, towering cliffs, it’s easy to see why this county is one of the UK’s favourite spots for a staycation.
But the beaches are far from the only reason people love Cornwall. It’s also known as a foodie haven and has some excellent vineyards too, like Polgoon Vineyard which produces award-winning still and sparkling wines.
Atlantide Phototravel // Getty Images
Get to know Cornwall’s stunning coast and excellent food with another special journey on board the Britannic Explorer. You’ll taste wines in Penzance with views of St Michael’s Mount, and get the chance to explore the artistic haven of St Ives and other charming seafront towns. Your time on the train is just as exciting as your excursions, with a Cornish afternoon tea in the elegant dining carriage, and live entertainment in the evenings.
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12. Scottish Highlands
Scenic, remote and one of the real treasures of Britain, the Scottish Highlands offer a truly wild escape, where you can get lost among mountains, lochs and beaches. Home to Britain’s largest national park, the Cairngorms, as well as the legendary Loch Ness, mighty Ben Nevis and Eilean Donan Castle, the Highlands are also where you can ride the amazing Jacobite steam train, aka the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter film series.
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Taking you over the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct, just like Harry and his friends, and close to Ben Nevis, Loch Morar and Loch Nevis, the Jacobite is an absolute must-do. You can experience a ride on the Jacobite with Country Living during a four-day Scottish steam break and enjoy a talk and Q&A from Scottish TV weather Carol Kirkwood.
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13. Bath
When it comes to UK holiday destinations for history-lovers, it’s hard to beat beautiful Bath. This elegant city was founded in the 1st century AD by the Romans who were drawn by the natural hot springs which they turned into a thermal spa. You can still visit the Roman baths to this day, which are among the best-preserved Roman remains in the world.
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The city also has a rich Georgian history, thanks to its expansion in the 18th century. Visitors today enjoy wandering along its elegant streets built from warm, honey-coloured stone. Join County Living’s day trip to Bath to spend some time discovering these buildings, including the iconic Royal Crescent.
You’ll travel to Bath on the glorious Belmond British Pullman, relaxing in the train’s restored Art-Deco carriages, sipping a Bellini and enjoying a delicious three-course brunch as you glide through the countryside.
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If you’d like to spend a little longer exploring the delights of Bath and the nearby region, join Country Living’s four-day trip with a focus on Jane Austen’s connections to the city. You’ll feel like you’ve taken a step back in time to Regency England with visits to Austen’s House in Chawton and the Jane Austen Centre, where guides in period costumes are ready to tell you about the writer’s Bath connections.
Austen biographer and historian Lucy Worsley will join you for part of this tour, including a wonderful literary-themed walking tour of the city, pointing out some of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the country.
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14. Oxfordshire
Full of quintessentially English villages, rolling Cotswolds countryside and impressive historic buildings, Oxfordshire is one of the finest parts of southern England for a weekend getaway. Blenheim Palace is one of the county’s top attractions, where you can marvel at the stately home’s incredible history, lavish interiors, imposing Great Hall, ornate State Rooms, Churchill Exhibition, Marlborough Maze and formal Italian gardens.
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Join Country Living on a day trip to Blenheim Palace on board the luxury Belmond British Pullman. You’ll ride through the Oxfordshire countryside in you lovingly restored carriage, enjoying a sparkling Bellini and a delicious brunch as you go.
On arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the monumental baroque country house with free time to explore its glorious grounds. It’s then time to step back on board to enjoy a three-course seasonal menu accompanied with the sommelier’s handpicked wines as the train makes its way back to London.
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If you’d prefer to spend the night in Oxfordshire, there’s no better place to stay than the exquisite Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. A quintessential British country house with a French flair, this retreat is the vision of Michelin-starred French chef, Raymond Blanc. With Country Living’s exclusive stay, you’ll spend one night at the hotel and enjoy a seven-course dinner in the two Michelin-starred restaurant.
15. York
York enchants visitors with its magnificent seventh-century minster, its grand city walls, and its quirky ‘Snickelways’ — narrow streets and alleys lined with medieval buildings. Tourists with a sweet tooth will love a staycation in York, a city that’s proud of its long history as a hub for chocolate makers and confectioners.
