8 UK No-Fly Family Adventures by Train

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Pam

4 Aug 202510 min read

Holidays that start the second you sit down and hear that satisfying click of the carriage door.

At TrainSplit, we make train travel cheaper and easier by finding clever split-ticketing options - so you spend less on fares and more on fun.

Let’s face it. Airports with kids? That’s not a holiday. That’s a full-contact sport with snacks and security queues. Think: lost teddies, eye-wateringly expensive sandwiches, tantrums at 30,000 feet, and someone always needing the loo just as you’re about to board. It’s a test of endurance, not relaxation.

But trains? Trains are the dream. Trains are the start of the holiday, not just the journey to it.

There’s a certain magic in that moment you sit down, and start gliding away from the everyday. No traffic jams. No baggage reclaim. No removing your shoes in front of strangers. Everyone gets a window seat. You can walk around. There’s tea. There’s legroom. And the snacks don’t cost more than your actual ticket.

Best of all? You don’t waste two days getting there and back. You roll. You relax. You arrive.

Tip: A Family & Friends Railcard gives you up to 1/3 off adult fares and 60% off kids’ tickets — and it often pays for itself in just one trip.

Here are eight UK family breaks where the holiday truly begins the second you sit down.

1. York: History, Vikings & Ghost Tours

📍 Direct from London, Manchester, Edinburgh

Cheap train tickets to York
Image credit: Karl Moran | Unsplash

York feels like a living storybook, only this one has Vikings, Roman ruins, and more chocolate than you thought possible. Stroll through the Shambles, one of the UK’s most charming streets. Let the kids get hands-on at the Jorvik Viking Centre, where the smells are… alarmingly authentic.

The National Railway Museum is a must. It’s free, massive, and surprisingly emotional. Don’t be surprised if the Mallard makes you teary.

Wrap it all up with a spooky ghost bus tour after dark if your crew is feeling brave.

Mini Itinerary:

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2. Scottish Highlands - Bedtime Story Meets Epic Scenery

📍 Overnight sleeper from London to Fort William

Ardverikie Castle, The Crown, Fort William, Scotland
Image credit: John Young | Unsplash

Board the Caledonian Sleeper in London, crawl into your bunk, and wake up surrounded by lochs and mountains. No queues. No jet lag. Just pure Highland magic.

Fort William is your launchpad for adventure. Climb Ben Nevis, kayak through glassy waters, or hop on the Jacobite steam train to ride across the iconic Harry Potter bridge.

You’ll arrive sleep-rumpled but deeply smug.

Mini Itinerary:

  • Morning: Wake up to Highlands views. Have breakfast and head to Ben Nevis Visitor Centre.

  • Midday: Ride the Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig — bring snacks and cameras!

  • Afternoon: Paddle or picnic by Loch Linnhe.

  • Evening: Return to Fort William and enjoy a hearty pub dinner.

    Optional: Book a wildlife cruise to spot seals and sea eagles.

3. Northumberland - Where Castles Outnumber Coffee Shops 

📍 Direct trains from London Kings Cross, Edinburgh, or Newcastle to Alnmouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, or Morpeth, all ideal bases to explore Northumberland’s wild coast and castles.

Northumberland is vast, beautiful, and wonderfully accessible by train — but which station you use depends on what you want to see.

Which Station Should You Choose?

Mini Itinerary from Alnmouth (Ideal Family Base)

4. The Lake District - Wild Swims and Giant Scones

📍 Direct to Windermere or Penrith

Cheap train tickets to the lake district
Image credit: Sam Barber | Unsplash

Roll straight into the Lakes and straight into adventure. Hike family-friendly trails, take a boat across Windermere, or try wild swimming if you’re feeling brave.

When the weather turns (and it will), retreat to a cosy café. The cake slices are more like slabs, and the sticky toffee pudding is a reward all on its own.

Just pack waterproofs and embrace the drizzle.

Mini Itinerary:

5. Cornwall - Sleep Your Way to the Seaside 

📍 Night Riviera Sleeper from London to Penzance

Cheap train tickets to Penzance
Image credit: Annie Spratt | Unsplash

No motorway stress. No “how much longer?” Just you, your family, and a cosy cabin that rocks you gently to sleep. In the morning, you’re in Penzance and almost touching the sea.

From there, head to St Ives, Mousehole, or the incredible cliffside Minack Theatre. Whether you’re beach-hopping or exploring fishing villages, it all feels like a world away.

No car needed. No stress included.

Mini Itinerary:

6. Snowdonia - Real Mountains, No Wi-Fi Required

📍 To Bangor or Betws-y-Coed 

Cheap train tickets to Snowdonia
Image credit: Laurie Byrne | Unsplash

Snowdonia has real mountains and real stories to tell. Ride a steam train to the summit of Snowdon, fly across forest canopies on a zipline, or explore waterfalls and caves on foot.

Even the rainy days come with their own charm. Legends of dragons and ancient kings make every hike feel like a quest.

Just bring layers, boots, and your best storytelling voice.

Mini Itinerary:

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7. Norfolk Broads - Boats, Bikes and Zero Rush

📍 Train to Norwich, then hop a local line to Wroxham or Hoveton & Wroxham - the gateway to the Broads.

