All Aboard the Scenic Express: Discovering the UK’s Most Picturesque Train Routes
Rail passengers are in for a treat as they will soon have the opportunity to delve into the hidden gems of some of London’s busiest train stations. As part of Railway 200, a year-long celebration commemorating two centuries of train travel in the UK, Network Rail is hosting exclusive tours of London Waterloo, London Victoria, and London Bridge stations.
These tours, guided by railway historian Rachel Kolsky, will accommodate small groups of approximately 15 participants over the course of two hours. Attendees will gain insights into lesser-known areas of each station, enhancing their appreciation of the railway’s rich history.
At London Waterloo, the UK’s third busiest train station, visitors will explore seven distinct areas, including the fascinating London Necropolis Railway, often referred to as the ‘Station of the Dead’. From 1854 until 1941, this service transported an estimated 2,000 bodies annually between Waterloo Station and Brookwood Cemetery. Attendees will also discover the station’s significant role during wartime and its appearances as a filming location. Highlights of the tour include visits to luxurious restaurants and contemporary art installations.
Gerry Kitchener, Head of Managed Stations for the Wessex Route, expressed his excitement: “London Waterloo is steeped in history, and a glimpse of this is available in the old international terminal with a series of vinyl plaques. This tour will expand on that snapshot of its 177-year history, providing an inspirational tale of how the railway grew and adapted over its lifetime. It will also touch on how Waterloo once served as the grand gateway into Great Britain for visitors from the continent, offering a first impression of the country when Eurostar operated from this station.”
For those interested, tours of London Victoria will illuminate the station’s glamorous past, particularly its connections to the renowned Orient Express. Visitors will uncover stories linked to World War One, literature, and a luxury hotel. Similarly, tours of London Bridge will also take place, celebrating the 200-year milestone of train travel in the UK.
The tours last for two hours and are priced at £25 per person, with a maximum of 15 people per tour. Tickets can be easily secured through Eventbrite.
Rail enthusiasts unable to travel to London can still participate in other events commemorating 200 years of train travel. One such event is Inspiration, a unique train that will stop at 60 different train stations throughout the year. Currently being outfitted, this eye-catching train will feature three exhibitions: Railway Firsts, Wonderlab on Wheels, and Your Railway Future. While passengers won’t be able to ride on the three-carriage train, they will have the chance to explore each of the intriguing exhibits on board.
The train is set to kick off its year-long tour at Severn Valley Railway in Kidderminster this coming July. Earlier this year, Sun Travel reflected on two centuries of train travel in the UK, reminiscing about the evolution from rustic seats in roofless ‘cattle trucks’ to the indulgence of six-course meals in First Class.
Sun Travel’s Favorite Train Journeys Around the World
Sun Travel’s journalists have embarked on numerous train journeys during their travels, and here they share some of their most memorable rail experiences:
- Davos to Geneva, Switzerland: “After a ski holiday in Davos, I took the scenic train back to Geneva Airport. The snow-covered mountains and tiny alpine villages we passed were so breathtaking that it felt like a moving picture was playing beyond the glass.” – Caroline McGuire
- Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen: “Nothing quite compares to the Shinkansen bullet train, one of the fastest in the world. It hardly feels like you’re zooming along at speed until you glance outside and see the trees become a green blur. Be sure to book seat D or E for the best view of Mount Fuji along the way.” – Kara Godfrey
- London to Paris by Eurostar: “Those who have never traveled on the Eurostar may wonder what’s so special about a seemingly ordinary train that takes you across the channel. You won’t waste a moment and can easily check off top attractions like the Louvre and the Champs-Élysées, both less than five kilometers from the Gare du Nord.” – Sophie Swietochowski
- Glasgow to Fort William by Scotrail: “From mountain landscapes to serene lochs and wistful moors, I spent my three-hour journey from Glasgow to Fort William gazing out the window. For the best views of Loch Lomond, sit on the left-hand side of the train.” – Hope Brotherton
- Beijing to Ulaanbaatar: “The Trans-Mongolian Express offers a train journey like no other. It starts amid the chaos of central Beijing before the city’s high-rises give way to crumbling ancient villages and the vast plains of Mongolia, passing through the Gobi desert. The deep orange sunset in the middle of the desert is among the most stunning I’ve ever witnessed.” – Ryan Gray
In addition to these remarkable journeys, a UK train station is set to unveil a sprawling rooftop pool and garden, further enhancing the allure of train travel. This station is also recognized as the largest train station in the world.
Rail enthusiasts can purchase tour tickets through Eventbrite. Don’t miss the chance to explore the rich history and modern marvels of the UK’s train stations!
