miles

A ‘scenic’ village just 10 minutes away from the popular city of Durham is the perfect getaway place for those looking to get a break from the hustle and bustle of the crowded streets

One of the things that’s brilliant about Britain – despite the weather – is the many unique villages that are well-known for their picturesque scenery and rural charm. A small but gorgeous village called Hetton-Le-Hole, also known as Hett, is described as ‘scenic’, and is just five miles away from the city of Durham. Interestingly, its name comes from the Old English word haet, which means ‘hat’.

Located at the top of a small hill that resembles a hat, hence its name, is surrounded by nature – making it the perfect place for history and outdoor lovers, especially those who love hiking. Its tranquillity is also a bonus point for those who are seeking a break from the bustle and hustle of city life.

READ MORE: UK’s ‘most Instagrammable city’ has gorgeous views ‘prettier than Santorini’

As reported by the Northern Echo, Hett has a concentrated population, and the village’s history is tied to traditional English farming life due to its agricultural settlements. Many of its houses were initially built as farms.

Despite the village’s rural character, there’s a lot of history with medieval mining. Other reports by the same publication explained that in the 13th and 14th centuries, sea coal was mined at Hett under the jurisdiction of the Priors of Durham Cathedral. Hett is now only of the few places in County Durham with evidence about these events.

Fast forward to the present day, Hett is a beautiful place that’s worth visiting. It offers a touch of rural and peaceful village life, and despite its few amenities, it’s still a great place to spend time. It’s close to the City of Durham, which gives a completely different vibe.

READ MORE: Seaside town is ‘one of Britain’s best’ with glorious beaches and top restaurants

Things to see and do in Hett

Village Green (with a Duck Pond)

Just at the centre of Hett, there’s a massive open space that has a duck pond. It’s a go-to place for locals and visitors, and one of the most lively places in the village. It’s also a good area for those wishing to take a walk overlooking the traditional houses, and even to have a picnic.

Historic Church (St Michael’s)

St Michael’s was the former church, once a chapel of ease dedicated to St Michael. After many years of service, it closed in the 20th century and turned into a private residence. Nonetheless, it remains part of its history.

Hett Moor and countryside walks

One of the best things to do in Hett is to walk. There are a lot of extensive paths from the village to the countryside, offering stunning and relaxing views through fields and hills. During the spring and summer months, the local flora and fauna are in full bloom, making the area so picturesque.

Visit Croxdale and Sunderland Bridge

Despite its proximity to Durham city, the nearby villages of Croxdale and Sunderland Bridge are also worth visiting. Not only is there more history to be learnt, but some of the key features include the stone bridges crossing the River Wear.

READ MORE: ‘Most beautiful’ UK village with ‘medieval’ stone cottages that tourists love

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with barely tourists and without having to hop on a plane, Hett is the destination for you. The easiest, fastest and most convenient way to reach Hett is by train, with prices varying depending on the route and the time of year.

From London to Durham, visitors can take the LNER train, taking less than three hours. Alternatively, there are direct buses from London Victoria Station to Durham University, the Palatine Centre. Then, you can take the Line 65 bus to Hetton-Le-Hole, which takes 21 minutes and costs £2 for the ride, or a 10-minute taxi ride.

Goring-by-Sea is often overlooked by tourists in favour of its more famous neighbour however, the West Sussex town has everything you want from a seaside getaway without the packed beaches and fully booked bars and restaurants.

Brighton, with its vibrant culture, iconic pier, colourful beach huts, bustling promenade and extensive shopping areas, is understandably one of the UK’s favourite seaside spots. However, just 17 miles away lies a charming little coastal town that often gets overshadowed by its more famous neighbour.

Goring-by-Sea, with its long stretches of stunning beaches adorned with quaint wooden beach huts, is a hidden gem in West Sussex. Despite being less known to tourists, Goring-by-Sea offers all the charm of a seaside retreat without the crowded beaches and fully booked pubs and eateries that are common in Brighton.

