Rail in Britain

Loch Awe Rail in Britain

Introduction

Travelling by train is one of the most scenic and relaxing ways to discover the real Britain. A fast and frequent rail network means that nearly all areas of Britain can be easily discovered by train and public transport. The BritRail Pass is a cost effective and flexible train pass that covers the whole of the UK (excluding ) and, as standard, offers travel at both peak and off peak times.

River Finnan Valley in the Scottish Highlands Rail in Britain

Exploring Britain by rail

Exploring Britain by rail Heritage rail Scenic journeys BritRail Rail itineraries Rail in Britain

Exploring Britain by rail 1/6 Exploring Britain by rail

Glenfinnan Viaduct Scotland

Great Britain has the oldest rail network

Thurso

Georgemas Wick Helmsdale Lairg Principal routes and stations in the world: in 1830 the Liverpool and Other main routes and stations Tain Airport interchange Invergordon Ferry service Plockton Strathcarron Achnasheen Garve Station withstep free access to all platforms from the station entrance Kyle of Lochalsh Dingwall Separate stations on same routes Manchester Railway opened, becoming the INVERNESS Keith Separate stations on different routes Nairn Forres Elgin Arisaig Fort William Not all stations and routes shown. Aviemore Huntly This map refers to Principal and other main routes, and some stations may be missing in Spean Bridge Inverurie Kingussie more congested areas to aid clarity Corrour Dyce Blair Atholl ABERDEEN TERMINAL STATIONS world’s first passenger railway and Rannoch Taynuilt Pitlochry Blackfriars BF Stonehaven Crianlarich CS Cannon Street Dunkeld & Birnam Montrose Arrochar & Tarbet CX Charing Cross Arbroath Dunblane Garelochhead Balloch DUNDEE EN Euston Larbert Fenchurch Street the first to have scheduled services and Helensburgh Cowdenbeath FS Dumbarton Milngavie Falkirk Markinch Leuchars KX King’s Cross Cupar Gourock Dunfermline KO Kensington Olympia Cumbernauld Kirkcaldy Greenock LS Liverpool Street GLASGOW Airdrie Bathgate QUEEN STREET LB London Bridge Wemyss Bay terminal stations. GLASGOW Marylebone North Berwick MB Port Glasgow CENTRAL Neilston EDINBURGH PD Paddington Largs WAVERLEY Lanark SP St. Pancras International Newcraighall Ardrossan Paisley VA Victoria East Kilbride WL Waterloo Dunbar All of the above stations interchange Galashiels with London Underground Kilmarnock Troon Tweedbank Berwick-upon-Tweed PRESTWICK AIRPORT Stations Made Easy is a tool on the Alnmouth National Rail website that helps you plan Ayr Today Britain has a privatised rail network your route through a station avoiding features like stairs. Girvan Go to www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations, enter Dumfries your station and select Annan Morpeth Stranraer CARLISLE that covers the whole of the country, serving Haltwhistle Hexham MetroCentre NEWCASTLE Website: Heworth Durham www.nationalrail.co.uk Penrith North Lakes Appleby Bishop Auckland

Maryport Windermere Darlington Hartlepool Contact Centre: Workington Kirkby Stephen Oxenholme Lake District 03457 48 49 50 more than 2,500 stations. There is 15,795 km Whitehaven Stockton . MIDDLESBROUGH Barrow-in- Grange- TM over-Sands Settle TrainTracker : Millom Furness Yarm Thornaby Redcar Ulverston Saltburn Morecambe Skipton 0871 200 49 50 For up-to-the-minute automated journey planning, with fare and Heysham Nunthorpe Whitby Lancaster Northallerton ticket availability for today and beyond. Calls cost 10p a minute Port Clitheroe from a BT fi xed phone. Charges from other operators may vary. Kirkham & Wesham Keighley BLACKPOOL NORTH Malton SCARBOROUGH (approx 9,820 miles) of on the National TM Lytham PRESTON Blackburn Burnley Colne Ilkley Knaresborough TrainTracker Text - text station name to: Blackpool South YORK Accrington Harrogate Bridlington Wigan 8 49 50 Southport Beverley For live departure and arrival times direct to your mobile. TM Kirby Bolton Rochdale Halifax Selby TrainTracker texts cost 25p for each successful response HULL (plus usual text costs). Formby Ormskirk Newton- le-Willows BRADFORD Brough Huyton MANCHESTER Dewsbury Textphone: LIVERPOOL VICTORIA Barton- Rail network with over 20,000 passenger LIME STREET Hunts Cross Birchwood Huddersfield on-Humber Wakefield Warrington MANCHESTER Stalybridge PICCADILLY Pontefract Goole New Holland 0845 60 50 600 Moorfields Liverpool Central For customers with hearing impairments Runcorn MANCHESTER Penistone Birkenhead AIRPORT Marple Barnetby New Brighton Stockport GRIMSBY Ellesmere Northwich Barnsley Scunthorpe West Kirby DONCASTER Cleethorpes Llandudno Port Altrincham SHEFFIELD Rotherham Heswall Hooton Hartford BANGOR Colwyn Bay Prestatyn Chinley Meadowhall services a day. Holyhead Wilmslow Market Rasen Shotton Buxton Kiveton Park Worksop Llandudno Rhyl CHESTER Macclesfield Junction Retford Gainsborough Betws-y-Coed Chesterfield STOKE-ON-TRENT Uttoxeter LINCOLN Pwllheli Criccieth Blaenau Ffestiniog Wrexham Nantwich Stafford Porthmadog Ruabon Matlock Newark Sleaford Boston Whitchurch Skegness Gobowen Harlech Rugeley DERBY NOTTINGHAM

