12 Magical Fall Train Rides in the UK That Will Make You Love the Season Even More

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Compared to other countries, the United Kingdom may only be tiny. However, that doesn’t stop us from having one of Europe’s best rail systems. From the first steam trains to today’s high-speed rail networks, the railway has always been a massive part of British culture. As such, you can get almost anywhere in the country by train.

Having lived in the United Kingdom my entire life, I can tell you that fall is the best time to take a train ride in the UK. Across the country, you can expect breathtaking scenery, lush fall foliage, and spectacular landscapes. Here are 12 fall train rides in the UK to show you what you’re missing.

The Caledonian Sleeper, London to Scotland

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The most iconic train ride in the United Kingdom is the Caledonian Sleeper, which offers multiple services between London and Scotland. This service and the Night Riviera service are the only sleeper trains in the UK. This route connects London to various places in Scotland, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, and Aberdeen.

If you take the Caledonian Sleeper train all the way to the Scottish Highlands, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Scotland’s impressive landscapes. You’ll also pass through Northern England, which is also home to many beautiful landscapes. In fact, this is a fantastic train to take if you want to see much of the UK in one train journey.

Settle to Carlisle, England

The Settle to Carlisle train ride, which can be undertaken by steam or electric train, is easily one of the most scenic train rides in the United Kingdom. Over one-third of the train journey weaves through the magnificent Yorkshire Dales National Park and North Pennines, where you’ll find a vast countryside laden with fall foliage, farmland, and rolling hills.

The fun doesn’t stop there, as this train ride also passes other hidden gems, such as the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Flamborough cliffs. An added bonus, the Settle to Carlisle train also crosses the imposing Ribblehead Viaduct, which stands 101 feet (31 meters) tall and spans 1,312 feet (400 meters).

Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales

The Ffestiniog Railway was established in 1832, making it the world’s oldest independent railway company. Today, you can ride the full length of the railway by taking a four-hour steam railway ride from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog. I’ve personally taken this train journey and can’t rate it highly enough.

Everything from the 150-year-old steam locomotive you ride and the fresh breeze that hits your face through the open window to Wales’s gorgeous countryside and towering mountain peaks is out-of-this-world. Better yet, in the fall, this train route is lined by mesmerizing fall foliage that gives the landscape a new lease of life. Keep your eyes peeled for Llyn Ystradau, the Moelwynion Mountains, and the charming Tan-y-Bwlch station.

Snowdon Mountain Railway, Wales

If you’re looking for something a little different, you could ride the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the top of Mount Snowdon, the tallest mountain in Wales. A much more relaxing way to reach the summit of Mount Snowdon, this memorable heritage railway offers awe-inspiring views, laid-back vibes, and an insight into the mountain’s history.

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The journey to the summit, which stands at 3,559 feet (1,085 meters), takes approximately 60 minutes and passes through the Snowdonia National Park. At the top, visitors are given 30 minutes to explore, take photographs, and grab a hot chocolate before the locomotive takes them back to the mountain’s base. However, it’s essential to know the train’s last day of operation before closing for the winter is October 27th.

Coleraine to Londonderry, Northern Ireland

The next United Kingdom fall train ride on our list is the Coleraine to Londonderry train route in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is often praised for its beautiful landscapes, charming towns, and picturesque coastlines, so finding one of the nation’s most scenic train journeys is not surprising.

The Coleraine to Londonderry train ride only takes 40 minutes, but it offers incredible views. Actor and train enthusiast Michael Palin once called the route “one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world.” You’ll be treated to long golden sand beaches and deep blue waters on one side. On the other, you’ll see vibrant coastal towns, lush meadows and fields, and verdant cliffs.

British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England

If you want to travel in style, take a train ride on Belmond’s British Pullman train. This luxurious train offers an incredible fall experience, with magnificent countryside views, an autumnal food menu, and dazzling carriages from the 1920’s. If that doesn’t sound impressive, I don’t know what will.

The train also throws special autumn events, such as a murder mystery, Sunday lunch, and Champagne afternoon tea. You can take many trips on the British Pullman train from London Victoria. Popular destinations include Kent, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, and Surrey. The only downside of this train ride is how expensive it is. It’s not uncommon for journeys on this train to cost over $660 per person.

