Top 10 Stunning Places to Visit in England by Train (No Car Needed): A Complete Guide

England is a place full of history, beautiful coastlines, and lively cities. Even though driving may be the easy way out, the railway system in the UK is one of the most picturesque and efficient forms of travel there is. Be it the stunning coast of Cornwall or the charming streets of Yorkshire, all you have to do is get to some of the best places that this beautiful nation has to offer without having to face the hassles of driving or parking your car. As a solo traveler, romantic couple, or an adventurous family, traveling by train is all you need to experience England at its very best.

Why Choose Train Travel for Exploring England?

Before exploring the places, it is worthwhile mentioning how one can begin their journey. It may be a common misconception that one needs a car to get to train stations. If you are in Hertfordshire, there are many ways to get connected to the rail lines. You can use local transportation means like Taxis In Hemel Hempstead to get to the railway station, which gives direct trains to London Euston. While aboard the train, one does not need to worry about traffic, as they can relax and use the free internet service available on most trains.

1. York: The Ultimate Medieval Gem

Why travel by train? York Railway Station is a Victorian wonder that lies outside the city walls within five minutes' walk of The Shambles and York Minster.

Getting off at York Railway Station is like stepping straight out of history. The National Railway Museum is right next to the station (entry is free) and should be the first port of call when visiting the city. One can tour the entire city center without taking a bus anywhere. Tourist attractions include the Jorvik Viking Centre, Clifford's Tower, and ghost walks through the snickelways (tiny streets). For those who love their food, there is always Shambles Market, which sells Yorkshire pudding wraps and artisan coffee.

Train tips: Direct trains from London King's Cross (less than two hours), Edinburgh (2.5 hours) and Manchester (one hour and a half).

2. The Lake District: Nature’s Masterpiece

Why travel by train? Windermere Railway Station acts as the entrance point to England’s largest National Park with buses and ferry services available just outside the station.

One would not claim to be a tourist of England without having seen the calm waters of Lake Windermere or the peaks surrounding Ambleside. Traveling by train from Oxenholme to Windermere takes just half an hour through the scenic route passing through beautiful landscapes. After arriving at the station, one can travel by open top bus to Bowness-on-Windermere where one can rent a row boat or take steamers to Brockhole. In addition, one can hike Orrest Head Viewpoint using the train station storage for their hiking luggage.

Traveler’s Tip: Transfer at Oxenholme station (London-Manchester-Glasgow). The branch train service runs to Windermere once an hour.

3. Brighton: The Quintessential Seaside Escape

Why travel by train? The train station is situated at the top of the city, but a short descent (or an extremely inexpensive bus ride) will take you to the famous pier and the shingle beach.

The town is weird, lively, and unabashedly entertaining. It only takes an hour to get to Brighton via the train station from Victoria, making it the ideal spot for a day trip. You will be able to discover the unusual style of the Royal Pavilion, do some retail therapy through the quaint North Laines, or have some fish and chips along West Pier. If you’re seeking something unique, then hop on the British Airways i360, a cable car that goes up to 450 feet into the air. The station is your starting point for getting a taxi to the Devils Dyke.

Train tip: Southern Rail and Thameslink trains operate to Brighton regularly. Avoid rush hour times (8-10 AM) for less expensive fares.

4. Bath: Roman Spas and Georgian Elegance

Why travel by rail? Bath Spa railway station takes its name from the spa waters of Bath and is a mere 10 minutes’ walk from the Roman Baths.

The historic city of Bath is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites, and it’s reminiscent of a movie set. Your train arrives at a relatively new station, but there’s no denying the historical significance. Head up Manvers Street and marvel at the unique Pulteney Bridge, one of the only bridges in the world with shops constructed into it. Plan to secure a timed entrance pass to the Roman Baths; don’t miss out on trying the hot springs. For those interested in Jane Austen, be sure to visit the Jane Austen Centre, which is merely a 15-minute walk away. Should you be interested in touring the adjacent hills, including the Prior Park Landscape Garden, this is a smooth transition from the station. For example, a service such as Airport Taxi Hemel Hempstead would pick you up at your residence and take you to the airport rail station, but in Bath, you can easily walk about.

Rail travel tip: The Great Western Railway provides direct trains from London Paddington (80 minutes) and Bristol (15 minutes).

5. Cambridge: Punt Along the Backs

Why travel by train? Although Cambridge Station is around one mile away from the center, it is only a 20-minute walk to King’s College. 

Cambridge is known as the university town that exudes elegance and academic prestige. It takes 48 minutes to reach Cambridge Station from London King’s Cross, which makes Cambridge perfect for a day-trip destination. Upon arrival, make sure to take a stroll along the River Cam to rent a punting boat either chauffeur-driven or DIY style. Do not miss visiting the King’s College Chapel with its famous fan vaulting ceiling and the Fitzwilliam Museum. Oxford has more of an atmosphere than Cambridge; however, Cambridge is much more spacious. 