READ MORE: Boots’ new ‘by far the best’ range including gut powder that ‘really helps with bloating’

The town boasts blue flag waters and pristine beaches, making it an ideal location for traditional family holidays. It’s also home to the Worthing Sailing Club, which caters to seafarers of all skill levels, including a fantastic junior section.

Goring-by-Sea’s annual summer festivals, such as the Chichester Show and the local Bowls Festival, are popular attractions, reports the Express.

Unlike other resorts on the south coast, Goring has shunned amusement arcades and candy-floss stalls. Instead, you’ll find charming fishing boats moored along a peaceful shoreline, with locals and visitors alike enjoying a variety of water sports, including kitesurfing.

Nestled between the sea and the South Down’s National Park, Goring-by-Sea is a picturesque and affluent area. The town even boasts some grand manor houses, including Courtlands, Goring Hall and Field Place.

The coastline is dotted with a few beachside cafes, offering an ideal place to relax and enjoy the untouched seaside location. The town centre boasts a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs.

Highdown Gardens are just a mile away from Goring, and the market town of Arundel, renowned for its iconic castle, is merely a ten-minute drive away.

Goring-by-Sea features a local railway station, perfect for commuters seeking a brief journey into Brighton (35 mins) or the City (London Bridge approximately 1:30 minutes).

Bognor Regis, famed for its nostalgic promenades and arcades, is also only half an hour away.

The larger resort of Worthing is a mere five minutes along the coast, boasting an art deco pier – which was voted the best in Britain in 2019 – and an observation wheel.

This quaint city has a vibrant shopping scene, stunning architecture, and rich heritage – and is a mere stone’s throw from one of the UK’s most infamous seaside resorts

Take a ‘step back in time’ in this quaint UK city that can be seen all the way from the coast. England’s South East was recently dealt a huge blow after the iconic town of Bognor Regis was crowned the ‘worst’ seaside resort in the country by Brits. #

The savage ranking saw the hotspot receive a measly 36 per cent overall destination score, with holidaymakers giving the town just one star for its seafront, pier, tourist attractions, scenery, shopping offerings, and value for money.

However, just a stone’s throw from the ‘rundown’ resort lies a charming city that has managed to perfectly preserve its rich heritage and squeaky clean reputation. Constantly named as the best and happiest place to live in the UK by the likes of the Guardian and Sunday Times, this genteel region has marginally escaped becoming a commuter belt due to being 90 minutes away from London on the train. However, it still makes for the perfect staycation.

READ MORE: UK seaside town home to huge Butlin’s site named the ‘worst’ by Brits

If you haven’t guessed already, we’re talking about Chichester – a Roman cathedral city steeped in history – and the only city in the West Sussex county. Evidence of its fascinating past can still be seen on the streets today, including the Roman baths, a city wall (which was replaced by a Georgian wall), and an amphitheater which now serves as a park.

“[The city] has a plethora of grade II listed buildings and other points of interest include the Chichester City Cross which is a type of butter market and sits in the centre of North, East, South and West streets,” hails Discover Sussex. “The City Cross was built in 1500 by Bishop Edward Storey as a shelter for people who sold their wares on market day.”

The city is renowned for its 11th-century cathedral which soars into the sky – and can be spotted all the way over from the coastline on a clear day. This impressive architectural wonder attracts thousands of visitors and pilgrims every year – and hosts organised tours for those wanting to learn more about the building.

But if you’re not a huge history buff, don’t worry. Chichester has a vibrant shopping scene with a bustling high-street that is mainly pedestrianised. You’ll also be spoilt for choice when it comes to grabbing a coffee or having lunch after a hard day of retail therapy.

And of course, a trip to Chichester isn’t complete without heading over to Bishops Palace Gardens. “If you want a peaceful area to sit and relax, then this is the ideal spot and we love visiting the gardens to enjoy a coffee and sit and listen to the birds and enjoy the beautifully maintained gardens,” adds Discover Sussex. “The gardens are open from 8am till dusk and just a short walk through the cloisters which open onto Canon Lane.”

