Romantic train trips in the UK

3rd February 2023

Looking for a romantic spot for a special surprise? Well, you’ve come to the right place. The UK is full of pretty places to enjoy with the one you love. Whether you’re after a sunset stroll on a quiet beach, a cosy meal for 2 in a rustic country pub, or a wild walk in the wilderness, there’s a romantic spot just waiting to be discovered. 

 

And the best bit? Most of the UK’s most romantic destinations are easily accessible by rail. With a Two Together Railcard you can enjoy that special trip for less, too. 

 

The Isle of Skye: best for peace and quiet  

Rugged and remote, the Isle of Skye is the perfect romantic retreat if you’re looking to get away from it all. Reconnect on a long hike, take a dip together in the Fairy Pools of Glen Brittle and cosy up by a roaring fire with a dram of whisky. 

 

Pretty Portree, with its pastel-coloured houses and harbour, makes for a great base to explore the island’s wilder bits. 

 

To get there, you’ll need to take either the West Highland Line to Mallaig or the Kyle Line to Kyle of Lochalsh. There’s a ferry service from both to take you the rest of the way. 

 

Stations: Kyle of Lochalsh, Mallaig 

 

London to Penzance: best for walking couples 

 

Wake up by the sea on this romantic sleeper service between London Paddington and Penzance. And if that’s not romantic enough for you, head out along Cornwall’s rugged coastline along the spectacular Southwest Coast Path. 

 

Winding around England’s far west for 630 miles, the path takes in unspoiled beaches, tiny fishing communities and spectacular scenery.  

 

Pack your hiking boots and make your way along the coast over a number of days. When you’ve had enough, catch the train back to Penzance for the next sleeper to London. 

 

Station: Penzance 

 

Inverness to Thurso: best for scenic beauty  

One of the UK’s most romantic train trips, your eyes will be glued to the window for the majority of the journey between Inverness and Thurso. 

 

Hugging Scotland’s eastern coast, the train hurtles over the dramatic firths of Cromarty, Beauly and Dornoch before hitting the wide-open views of brooding North Sea. Wild beaches and remote fishing communities dot the landscape as you head further north. 

 

The remoteness combined with the sense of adventure makes this journey particularly special.  

 

Stations: Inverness, Thurso 

 

Porthmadog: best for a coastal escape 

 

Backed by the mighty mountains of Snowdonia, this lovely Welsh town owes much of its beauty to its magnificent surroundings. 

 

Head up into Snowdonia for hiking, and along the coast for beaches and watersports. Be sure to make time for Portmeirion, a little slice of la dolce vita in North Wales. Built by Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975 – and made famous by cult 1960s TV show The Prisoner – the village resembles an Italian village down to the finest details.  

 

The stunning Conwy Line cuts through the park to Blaenau Ffestiniog. If you’re travelling from the south, take the equally scenic Cambrian Line to Porthmadog. 

 

Station: Porthmadog, Blaenau Ffestiniog 

 

Cambridge: best for small city vibes 

It doesn’t get much more romantic than gliding along the River Cam on your very own punt, now does it? 

 

Besides Cambridge’s boating culture, the city itself is a handsome mix of historical buildings, lively student pubs and high-end shopping. After your boat ride, spend some time strolling among the city’s iconic colleges before a romantic meal for 2 at the trendy Cambridge Chop House. 

 

Next, head to Tivoli for a date night with a difference. Take each other on at crazy golf and let the loser get the drinks in up on the rooftop terrace. 

 

Station: Cambridge 

 

Rye: best for British charm 

 

Rye is absolutely dripping with old romantic charm. Think cobbled streets, medieval houses and independent boutiques mixed with brilliant dining and drinking options. 

 

Start your trip at Mermaid Street, the historic centre of the town. As you walk along its uneven cobbles, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a Dickens novel. Make time for Rye Castle before stopping off for a pub lunch in one of the many cosy spots in town. 

 

For sunset, head to nearby Camber Sands, a long stretch of golden sand perfect for an evening stroll. 

 

Station: Rye 

 

Travel with your other half for less with a Two Together Railcard. You could save up to 1/3 on train travel. 

 

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