Half Term

Merlin’s annual pass offer ends this weekend where you can get a free annual pass if you book a £95 stay at the likes of Alton Towers, Legoland, Thorpe Park, Chessington and more

A deal where theme park fans can ‘stay for a night, play for a year’ at Merlin’s attractions across the UK ends this weekend.

Merlin Entertainment, whose attractions include Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Warwick Castle, LEGOLAND, and Chessington World of Adventures currently has a deal running where families who book an overnight stay on selected dates in March get a free Essential Merlin Annual Pass (MAP) for each guest, giving them 339 days of unlimited access to over 20 of its theme parks and attractions.

However, theme park fans will need to hurry as the bookings need to be completed by Sunday (March 1), so there are only a couple of days left to take advantage of the offer. Eligible stay dates include:

• LEGOLAND and Alton Towers – stays between March 14 and June 26
• Chessington – stays between March 20 and June 26
• Thorpe Park and Warwick Castle – stays between March 27 and June 26

When making a booking, simply look for a banner that says ‘Merlin Pass Included’ that indicates whether the stay is eligible for the offer. Facilities at each theme park resort vary, but many have themed accommodation, breakfast included in the price, plus two days of theme park entry included in a one-night stay. Alton Towers’ hotel guests enjoy access to a 9-hole golf course, while those staying at Chessington can enjoy access to its SEA Life Centre.

As soon as you book your stay, you’ll be emailled your Merlin Annual Passes and can start using them as soon as they are activated, even before your overnight break if you like. The Essentials tier pass offers 339 days of fun, and in addition to theme parks it includes attractions such as the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, and The London Dungeon.

Passholders can also access SEA Life centres across the UK, Cadbury World, Shrek’s Adventure! London and LEGOLAND’s Discovery Centres, so it’s easy to fill up the calendar in the Easter holidays and May half term without needing to pay a penny extra on entry fees.

It’s worth checking Merlin’s exclusions calendar for dates when the Essentials pass cannot be used. Restricted dates include some bank holidays and Saturdays in August. However, no dates in July are restricted, and you can still use your pass freely on other days during the six week summer holidays.

So, how much could families save? It depends on which hotel stay you book and how much you use the pass. A family of four could book a night at the Warwick Castle Hotel on May 16 for £429 and get four free passes included. Buying Merlin Essential passes would usually cost £139 each at full price, adding up to £556 for four people, so this is already a cheaper option if you’ve been considering buying the passes anyway.

Day passes to Alton Towers, as an example, cost £32 online and as much as £68 if you buy on the gates, so if you plan just a handful of theme park visits, this offer could save you hundreds over the year.

Full list of attractions where Merlin’s annual pass can be used

• Alton Towers Resort
• Chessington World Of Adventures Resort
• LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort
• The London Eye
• Thorpe Park
• SEA LIFE London
• National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham
• SEA LIFE Manchester
• SEA LIFE Blackpool
• SEA LIFE Brighton
• SEA LIFE Weymouth Adventure Park
• SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth
• SEA LIFE Sanctuary Hunstanton
• SEA LIFE Scarborough
• SEA LIFE Loch Lomond
• Warwick Castle
• Madame Tussauds London
• Shrek’s Adventure! London
• LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Birmingham
• LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Manchester
• The London Dungeon
• The York Dungeon
• The Edinburgh Dungeon
• Cadbury World

You can find out more at merlinannualpass.co.uk.

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A holiday park offers families affordable February half-term breaks with play area, spa and lake views

February half-term presents a challenge for many families, particularly those still recovering financially from Christmas, whilst eyeing the longer Easter break ahead. British weather during this period is notoriously unpredictable, but that needn’t prevent you from discovering an enjoyable getaway destination that won’t break the bank.

Woodland Lakes holiday park near Thirsk, Yorkshire, boasts numerous attractions for families during the school holidays.