Chichester is located just over 80 miles from London, meaning it’ll take around two hours and 14 minutes in the car. However, direct trains can slash the journey time down to just one hour and 25 minutes. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for as little as £10.

If you’re coming from Bognor Regis as a day trip, you’ll only need to drive 7.1 miles north (which takes less than half an hour) or hop on a 23-minute train, which usually involves a stop at Barnham. Single adult fares start from just £6.40.

Chichester is home to a range of accommodation types, meaning you’ll easily be able to find something within your budget. For example, a weekend’s stay (Friday, July 25-27) at the Cherry End B&B will only set you back £239. This is based on two adults sharing a Deluxe Double Room.

However, if you’re after something a little more luxurious – check out Harbour Hotel and Spa. This stunning 18th-century building is just a few minutes’ walk from the cathedral and features its own brasserie offering locally-sourced meals. Staying here on the exact same nights will set you back £390.

*Prices based on Trainline and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

Do you have a story to share? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured

Courtney Allan hitchhiked from Guangzhou in China to the Russia-Mongolia border – a journey which took 50 days – and has described her method as “such a great way to see the world for free”

A young woman has travelled 5,000 miles without spending a penny – by hitchhiking.

Courtney Allan grabbed lifts from strangers to get from Guangzhou in China to the Russia-Mongolia border, a journey which took 50 days. Courtney, 26, says she feels “incredibly blessed”, having seen some “beautiful countries” for free.

‘It’s (hitchhiking) becoming more common though, and it’s such a great way to see the world for free… I feel incredibly blessed. Hitchhiking was so not normal for so long, it didn’t even seem like an option,” Courtney said.

The Canadian native first experienced hitchhiking in the UK as, in late 2023, she found public transport too expensive to get around during a holiday here. During her three-week visit to the UK, Courtney was able to persuade a driver to give her a lift from Bath, Somerset into Wales.

And she since used this method during a trip to Africa – travelling from Morocco to Cape Town – a distance of more than 8,000 miles, and has now completed the 5,000-mile trip – for free – in Asia.

READ MORE: Two of most popular holiday hotspots ‘dangerous’ for UK tourists, experts warnREAD MORE: ‘I’m traveling thousands of miles to LA without catching a single flight — one moment was surreal’

Courtney, from Toronto, said she has “not yet felt in danger”. She continued: “When I think of who I am now, it’s an exponential growth from who I was when I first visited the UK two years ago.

“When you’re hitchhiking, you’re with the people who live in that country. You get a much more intimate experience. It’s such a good way to meet local people and get the best things to do in a place. This isn’t the stuff you see on TripAdvisor.”

Courtney, who documents her trips on her Instagram page @hitchhikercourtney, travelled through 16 countries to reach Cape Town on her African adventure. In that time, she said she spent less than $20 (£15) on transport, of which more than half was spent on a single ferry across the Congo River.

But she didn’t have to pay a penny on transport during her Asian journey, which saw her catch rides through China, north through Mongolia to the border of it and Russia. The journey started in May this year, ending this week. The social media influencer continued: “My budget would have gone up by thousands if I had been paying for transport.”

She added: “Women are often scared of going out into the world because of the risks. But there is a risk everywhere, every day, no matter what you’re doing. You can’t let them get the better of you. For me, the benefits of being able to explore the world outweigh those risks.”

WASHINGTON — A plan to sell more than 3,200 square miles of federal lands has been ruled out of Republicans’ big tax and spending cut bill after the Senate parliamentarian determined the proposal by Senate Energy Chairman Mike Lee would violate the chamber’s rules.

Lee, a Utah Republican, has proposed selling millions of acres of public lands in the West to states or other entities for use as housing or infrastructure. The plan would revive a longtime ambition of Western conservatives to cede lands to local control after a similar proposal failed in the House earlier this year.