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Another of Country Living’s luxury day trips on board the Northern Belle begins with a royal welcome at York station. Take some time to explore the narrow alleys of the city before boarding the train and enjoying sumptuous three-course brunch as you glide through the countryside towards Edinburgh.
You’ll be joined on board by the late Queen’s former press secretary, Dickie Arbiter, who’ll give a talk sharing fascinating insights from his career. In Edinburgh, you’ll visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, where Dickie once had an office, and enjoy a tour of its spectacular decks before your return journey to York.
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16. Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital is home to some of the most important historic sites in the country. The world-famous Edinburgh Castle perhaps the most impressive of these, perched high on a volcanic rock and dominating the city’s skyline. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe and is fascinating to explore. It’s also a great place to take in panoramic views of the city.
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Edinburgh’s summer arts festivals draw visitors from all over the world, and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a highlight of the summer schedule. Attendees will see over 1,000 musicians, pipers, drummers, singers and dancers performing against the backdrop of the illuminated Edinburgh Castle in a dazzling spectacle.
Join Country Living for a four-day Scottish getaway and you’ll take a day trip to Edinburgh for the Tattoo so you can take in all the pageantry for yourself.
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17. The Forest of Dean
The Forest of Dean is a wonderful corner of English countryside to explore on a staycation. The country’s first National Forest Park, these ancient woodlands are a wildlife haven, providing habitats for a variety of animals including over thirty different species of butterfly, voles, hedgehogs, foxes and the elusive wild boar.
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Check in at the cosy and welcoming Tudor Farmhouse in Gloucestershire and you’ll be perfectly places for exploring the wild and wonderful woodlands. Country Living has an offer for a two-night stay here with breakfast each morning, dinner on both evenings, and a food and drink trail map to discover excellent local suppliers and farm shops.
Explore the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley by foot or by renting a mountain bike. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can join one of the hotel’s experts on a foraging trip or wildlife-spotting trip.
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18. North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire is England’s largest county, so it’s no surprise that there’s plenty to see and do here. Perhaps you like the idea of wandering around the dramatic moorland, hills and dales of the North Yorkshire countryside, or relaxing in a tea room in one of the county’s postcard-perfect market towns. North Yorkshire has also gained a reputation as a foodie haven, with its wonderful farmers, brewers, artisans and cheesemakers.
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Join Country Living’s five-day North Yorkshire holiday and you’ll be based in the pretty town of Malton, known as Yorkshire’s food capital. You’ll spend a night enjoying local Yorkshire produce at The Cook’s Place, run by the brilliant Gilly Robinson. Also joining you on this trip is Country Living columnist and author Sally Coulthard, who’ll give a talk about her life in the countryside over tea and scones in the Hunting Hall, which is not usually open to the public.
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7 Of The Best Train Journeys In Asia
These are the seven best train journeys in Asia. From luxury hotel rooms on wheels to legendary historical routes, these are the best rail journeys in the world. From the expansion of night train networks to the resurgence of supremely luxurious rail routes, train travel is back and bigger than ever.
All around the world, trains are back and bigger than ever. From the expansion of night train networks to the resurgence of supremely luxurious rail routes, train travel is proving that alternatives to planes and cars aren’t just greener: they’re often much more enjoyable, too.
When making a list of the best rail journeys in the world, it sort of makes sense that Asia features so heavily. After all, this continent is vast. It’s home to such a mind-bogglingly huge range of cultures and landscapes that it simply cannot help but also be home to an enormous selection of fab train journeys.
So, without further ado, here goes: from luxury hotel rooms on wheels to legendary historical routes, these are the seven best train journeys in Asia.
READ MORE: The most incredible road trips in Asia and The most fascinating historical tours in Asia
The 19 best train trips in the world
Train trips deliver a little slice of effortless adventure, whisking travellers from A to B against a backdrop of ever-changing landscapes. Hop aboard, whether you’d prefer an uber-luxurious service to the base of Peru’s Machu Picchu in Peru, to rattle on a tea train through the hills of Sri Lanka or to putter along on a rural service through Wales. The Rocky Mountaineer offers a magical way to soak up the landscapes of Utah and Colorado, from otherworldly red rocks to majestic mountains. Rovos Rail is a legendary luxury service that has been prowling the southern half of the continent since the late 1980s. The highlight comes on the last leg of the Tazara line — a railway that travels through the fabled Nyalaloms in Tanzania and the Zambia-Zimbabwe border. The train will travel the Bergensbanen railway across the snowbound landscapes of the Hardangervidda plateau before striking north from Oslo skirting silvery lakes en route to Trondheim.