Wellington Telford Lichfield Barmouth Spalding Cromer SHREWSBURY Walsall Burton- Grantham WOLVERHAMPTON Tamworth on-Trent Kings Lynn Sheringham Welshpool BIRMINGHAM Aberdovey Sandwell & Dudley SNOW HILL Melton North Walsham In 2016, there were 1.718 billion journeys on Stourbridge Loughborough Newtown Town Mowbray Stamford March Church BIRMINGHAM NEW STREET ABERYSTWYTH Stretton Birmingham Oakham PETERBOROUGH Hoveton & Wroxham Machynlleth Caersws International Nuneaton LEICESTER Craven Arms Thetford Stourbridge Junction University Hinckley Market Harborough Ely Great Yarmouth Solihull COVENTRY NORWICH Corby Huntingdon Lowestoft Knighton Bury St Ludlow Rugby Diss Longbridge Warwick Kettering Edmunds Kidderminster Wellingborough Beccles Stratford-upon-Avon Leamington Spa CAMBRIDGE the National Rail network, making the British Llandrindod Wells Northampton Bedford St Neots Banbury Saxmundham Aylesbury Vale Stowmarket Leominster Parkway Audley End Llanwrtyd Redditch Bicester MILTON LUTON Fishguard Droitwich Spa Felixstowe KEYNES Luton Airport IPSWICH Harbour Great Malvern Evesham Aylesbury STANSTED Moreton-in-Marsh AIRPORT Hereford St. Albans Letchworth Harwich Haverfordwest Llandovery Worcester Aberdare Merthyr Tydfil Cheltenham Spa Charlbury STEVENAGE Sudbury Walton-on-Naze Milford Haven Tenby Whitland Treherbert Rhymney Abergavenny Bletchley Braintree Colchester Gloucester Princes Risborough Amersham Bishops Clacton network the fifth most used in the world, Pembroke Dock Ammanford Pontypridd Ebbw Chepstow WATFORD Stortford Carmarthen OXFORD JUNCTION CARDIFF Vale Stroud High Wycombe Chelmsford Maesteg QUEEN STREET Stratford Cwmbran Kemble MB EN SP KX LS Southminster Llanelli CARDIFF Henley-on-Thames Neath Bridgend CENTRAL SWINDON READING Basildon PD LONDON CT FS Shoeburyness SWANSEA Port Talbot NEWPORT Bristol Didcot Slough Barking Southend Windsor HEATHROW Parkway Penarth Parkway Chippenham Parkway KO VA CX BF CS Tilbury Barry Severn Feltham AIRPORT Beach Gravesend BATH SPA Trowbridge Newbury WL Bedwyn Clapham Junction LB operated by some 4,000 trains. London is BRISTOL Sheerness-on-Sea Bramley Woking Wimbledon TEMPLE Frome Hungerford Weston-super-Mare MEADS Bromley Herne Castle Cary Sutton Margate Westbury South Sittingbourne Bay Barnstaple Warminster East Croydon Chatham Faversham Basingstoke Guildford Broadstairs Dorking Redhill Salisbury Alton Eggesford Sherborne Ramsgate Romsey Andover GATWICK AIRPORT Tonbridge Maidstone Winchester East Canterbury Tiverton Parkway Horsham Grinstead the largest hub of the UK’s extensive rail Crediton Haywards Heath Tunbridge ASHFORD Deal Axminster Yeovil Haslemere Wells Eastleigh INTERNATIONAL Southampton DOVER Shoreham- Uckfield Airport CENTRAL Brockenhurst Fareham Havant Chichester by-Sea Folkestone Gunnislake Maiden Newton Lewes Newquay EXETER Newton ST DAVIDS BOURNEMOUTH SOUTHAMPTON Worthing Hove CENTRAL Fratton St Austell Par Liskeard PLYMOUTH Abbot Dawlish BRIGHTON Newhaven Bexhill Rye Lymington Bodmin Teignmouth Weymouth Bognor Regis Littlehampton Seaford Totnes Exmouth Dorchester Poole PORTSMOUTH Eastbourne Hastings St Ives Redruth Truro Parkway network and the other main hubs outside the Torquay

Camborne Sandown Ryde St Erth Falmouth Looe Paignton Through services to and Brussels PENZANCE Shanklin capital are Manchester, Birmingham

© ATOC 2015. All rights reserved. ATOC 10.15 and Edinburgh.