The heated indoor swimming pool proves consistently popular with youngsters eager for a dip, whilst an indoor play area, Pamper Lounge Spa, restaurant and bar complement the tranquil lake vistas and fishing spots, offering ample chances to unwind, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Situated on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors and a brief drive from both the vibrant market town of Thirsk and the historic city of York, it’s described as ‘the perfect retreat for those seeking a break away in a relaxed and picturesque environment’.

Various properties can be booked at the site this February half term, including Cedar lodge.

A four-night stay from February 16 to 20 is priced at £461 for four guests, equating to £28 per person per night through Sykes Holiday Cottages.

South Lakeland Village holds an overall Google rating of 4.3 out of five, with visitors commending the ‘excellent’ pool and ‘good pub food’.

James Shaw, chief commercial officer for Sykes Holiday Cottages, commented: “February half term is the perfect time for a family escape, and with 63% of Brits taking a UK break last year, staying closer to home is more popular than ever.

“Holiday resorts like Woodland Lakes Lodges offer shorter journey times, great value, and onsite activities that keep everyone entertained.”

He went on to say: “We’re also seeing families plan later to secure better deals and work around busy schedules, so there’s still plenty of time to book a last-minute getaway.

“Cedar offers the ideal mix with a heated pool and play area for the kids, spa facilities for parents, and the North Yorkshire Moors right on the doorstep for outdoor adventures.”

To explore further holiday options with Sykes Holiday Cottages, head over to their website. Woodland Lakes holiday park is a Landal site bookable through Sykes, alongside 22 other Landal destinations.

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Choosing this option when you book your flights could help you save hundreds of pounds, and it’s especially useful during peak seasons such as half-term or the summer holidays

When it comes to booking a flight, we all want to save money, especially when we need to travel during peak times such as the dreaded school summer holidays.

Luckily, there are still some hacks that can help you cut the cost of flights, and Laura Lindsay who works at SkyScanner has offered up some of her expert travel tips. She said: “Last-minute doesn’t have to mean bad value. Whether you’re staying at home or going abroad, the travellers who take the time to shop around and compare deals will get the best prices. Being a little bit flexible could make a big difference in cost, as well as opening up options for destinations and accommodation you may not have considered.”

One of her clever tricks? Look at the school holiday dates for the counties and regions on the border of your own; these dates can differ, which means you might be travelling in your county’s own peak season, but your neighbouring towns might be ‘off peak’, causing a price difference.

For example bargain hunters who live in the north of England can often bag a cheap flight by flying from a Scottish airport. This is because school holidays in Scotland tend to be slightly different, for example, the six-week summer holiday begins early-July and ends around mid-August.

That means if you have a Scottish airport within reasonable travelling distance, you can save a lot of money by flying from Scotland in the last two weeks of August. And on the flipside, Scots can pick up cheaper flights by jetting off in early July from English airports.

In the meantime, check out more of Laura’s money-saving hacks below…

Search ‘everywhere’ for the best prices

Not fussy about where you want to go? On sites such as Skyscanner you can select ‘everywhere’ as your destination and will be able to find the cheapest destination for your dates. This will give you a number of options from city breaks to beach destinations, and you may be able to find an inexpensive hidden gem.

Skyscanner also have a cheapest destinations tool, where you simply choose the month you want to travel and get a list of the ten cheapest destinations for that period. For example, in March the cheapest flights can be found to Milan and Tirana in Albania for city breaks, while those seeking sunshine could find deals for Lanzarote and Marrakech.

Search nearby airports

Another feature on flight comparison sites that’s worth trying is including nearby airports in your search. On Skyscanner you simply tick the box under your destination or departure airport.

If you live close to London, for example, don’t just look at your nearest airport. Searching for nearby airports looks up the cheapest options around the capital, so a short tube journey could save you a lot of money. This works in any area where there are airports nearby, for example, comparing flights from Birmingham and East Midlands, which are just 45-minutes apart.

You can also choose to search nearby airports at your destination. Just make sure you work out how far away the airport will be from your accommodation before you book. Some airports with city names can still be miles away from the destination. For example, Paris Beauvais Airport is actually about 90-minutes from the French capital, so best avoided for a short break.