Train trips deliver a little slice of effortless adventure, whisking travellers from A to B against a backdrop of ever-changing landscapes passing beyond the window and with a varied cast of staff and passengers. Hop aboard, whether you’d prefer an uber-luxurious service to the base of Peru’s Machu Picchu in Peru, to rattle on a tea train through the hills of Sri Lanka or to putter along on a rural service through Wales.
To honour the arrival and departure of the Rocky Mountaineer, flags are waved at the platform. Photograph by Rebecca Stumpf
Best for: red rocky landscapes & alpine views
Route: Moab (Utah) to Denver (Colorado)
Journey time: 48h
Winding and chuntering for 350 miles between Moab and Denver, the Rocky Mountaineer offers a magical way to soak up the landscapes of Utah and Colorado, from otherworldly red rocks to majestic mountains. As the train chases the serpentine Colorado River, it passes gargantuan canyons, verdant wineries and ghost towns busting with eerie folk tales. Life on board is unapologetically luxurious, with marshmallow-soft armchairs in glass-domed observations carriages, a menu of locally sourced dishes and smartly dressed staff who are well-versed in all the sights along the route. Passengers disembark at Glenwood Springs, halfway along the route, to spend the night in a hotel. Two days from $1,725 (£1,365).
Vietnam’s Reunification Express runs nearly the whole length of the country. Photograph by William Perugini, Getty Images
Best for: coast views
Route: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Journey time: 34 hours
The comings and goings of modern Vietnamese history are intertwined with the arrivals and departures of the North-South Railway, known as the Reunification Express. Built during French colonial rule, the line was besieged by guerillas in the First Indochina War, contested during the Vietnam War and became a symbol of the reunified country once it reopened in 1976. It is often dashingly scenic, with a few episodes where the line flirts tantalisingly with the sea. The best comes at Hai Van (‘Ocean Cloud’) Pass, where the railway departs the imperial city of Hue, bound for a verdant headland. Rice paddies and villages segue to uninhabited terrain and sharp mountains, with little paradise beaches appearing coquettishly below the track. The pass ends when Danang Bay swings into view. Seat from US$11 (£9).
Best for: fjords
Route: Bergen to Trondheim
Journey time: six days
Despite Norway’s rail network being among the most celebrated in Europe, it’s never had a luxury service from which to watch the fjords and fells roll past. That’s set to change this autumn with the launch of the Norient Express, a deluxe daytime train where guests overnight at hotels near the line.
There’ll be a dapper bar with William Morris upholstery, comfy leather seats and interiors generally awash with mid-century Nordic design. Attractive though these may be, it’s more likely that passengers’ gaze will be fixed on the landscapes beyond the carriage: the train will travel the Bergensbanen railway across the snowbound landscapes of the Hardangervidda plateau, before striking north from Oslo skirting silvery lakes en route to Trondheim. Prices still to be announced.
Best for: safari
Route: Cape Town to Dar es Salaam
Journey time: 15 days
The apex predator on African railways is Rovos Rail — a legendary luxury service that has been prowling the southern half of the continent since the late 1980s. Recent excursions have seen services cross the sand dunes of Namibia and the backcountry of Angola, but an enduring classic is the 15-night journey from South Africa’s Cape Town to Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam, passing through five countries en route.
It takes serious willpower for passengers to prize themselves away from the train — with plush armchairs in the lounge car, multi-course dinners in the dining car and compartments with smart upholstery and, in some cases, little bathtubs. But there are scheduled stops at game reserves, as well as a chance to disembark at the Zambia-Zimbabwe border and feel the spray of Victoria Falls, against your skin. The highlight comes on the last leg as the train travels the fabled Tazara line — a railway that slaloms through Tanzania’s Nyerere National Park. Here you need only glance up from your pillow to scan the horizon for the beasts of the African bush. Compartment from US$14,950 (£11,850) per person based on two sharing.