Enlarge Map Rail in Britain

Exploring Britain by rail 2/6 Rail frequently asked questions

Sheffield railway station

Train FAQs • Have a sight impairment and need guiding around a station or help boarding and alighting from your train; Do I need to book a seat? • Have difficulty walking long distances – at some stations we can provide a station wheelchair or, at some larger stations, It is not essential to reserve seats on all trains. Generally access to an electric buggy. speaking it is only really necessary to make reservations if you plan to travel on a popular route (e.g. London to Edinburgh) at a peak time (e.g. Friday at 18:00). We recommend that you book help 24 hours before you travel. Further information is available on the National Rail Enquiries Where can I check train times? website for disabled passengers and for Passenger Assist. Each train company produces timetables for their services, Can children travel for free? which are available at their stations. You will find train time information on the National Rail Enquiries website. Children under the age of five travel for free on British trains. However, please note that as they are travelling for free this Is there a luggage restriction? does not include a reservation. Children aged five to 15 inclusive get a 50% discount on most tickets. There is no specific luggage limit, but please be considerate to other passengers who may also be travelling with luggage. Can I take my bicycle with me? Most trains have small overhead luggage racks and at least one luggage compartment per carriage. Yes. There is limited space on trains for the carriage of cycles, so please check with your train operator before you travel. Passengers needing assistance How do I book a taxi for collection from the ? Disabled people are able to use the rail network. However, we would recommend that you book assistance if you: It is recommended that you research the local services in advance of travel. Many stations have taxi services located • Have a disability that means you find getting on and off nearby, with many available to pre-book. trains difficult; • Are a wheelchair user (on most services you will need to use How do I find connecting buses from train stations? a boarding ramp and, on some services, reserve a wheelchair To find local buses that connect from the train station, use space on the train service you wish to use); Travelline and add your start and end location. The website • Are a mobility scooter user (there are restrictions on different will then provide the options for bus travel. train operators which need to be checked, a boarding ramp will be required and possibly a reservation for the space onboard); Rail in Britain

Exploring Britain by rail 3/6 Left luggage services

King’s Cross railway station England

Need to store your baggage in London? There are no Excess Baggage Company have luggage locker facilities available at London stations. left luggage facilities at:

However, you can leave your bags in left luggage London: offices. Have a look at the traveller information below and discover which train stations have luggage Charing Cross station Euston station storage facilities to safely store your bags. King’s Cross station Liverpool Street station Paddington station St Pancras International station Victoria station Waterloo station

Rest of Britain: Birmingham New Street station Liverpool Lime Street station Manchester Piccadilly station Leeds station Edinburgh Waverley station

King’s Cross railway station Please check the National Rail Enquiries England website for individual station facilities Rail in Britain

Exploring Britain by rail 4/6 First Class and Standard Class

First Class Virgin Trains

Standard Class carriages in Britain give you a good quality comfortable seat and the chance to reserve your seat, especially for the longer journeys.

First Class carriages are often quieter, offer wider seats, more legroom and less seats per carriage than Standard Class. First Class often has a buffet car or trolley with refreshments on longer journeys. In some cases, First Class services include snacks and drinks at your seat with free WiFi.

First Class carriages are nearly all equipped with power sockets, and often offer complimentary newspapers and ticket upgrades. First Class upgrades are available on the day.

First Class For more information on First Class travel, please visit Virgin Trains National Rail Enquiries website.

Standard Class Virgin Train Rail in Britain

Exploring Britain by rail 5/6 Journey times from London by train

York city England

The following cities are all easily reached by train from London in just a few hours and by direct and frequent services:

London Euston to Birmingham (for the Midlands) 1 hour 25 minutes London King’s Cross to York (for the North East) 1 hour 50 minutes London Paddington to Cardiff, 2 hours London Euston to Manchester (for the North West) 2 hours 5 minutes London Euston to Liverpool (for the North West) 2 hours 15 minutes London King’s Cross to Edinburgh, Scotland 4 hours 20 minutes

Edinburgh Castle Rail in Britain

Exploring Britain by rail 6/6 Railway journey times to popular destinations

Conwy Castle,

Many popular British destinations can be accessed by train, including directly from London.

Some example journey times are:

Manchester Piccadilly to Buxton, (North West England) 1 hour London Paddington to Bath (South West England) 1 hour 30 minutes Manchester Piccadilly to Windermere, Lake District (North West England) 1 hour 40 minutes Edinburgh Waverley to Balloch, Loch Lomond (Scotland) 2 hours London Euston to Buxton, Peak District (North West England) 2 hours 50 minutes London Euston to Llandudno Junction (Wales) 3 hours London Euston to Windermere, Lake District via Oxenholme (North West England) 3 hours 30 minutes London Paddington to St Ives, Cornwall (South West England) 5 hours 30 minutes

Wastwater, Lake District England Rail in Britain

Heritage rail

Exploring Britain by rail Heritage rail Scenic journeys BritRail Fairbourne Steam Railway Rail itineraries , North Wales Rail in Britain

Heritage rail 1/2 What is heritage rail?

