Summer is a time for adventure, and there's no better way to explore the UK than by train. With so many beautiful destinations to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect place to relax and unwind. And with Trainsplit, you can save money on your train tickets, so you can spend more on exploring.

In this blog post, we'll share some tips for planning your summer holidays by train. We'll also highlight some of the best destinations in the UK that are perfect for a car-free vacation.

---

The Trainsplit app makes it easy to find cheaper alternative journeys through split ticketing.

   

The app is available on both iOS and Android devices. Just search for "Trainsplit" in your app store and download the app today.

1.  Plan your trip in advance.

The first step to planning your summer holidays by train is to plan your trip in advance. This will help you to find the best deals on train tickets and to book your accommodation. You can use Trainsplit's journey planner to find the cheapest fares and to book your tickets.

2.  Choose your destinations wisely.

When choosing your destinations, it's important to consider the following factors:

The distance between destinations

The distance between destinations is one factor that can affect the price of train tickets. The longer the journey, the more expensive the tickets may be. However, Trainsplit's clever algorithm does all the work for you, finding the cheapest combination of split tickets or alternative journeys that will help you stay on track with your budget. This means that you can be sure that you are getting the best possible price for your journey, regardless of how long it is.

The availability of public transportation

Some destinations are better suited for car-free travel than others. Make sure that there are public transportation options available in the places you want to visit.

The attractions you want to see

Make sure that there are enough attractions in your chosen destinations to keep you busy for the duration of your trip.

The scenery along the way

If you're a fan of beautiful scenery, you'll want to choose destinations that offer stunning views from the train window. Some of the most scenic train journeys in the UK include the West Highland Line, the Settle-Carlisle Railway, and the Cotswold Line.

The attractions you want to see

Make sure that there are enough attractions in your chosen destinations to keep you busy for the duration of your trip. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK include London, Edinburgh, York, and Bath.

3. Pack light.

When you're traveling by train, it's important to pack light. This will make it easier to get around. Try to pack only the essentials, and leave behind anything that you don't absolutely need.

4.  Be prepared for delays.

Train travel can be unpredictable, so it's important to be prepared for delays. This means packing snacks and drinks for the journey, and having a plan B in case your train is cancelled. Always remember to check your journey before travelling. If your train journey is disrupted and you experience a delay of at least 15 or 30 minutes (depending on the train company), you may be entitled to compensation. Check the train operator's Delay Repay policy and submit a claim if eligible.

5. Enjoy the journey!

Summer holidays by train are a great way to see the UK and to experience different cultures. Soak up the scenery, meet new people, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

---

Here are some of the best destinations in the UK that are perfect for a car-free vacation:

The Cotswolds

Image credit: Colin Watts | Unsplash

This beautiful region is known for its rolling hills, lush meadows, and charming villages. There are plenty of things to do in the Cotswolds, from hiking and biking to visiting historic towns and villages.

The nearest major train stations to the Cotswolds are Oxford, Bath, and Birmingham. From these stations, you can take connecting trains to many of the villages and towns in the region.

The journey time from London to the Cotswolds varies depending on the train route you take. The fastest trains can take as little as an hour, while the slower trains can take up to 3 hours.

If you're already in the Cotswolds, you can head over to Salisbury by taking the train from Kemble station. The journey takes just over an hour, and there are frequent trains throughout the day.

Yorkshire Dales

Image credit: Karl Moran | Unsplash

This national park is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the UK. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing in the Yorkshire Dales.

The nearest major train stations to the Yorkshire Dales are Leeds, York, and Skipton. There are also a number of smaller stations located throughout the park. 

The journey time from Leeds to the Yorkshire Dales is around an hour, and from York it is around two hours.The journey time from Skipton is much shorter, as it is located within the national park.

For more information on other national parks that you can visit by train, please visit our blog post HERE.

Lake District

Image credit: Alice Davies | Unsplash

This popular tourist destination is known for its lakes, mountains, and forests. There are plenty of things to do in the Lake District, from hiking and biking to visiting historic castles and villages.

The nearest major train stations to the Lake District are Oxenholme Lake District, Penrith, and Windermere.There are also a number of smaller stations located throughout the park.

The journey time from Oxenholme Lake District to the Lake District is around an hour, and from Penrith it is around two hours. The journey time from Windermere is much shorter, as it is located within the national park.

Celebrate the year of the coast with a scenic train journey along the UK's stunning coastline.

New Forest

Image credit: Neil Cooper | Unsplash

This national park is home to a unique landscape of heathland, woodland, and beaches. There are plenty of things to do in the New Forest, from hiking and biking to horse riding and swimming.

The nearest major train stations to the New Forest are Southampton Central, Brockenhurst, and Lymington Pier.  The journey time from Southampton Central to the New Forest is around 30 minutes, and from Brockenhurst it is around an hour. The journey time from Lymington Pier is much shorter, as it is located within the national park.

• The New Forest is a popular tourist destination, so it's advisable to book your train tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
• If you're planning on doing a lot of hiking or exploring in the New Forest, you may want to consider getting a National Railcard. This will give you a discount on your train tickets.
• If you're traveling with children, be sure to check out the Family Railcard. This card gives you a 33% discount on train tickets for up to two children aged 15 or under when traveling with an adult.

For more information on other national parks that you can visit by train, please visit our blog post HERE.

Isle of Wight

Image credit: Visit Isle of Wight

This island is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. There are plenty of things to do on the Isle of Wight, from hiking and biking to visiting historic castles and beaches.

Travelling to the Isle of Wight by train + ferry is a great way to see the island and to get to some of the most popular tourist destinations.

To learn more about the Isle of Wight, check out our blog post HERE.

Book your train + ferry tickets to the Isle of Wight with Trainsplit today. 

Book this journey