The proposal received a mixed reception Monday from the governors of Western states. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, called it problematic in her state because of the close relationship residents have with public lands.

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon, a Republican, voiced qualified support.

“On a piece-by-piece basis where states have the opportunity to craft policies that make sense … we can actually allow for some responsible growth in areas with communities that are landlocked at this point,” he said at a news conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the Western Governors’ Association was meeting.

Lee, in a post on X Monday night, said he would keep trying.

“Housing prices are crushing families and keeping young Americans from living where they grew up. We need to change that,’’ he wrote, adding that a revised plan would remove all U.S. Forest Service land from possible sale. Sales of sites controlled by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management would be significantly reduced, Lee said, so that only land within 5 miles of population centers could be sold.

Environmental advocates celebrated the ruling late Monday by Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, but cautioned that Lee’s proposal was far from dead.

“This is a victory for the American public, who were loud and clear: Public lands belong in public hands, for current and future generations alike,’’ said Tracy Stone-Manning, president of The Wilderness Society. “Our public lands are not for sale.”

Carrie Besnette Hauser, president and CEO of the nonprofit Trust for Public Land, called the procedural ruling in the Senate “an important victory in the fight to protect America’s public lands from short-sighted proposals that would have undermined decades of bipartisan work to protect, steward and expand access to the places we all share.”

“But make no mistake: this threat is far from over,” Hauser added. “Efforts to dismantle our public lands continue, and we must remain vigilant as proposals now under consideration,” including plans to roll back the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act and cut funding for land and water conservation, make their way through Congress, she said.

MacDonough, the Senate parliamentarian, also ruled out a host of other Republican-led provisions Monday night, including construction of a mining road in Alaska and changes to speed permitting of oil and gas leases on federal lands.

While the parliamentarian’s rulings are advisory, they are rarely, if ever, ignored. Lawmakers are using a budget reconciliation process to bypass the Senate filibuster to pass President Trump’s tax-cut package by a self-imposed July Fourth deadline.

Lee’s plan revealed sharp disagreement among Republicans who support wholesale transfers of federal property to spur development and generate revenue, and other lawmakers who are staunchly opposed.

Land in 11 Western states from Alaska to New Mexico would be eligible for sale. Montana was carved out of the proposal after lawmakers there objected. In states such as Utah and Nevada, the government controls the vast majority of lands, protecting them from potential exploitation but hindering growth.

“Washington has proven time and again it can’t manage this land. This bill puts it in better hands,” Lee said in announcing the plan.

Housing advocates have cautioned that federal land is not universally suitable for affordable housing. Some of the parcels up for sale in Utah and Nevada under a House proposal were far from developed areas.

New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich, the ranking Democrat on the energy committee, said Lee’s plan would exclude Americans from places where they fish, hunt and camp.

“I don’t think it’s clear that we would even get substantial housing as a result of this,” Heinrich said earlier this month. “What I know would happen is people would lose access to places they know and care about and that drive our Western economies.”

Daly writes for the Associated Press.

One festivalgoer has taken his journey to Glastonbury to all new lengths as he’s been cycling 100km a day for almost a month in a bid to get to Worthy Farm from Madrid, Spain

The countdown to Glastonbury is fast approaching, with mere days to go before hundreds of thousands of festivalgoers pitch up their tents for five days of spectacular performances. While many will be travelling by car, train or coach, one man is so dedicated to the UK’s biggest festival that he’s riding a whopping 100km a day on his bike to get there!

Ollie White, 25, started his lengthy journey at the end of May from Madrid, Spain, where he lives and works as a content creator for La Liga, the Spanish football league. Over the course of almost a month, he has ventured across majestic mountains, the biggest sand dune in Europe, serene coastlines and desert-like landscapes with just a backpack, a tent and his bicycle.

In total, Ollie will travel over 1,600km, or 994 miles, to Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, racking up 62 miles a day.

With just a few days to go until the gates open at Glastonbury on Wednesday, 25 June, at 8 am, Ollie has almost completed his trek and has been documenting his journey on TikTok and Instagram every day.