Kandy’s station was built in the 1860s and retains its vintage feel. Photograph by Simon Urwin
Best for: local culture
Route: Kandy to Ella
Journey time: around 7h
There can be no better way to get from A to B in Sri Lanka’s central highlands than on this train. The British originally conceived the route and laid its foundations in the 1920s, gouging tunnels through mountains drenched in waterfalls and fording rivers and gorges with viaducts to transport both tea and people. Today, the original carriages are long gone, but the train remains a lifeline for locals journeying from Kandy into the hills, as well as a beloved day out for travellers. Cabins have a pleasingly lived-in feel; people dangle their arms out the windows and legs out the doors as the train helter-skelters past tea plantations, farming fields and elaborate rural temples, stopping at tiny candyfloss-coloured stations to pick up hawkers and the odd passenger. To take this ride from Kandy to the highland community of Ella is a window into Sri Lanka’s wild heart. Seat from LK1,300 (£3.50)
Best for: history
Route: Chicago to Emeryville
Journey time: 52 hours
To take a journey on the California Zephyr is to flick through an anthology of American landscapes: the spirit-level flat plains of the Midwest, the snow-topped summits of the Rockies, the parched canyons and mesas of Utah, as well as the Californian foothills. But, just as importantly, Amtrak’s most hallowed route provides a window seat on American history, and an echo of the days when railroads blazed a trail into the Old West.
The westbound Zephyr departs Chicago Union Station — an obscenely grand neo-classical structure — on its journey to Emeryville, set beside San Francisco Bay. Though the Zephyr has existed in some form since 1949, its roots go deeper. Between central Nevada and Sacramento, the train takes the route of the transcontinental railroad that connected the eastern and western networks of the US in the 19th century, bounding the republic together. Disembark at Sacramento station to see a magnificent mural that commemorates the line’s creation. Impressions of the modern service will also stay with you: eating flat iron steaks in the dining car, striking up conversations in the observation area, gazing out at desertscapes under moonlight from your carriage. Seat from $150 (£118).
Journeys onboard Dolce Vita Orient Express start and end in Rome. Photograph by Alexandr Spatari, Getty Images
Best for: classic design
Route: Rome to Rome
Journey time: Two-three days
La Dolce Vita is a new luxury train with a difference. Rather than channelling the golden age of 1920s travel as its peers often do, the service takes its cue from the 1960s and 70s — with mirrored surfaces, mid-century light fittings and a whiff of a Federico Fellini production. It makes its debut this spring with itineraries panning up and down the Italian peninsula, one of the most cinematic being the one that links Rome, the Venetian lagoon and Portofino on the Ligurian coast. Compartment from €7,440 per person (£6,175), based on two sharing.
The Ghan train travels for 1,851 miles north to south across Australia. Photograph by Marla Isaac Foreman
Best for: outback wilderness
Route: Adelaide to Darwin
Journey time: three days
Named after the Afghan Cameleers who set off into the Red Centre in the 19th century to help British colonisers map the continent, today’s Ghan has no trace of the hardship experienced by those explorers of old. Guests are cocooned in luxury as they speed from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north. A tapestry of ecosystems unfurls on the journey: South Australian wine country turns to the dusty desert of Central Australia, which shades into tropical landscapes towards the Timor Sea. Passengers might spot the odd feral camel, likely a descendant of those brought 200 years ago. Compartment from A$2,590 per person (£1,320), based on two sharing.
Best for: food
Route: Delhi to Mumbai
Journey time: seven days
A number of aristocratic luxury trains trundle along Indian rails though most agree that the Maharajas’ Express is the most lavish of the lot. Its Indian Splendour route offers a tasting menu of the subcontinent — from the forts of Rajasthan to the cities of Maharashtra — and a miniscule on-board kitchen cherry picks big flavours from across the country, with regional thalis a particular speciality. Signature dishes also take their cue from royal banquets of old: expect biryanis, steamed keema and bharwa bhindi (stuffed okra). Compartment from US$7,750 per person (£6,125) based on two sharing.
Best for: speed
Route: Tokyo to Shin Aomori
Journey time: three hours
Japan was the birthplace of high-speed rail — a story that began in the 1960s with the unveiling of the first ‘bullet train’ and continues today, with a web of supersonic lines extending across the archipelago. The longest and most epic is the Tohoku Shinkansen, which shoots north from Tokyo bound for the volcanic landscapes and snowy forests of the Tohoku region. The downside of travelling at 200mph is that if you blink you risk missing the views — nonetheless, keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of Komine Castle at Shirakawa and the leafy streets of the city of Sendai, before you draw into the terminus at Shin Aomori. Seat from ¥17,470 (£88).
