Classic England by Train

We’ve designed this tour of England by train to begin with a railway journey from London to York, though we can easily tailor-make this to suit you.

Whichever route you choose, you will arrive at one of the UK’s most atmospheric destinations.

Your Accommodation in York

The classic Victorian railway hotel is a fixture of many of the UK’s finest cities, and York is no different. Set right on the station, this could not be more convenient for train travellers and has been treated to a sprucing up in recent years. There’s an appealing range of dining, from bar food to a more formal brasserie, and the centre of the ancient city is within easy strolling distance.

The walled City of York, set at the confluence of Rivers Ouse and Foss, has seen major political events played out on its doorstep over its entire 2000-year existence. From ecclesiastical powerhouse, to industrial hub, to major tourist attraction – visitors flock here from all over the world, drawn by a rich heritage. The jaw-dropping gothic Minster provides an impressive centrepiece to the city.

While here, you’ll enjoy use of a York Pass, allowing entry to all of York’s major attractions and alleviating the need to queue for tickets at each. We’ll also include our own tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your time.

On a train journey of just over two hours, you’ll traverse some of northern England’s finest scenery, emerging from North Yorkshire into Northumberland, skirting the North Pennines and arriving at the village of Haydon Bridge.

Your Accommodation in Haydon Bridge

Conveniently placed within walking distance of the railway station, your guest house in Haydon Bridge is a cosy and inviting residence of endless appeal. This family-owned spot features simply adorned, comfortable rooms, while the traditional breakfast, served unhurried in the charming dining room, provides all the zip you need to get the most from your morning.

This morning you’ll be met after breakfast by our specially chosen local guide and taken on a full-day tour of Hadrian’s Wall. Stretching 73 miles across the northern tip of England, Hadrian’s Wall is the largest Roman artefact in existence – too big to tackle without insider knowledge. You’ll be guided by a friendly and knowledgeable local and taken to the most significant points of the wall.

A fairly short train journey this morning, from Haydon Bridge to Penrith, gateway to the north lakes. Arriving at Penrith, you’ll be met by private transfer and dropped at your hotel in an evocative and historic village on Ullswater.

Ullswater is one of our favourite spots in the Lake District. In the shadow of Helvellyn, England’s third-highest peak, Ullswater is regarded by many as the most beautiful of the lakes, and who are we to argue? Stretching for nine miles, surrounded by classic English countryside and ancient settlements, Ullswater is the best of the Lake District in miniature, and a place to which we never tire of returning.

Your Hotel by Ullswater

Set within one of the Lake District’s most historic villages, your hotel on Ullswater has been a part of village life since mid-Victorian times, variously blacksmith’s workshop, post office and now a stylish and comfortable, family-owned residence with acclaimed bistro-style restaurant and popular bar. The rooms have touches of the surrounding nature about them, with individually styled timber details complimenting the modern beds and bathrooms.

This morning you’ll be met at your hotel and taken on a private guided tour of the best of the Lake District with our specially chosen, local driver-guide. Gorgeous towns and villages, dramatic scenery, twisting mountain passes and a stop for lunch at a country inn all make for a terrific day out.

This morning, enjoy a terrific breakfast before taking a short stroll to the lakeside and boarding a classic Ullswater steam vessel for what could be, if you wish, a whole day on and around the lake. Bring your walking boots, and a packed lunch (available at your hotel) and hop on and off the boat as much as you wish at any of its four stopping points around the lake, or simply stay put on the boat and enjoy the scenic sail around this most beautiful part of the Lake District.

Your tour of England by train turns south today. Transfer back to Penrith station this morning and catch a train to your next base, the historic and picturesque city of Chester, which is sure to tempt you back for future visits time and time again.

Your Accommodation in Chester

Your hotel in Chester is a fairly new purpose-built property on the edge of the city centre, overlooking the famous racecourse.

The alluring rooms are stylishly furnished and feature large windows with views over the city. Dining here is something of an event, especially in the fifth-floor, fine-dining brasserie, while more casual fare can be enjoyed in the ground-floor bar.

Founded as a Roman fortress in the first century AD, and enclosed by extensive Roman walls, Chester is as charming a city as you’ll find anywhere. Rich in historical attractions including the wonderful Norman/Perpendicular Cathedral, the Tudor ‘Rows’ shopping district, the delightful River Dee and the impressive Roman Gardens, spend a couple of days getting to know the city with a little help from McKinlay Kidd’s tips.

Take a taxi this morning the short distance to Chester station and board the train to Bath. On the way, your train will flirt with the border between England and Wales, traverse the Shropshire hills and skirt the Brecon Beacons, with a change at Newport before arrival at Bath Spa station.

One of the most attractive cities in England, Bath retains an enormous number of sites of significant historical interest, its Georgian terraces giving way to Roman remains, while colourful structures cling to the hillsides surrounding the city, from the top of which simply magnificent views can be enjoyed.

Your Accommodation in Bath

Set just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of town, yet secluded on a quiet street overlooking one of Bath’s peaceful parks, your accommodation in Bath is a superb guest house of outstanding quality. Independently owned by a family whose love of Bath they are only too happy to share, the house has been subjected to recent upgrades to rooms, guest lounge and dining room, making this one of the city’s most appealing places to stay.

After breakfast, take a short walk to the centre of town to meet your local guide, joining a small group saunter around this most beautiful and ancient city. Along the way you’ll hear about some of the most significant Georgian architecture, the 12th-century abbey, the Roman baths, Pulteney Bridge and much more. Later, you’ll have plenty of time to continue exploring at your own pace.

Heading today for the southwestern extremity of the UK rail system, you board the train at Bath bound for Penzance in Cornwall. The train wends its way through Somerset and Devon before arriving at this ancient town of smugglers and pirates.

Your Accommodation in Penzance

A short taxi-ride from the station, your accommodation in Penzance is a gorgeous Georgian townhouse, perched about Penzance’s working harbour and filled with a superb collection of antique, mid-century modern and carefully chosen modern furniture and art. Bedrooms feature indulgent beds and high-spec ensuites, and your friendly host offers home-cooked kitchen suppers on selected evenings.

Enjoy breakfast this morning, before a visit from a friendly local guide who will take you off on a guided walk, uncovering the most ancient and fascinating details of Penzance. Rich in stories of smuggling and piracy, and with a host of hidden historical detail, your guide will bring much of it to life on this easy guided stroll.

Take a final hearty breakfast this morning, before a taxi back to Penzance station to board the train to London.