South Railway

In Britain, heritage railways are often railway lines which “A country that forgets its were once run as commercial railways, but were taken over or re-opened by volunteers or non-profit organisations. past has no future” A typical British will use steam trains to create a “period atmosphere”. They run seasonally and, as Sir Winston Churchill a result, they are exclusively focused on serving the tourist and leisure markets.

Product examples:

Scotland - The Jacobite in West Highlands The journey goes through some of Scotland’s most splendid scenery. Starting in Fort William, it travels along the shores of Loch Eil, stops for half an hour at Glenfinnan and continues to Mallaig, where there is a ferry service to the . The highlight of the journey is . The Jacobite Steam Train is renowned for appearing in the Harry Potter films.

Wales - Ffestiniog & Welsh Railways The is the oldest independent railway company in the world - founded by an Act of Parliament in 1832.

Visitors to the railway can enjoy the outstanding natural beauty of as they pass through areas inaccessible by road and undisturbed by the sights and sounds of modern life. You can start your journey at Porthmadog in Wales. Rail in Britain

Heritage rail 2/2 What is heritage rail? cont.

South West England - The South Devon Railway It is one of Devon’s best loved tourist attractions and is the longest established steam railway in the South West.

The South Devon Railway was built in 1872 and runs for seven miles along the stunning valley of the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes.

There are regular direct trains that connect from London to Totnes in three hours.

South West England - The West Railway This is the longest heritage line in Britain. The line is situated four miles from Taunton, starting at and finishing at .

The line meanders through the , an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and along the Bristol Channel coast. They have 10 stations along the line, each offering something different to offer. Regular direct trains run from London.

The nearest mainline railway station to the Railway is Taunton (takes between 1 hr 40 mins and 2 hrs 30 mins). The bus link between there and the is operated by First Somerset and Avon bus service 28. The stop is Bishops Lydeard.

Northern England - The original North Moors Railway Opening in 1836. It runs for 18 miles between the village of Pickering and the coastal town of Whitby, and claims to be the busiest heritage railway in the world.

As well as the fine views of the North York Moors National Park, attractions close to the line include Pickering Castle and station, which doubles for Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter movies, as well as the seaside delights of Whitby.

There are trains from London to Pickering Eastgate via York.

The journey takes 3 hours 45 minutes and you change at York, so this is a great opportunity to explore the beautiful city of York and its many attractions. Rail in Britain

Scenic journeys

Exploring Britain by rail Heritage rail Scenic journeys BritRail Rail itineraries North Wales Rail in Britain

Scenic journeys 1/2 Scenic journeys

Snowdon Mountain Railway Snowdonia, North Wales

Travelling by train is one of the most scenic and relaxing ways to discover the real Britain.

Scotland - Glasgow to Mallaig A stunning tour that passes through film locations from movies such as Skyfall, Harry Potter and Highlander. A journey described by many as one of the great railway journeys of the world. The train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, known globally for its remarkable engineering and, perhaps more importantly, as the way to Harry Potter’s .

This can be done as a point-to-point ticket or, if you want to explore more of Scotland, it may be more cost effective to purchase the BritRail Scottish Highlands Pass, or BritRail Spirit of Scotland Pass.

For more information please visit the Visit Britain online shop for tickets.

Northern England - Carlisle to Settle First opening to passengers in 1876, the Settle–Carlisle line takes in 20 viaducts, 14 tunnels and countless beautiful vistas along its 72-mile track. This historic line travels across the stunning Pennine Hills, Eden Valley and the Yorkshire Dales, showcasing the English countryside at its best. The Ribblehead Viaduct along this route has also featured in Harry Potter films. Rail in Britain

Scenic journeys 2/2 Scenic journeys cont.

Northern England & Scotland - Newcastle to Edinburgh North of Alnwick, one section of the London to Edinburgh mainline hugs the rugged coastline. It sweeps along cliffs that rise above the Northumbrian coast and passes by Lindisfarne before reaching Berwick-upon-Tweed and on to Scotland.

North Wales - to Porthmadog & Blaenau Ffestiniog By combining the Ffestiniog and West Highland Railways, you can now travel 33 miles from Blaenau Ffestiniog via Porthmadog to Caernarfon in Wales by rail, while enjoying the outstanding scenery of Snowdonia. The route goes through Aberglaslyn Pass (voted the ‘most scenic view in the UK’ by members of the National Trust) and passes to the west of Snowdon offering breathtaking views.

Rather than walking, you can enjoy the ride to the summit of Snowdon by mountain railway, built in 1896. You can then enjoy the wonderful views from the summit and see the visitor centre.