Along the way, The Heart of Wales Line train crosses the Cynghordy Viaduct through vast Welsh farmland. Photograph by Dominic Vacher
Best for: slow travel
Route: Craven Arms (England) to Llanelli (Wales)
Journey time: 3h30m
The Heart of Wales Line is sometimes described as a railway line that time forgot — a sleepy, single-track artery that cuts diagonally across the centre of the country, clattering over castellated Victorian viaducts and through rustic stations where passengers must flag down services with a hopeful outstretched thumb. Railway aficionados ride it for its lo-fi charm — but holidaymakers, too, can use it to explore the quiet Cambrian hinterland at speeds rarely exceeding 30mph, alighting at quaint spa towns like Llandrindod Wells, discovering battle-scarred castles like those at Dinefwr and Llandovery or setting out on bracing walks in the uplands of Elenydd, where the treeless slopes brood over the rails. Seat from £18.
Best for: the ancient world
Route: Cairo to Luxor
Journey time: 10 hours
The Nile is Egypt’s main highway — a green vein running through the desert — but it also has a little companion for much of its length. A railway line shadows the waterway from its delta at Alexandria down to the great dam at Aswan and is a fine way to get to grips with the ancient civilisations that once flourished along these riverbanks. Most visitors choose to travel on an overnight train southbound from Cairo — boarding in the city’s Ramses Station, then dozing off in a bunk as the train trundles into the gathering night. Rise early for river views before disembarking at ornate Luxor Railway Station, its facade proudly adorned with a golden eagle. The Valley of the Kings lies on the opposite shore. Berth from US$140 (£110).
Best for: steam
Route: Wernigerode to Brocken
Journey time: one hour 40 minutes
According to legend, the Harz Mountains were a favoured gathering place for witches. These days, covens of trainspotters descend upon the largest narrow-gauge network in Germany, spellbound by the steam engines that huff and puff about these fairytale forests. There are a few routes to choose from, but the classic option begins at the market town of Wernigerode — itself looking like a setting for a Brothers Grimm tale — hauling up the gradients to the summit of the Brocken, the Harz’s highest peak. Once home to a Cold War-era listening station, the spot offers panoramic views. Seat from €37 (£31).
Best for: US cities
Route: Boston to Washington
Journey time: six hours 30 minutes
The US lacks the network of intercity express trains found across Europe, but it does nonetheless have the Acela — a 150mph service that shuttles between five of the most magnificent metropolises on the eastern seaboard and serves as a useful way to get a little taste of each. Start with a clam chowder at the northern end in Boston, then disembark at New York’s Pennsylvania Station for a hot dog, before pushing south to reach Philadelphia’s magnificent art deco 30th Street Station, where cheesesteaks are close at hand. Baltimore provides a warm-up act for the nation’s capital, Washington, DC. Tickets have to be bought for individual legs on Acela, meaning you’d need to buy a fare from Boston to New York and another from New York to Philadelphia and so on to complete the journey. Seat from $130 (£100).
Aboard the Golden Eagle, which runs through Central Asia, expect lobster for lunch. Photograph by Anatoly Boev
Best for: off the beaten track
Route: Almaty to Tashkent
Journey time: 14 days
For years, the Golden Eagle was the Trans-Siberian Express’s preeminent luxury train, but with Russia currently off limits to many travellers the eagle has flown the nest: the train has shuffled off to make other epic journeys elsewhere. One of the best of these is the itinerary from Almaty to Tashkent through five of the Central Asian Stans. Trains stop to see the Silk Road splendour of Bukhara and Samarkand in Uzbekistan, climb to the mountain-hemmed shores of Issyk-Kul lake in Kyrgyzstan and travel the little-travelled rails of Turkmenistan, bound for the hellish flaming pit of the Darvaza Gas Crater. Interiors are a splendid affair, with a baby grand piano tinkling away nightly in the lounge car. A long and ultra-luxurious journey comes, of course, with a substantial fare. Compartment from £20,595 per person based on two sharing.