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Drayton Manor has launched a K-Pop themed takeover for half term, and while it had some fun moments, our favourite attraction was worlds away from the glittering world of K-Pop music

If you have a child of primary school age, the soundtrack to your life is likely to be the cheery sounds of K-Pop. K-Pop, which stands for Korean Pop, has been on many music fans’ radar for years now, but 2026 is likely to be a big year for the genre.

Not only has K-Pop Demon Hunters become the most-watched original title in Netflix history with 500 million views – quite a few of which have come from my house – but K-Pop bands have been all over the charts. In August 2025, a record seven K-Pop tracks made the top 40 singles chart, including BLACKPINK and Stray Kids. A recent tour announcement by BTS saw a Taylor Swift-style clamber for tickets and UK dates sold out in 30 minutes.

So, it wasn’t a huge surprise to see that Drayton Manor, a theme park in the West Midlands, would be hosting a K-Pop Takeover for February half term. My daughter was thrilled to be going to a K-Pop themed day and wore her favourite HUNTR/X hoodie for the occasion. And of course, Spotify was cued up with an appropriate playlist on the way.

While the park isn’t fully open during February half term, in addition to the K-POP activities the ticket price includes Thomas Land, a handful of rides, plus the zoo. With tickets starting at £19.90, the price reflects that you won’t get the full theme park experience.

We arrived just in time for ‘K-Pop games’ on the park’s main stage, and a very enthusiastic entertainer was leading some kids in a game of red light, green light, followed by some singing along to the tune of Golden. There was also a K-Pop themed dance workshop later on, with excited kids dancing in front of the sparkly stage.

Other than some Korean fried chicken being served in the burger bar, and some Korean souvenirs in the gift shop, there wasn’t a huge amount of K-Pop theming throughout the park. However, the end of day K-Pop concert definitely brought in the crowds and seemed to be widely enjoyed.

Three entertainers, dressed as a K-Pop girl group, sang songs by HUNTR/X, Saja Boys, and Rosé, bringing the day to a close with a water show in the park’s lake. Kids and adults were bopping along to the tunes, and I was impressed that the group’s lead singer managed to tackle the high notes in Golden.

But the real draw at Drayton Manor is Thomas Land. While it took the silver award for Best Theme Park for Toddlers in 2025, people of all ages seem delighted when wandering around the Sodor-themed attraction. Even grown adults were posing for photos with Thomas, showing the nostalgia around the show never went away.

It seemed to be a good time to visit. Queues were pretty minimal on most of the rides, although we did unfortunately wait half an hour to get on Winston’s Whistle-Stop Tours only for the ride to break down. However, quite a few of the smaller rides had no queue at all, and it meant we got a couple of turns on Toby’s Tram Express and some other favourites.

Thomas Land also had regular shows, and we got the chance to meet Sir Topham Hatt, or depending on your age, the Fat Controller. The performer was great, and I noticed he could communicate in Makaton – a type of sign language often used for children with learning or communication difficulties. It would be great to see more theme parks train staff in this way to make the entertainment more inclusive.

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So, is this review Golden or is it a Takedown? Overall, I’d say it’s worth visiting the park for the K-Pop Takeover. Outside of the main stage, there’s not a whole lot of K-Pop theming, but enough to keep fans happy. The end of day concert was definitely a highlight for my youngest and she hasn’t stopped talking about it, and concert only tickets are available if you just want to visit later on. But Thomas Land is always worth a day out. Just make sure you bring your big coat.

You can find out more on draytonmanor.co.uk.

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Just in time for the February half-term and to prevent the stress of travel, Wizz Air is offering a new nifty bag drop of hack for UK holidaymakers who have early morning flights

Ahead of a busy travel period, Wizz Air has introduced a new check-in procedure that allows UK travellers to drop their bags off at the airport the day before they fly.

