It is obvious to say that the United Kingdom has some historic railways. In fact, Britain is the birthplace of the great train travel. So it is no surprise that the country boasts some of the best historic rail trips. Here you can travel on some of the first routes ever, including the Bishop Line, and other great accomplishments of early British engineers. From the Forth and Tay Bridges between Edinburgh and Aberdeen, and Edinburgh to the viaducts of the Penistone Line, you can go back in time both inside the train and out its windows.
Bishop Line
From historic Stockton and Darlington railway to Bishop Aukland in just 27 minutes, you can enjoy a relaxing journey, admire the rich heritage, and take in a gorgeous landscape along the way. Nowadays, the line is primarily taken for its historic significance. This was the first public passenger route in the UK and it still in use today. On the trip you will pass over Skerne Bridge, which was constructed in 1825 and is the oldest railway bridge still being used. You will be able to see the locomotive that hauled the first train on the line at the Head of Steam Museum. Anyone who is nostalgic for old rail travel will love this trip. It’s easy, historic, and fun.
Bentham Line
The Bentham Line is nestled in scenic Yorkshire and the Lancashire countryside. Operating from Leeds to Morecambe, the route is located two hours and 15 minutes from London and under an hour from Manchester. For about £30 you will be able to travel along another early railway lines that was opened in 1850. The 75 mile journey moves from the heart of West Yorkshire through the beautiful Aire, Ribble, Wenning, and Lune valleys, you will travel through the Forest of Bowland before reaching the equally gorgeous shores of Morecambe Bay. This trip combines history with spectacular scenery, you won’t be disappointed.
West Highland Line
Travelling through Scotland’s ruggedly beautiful landscape that is the Highlands on a steam locomotive is an experience of a lifetime. Another journey that combines old-style rail travel with grand landscapes, the Jacobite train encounters mountain hillside and lakes that shimmer in the sun. The route’s extension to Mallaid was finished over a century ago.
At the time it was one of the best ways to access the remote area, and it has continued to service passengers ever since. The perfect way to catch a glimpse of amazing Scottish nature, the West Highland Line enables you to do so as the first commercial passengers did. It has been so successful that according to the specialists at MoneyPug, the site used to compare holidays, riding through the Scottish Highlands on an old steamer is one of the most popular train trips in the UK.
Borders Railway
Going between Edinburg to Tweedbank, ride the Borders Railway to catch a snapshot of Scottish history. Leaving the Scottish capital, you pass through historic mining villages including Newtongrange and Gorebridge. Then the line moves into the beautiful rolling hills of the Scottish Borders that were once home to famed author Sir Walter Scott. This route is a great way to experience Scottish history but it also offers many other options for things to do and see.
The Flying Scotsman Route from London to Edinburgh
Are you planning to visit both England and Scotland on your trip to the UK? One of the best ways to get between the capital cities of London and Edinburgh is to ride the Flying Scotsman. An old steam locomotive, the train departs in London and passes many notable landmarks on its 630km route to Edinburgh. For about four and a half hours, you will cross country fields, charming coastlines, and unique cities. You will also see the Angel of the North near Newcastle. This line is not only a productive way to get from London to the Scottish capital, it is scenic. You also get the chance to ride on an old British train.
Wherever you are headed, there are historic train routes for you to enjoy rugged landscape and the cultural heritage of the Isles. Riding old trains is a pleasure few get to realize, take advantage of the UK’s historic routes and plan your dream journey today.