Exeter to Paignton, England

Departing from Exeter city center, the Exeter to Paignton train ride on the Riviera Line in Southern England hugs the Exe Estuary, offering travelers mind-blowing coastal views, wildlife spotting opportunities, and close-up views of England’s rugged coastline. This route is a must for travelers who want to explore the English seaside in the fall.

Besides the excellent coastal views and potential otter, seal, and seabird sightings, this train ride allows you to visit beautiful British seaside spots like Dawlish, Teignmouth, Torquay, and Paignton. In autumn, the trees and cliff faces that line the track take on a stunning fall color. You can expect red, orange, yellow, and green fall foliage.

Cheltenham to Broadway, England

Between Cheltenham and Broadway, the Gloucester Warwickshire Railway offers quaint steam railway train rides that allow tourists to explore the Cotswolds, a region in England best known for its charming villages, picturesque towns, and lush landscapes. The journey between Cheltenham and Broadway is 28 miles (45 kilometers) long, and it takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to travel from A to B.

The route uses part of the former Great Western Railway’s main line and also operates regular diesel trains. During the journey, you’ll pass sleepy hamlets, scenic villages, and outstanding natural landscapes like the Malvern Hills. Other notable points of interest along the track include Toddington and Winchcombe.

London Paddington to Penzance, England

Imagine leaving London at midnight, traveling through the night towards Cornwall, and waking up around 7 am for a glorious sunset in the beautiful Cornish countryside. You can do just that on the Night Riviera Sleeper train from London Paddington to Penzance. This train journey takes approximately eight hours.

During those eight hours, you’ll have plenty of time to sleep before you want to start looking out of the window at the picturesque scenery and breathtaking English coastline. As the morning sun rises, you can expect lush fall-colored landscapes, exceptional coastal views, and verdant cliffs. You can also do this journey the other way, but the late departure times mean you won’t see as much.

Fort William to Mallaig, Scotland

Best Hikes in UK for Fall Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail, Glenfinnan, Scotland — © Abraham / Adobe Stock

The train ride from Fort William in the Western Scottish Highlands to Mallaig on the West Coast is epic. Widely considered the world’s greatest railway journey, this train ride sees you ride the Jacobite Steam Train on an 84-mile (135-kilometer) round trip, passing exceptional Scottish landscapes covered in fall foliage.

However, the main draw to this train ride is the Glenfinnan Viaduct. For those who don’t know, Glenfinnan Viaduct is a railway viaduct on the West Highland Line. It spans approximately 1,000 feet (304 meters) and is famous for being the viaduct the Hogwarts Express crosses in the Harry Potter films. Picturesque landscapes, fall foliage, and Harry Potter filming locations, what more could we ask for?

Sheringham to Holt, England

The penultimate train ride on our list is the Sheringham to Holt steam train in North Norfolk. In my opinion, Norfolk is a criminally underrated part of the United Kingdom. The glorious seaside towns, long stretches of breathtaking coastline, and vast forest-covered landscapes it offers are out-of-this-world. This 11-mile (18-kilometer) out-and-back route is a great way to explore the region.

Operating on the Poppy Line, this heritage steam train leaves the Victorian seaside town of Sheringham. It travels along the coast and through the countryside until it reaches the Georgian town of Holt. The views of the region’s coast and fall foliage are incredible. Furthemore, the steam railway runs exciting events in autumn, such as the Autumn Showcase Gala and the Norfolk Lights Express.

Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland

The Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh train service in Scotland is one of the best train journeys for fall. Like the Fort William to Mallaig train ride, this route is renowned for offering travelers impressive countryside views. You can expect 2 hours and 30 minutes of rural bliss and Scottish adventure.

You’ll pass scenic lochs, dense forests, rolling hills, and tall mountains. As you would expect from Scotland, come September, you’ll also be treated to an array of fall colors. Considering how beautiful this train ride is, it won’t set you back an arm and a leg. You can purchase a one-way ticket on this train for less than $25. Trust me, that’s very reasonable for the UK.