South West England - St Erth to St Ives This journey is only 15 minutes long but the memories will last a lifetime. Enjoy the spectacular views from the train window as the line sweeps along the coast past the golden sands of Hayle Towans and Carbis Bay before arriving in St Ives.

The route is part of the London - St Ives train journey to Cornwall and St Erth is the only change required.

Hope Valley Line: Manchester to Sheffield From the bustle of Manchester, the carries you through the lovely valley of the River Goyt and alongside the Peak Forest Canal, then through the foothills of the majestic Pennine Hills. The train climbs up into the Pennines through thick forest until it leaves the Cowburn Tunnel at the line’s summit, treating you to incredible views over the surrounding countryside. Then it gets even better as you ride down through the Vale of , a magnificent valley of green patchworked fields, before climbing away from the River Derwent and descending into Sheffield. Rail in Britain

BritRail

Exploring Britain by rail Heritage rail Scenic journeys BritRail Rail itineraries Scotland Rail in Britain

BritRail 1/9 BritRail Passes - the facts

Caledonian Sleeper London to Scotland

What is a BritRail Pass? There are some restrictions on BritRail Passes. A BritRail Pass is a ticket that allows you unlimited travel by • BritRail Passes are not valid on the London Underground train within the zones of Great Britain (excluding Northern or buses Ireland) and gives you the option to choose the number of • The BritRail GB Pass is not valid on Eurostar services, though days of travel. discounted tickets are available

• The BritRail Passes are not valid on any buses or ferries Who can use one? except for: BritRail Spirit of Scotland Pass; BritRail Scottish BritRail Passes are only available to overseas tourists visiting Highlands Pass Britain; this does not include international students who are • A First Class BritRail Pass gives you access to all First Class studying in the UK for more than six months. facilities on the trains, however, it is not valid to be used in any First Class lounges at stations. Do they offer value for money? Yes, they offer fantastic value for money. Huge savings can be made with the BritRail Pass when compared to buying individual tickets for each journey. Travelling with the BritRail Pass can Bristol Temple Meads cost as little as £14.17 per day on a youth pass or £17.70 on an railway station adult pass.

Where can you buy a BritRail Pass? ACP and the VisitBritain online shop.

How far in advance can you book? All BritRail Passes are available to purchase 11 months in advance. Take advantage of the BritRail England M-Pass and travel with your pass on your mobile phone.

Can I book a seat with a BritRail Pass? To make a reservation with a BritRail Pass you need to take your BritRail Pass to the station that you are going to travel from and the travel centre will make the seat reservations for you (for a small fee).

Rail in Britain

BritRail 2/9 Advantages of BritRail Passes

Glasgow Central railway station Scotland

The BritRail Pass is priced extremely With a BritRail Pass you can take unlimited journeys around Britain on both peak and off-peak trains. You can travel competitively and offers great value for wherever you like, whenever you like on each day that your money, especially if you intend to travel pass is valid. Overnight sleeper trains are included - from London to Scotland (with full BritRail Pass only) for an extended period of time. and , from London to Penzance, Cornwall, but you are required to make a reservation for a sleeping berth in advance.

You’re able to get a free child pass when an adult or senior pass is purchased (applies to certain passes, please check when booking). Any additional child passes are available at 50% of adult price.

With a BritRail Pass each full paying adult or senior can take one child 5-15 free of charge.

Youth and senior discounts apply to most BritRail Passes, however, please check the conditions of each pass as some do not give youth or senior discounts.

Are there any further discounts available? Yes, beyond youth and senior discounts, BritRail Passes have the following discounts: • Saver Pass: groups of 3 – 9 people travelling get 20% off their pass • Low season discount: during the low season months (winter) BritRail Passes are discounted • ‘Free Day’ promotion: for a limited period, a free day is added Insider tips to passes purchased between certain times. Many attractions in Britain offer 2 for 1 entry offers with a valid BritRail Pass. This is not at the same time every year, so keep watching the homepage! www.britrail.com Rail in Britain

BritRail 3/9 Types of BritRail Passes

Forth Bridge Scotland

There are different types of BritRail Pass to Consecutive or Flexi Pass? suit every option required. BritRail Passes Consecutive Pass can cover all areas of Britain or you can BritRail passes allow you to travel for as many days as you choose continuously in a row. For example, an eight day purchase a pass specific to a region. Consecutive Pass that starts on 11th February will expire at the end of 18th February, making eight straight days of travel. Areas covered include country specific BritRail options for individual travel around England and Scotland, then This pass will suit you if you’re taking several day trips from a regionally focused passes including a South West England central base, or you want to see a lot of different places in a Pass, a London Plus Pass (covering London and the South East), short amount of time. a Freedom of Scotland Pass, a Scottish Highlands Pass and a Central Scotland Pass. Flexi Pass Click here to view the BritRail routes map BritRail passes allow you to travel for as many days as you choose within one month. For example an eight-day Flexi Pass BritRail Spirit of Scotland Pass that starts on 11th February will expire on 10th March and you BritRail Central Scotland Pass have eight individual days of travel (of your choice) to use BritRail Pass between these dates. BritRail England Pass BritRail London Plus Pass This pass will suit you if you want to stop in different places and BritRail South West Pass relax for a few days before moving on or you want the freedom to change your travel plans last minute.