The ancient Inca citadel Machu Picchu is but one of the stops aboard the Hiram Bingham. Photograph by Laurie Chamberlain, Getty Images Be greeted by traditional dancers on the platform at Poroy. Photograph by Collin Hughes
Best for: open-air jungle views
Route: Cusco to Machu Picchu
Journey time: 3h30m
The Hiram Bingham, a Belmond Train, transports passengers in luxury through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the foothills of Machu Picchu on 47-mile journey that’s impossible by road. Departing in the morning from Poroy station in the southeastern district of Cusco in Peru, the train takes just under four hours to pass through farmland, harvested fields and mountains grooved with glaciers. On board, passengers can indulge in traditional Quechua cuisine — and a pisco sour or two — while enjoying live music and dancing or simply basking in the sun in the open-air observation car as the tracks wind off into the distance. From £477 one way.
Best for: mountain traverses
Route: Creel to Los Mochis
Journey time: nine hours (El Chepe Express)
Central America is a part of the world sadly deficient in railways, but a rare and precious exception is the line officially known as the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico — known to most as El Chepe. It makes a wild, ear-popping traverse of the breezy heights of Mexico’s Sierra Madre Occidental mountains to reach the town of Los Mochis and the Pacific shore — on route, passing through 86 tunnels and clattering over 37 bridges, looping like a lasso about the arid cliffs of the Copper Canyon. The El Chepe Express is the tourist train; the local version is its cousin the El Chepe Regional, which follows the same route with more stops and — in the absence of roads — serves as a lifeline for the communities that inhabit this rugged territory. Seat from 2,887 MXN (£134).
The Bernina Express stops at Alp Grüm station, which sits at an elevation of 6,860ft in the Swiss Graubünden. Photograph by Stefano Politi Markovina, AWL Images
Best for: snowy Alpine landscapes
Route: Chur to Tirano
Journey time: four hours
Bumbling over a rather modest 76 miles, a ride on the Bernina Express may be short but it is filled with unrelenting drama — with the little scarlet trains burrowing through tunnels, swooping over stone bridges and traversing the great glacier-bound barrier of the Bernina Pass. It’s sublime year-round, but especially in the depths of winter, when drifts rise tall by the lineside and the Rhaetian Bahn carriages are at their cosiest. Setting out from the town of Chur, you’ll soon see icicles clinging to the tall arches of the Landwasser Viaduct. Skiers disembark at the midway point, St Moritz— home of the legendary Cresta Run skeleton course — but it’s south of this point that trains commence their own hair-raising twists and turns. A plough is sometimes on hand to clear the way to the highest point at frozen Lago Bianco — set at 7,329ft — before the tracks begin their switchbacking descent to the balmier climes of the Italian border, where snow segues to cypress and palm. Look out for the Brusio Spiral Viaduct on the last leg, where the line corkscrews in tight turns to lose elevation. Seat from CHF66 (£59).
19. Douro Line, Portugal
Best for: wine
Route: Porto to Pocinho
Journey time: three hours & 15 minutes
The Douro Line was first laid in the late 19th century to help transport sweet port wine from the Portuguese hinterland to the drinks cabinets of the world. These days, it’s passengers and not plonk that are transported along these rails, but nonetheless a ride along it uncorks some truly vintage landscapes, with rows of vines clinging to steep, almost fjord-like contours. The journey starts at Porto’s extraordinary São Bento station — every surface swathed in dreamy azulejos (blue-and-white ceramic tiles). Before long the train is in the Douro Valley proper, the current of its namesake river racing below. Some of the best wineries can be reached from Pinhao, two stops before the end. The station is decked out in azulejos depicting the grape harvest, and you’ll find a bottle shop by the platform.
6 of the best European sleeper train routes
European Sleeper is the new start-up shaking up the snoozy world of sleeper trains on the continent. The company’s first route linked Brussels to Berlin and this new addition is an extension of that initial venture. The new Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train will be like no other sleeper train the UK has ever seen. The fully revived Eurostar snow train from London St Pancras to Bourg-Saint-Maurice in France is running again. Trenitalia is running winter sports services north from Rome to the start of 2025 in partnership with Vialattea. Various multi-day itineraries will run around Italy, with the real silver in the dining car on the La Dolce Vita exudes luxury, including real silverware in the silver-plated dining car. The Orient Express will run in conjunction with Accor and Accor-Orient Express to run around Sicily, with multi- day itineraries on the Orient Express to Sicily, and on to Sicily.