Train travel advice: Cambridge can be reached by Greater Anglia and Great Northern trains. You should use a railcard such as Two Together or Network to get a third off your tickets.

Also read: Beyond the Runway: 10 Breathtakingly Beautiful Places in England You Must Visit

6. The Cotswolds: Honey-Stone Villages (Accessible by Train)

Why not travel by train? Although the Cotswolds countryside may seem remote, Moreton-in-Marsh railway station lies right at the center of the northern Cotswolds area and buses go to Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold.

Is Cotswolds accessible only by private transportation? Absolutely not. Starting from Moreton-in-Marsh railway station, which offers fast trains from London Paddington in 90 minutes, one can use No. 1 bus to reach Bourton-on-the-Water, nicknamed "Venice of the Cotswolds," as well as No. 801 bus to Chipping Campden. The train will travel through the Evenlode Valley with breathtaking views of dry-stone walls and sheep-filled meadows. Hikers can set off along the Monarch’s Way trail straight from the railway station. Enjoy your lunch in Lower Slaughter, considered one of the prettiest villages in England, without worrying about parking meters.

Train traveling hint: There are hourly services. Make sure to check bus timetables for weekends in advance.

7. Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare’s Birthplace

Why take the train?

Stratford-upon-Avon station is a five-minute walk from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Shakespeare’s birthplace.

This market town is considered a holy place for literary enthusiasts. Sometimes, the train ride involves a transfer at Birmingham Moor Street, but the latter part of the trip through the River Avon is enjoyable. On arrival, one can explore Shakespeare’s Birthplace on Henley Street, go sightseeing at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage (by walking for 20 minutes or taking the bus), and enjoy a play performance at the RSC. There is a canal basin near the station where you can hire narrowboats for an hourly fee. For an enchanting experience, walk to Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare rests in peace. The chancel windows shine at sunset.

Train info: West Midlands Railway runs trains from Birmingham (50 minutes). London Marylebone passengers will have to change at Leamington Spa.

8. The Jurassic Coast: Wool to Lulworth Cove

Why travel by train? Wool station provides the humble introduction to the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site with 185 million years of geology.

You cannot travel to Durdle Door via train directly; however, you can access this location very easily. Starting at Wool station (direct from London Waterloo in 2.5 hours), take the No. 30 bus to Lulworth Cove (15 minutes). The journey from the cove to Durdle Door involves a beautiful 1.5-mile cliff-top walk. Otherwise, take a train to Weymouth, a historic seaside town with a sandy beach and charming harbor. The South West Coast Path provides ample opportunities for walking. What makes this journey attractive is that you will skip all the queues for parking cars during summers—the train will drop you off straight away.

Train advice: South Western Railway operates from Wool. Purchase a “PlusBus” ticket for the bus to the coast.

9. Liverpool: The Beatles and Waterfront Revival

Why take the train? Liverpool Lime Street is an elegant terminal in the heart of downtown Liverpool, just two minutes from St George's Hall and the Walker Art Gallery.

There has been a dramatic rebirth in Liverpool. The journey from London Euston is two hours and you arrive in a city that is all about music, culture, and the docks. See The Beatles Story in the Royal Albert Dock, catch the Mersey Ferry, and visit the Cavern Club on Mathew Street. Football lovers can quickly get to Anfield or Goodison Park from Lime Street. The station has great accessibility and luggage storage facilities so you can enjoy yourself hands-free.

Train advice: Avanti West Coast operates regular trains. Search for Superfare tickets if you book in advance for two weeks.

10. Salisbury and Stonehenge

Why travel by train?

Salisbury train station is just one mile away from the famed cathedral, and most significantly, it is where you will catch the bus tour to Stonehenge.

Salisbury Cathedral is home to the largest spire in England (404 ft) and a perfectly preserved copy of the Magna Carta. The train ride from London Waterloo takes you across the beautiful Test Valley region. Upon arrival in Salisbury, all you need to do is take a pleasant walk around the Cathedral Close, which will take about 15 minutes. Afterward, you will board the Stonehenge Tour bus straight from the station forecourt to the visitor center. This is not possible to do via a car ride.

Tip: There are direct trains from South Western Railway, and the ticket comes with an audio guide.

Final Tips for Train Travel in England

In order to enjoy your train journeys to the fullest, you need to book advance singles since two single fares cost less than a round trip. You can use apps such as National Rail Enquiries or Trainline for real-time information. If you plan your travel during weekends, then avoid any engineering work on Friday by referring to the timetable. And keep in mind that traveling is an experience as well. Therefore, you should carry a thermos with tea, find yourself a window seat, and let England’s rail network transport you to all the best destinations this country has to offer.