A train Rail in Britain

BritRail 4/9 BritRail FAQs

Virgin Train

Where can I find train timetables? Is there a luggage restriction with BritRail Passes? For information regarding train times, please visit National Rail Customers are able to carry three pieces of luggage free Enquiries. This website can be used for planning trips by train in of charge (two large items and one small briefcase). Excess the UK. All you need to do is type in where you want to go from luggage and bulky items may be carried subject to available and where you would like to travel to, with the date you intend space and charge. to travel. This will bring up all the necessary details you will need, including train times, prices, if the service is direct or if Can I get a discount on Eurostar services? any changes are needed, facilities on board etc. No, Eurostar is not included in the BritRail Pass range. However, a discount may be available by showing your BritRail Pass when Do I need to make a seat reservation? booking at the Eurostar ticket office on the day of travel. It is not essential to reserve seats on all trains. Generally speaking it is only really necessary to make reservations if you Some BritRail Passes are valid for one month… plan to travel on a popular route (e.g. London to Edinburgh) at but how long is a month? a peak time (e.g. weekdays 06:30 - 09:30 and 16:30 - 18:00). A month on the National Rail network is a calendar month. For example a pass that starts on 11th February will expire To make a reservation with a BritRail Pass you need to take on 10th March. your pass to the station that you are going to travel from and the ticket office will make the seat reservation.

Seats can be purchased online in advance for a small fee at ACP Rail.

Can I use my BritRail Pass on the Heathrow/Gatwick /Stansted Express? Yes you can, if it is covered within the zone, but please be aware that this will be considered as a day of travel. Passes are not valid on airport transfers by bus.

Great Western Railway Rail in Britain

BritRail 5/9 Validating your BritRail Pass

CrossCountry trains

A BritRail Flexi Pass must be validated at a ticket office at a station and this pass will be stamped to start its validity.

BritRail England M-Pass mobile passes do not need to be validated. Once downloaded, you can travel.

Depending on which pass you have purchased, you have one or two months in which to use your selected flexi days.

On each subsequent day of Flexi Pass travel you must fill in the date of travel on your pass before boarding a train. You can then board the train and, if asked, please show your pass to the ticket inspector.

A BritRail Consecutive Pass is activated when the pass has been validated at a ticket office. One day is valid from 00:00 - 24:00. For night sleeper trains the following day’s date must be used (this is the same for both Flexi and Consecutive passes). London Waterloo Rail in Britain

BritRail 7/9 Point-to-point tickets

Glasgow Central railway station Scotland

If planning a trip, try and book well in advance to obtain the cheapest possible fare. You can buy tickets three months in advance.

How will you collect the ticket? Once your e-ticket order has been processed, you will receive a receipt by email with a confirmation code. You can retrieve your physical ticket simply by inserting your card you purchased your ticket on and typing the code in a ticket collection machine at the station before boarding.

Anytime tickets are fully flexible with no time restrictions so you can travel on any train even at peak times.

Advance tickets are available in limited numbers and offer better prices the more you book in advance. Travel must be made on the date, time and train specified on the ticket.

Off-peak tickets are valid on any off-peak train on the date shown on the ticket. Off-peak hours vary depending on the train operator but are usually between 9:30 and 16:00 or after 19:00. Rail in Britain

BritRail 8/9 Point-to-point ticket flexibility

Devon to Folkestone Railway South coast, England

If you would like to have a fully flexible ticket with no time restrictions, so you can travel on any train even at peak times, then choose ticket on departure and reservation - Anytime.

If you are booking your ticket well in advance and are ready to commit to travel on a specific date, time and train, then choose ticket on departure and reservation - Advance to take advantage of these lower-cost tickets, available in limited numbers.

If you plan on avoiding the rush hours and want some flexibility as to the train you wish to take on your selected date, then choose ticket on departure and reservation - Off-Peak.

Off-Peak hours vary for each train operator but are usually between 9:30 and 16:00 and after 19:00. Rail in Britain

BritRail 9/9 Information on international sales licencees

West Highland Line Scotland

ACP sells UK BritRail Passes in the respective international markets; www.acprail.com/rail-passes/britrail

ACP - North America, South America, Australasia, China, Japan, South Korea, , Middle East, Europe Rail in Britain

Rail itineraries

Exploring Britain by rail Heritage rail Scenic journeys BritRail Ribblehead Viaduct, Settle Rail itineraries Carlisle train route - Photography by Colin Barker Rail in Britain

Rail itineraries 1/9 Rail itineraries

St Michael’s Mount Cornwall

From the Scottish Highlands to the sunny Rail itineraries South West, we’ve picked some of the best Northern Heritage and Countryside places in the UK to discover by train. Check out our rail itineraries for inspiration on what Snowdonia to see and do when you arrive. Heritage Cities

Any attractions highlighted and underlined Best of the South West in this section are available to buy on Scottish Highlands Adventure the VisitBritain online shop. Please click the individual link for information and to purchase tickets.