READ MORE: Expert shares ‘crucial’ things you need to pack for a festival

In his most recent update on Sunday, 22 June, Ollie confirmed that he reached Plymouth before heading to Totnes, Devon, where he’d stay the night. He is hoping to reach Glastonbury by Tuesday, 24 June.

When asked by the BBC why he opted to ride from Madrid to Worthy Farm, he simply said: “I have a ticket for Glastonbury, so why not cycle?”

Speaking further about his experience, he also shared with the news outlet: “A lot of people think I’m crazy for doing this, but for me it doesn’t seem too crazy.

“It’s just a challenge I’ve set myself and, at the end of the day, once you’ve done all the preparation, you just have to get on the bike each day and do the kilometres.”

He described his adventure as “absolutely incredible” and that “everything has been really positive”. He’s spent time camping alone in secluded, yet beautiful spots across Europe and the UK, while taking in nature and the incredible scenery during each leg of his journey.

When he finally reaches his end location, Ollie has a list of performances lined up to watch during the weekend at Glastonbury, including Neil Young, Loyle Carner, Kneecap, Caribou, Scissor Sisters and Kaiser Chiefs.

He adds that Neil Young has been a particularly good soundtrack while riding through endless countries.

READ MORE: Amazon shoppers rave over ‘perfect for festival’ tent reduced in time for Glastonbury

This charming UK seaside town, with a population of just 7,000, is a true melting pot of lush countryside, rugged mountains, and turquoise waters – but most tourists don’t even know it exists

One of the UK’s most beautiful seaside towns remains a true ‘hidden gem’ – despite being a stone’s throw away from two popular resorts.

Tucked away on Devon’s stunning Jurassic coastline and surrounded by rolling countryside lies the quaint town of Budleigh Salterton. Enveloped in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this overlooked resort is perfect for those who are after a weekend of peace and quiet.

With two miles of picturesque beaches, crystal-clear waters that have become a hotspot for kayaking and paddle-boarding, and a distinct lack of crowds – this charming resort needs to be on your bucket list. Described as ‘wonderfully unspoilt’ and the UK’s ‘best kept secret’ by travellers, you’d think Budleigh Salterton would have become riddled with UK holidaymakers by now.

But, in a statement sent to the Mirror, Alex Gwillim, a local expert from Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays, warned that people often ‘miss out’ on a visit to Budleigh Salterton due to it being sandwiched in between Sidmouth and Exmouth – both of which draw in ‘big crowds’ of tourists. “Budleigh Salterton is a real hidden gem, boasting a beautiful pebble beach that stretches over two miles, the iconic red sandstone cliffs of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic coast, and a small town filled with unique local businesses to explore,” she added.

“The town is also the perfect spot for nature lovers. Head along the beach towards the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, a popular spot for bird watching. There are also easy walking trails with fantastic views of the Triassic sandstone cliffs and their fascinating geology.”

Located just over 200 miles from London, driving to Budleigh Salterton takes around four hours in the car. Alternatively, Brits living in the Big Smoke can get the train over to Exmouth, and then take a 21-minute bus from the Savoy Cinema stop over to the seaside town.

This route, which usually includes a change at Exeter St David’s, takes two hours and 44 minutes. If you’re flexible with dates, single adult fares can be bought for £50 – or even cheaper if you have a rail card.

There is a range of accommodation types in Budleigh Salterton depending on your budget. For example, a weekend’s stay (Friday, July 11-13) at Heathgate will only set you back £220. This is based on two adults sharing a Deluxe One-Bedroom Apartment with a Garden View.

However, for those looking for something a little more extra – check out Mackerel Cottage. This spacious holiday home, which has its own kitchen and three bedrooms, costs a whopping £2,172 on the exact same nights. But if you’re splitting the cost with a large group, the price doesn’t seem so bad.

*Prices based on Trainline and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

Do you have a story to share? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured.