Airports are expected to be busier than usual as hundreds of families jet off abroad during the February half-term for a sun-soaked getaway, while other travellers seek a winter escape amid the chilly British weather. In a bid to help Brits have a smooth start to their holiday, Wizz Air has introduced a twilight check-in option.

Available from today (Monday, 16 February), the new service allows passengers to check in and drop their luggage off at London Luton Airport the night before they fly. It will be available seven days a week, between 9pm and 2am, for travellers departing on a flight scheduled up to 9am the following morning.

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Wizz Air is the third airline to offer twilight check-in at Luton Airport, following EasyJet and Jet2, who introduced the option to their passengers last year. It comes at the perfect time amid the February half-term, as Luton Airport alone is predicted to handle a whopping 325,000 passengers during the week. (It’s worth noting that TUI also offers the service although not from Luton, but other airports including Gatwick).

Following Valentine’s weekend, Amsterdam, Bologna and Paris are thought to have been Luton Airport’s most popular destinations for couples jetting off for a romantic escape. Meanwhile, Berlin, Budapest, Lisbon, Prague and Seville are among the favourite destinations for a half-term city break, offering warmer climates and charming streets to explore.

For UK travellers looking for a sun-soaked getaway, Palma de Mallorca, Murcia and Malaga are ranked as Luton’s most favourable destinations. While Lanzarote, Madeira and Turkish hotspots Antalya and Dalaman have also proven popular among those looking for a winter sun escape with blistering rays.

To keep up with demand, Wizz Air is set to launch new routes from Luton to Barcelona, Madrid, Bilbao, Valencia and Seville from March 29. Meanwhile, Jet2 will launch five new routes to Corfu, Kos, Preveza, Skiathos and Menorca, from May 21.

Clare Armstrong, Head of Guest Experience at London Luton Airport, commented: “February half term provides the perfect opportunity to take a well-earned break and to escape the notorious British weather that we typically see this time of year. As ever, our teams will be working hard to deliver a simple and friendly passenger experience to all those travelling from the airport, from Valentine’s couples heading off for a romantic getaway, to families searching for sunshine and solo travellers exploring new regions.

“The launch of another twilight check-in service will mean even more passengers can get their travels off to the swiftest and simplest start and follows another hugely exciting year for LLA, with continued investment in passenger facilities, new shops and restaurants and record customer satisfaction scores achieved. We are all set for another busy and exciting week, and we’re thrilled to see so many passengers choosing LLA as the starting point for their travels.”

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The trail is an 8.5-mile family-friendly walk through the Peak District with stunning viaduct views, tunnels and plenty of cafes along the flat, accessible route perfect for pushchairs

Featuring views of a bridge looking like something straight out of Harry Potter, this Peak District ramble will delight youngsters without being too demanding on their small legs this half-term.

The Monsal Trail is a beloved Derbyshire spot that traces the route of the old Manchester to London Midland Railway line, which closed down in the 1960s.

These days, it serves a different function – guiding ramblers along the path, through tunnels and across the magnificent railway viaduct.

A recent visitor described their experience on TripAdvisor, stating: “For enthusiasts of railway walks, this route stands out as one of the finest in the UK.

It offers a captivating combination of stunning views, numerous tunnels, and impressive viaducts that showcase the area’s historical and engineering heritage.”

Along the way, there are three cafés-two conveniently located directly on the trail and one set slightly back-providing excellent opportunities to rest and refresh. “

The Route

To reach the trail’s starting point, you’ll need to begin behind Hassop Station, walking past the front of the building and proceeding beneath the bridge.

The route then continues as you pass Longstone Station, Headstone Tunnel and the Monsal Viaduct – all standout and characteristic features of this walk.

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Two shorter tunnels await before you arrive at Miller’s Dale Station. To reach the trail’s end, you’ll need to press on along the viaducts, bearing left beneath the dramatic cliffs of Chee Tor towering above – completing an 8.5-mile route.

What makes this walk so beloved and ideal for a half-term outing is how accessible it is; suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and young children alike.