Cheap train tickets to Norfolk Broads
Image credit: Will Hulbert | Unsplash

On the Broads, time stretches in the loveliest way. It’s all about slow travel, fresh air, and family freedom. Once you arrive, everything moves at a gentler pace — and that’s the whole point.

Mini Itinerary:

  • Morning: Catch the train to Hoveton & Wroxham. Stroll around this pretty riverside village and visit Wroxham Barns, with animals, crafts, and mini golf for kids.

  • Midday: Enjoy a picnic or grab lunch at one of the family-friendly cafés in town.

  • Afternoon: Rent bikes and ride along the Bure Valley Path, a safe and scenic trail perfect for families.

  • Evening: Cool down with ice cream by the riverside before heading back on the train.

8. Isle of Wight - Trains, Ferries, Fossils

📍 Train to Portsmouth Harbour, Southampton Central, or Southsea Hoverport, then ferry or hovercraft to Ryde or Cowes.

Cheap train tickets to the Isle of Wight
Image credit: Christian Vasile | Unsplash

The Isle of Wight is the ultimate mini-adventure: train → boat → beach. With vintage railways, sandy toes, dinosaurs, and seaside ice cream, it feels like a holiday the moment you board the ferry.

Stay in a beach hut, eat fish and chips with sandy fingers, and let the kids dig holes they’re convinced lead to Australia.

Mini Itinerary:

  • Morning: Arrive at Ryde Pier Head, Ryde Esplanade, or Ryde Hoverport, all walkable and connected by the Island Line train

    Hop on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway from nearby Smallbrook Junction (easy transfer from the Island Line)

  • Midday: Enjoy a beach break at Sandown or Shanklin, perfect for a family picnic or fossil spotting at low tide

    Visit Dinosaur Isle for fun, interactive exhibits

  • Afternoon: Stroll the seafront or take the kids to Blackgang Chine (if you have more time and fancy a quirky theme park stop)

  • Evening: Catch the train back to Ryde, then ferry or hovercraft to the mainland - sandy, sleepy, and satisfied

Top Tips for Train-Based Family Holidays

  • Book early for the best fares (especially sleepers)
  • Reserve seats to guarantee space together
  • Bring entertainment - and snacks that don’t rustle too loudly
  • Use railcards to save even more
  • And check TrainSplit for smart ticket combinations that save money without changing your plans

Why Kids Love Train Travel:

  • They get to move around
  • They can watch the world whiz by
  • They don’t have to sit still for hours in a car
  • There’s a buffet car (aka snack heaven)
  • They can say “Choo choo!” without irony

No Airports. No Car Fights. No Problem.

There’s something quietly magical about letting the train take the strain. You can sit back, stare out the window, and watch the world roll past with a cup of tea and a snack that didn’t cost seven pounds.

You get to read. You get to talk. You get to actually start relaxing before you even arrive.

So grab your bags. Pack a few board games. Bring snacks that don’t melt. The train is ready.

And this time, you’re not just going on a holiday.

You’re already on it.

FAQs About UK Train Holidays With Kids

Are train holidays in the UK suitable for families with young children?

Yes. Train holidays are one of the most family-friendly ways to travel in the UK. With space to move, onboard toilets, and no need for car seats or long airport queues, they offer a relaxed and practical alternative for parents with toddlers or young children.

Which UK train journeys are best for a family holiday?

Popular family-friendly train routes include:

  • The Caledonian Sleeper to the Scottish Highlands

  • The Night Riviera Sleeper to Cornwall

  • London to York for a short but activity-packed break

  • Trains to Windermere for easy access to the Lake District

    Each offers scenic views, direct routes, and access to child-friendly attractions.

How do overnight sleeper trains work in the UK?

UK sleeper trains, like the Caledonian Sleeper (to Scotland) and the Night Riviera (to Cornwall), offer private cabins with beds, toilets, and sometimes en-suite showers. You board in the evening, sleep during the journey, and wake up at your destination — saving time and money on accommodation.

Do kids need train tickets in the UK?

Children under 5 usually travel for free on UK trains when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, though they may not be guaranteed a seat. Kids aged 5–15 typically get discounted fares. Always check with the specific train operator for current policies.

Can you take prams, bikes, or pets on UK trains?

Yes. Most UK trains allow prams and folded buggies on board. Many services also have dedicated bike storage, although it’s often necessary to reserve a space in advance, especially on busy routes.

Pets are welcome too. You can usually bring up to two well-behaved pets per passenger, as long as they are kept on a lead or in a pet carrier and do not occupy seats.

Always check with your specific train operating company (TOC) for exact rules on size limits, folding requirements, and reservation policies.

Is train travel more eco-friendly than driving or flying?

Absolutely. Trains emit significantly less CO₂ per passenger than cars or planes, making them one of the most sustainable ways to travel. If you’re aiming for a lower-impact holiday, rail is the way to go.

What should I pack for a train holiday with kids?

Pack light but smart. Essentials include:

  • Reusable water bottles and plenty of snacks

  • Headphones and downloaded entertainment (Wi-Fi can be spotty)

  • Travel games or activity books

  • A change of clothes for little ones

  • Layers and waterproofs depending on the season

    And don’t forget chargers and snacks that won’t melt!


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