As the UK braces for a 32C heatwave this weekend, many Brits will be flocking to the south coast – but the highest ever temperature recorded on the mainland is actually some 200 miles north

This peaceful town surrounded by rolling countryside has surprisingly been dubbed the hottest part of Britain. The UK may be infamous for its constant drizzle and grey-cloud-weather, but the summer months are getting increasingly warmer.

In fact, temperatures in London could end up exceeding those in typically sweltering parts of Europe, including Barcelona, this weekend – as Brits brace for an early summer heatwave.

As previously reported, the mercury is set to surge above 30C for the first time in 2025 this week – with forecasters predicting the UK could soar to 32C in the south by Saturday. But, if you’re looking for truly sizzling temperatures, the micro-climate hotspots that sprawl along England’s south coast might not actually be your best shot.

READ MORE: UK seaside town once snubbed now on verge of tourist boom after £18.4m splurge

Almost three years ago, on July 18, 2022, the UK experienced temperatures of a whopping 40.3C – surpassing records dating all the way back to 1884. However, the scorching figure wasn’t documented on the golden sandy beaches of Eastbourne – or the tropical Isle of Scilly.

In fact, the intense heat was actually recorded some 200 miles north of Britain’s south coast, in the sleepy town of Coningsby. Located in the East Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, the civil parish is mainly known for its RAF Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) stations, which help protect UK airspace.

According to Lincolnshire Live, locals described the heat spell as ‘unbearable’ and like ‘living in the Sahara’. Shops were temporarily closed due to the scorching temperatures and people were encouraged to remain indoors.

While skeptics argued the thermometer’s reading was skewed by the nearby runway that regularly sees Typhoons taking off and ‘pumping considerable amounts of hot gas’ into the air – the Met Office confirmed the temperature had passed its quality control testing.

This includes physical inspections, as well as cross-checking of stations and sites. “These quality control measures are in accordance with the internationally-agreed World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) standards, which are required to be accepted as official records,” the Met Office added.

A spokesperson confirmed the scorching heat wasn’t just confined to RAF Coningsby, nor was it the only weather station that recorded temperatures exceeding 40C. On the day of recording, the Met Office states there were some ‘thin clouds’ around the county through the afternoon, with a south-south-westerly wind of around 16mph.

“Although Coningsby had the UK’s all-time record high temperature [in 2022], there’s no evidence to suggest it’s always the hottest place in Lincolnshire,” the Met Office added. “The meteorological conditions of a given day help determine where temperatures rise highest. Indeed, stations closer to more urban areas, such as Lincoln itself, will tend to see higher temperatures.

“Coningsby is, however, off the immediate coastline of Lincolnshire. This means it sees less influence from easterly and northeasterly sea breezes than some other stations in Lincolnshire.”

Do you have a story to share? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured.

Bournemouth has been named the most in-demand coastal location for buyers, with its stunning natural beauty, extensive green spaces, and appealing property market all contributing to its popularity

Bournemouth, the charming coastal town situated on England’s southern coast, has recently experienced a significant increase in popularity among property buyers. The latest figures from Rightmove reveal that Bournemouth has become the most sought-after seaside location for purchasers, a trend fuelled by its breathtaking natural beauty, abundant green spaces and attractive housing market.

Bournemouth presents a unique mix of attractions that make it an irresistible choice for potential homeowners. The town is home to seven miles of stunning sandy beaches, ideal for a variety of activities from sunbathing to water sports.

READ MORE: Simple airport duty free trick to bag cheaper beauty and alcohol before arriving

These beaches, along with 2,000 acres of green space, offer a perfect equilibrium between coastal and city living. Adding to its allure, Bournemouth is conveniently located near the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic cliffs, historical importance, and natural splendour.

This close proximity allows inhabitants to experience the best of both worlds: the serenity of seaside living and the thrill of exploring ancient landscapes.

Bournemouth’s property market has witnessed substantial growth over the past five years. The average asking price for properties in 2024 stands at £360,298, representing a 22% increase since 2019.