The level terrain allows for an effortless stroll through the dales, whilst the multiple refreshment points dotted along the way make it perfect for little ones requiring a quick loo stop or energy boost.

Cafés

Before your adventure even kicks off, you can pop into Hassop Station for breakfast, all-day brunch, lunch and loads of sweet treats.

Alternatively, you can simply pause for a cuppa, getting fuelled up before a lengthy ramble through the Peak District at this handily positioned café.

It also features shops for a quick browse, stocking books, accessories, homeware and more. Plus, as it’s the trail’s starting point for many visitors, they offer bike hire to tackle the route in style.

One customer commented: “Visited the café three times in our week. By far the best place for breakfast, lunch, coffee and cake. Also the best Bakewell slice we had! The trail is stunning and such a great café to visit before and/or after was a great find we’ll be returning for!”

The refurbished Refreshment Room at Millers Dale Station provides another excellent place to pause for delicious food and refreshments during your journey.

The building stands as a stunning homage to the railway history of the trail and provides ample room to relax or shelter from the weather, complete with toilet facilities and refreshments.

One visitor said: “Stopped here for a bite to eat after a walk, absolutely wonderful café! The coffee was one of the best I’ve tried! Lovely customer service by all staff. Will 100% be going back.”

Where to stay

The Monsal Trail lies in the heart of the Peak District, with Bakewell positioned at one end and Blackwell Mill, near Buxton, at the opposite end.

This positioning makes it a favoured route for visitors exploring these major towns who fancy extending their stroll into a weekend break. Alternatively, it’s just over an hour’s drive from Derby city centre.

Bakewell is famous for the much-loved Bakewell Tart, available in practically every café and coffee shop throughout the town. The area also boasts numerous pubs offering more substantial meals following a lengthy day’s ramble.

Buxton, meanwhile, is a spa town, renowned for its natural spring water and status as Britain’s highest market town. Visitors typically choose a weekend break here for the spa facilities, tranquillity and easy access to excellent walking and cycling routes.

If you’re heading abroad this year you’ll need to make sure your passport is valid – and that includes checking two key dates on your document before booking a trip

There are crucial passport checks you need to be mindful of before jetting off abroad, especially with the February half-term looming.

Over the past year, travel rules have undergone significant changes, including hikes in passport fees, the introduction of digital-only boarding passes, and rises in tourist taxes. However, one of the most frequent blunders is neglecting to properly check passports prior to reaching the airport.

If a passport is within its expiry date, it’s easy to assume it’s good to go. But what many Brits may not realise is that their passport must have at least three months’ validity when travelling to the EU.

This is calculated from the return date, not the departure date. So, if your holiday spans from 25 July to 1 August, your passport must be valid until at least 1 November 2026.

While some countries demand six months of validity, the EU only requires three, so it’s essential to verify your passport’s validity, reports the Express.

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Another important check is to confirm your passport was issued within the last 10 years. The ’10 year rule’ has tripped up travellers, particularly those who received a passport prior to September 2018, as these were valid for 10 years and nine months.

Although the passport might seem valid, it could actually be over 10 years old and thus invalid for flying. Meanwhile, passports issued after September 2018 are valid for 10 years, with the ’10 year’ rule applying to all passports.

Should you discover your passport has lapsed for either reason, you can arrange a renewal via the government website. If time is tight, there’s an option to fast-track the application, though it’s advisable to submit your renewal request at the earliest opportunity.

In related travel news, the European Union (EU) introduced the new Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU travellers entering and leaving the Schengen zone last year. For British passport holders, this means that instead of receiving stamps, your biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph, will be captured at the border when visiting a Schengen area country.

The Schengen zone encompasses many of Britain’s favourite holiday spots, including destinations anticipated to be particularly busy during February half-term as families jet off for sunshine breaks.

The Schengen area countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus fall outside the Schengen area, meaning EES doesn’t apply when travelling to these nations.

This adjustment came into force on October 12, 2025, designed to boost security whilst speeding up border processing. Holidaymakers needn’t take any extra steps before reaching the border, and EES registration carries no additional charge.

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Amy Jones

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Nevertheless, to guarantee a seamless holiday departure and prevent missing your outbound flight, passengers are encouraged to factor in extra time when turning up at EU airports or other points of entry. The digital EES remains valid for three years, after which travellers must supply fresh fingerprints or have another photograph taken at the border during entry and exit.

Whilst no extra preparation is required, it’s crucial to be mindful of this modification so you’re prepared for fingerprint and photo requirements when crossing into a Schengen zone. Additionally, understanding this change means you’ll anticipate potential hold-ups as the EES is implemented.

The new framework isn’t yet operational at every EU airport, so it’s advisable to verify beforehand and build in additional time. Full implementation across all Schengen nations is scheduled for April 10, 2026.

Meanwhile, ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is expected to go live later this year for those visiting the EU. The new visa waiver scheme will oblige Britons to complete an ETIAS application prior to their EU holiday, costing €20 per person.

Nevertheless, once granted following a pre-screening process, the ETIAS will remain valid for three years, or until your passport runs out. The rollout of the new scheme, which mirrors the United States’ ESTA system, hasn’t been confirmed yet, but it’s anticipated for Q4 of this year.

Adventure Leisure, operator of Mulligans indoor crazy golf and Ninja Warrior UK venues, is introducing a mobile phone ban during February half term week to give families more time to connect without smartphone distractions

We’re all aware that excessive screen time can negatively impact our mental wellbeing, yet stepping away from our devices entirely remains a challenge. Even during family outings, many of us can’t resist a quick peek at emails or a scroll through social media.

That’s why the company behind two popular UK attractions has revealed plans to ban mobile phones across its venues this half term, allowing families to spend quality time together free from smartphone distractions. Adventure Leisure, behind the move, describes the initiative as the first of its kind in Britain, with a ‘phone patrol’ ensuring guests keep their devices tucked away.

Adventure Leisure operates Mulligans, a chain of indoor crazy golf centres that also features activities ranging from pool to virtual reality experiences, alongside five Ninja Warrior UK venues. Throughout February half term week – running from February 16 to 22 – its locations will transform into ‘no phone zones’, with families requested to switch their mobiles to airplane mode upon entry.

According to a company statement, the initiative will enable “uninterrupted time to create lasting memories” for parents and children alike. Instead, families can immerse themselves in Mulligans’ entertainment offerings, including themed crazy golf, electro-darts, rebound shuffleboard, and karaoke.

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Meanwhile, at Ninja Warrior UK, families can tackle numerous challenges at adventure parks boasting climbing frames, inflatables, and various physical activities inspired by the hit television programme. Families visiting Mulligans this February half-term will receive a 50% discount voucher valid for a return trip in March.

The mobile phone ban for the forthcoming February school holidays follows concerns raised by Catherine, Princess of Wales, who warned that excessive screen time is fuelling an “epidemic of disconnection”.

Writing alongside Professor Robert Waldinger from Harvard Medical School, she highlighted the damaging impact of smartphone overuse, cautioning: “We’re physically present but mentally absent, unable to fully engage with the people right in front of us.”

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Recent research revealed that British adults now spend more time glued to their mobiles than watching television, clocking up an average of seven and a half hours of daily screen time. The findings also exposed the relentless nature of phone usage compared to TV viewing.

Whilst television consumption peaks outside working hours, mobile phone activity remains constant throughout the day, making it a persistent distraction during both professional and personal time.

Stephen Brown, Chief Operating Officer at Adventure Leisure, commented, “We know how important spending quality time with your family is, so we wanted to create the best environment where our guests can make their memories. We’re really proud to be the first leisure operator to introduce an official ‘No Phone Zone’, and we hope to see others following suit in the future.”