Loch Ness Scotland Rail in Britain

Rail itineraries 2/9 Northern Heritage and Countryside rail itinerary

Lake District England

An incredibly scenic tour of Northern England, starting with the breathtaking Lake District, historical Hadrian’s Wall, Newcastle’s vibrant nightlife and the Roman walled city of York dating back to 71 AD. For more information please see full itinerary.

8-9 days

Destinations along the train route: Lake District (change at Oxenholme for Windermere), Newcastle, Durham, York

Attractions in and around destinations: UNESCO World Heritage -listed Hadrian’s Wall, Alnwick Castle, Castle Howard, York Dungeon, Ghost Bus Tour of York, York Pass, City Sightseeing - York, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Durham Lake District Castle and Cathedral. England Link to: BritRail GB Pass

Did you know - Train times: Manchester Piccadilly - Windermere, Lake District 1hr 45mins Windermere, Lake District - Carlisle 1hr 5mins Carlisle - Newcastle 1hr 30mins Newcastle - York 1hr York - Manchester? 1hr 25mins If you wish to start in London: Hadrian’s Wall London - Lake District 3hrs 30mins Rail in Britain

Rail itineraries 3/9 Snowdonia rail itinerary

Bala Lake, Snowdonia North Wales

Llandudno, Wales is only three hours hrs by train from London Euston (direct). From Llandudno there is a huge array of adventure activities, from zip lining to surfing in an artificial reef. Not forgetting trampolining in underground caves, mountain biking, hiking and a host of other outdoor activities. For more information please see full itinerary.

4 days

Destinations along the train route: Llandudno, Conwy, Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia National Park

Attractions in and around destinations: Conwy Castle, Surf Snowdonia, Go Below, Zip World - Bounce Below

Conwy Castle

Did you know - Train times: London Euston - Llandudno Junction 3hrs Llandudno Junction - Betws-y-Coed 30 mins Betws-y-Coed - Llandudno Junction 30 mins

Bounce Below Llandudno Junction - London Euston 3hrs Rail in Britain

Rail itineraries 4/9 Heritage Cities rail itinerary

Edinburgh Scotland

Our five-day railway itinerary takes you on a whistle-stop tour of some of the country’s historical highlights, from the spectacular Norman relics of Lincoln to the Viking heritage of York and all the way north to the medieval gems of Edinburgh. For more information please see full itinerary.

5 days

Destinations along the train route: Lincoln, York, Durham, Edinburgh

Attractions in and around destinations:

Lincoln: Lincoln Cathedral York: Ghost Bus Tour of York, York Pass, City Sightseeing - York, York Dungeon, York Cathedral Edinburgh: UNESCO World Heritage -listed Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Dungeon, Edinburgh Historic Vaults Walking Tour, Historic Scotland passes, Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh, Royal Yacht Britannia, City Sightseeing - Edinburgh Bus Tour. Link to: BritRail GB Pass

Did you know - Train times: London King’s Cross - Lincoln 2hrs 15 mins Lincoln - York 1hr 20 mins York - Durham 45 mins Durham - Edinburgh Waverley 1 hr 50 mins Edinburgh Waverley - London King’s Cross 4hrs 20 mins Rail in Britain

Rail itineraries 5/9 Best of the South West rail itinerary

St Ives to St Erth railway line Cornwall

This itinerary mixes historic cities, coastal towns and iconic attractions. Bath for stunning architecture, Bristol for the art scene, St Austell for the Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan and St Ives for beautiful beaches and an abundance of art galleries. For more information please see full itinerary.

Destinations along the train route: Bath, Bristol, St Austell, St Ives

Attractions in and around destinations:

Bath: City Sightseeing - Bath, Bristol: SS Great Britain, street art tours, ferry trips St Austell, Cornwall: Eden Project, The Lost Gardens Royal Crescent of Heligan Bath St Ives, Cornwall: - Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, Tate St Ives, surfing and SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) lessons Around St Ives: - St Michael’s Mount, Minack Theatre, Land’s End Link to: BritRail South West Pass

Did you know - Train times: London Paddington - Bath 1hr 30 mins Bath - Bristol 15 mins Bristol - St Austell 3 hrs St Austell - St Ives 1 hr 10 mins Minack Theatre Cornwall St Ives - London Paddington 5 hrs 50mins Rail in Britain

Rail itineraries 6/9 Scottish Highlands Adventure rail itinerary

Loch Ness Scotland

The unique landscape of Scotland can be explored through the Scottish Highlands Adventure itinerary. Edinburgh is an ever-changing hub steeped in history, with Edinburgh Castle looming majestically over the city. Perth is the next stop, with Scone Palace a must-see for any visitor, and then finally arriving in Inverness. Inverness is the main hub for explorers and from here you have easy access to Loch Ness tours for monster spotting! For more information please see full itinerary.