The surge in property values is a clear indicator of the surging demand and Bournemouth’s escalating allure. The town is becoming increasingly sought-after due to several enticing attributes.

With its stunning beaches and lush parks, Bournemouth offers an abundance of outdoor leisure activities and spots for unwinding, reports the Express.

Its vibrant cultural landscape is dotted with festivals, theatres, and a selection of eateries, contributing to an enriched living experience. Excellent transport links mean Bournemouth is well-placed for those wishing to commute to metropolises like London.

Educational institutions, including highly-regarded schools and Bournemouth University, increase the town’s attraction for families. Locals have voiced their joy over the area’s burgeoning popularity.

On Trip Advisor, an enthused resident remarked: “Living here feels like being on a perpetual holiday. The community is welcoming, and there’s always something to do. The rising property values are a testament to how wonderful this place is.”

Bournemouth’s rising fame as a residential hotspot augurs well for its economic prosperity, with potential upticks in investment and tourism.

Yet, this popularity boom poses hurdles, notably in ensuring growth is handled responsibly and the town’s scenic charm is preserved.

In spite of these challenges, the outlook for Bournemouth remains promising as it cements its status as one of the UK’s most coveted living destinations.

The Snälltåget train takes passengers on a scenic adventure, beginning in Malmö, Sweden and arriving at Innsbruck, Austria, a mere 22 hours and 1,720 km later

You can embark on a picturesque voyage through the European mountains on a train adventure that takes close to a whole day and whisks passengers more than 1,000 miles.

The Snälltåget service offers an unforgettable 22-hour journey from Malmö in Sweden to the delightful Innsbruck in Austria, spanning a staggering distance as Europe’s longest train trip by mile. Travellers are swept from the Swedish landscapes straight to the Alpine splendour, treated to phenomenal views throughout the 1,720-kilometre escapade.

Back on Track EU hails the expedition as “probably the most relaxing, fun and eco-friendly way to get to your destination” with awe-inspiring mountainous scenes en route, including stops at Austrian hamlets that serve as gateways to sought-after ski retreats.

Although devoid of complete sleeper cabins, the journey provides ‘couchettes’, snug berths for overnight comfort, with many describing the setup as ‘super cozy’ – ideal for such an extended trek.

READ MORE: ‘I’m the King of Sunbeds – one habit will get you thrown into the pool’

Malmö, down on the southern coast of Sweden, invites travellers to meander through Lilla Torg, marvel at the historic Malmohus Castle, and experience the Oresund Bridge, an engineering wonder connecting Sweden to Denmark. Alternatively, take a turn for the eccentric at the Disgusting Food Museum, reports the Express.

In contrast, Innsbruck captivates with unrivalled Alpine vistas from the Nordkette cable cars, the city’s Alpine zoo, and the stunning panoramas offered by the beloved St James Cathedral.

Despite the stunning views, travellers have cautioned about limited luggage space on board, and Snälltåget has also been criticised for delays and cancellations. While UK rail passengers might be accustomed to this, it’s something to bear in mind when on a tight holiday schedule.

The train also features an on-board restaurant, ‘Krogen’. Menus offer breakfast, lunch and alcoholic drinks, with prices around the 200 SEK/£15 mark. Snälltåget also provides a convenient ‘Bring to your seat’ self-service checkout option for hot drinks and snacks.

Snälltåget runs a summer and winter service between Malmö and Innsbruck. The summer season operates only through July, so visitors will need to plan carefully to catch it.

The train departs Malmö at 3.40pm every Friday, returning from Innsbruck each Saturday at 6pm.

During the winter season, the service will operate from December 19, 2025 through to March 15, 2026. Across two of Europe’s top destinations in prime ski season, this is the perfect excuse to hit the slopes for the festive period.

The journey will cost you 1999 SEK per person, each way. This equates to £154.06; perhaps more expensive than a tank of petrol, but arguably worth it for the breathtaking views.