The joy of the journey and the pleasure of slow travel has mixed with increasing eco-consciousness to set off a new era of train travel. Sleeper trains are slowly catching up with the expansion in high-speed rail, providing intriguing travel opportunities across Europe that mix convenience with scenic and memorable rides on the rails. Here are new routes worth booking this year and beyond.
European Sleeper is the new start-up shaking up the snoozy world of sleeper trains on the continent, with the aim of eventually challenging the decades old dynasties of rail like OBB. The company’s first route linked Brussels to Berlin and this new addition is an extension of that initial venture, stopping in the wonderfully reconstructed city of Dresden on its way south. You’ll wake up at the perfect time as the train winds through the stunning valleys of so-called ‘Saxon Switzerland’ on its way past Bad Schandau and Děčín, before arriving in Prague. Seats from €79 (£66), shared couchettes from €109 (£91) and private cabins from €219 (£184).
Hamburg’s picturesque main train station is a memorable place to end an overnight trip. Photography by Anan Charoenkal
OBB has had faith in sleepers when other railway companies around Europe had given up on them — the company has made it a key part of its strategy, even buying new trains recently. You can experience the Austrian state operator’s new Nightjet trains, which feature Lilliputian private ‘pods’, on the 12-hour route up through Germany to Hamburg, which passes through rolling fields before its arrival in the hip port city. Watch out for the dynamic pricing, which has fired up rail forum users, and look to book as far in advance as possible to get that famed €39 (£33) discount fare.
(Here’s what to expect from Europe’s new age of high-speed train travel.)
The new Britannic Explorer in the UK launches in July 2025. Photographs by Belmond
Britain has two regular sleeper trains: the GWR Night Riviera Sleeper from London to Penzance, and the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Scotland. Soon, a luxurious new entrant to the market will be offering stylish surroundings in which to live out your Agatha Christie fantasies from July 2025. The Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train will be like no other sleeper train the UK has ever seen. Sumptuous interiors and fine dining mark out this special train, with journeys designed as a once-in-a-lifetime treat rather than a quotidian slog from A to B. With tickets from £5,800, journeys will take in the beauty spots of Britain: Cornwall, the mountains of Wales and the Lake District — the perfect place to hike off the calories from all the delicious food.
OBB began running its new Nightjet trains on this route in September 2024, meaning you can experience the sleeping pods or larger private compartments — from €39 (£33) and €159 (£133), respectively — as you journey through the mighty Alps. Waking up on the northbound journey is more fun, as you’ll get to see the mountains and rivers of the Alps on the approach to Munich and the rolling Austrian countryside as the train reaches the Austrian capital and OBB’s hub at Vienna HBF. New Nightjet trains contain enhanced power outlets for charging your gizmos as well as wi-fi and showers.
The fully revived Eurostar snow train from London St Pancras to Bourg-Saint-Maurice in France is running again and this year, there are various new winter sports services across the continent. European Sleeper has a new February and March 2025 service from Brussels, Breda, Eindhoven, Venlo and Cologne down to Munich (for the Bavarian Alps) and Bolzano (for Sud Tirol), before continuing to Verona and Venice. This route is also likely to return for the winter 2026 season. Prices TBC. European Sleeper has also introduced a new dining car after initial complaints from hungry travellers. Separately, Trenitalia is running winter sports services north from Rome to the Dolomites at the start of 2025 in partnership with Vialattea.
Everything aboard Orient Express La Dolce Vita exudes luxury, including real silverware in the dining car. Photography by Orient Express, La Dolce Vita
Trenitalia runs a good network of affordable sleepers across Italy, but for that extra extravagance, there’s the Orient Express La Dolce Vita, run in conjunction with Accor and separate to Belmond’s Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express train. Various multi-day itineraries will run around Italy, with the Sicily trains setting off from April 2025 and offering incredible comfort in new carriages designed by Dimorestudio. Prices start from £6,000 per person based on two sharing. The journey south will include the famous crossing of the Strait of Messina, where the train trundles onto the ferry, before stopping in picture-postcard Taormina and Palermo.
(Where to go and how to plan a family rail adventure around Europe.)