Londoners can save more money on weekend breaks to five popular UK cities by opting for one particular method of transport over the train, new research has revealed

New research has revealed that anyone travelling from London to five UK cities can save up to £48 per journey, simply by making their journey via coach instead of the train.

The study, conducted by minibus and coach hire company SMC Coach Hire, analysed travel costs from the capital city to major UK destinations, comparing ticket prices against total mileage to identify where passengers are facing the most expensive rail fares.

The research showed Cardiff as the prime location for making travel savings. While a train journey from London Victoria to the Welsh capital costs an average of £61.39, the equivalent coach journey is just £13.35, a staggering saving of £48.04.

At just 10p per mile, opting to travel by coach offers a fraction of the rail cost for the 131-mile trip.

The top 5 best value routes

The North and Scotland also showed significant disparities, with long-distance travellers set to gain the most from making the journey on a coach:

1. Cardiff: £48.04 saving (£13.35 coach vs £61.39 train)
2. Aberdeen: £47.69 saving (£47.80 coach vs £95.49 train)
3. Leicester: £41.74 saving (£7.35 coach vs £49.09 train)
4. Glasgow: £37.34 saving (£39.45 coach vs £76.79 train)
5. Newcastle: £26.79 saving (£19.50 coach vs £46.29 train

However, distance doesn’t always have a direct impact on the savings. Leicester, one of the shortest routes on the list at just 89 miles, ranked third for total savings. Passengers can make the journey for as little as £7.35 by coach, compared to nearly £50 via rail.

1. Cardiff – train price to London – £61.39, train per mile – £0.47, coach price to London – £13.35, coach per mile – £0.10, approx distance (miles) 131.33, price difference – £48.04
2. Aberdeen – train price to London – £95.49, train per mile – £0.24, coach price to London – £47.80, coach per mile – £0.12, approx distance (miles) 398.15, price difference – £47.69
3. Leicester – train price to London – £49.09, train per mile – £0.55, coach price to London – £7.35, coach per mile – £0.08, approx distance (miles) 89.38, price difference – £41.74
4. Glasgow – train price to London – £76.79, train per mile – £0.22, coach price to London – £39.45, coach per mile – £0.11, approx distance (miles) 345.20, price difference – £37.34
5. Newcastle – train price to London – £46.29, train per mile – £0.19, coach price to London – £19.50, coach per mile – £0.08, approx distance (miles) 247.73, price difference – £26.79
6. Derby – train price to London – £38.19, train per mile – £0.34, coach price to London – £11.85, coach per mile – £0.10, approx distance (miles) 113.09, price difference – £26.34
7. Bristol – train price to London – £37.99, train per mile – £0.36, coach price to London – £13.35, coach per mile – £0.13, approx distance (miles) 106.38, price difference – £24.64
8. Leeds – train price to London – £43.89, train per mile – £0.26, coach price to London – £21.30, coach per mile – £0.13, approx distance (miles) 169.47, price difference – £22.59
9. Nottingham – train price to London – £35.89, train per mile – £0.33, coach price to London – £13.35, coach per mile – £0.12, approx distance (miles) 109.35, price difference – £22.54
10. Brighton and Hove – train price to London – £24.69, train per mile – £0.53, coach price to London – £5.40, coach per mile – £0.12, approx distance (miles) 46.89, price difference – £19.29
11. Manchester – train price to London – £31.29, train per mile – £0.19, coach price to London – £12.75, coach per mile – £0.08, approx distance (miles) 163.22, price difference – £18.54
12. Liverpool – train price to London – £30.19, train per mile – £0.17, coach price to London – £11.85, coach per mile – £0.07, approx distance (miles) 178.62, price difference – £18.34

Stephen Chesters, Director at SMC Coach Hire said: “With the cost of living still a major concern for many, these figures highlight just how much ‘rail tax’ people are paying for their commute or weekend breaks.

“Choosing the road over the rail isn’t just about the journey; it’s about keeping nearly £50 extra in your pocket. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway for Valentine’s or looking ahead to a half-term break for the family, coach travel is a great alternative to save some money.”