Destinations along the train route: Edinburgh, Perth, Inverness

Attractions in and around destinations:

Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Historic Vaults Walking Tour, Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh, Royal Yacht Britannia, City Sightseeing - Edinburgh Bus Tour Perth Scotland Perth: Scone Palace

Inverness: Loch Ness, wildlife watching on Moray Firth

Link to: BritRail Spirit of Scotland Pass

Did you know - Train times: London King’s Cross - Edinburgh 4 hrs 20 mins Edinburgh - Perth 1hr 20 mins

Loch Ness Perth - Inverness 2hrs 15 mins Scotland Inverness - Edinburgh 3hrs 30mins Rail in Britain

Rail itineraries 7/9 Example day trips from London by rail

London

London has a vast array of one day trips from London by rail. Explore these exciting destinations by train from London. All are less than two hours’ travel time and showcase the best Britain has to offer in terms of history, culture, architecture and shopping:

Bath - 1 hour 30 mins from London by train - is a world- Thermae Bath Spa famous city and designated UNESCO World Heritage site, set in the beautiful countryside of South West England. Bath is the only place in the UK where you can bathe in naturally hot spa water, making it the ideal location for a spa break. Spend time wondering the quaint streets and gaze in wonder at the 18th century Georgian architecture.

Other attractions include: Roman Baths, Thermae Bath Spa, Jane Austen ’s House Museum, Royal Crescent.

Brighton - 1 hour from London by train - is an English coastal resort town south of London and very popular for day trippers. The shingle beach is a short walk from the train station and is surrounded by Regency-era (early 1800s) buildings.

Brighton is renowned for its architecture, art scene, shopping and festivals. Other attractions include: British Airways i360, Brighton Royal Pavilion, Brighton SEA LIFE Centre and Sightseeing Tour of Brighton.

Brighton Beach Rail in Britain

Rail itineraries 8/9 Example day trips from London by rail cont.

Canterbury - 1 hour 30 mins from London by train - is a UNESCO World Heritage site including Canterbury Cathedral, founded in 597 AD, St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church.

Experience Canterbury’s heritage and historical past and the splendid architecture throughout the city. Ancient walls, originally built by the Romans, encircle its medieval centre with cobbled streets and timber-framed houses.

Canterbury Cathedral

Cambridge - 1 hour from London by train - is home to the world-famous Cambridge University and has many museums and galleries. Admire the architecture and majestic college buildings. Explore the quaint streets and historic marketplace and punt down the river with Cambridge Self Punting Hire.

Other attractions include; Cambridge River Tours, Cambridge Day Tour, Sightseeing Cambridge Bus Tour. Punting Cambridge

Oxford - 1 hour from London by train - is another renowned city with a university dating back to the 12th century and boasting 38 colleges around the city. WIth its mix of ancient and modern, its many historic buildings, colleges and musuems, great restaurants, bars and shopping, Oxford has it all.

Other attractions include; Oxford Castle, Oxford Day Tour, Oxford University and City Tour, City Sightseeing - Oxford.

Oxford city centre

Salisbury for Stonehenge - 1 hr 25 mins from London Waterloo by train and then 30-minute tour bus to Stonehenge from the train station - Salisbury is a beautiful medieval city in Wiltshire and a city where Romans, Normans and Saxons have all left their mark. Stonehenge is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, with Stonehenge believed to have been constructed between 3,000 BC and 2,000 BC.

Other attractions include: Golden Tours - Bath, Stonehenge Stonehenge and Salisbury and Evan Evans Tours - Salisbury, Stonehenge & Bath. Rail in Britain

Rail itineraries 9/9 Example day trips from London cont.

Winchester - 1 hour from from London Waterloo by train - is a city in the county of Hampshire, on the edge of England’s South Downs National Park. It’s known for medieval Winchester Cathedral, and is the birthplace of the modern game of cricket and resting place of Jane Austen.

Winchester

Warwick - 1 hour 30 mins from from London Marylebone by train or 30 mins from Birmingham train - lies in the heart of England and is famous for its very popular castle. Warwickshire, the surrounding area, was named sixth best destination in Europe by Lonely Planet in 2016.

Warwick Castle

York - 1 hour 50 mins from London King’s Cross or 1 hr 20 mins from Manchester Piccadilly by train - a medieval city surrounded by a 13th century wall and steeped in centuries of history. With York Minster, the largerst medieval cathedral in Northern Europe.

Other attractions include: Ghost Bus Tour of York, York Pass, City Sightseeing - York, York Dungeon

The Shambles York

Stratford-upon-Avon – 2 hours from London Stratford-upon-Avon Marylebone or 45 mins from Birmingham Moor Street by train – a market town with more than 800 years of history and best-known as the birthplace of Shakespeare. Many of the original buildings are still intact, so immerse yourself and imagine you are walking the streets alongside the famous playwright himself!

Other attractions include: Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage