BRUMMIES will soon be able to step onto the historic Flying Scotsman train from their home town.
The famous train will launch five services a day from Birmingham Moor Street Station in February half term.
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The Flying Scotsman is heading to Birmingham during February half termCredit: PA
Famous for showing British engineering at its best, the Flying Scotsman first launched as a train route between Edinburgh and London in 1923 and ran until 1963.
And in 2026, Brits will have the chance to travel on the first train that reached speeds of up to 100mph on the British Railway.
Running during school half term, there will be five services a day on February 18, 19 and 20.
The first service will set off in the morning at 10:30am and other services will follow at 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm and 6:30pm.
The train will also head over the Ribblehead Viaduct in Yorkshire, which is a large Victorian railway bridge with 24 giant arches and views of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The experience costs from £48.76 per person, but for a more luxury experience there is a First Class offering costing from £80.56 per person on a table of four or £177.02 per person, for a table for two.
First Class passengers can experience the original 1960s First Class carriage and included in the ticket price they will also get a glass of prosecco (or soft drink, if they prefer) and a snack bag.
Can’t make the February half-term dates or don’t want to be surrounded by families? Well, there are special Valentine’s Day services as well.
There are three different Valentine’s Day services in total, each of which cost from £83.74 per person.
The first service is a Valentine’s Brunch, then in the afternoon there is an Afternoon Tea service and finally in the evening, you could board the train for a three-course dinner.
Prices for this experience start from £83.74, but a First Class table for two will set you back over £280.
The Flying Scotsman is often considered the world’s most famous steam train and operated for 40 years between 1923 and 1963 before British Rail decided to focus on diesel-engine trains.
The train was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley and in total, measures over 21 metres long.
The name of the service came after passengers nicknamed the London to Edinburgh service the ‘Flying Scotsman’ due to its speed and limited stops.
And then the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) officially adopted the name in 1924.
Before this, it was only known by its route number ‘1472’.
There will be five services a day between February 18 to 20Credit: Alamy
Currently, the National Railway Museum is running a display on the Flying Scotsman, including an exhibition that “explores the stories of the owners, admirers, passengers and crew behind the icon”.
Also at the museum is an immersive, multi-sensory Flying Scotsman VR experience where visitors can get a taste of what it was like to travel on the train all those decades ago.
The experience also shows visitors some of the most significant moments in the train’s history.
Each year, there are a number of special events where members of the public can journey on the Flying Scotsman.
These events are often themed or on heritage lines across the UK.
Information about the different events running are posted on the National Railway Museum website.
OMAHA — The Federal Railroad Administration has sent letters to two railroad operators demanding they make sure that Mexican crews can speak English and don’t operate a train more than 10 miles inside the United States.
A number of Mexican train crews who recently hauled trains over the border to rail yards in Texas had trouble understanding important safety information in English during inspections the Trump administration ordered, U.S. officials said.
Railroads Union Pacific and CPKC routinely rely on foreign crews at times to bring trains over the border to their rail yards in the U.S. before switching to American engineers and conductors. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union said handoffs used to happen at the border. The engineers union has been worried about using foreign crews for some time because of safety, security and job concerns.
Union Pacific and CPKC said the railroads are committed to ensuring safety and security and will work to ensure they are complying with the rules.
The Trump administration has also been cracking down on truck drivers who don’t speak English, saying it seeks to make sure crews can communicate in an emergency and understand crucial instructions.
“Whether you’re operating an 80-ton big rig or a massive freight train, you need to be proficient in our national language — English,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said. “If you aren’t, you create an unacceptable safety risk.”
The Transportation Department has withheld $40 million from California, which it accused of not enforcing the English proficiency requirement. Duffy has also threatened to sanction several other states that he says have improperly issued commercial driver’s licenses to unauthorized immigrants.
That became a key concern after several deadly crashes involving semitrucks driven by immigrants in the country illegally.
Inspectors cite problems
Federal Railroad Administration Administrator David Fink told both railroads they could face enforcement action if inspectors find additional occurrences of train crews operating in the U.S. without being proficient in English.
Inspectors found problems in Union Pacific’s Eagle Pass rail yard and CPKC’s facility in Laredo, Fink said.
Union Pacific had a interpreter on hand to help its Mexican crews, but Fink said the railroad might try to remove that person in the future, and inspectors said they worried about how well the crews understood operating rules and required brake tests.
At CPKC’s rail yard, Fink said, inspectors found numerous instances of train crews having a hard time understanding operating bulletins and U.S. regulations that require information about hazardous materials and emergency responses to be maintained in English.
Unions support the move
The engineers union and the SMART-TD union that represents conductors welcomed the Trump administration’s move because they say Mexican crews aren’t as well-trained and need to understand crucial safety information.
Earlier this year, the engineers union also highlighted two arrests of members of Mexican crews on suspicion of smuggling — one accused of helping migrants cross the border illegally and the other for allegedly trying to bring drugs into the U.S.
“The administration should be commended for standing up for border security, public safety and American jobs by creating stronger safety standards for crews that bring trains from Mexico to the United States,” Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen National President Mark Wallace said. “It’s critical that locomotive engineers are able to speak to dispatchers and first responders in English when trains are moving on U.S. soil.”
Railroads’ response
“We have the same goals — a safe, secure border that keeps the supply chain fluid,” Union Pacific spokesperson Kristen South said. “Part of ensuring safe operations is good communication.”
CPKC spokesperson Patrick Waldron said the railroad — which operates one continuous network across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico — makes sure international crews at both borders do not travel more than 10 miles into the U.S.
“Safety is foundational to everything we do,” he said.
Union Pacific picks up and hands off trains to its partner, FerroMex railroad, at the border. It said changing out crews at its rail yard seven miles over the border in Eagle Pass helps keep freight moving, because previously the switch was done at a single-track bridge, forcing rail traffic to come to a halt. The railroad said it worked with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to make the change.
ARE you a big train fan? Well, there is one UK spot where you can even get your meal delivered by a miniature train.
Found in Newenden in Kent is the Nibbles Railway Cafe – known for its miniature model trains that deliver meals and drinks to guests at their tables.
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Nibbles Railway Cafe is known for its miniature model trains that deliver meals and drinks to guests at their tablesCredit: Nibbles Railway
The family-ran spot serves up homemade dishes, which are then carefully placed on a model train which chugs around the cafe to deliver the meal to the customer.
And if you don’t want to leave your furry friend out, then you don’t have to as there are four bookable ski gondolas outside, which are dog friendly.
From 8am to 11:30am each day, the cafe serves breakfast which includes The Nibbles Breakfast with one fried egg, two rashers of bacon, a Cumberland sausage, baked beans and a tomato for £11.90.
Lunch is then served from 12pm to 1:30pm each day and options include jacket potatoes from £6 and paninis from £7.
You could also grab a flame grilled burger from £5.95.
Lattes cost from £2.95, but you could also opt for a smoothie or milkshake.
One recent visitor said: “It was certainly a novel experience to have our drinks delivered by a model train.
“We came for breakfast and an excellent breakfast it was.
“Amply sized, served by very friendly welcoming staff and very good value for money.
“Even though the food was great, it was the trains that stole the show.
“Can certainly recommend and we will be back.”
Another added: “Our grandchildren had a lovely time and ate all their dinner which is always result!
“Definitely worth a visit if you want something a little different.”
Lots of visitors have documented their visits on social media, with some TikTok videos nearing 200,000 views.
The cafe is open Thursday to Monday, 8am to 3pm and booking is essential.
In the area you can also head off on a walk along the River Rother to Bodium Castle, which is around three and half miles away.
The path follows the river, allowing walkers to see the countryside and you will also pass the Castle Toll earthworks.
Bodium Castle dates back to the 14th-century and is surrounded by a moat.
The cafe serves breakfast and lunch, five days a weekCredit: Nibbles Railway
It costs £12 to enter and visitors can explore its towers and exhibitions.
Also nearby in Northiam is Great Dixter House & Gardens – a 15th-century manor house surrounded by pretty gardens.
It costs £17 per adult and £5.50 per child to visit.
If you fancy staying in the area, head to The White Hart, which costs from £85 per night.
One recent guest said: “My wife and I recently stayed for three nights at this pub.
“We had a wonderful and very relaxing time. The room was very nice, with a very comfortable bed.
“We will definitely be back again, and will 100% recommend it to friends and family.”
If you are looking for more quirky spots to grab a bite to eat, here’s the UK’s weirdest pub that’s ‘built in a shoe’ with Egyptian coffin, secret bar… and a Minotaur.
Plus, inside incredible time-warp café transporting customers back to 1940s Britain – and it even has an outdoor toilet.
In the local area, you can also go for a walk along the riverCredit: Nibbles Railway
This little village sits within the stunning North York Moors National Park and is the real-life set for a number of popular TV and film productions – but there’s more than meets the eye
Its railway station has famous ties to a major movie(Image: Edwin Remsberg via Getty Images)
Nestled within the stunning landscape of the North York Moors National Park, this charming village brims with character and boasts surprising connections to the entertainment world.
Goathland sits amid the Yorkshire Moors, crafted as a perfectly English settlement with abundant discoveries awaiting visitors. Most will instantly recognise it from its starring role in the beloved television series Heartbeat, where it’s known as Aidensfield. Debuting in 1992, Heartbeat was a British police drama set in this Yorkshire village during the 1960s. The show proved enormously popular with audiences and enjoyed an impressive television run until its concluding episode in 2010. Yet Heartbeat’s finale wasn’t Goathland’s last moment in the spotlight, as it became a key filming location for the Harry Potter movie series.
Indeed, the picturesque railway station served as Hogsmeade Station throughout the films and boasts a fascinating heritage of its own. It stands as a treasured piece of history along the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) heritage route, celebrated for its authentic Victorian architecture from the 1800s, drawing countless visitors eager to witness these features.
The location serves as a paradise for train enthusiasts, with the railway operator providing various steam journeys featuring breathtaking trips across the moorland. A recent visitor to the station shared on TripAdvisor: “We enjoyed travelling on the steam trains and made some very special memories. We found all the staff (many of which are volunteers) to be very friendly and more than willing to chat and share stories of the railway. We thoroughly enjoyed our time visiting and would recommend.”
Beyond the station, this charming village boasts an enviable location, nestled near Whitby whilst bordering tranquil countryside. This makes it the perfect retreat for those eager to discover the great outdoors, particularly within Dalby Forest. The park encompasses a staggering 8,500 acres of terrain that provides breathtaking vistas, countless hiking paths and cycling routes for those wanting to explore the region. Part of this includes the Dalby Activity Centre, which boasts an array of adrenaline-fuelled pursuits and several Go Ape courses to challenge your adventurous spirit.
Other delightful features of this concealed village treasure include its nearness to Thomason Foss, a charming small waterfall providing a peaceful stroll and spot for a wild dip during summer.Afterwards, when keen ramblers seek somewhere to pause for a swift drink, they’ll frequently end up at The Goathland Hotel Bar.
Alternatively, guests can unwind with a brew at the traditional village tea rooms, which one recent guest described as a “great find”. They commented: “Excellent food and service, Would thoroughly recommend to anyone visiting Goathland. Plenty of tables to accommodate all sized parties and allowing well behaved dogs is a bonus.”
IF you’re a train fanatic, or know someone who is, then this could be the perfect gift – or make it a great day out for yourself.
One steam railway is starting a brand new experience where enthusiasts drive their very own locomotive.
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A new driver experience is launching on the Ravenglass & Eskdale RailwayCredit: Adell Baker / @adell.exploresThe 40 minute experience will go through the Cumbrian countrysideCredit: Mark Fielding
Participants will get to be up front with one of the railway’s experienced drivers and spend 40 minutes taking the vehicle from Ravenglass to Irton Road.
The journey that newby drivers will go on includes an uncoupling in the passing loop.
On the return run, the driver on the experience will go through authentic railway practice and get a genuine taste of what the job entails.
The driver gets to take control on the footplate, and any additional guests can enjoy the journey from the comfort of First Class Carriage 140.
At the end of the session the learner drivers will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement.
Afterwards, there will be a chance to relax with afternoon tea and enjoy sandwiches, pastries, cakes and a scone with jam and cream.
The new experience will launch in spring 2026Credit: Alamy
Coinciding with 150 years since the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway first carried passengers in 1876, the experience will launch from 14 to 22 March 2026.
Nicky Williams, General Manager at the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway said: “How many people dreamed of driving a real train when we they were young?
There’s a special kind of magic in taking the controls of a steam locomotive, and nextspring we’ll be handing that magic directly to a select few.
“As we celebrate 150 years of carrying passengers through the Eskdale Valley, these new experiences put the public in the driving seat on one of Britain’s most cherished heritage railways, guided by the experts who continue to keep the line alive every day.”
Now for the technicalities, sadly this isn’t one for kids as drivers-for-a-day must be over the age of 21.
Anyone booking onto the experience can invite up to eight spectator guests to be part of the experience for an additional fee which does include afternoon tea.
Price for the driving experience start from £210pp and £99 for spectator guests.
A brand new crime-themed train experience is coming to UK city…
A train journey across the UK can be a magical experience depending on the views – but a new train is launching that doesn’t actually go anywhere.
The Unseen Experience is set to open in London in December and unlike a normal train journey where you purchase a ticket, get on board and travel from A to B, this service stays in the same spot.
Visitors will ‘board’ in complete darkness, being blindfolded throughout their ‘journey’.
Then, each ‘passenger’ will be “transported through time aboard a mysterious train as 3D audio surrounds you from every direction”, according to the event’s creators, Fever.
The experience involves two stories on one train and is said to be “perfect for fans of mystery, crime and psychological thrillers” – so perhaps not one for people who are expecting the Orient Express.
According to Secret London, in the first world, you are a deserter on the run in 1980, during the Cold War.
Then, in the second world, you are a survivor on the same train, but this time it is around 100 years later in a post-apocalyptic world.
Your fate is decided by the fellow passengers. The journey lasts for 35 minutes in total and each passenger must be over the age of 14 years old.
The heritage steam railway trundles through pretty seaside villages and along stunning North Norfolk coastline
The North Norfolk Poppy Line is a wonderful experience(Image: Getty)
A stunning train route has been crowned England’s “most scenic” after travellers discovered it winds through charming seaside villages and breathtaking landscapes. Better still, the heritage steam railway itself is rich in history as it chugs along picturesque old tracks.
The Poppy Line, running between Sheringham and Holt in North Norfolk, meanders for 5.25 miles (8.45km) across the region’s flat countryside. East Anglia’s self-proclaimed “premier heritage railway” is run almost entirely by volunteers, lending the entire journey a welcoming atmosphere.
Yet it’s far from amateur – first class carriages provide dining experiences where passengers can tuck into delicious meals and enjoy exquisite bottles of wine.
Options range from a Comedy Dining Experience to various gourmet services, a Murder Mystery Dining experience – and even a Gin Train for those seeking a more relaxed affair.
Passengers board at Sheringham, a classic Victorian seaside town where fishing remains a thriving trade and shops stock an array of local goods. The town boasts an expansive beach with golden sands – ideal for a winter ramble whilst the train prepares for departure.
For those wanting a lengthier excursion, continue along the coast atop the gently rising cliffs to take in the diverse mix of wildflowers, butterflies and sweeping vistas of the North Sea.
From this point, the train chugs along for a few miles to the quintessentially English village of Weybourne, reports the Express.
Here you can also bask in the stunning coastal views, or perhaps pop over to the Muckleburgh Military Collection, the UK’s largest privately owned military museum, boasting over 120 tanks, guns and vehicles among its collection of 10,000 items.
Once you’ve had your fill of military history, meander over to one of the traditional British pubs where you can tuck into fish and chips, or locally sourced seafood or other produce. Notable establishments include The Ship Inn and The Red Lion.
Afterwards, hop back on the train and you’ll be whisked off to Kelling Heath Park, which is just a brief stop. From here you can embark on hikes around Kelling Heath, a 221-hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Following this, Holt is the final stop, where you’ll alight to discover a treasure trove of 18th-Century Georgian buildings, with charming antique and book shops tucked away in the many hidden courtyards and alleyways. Don’t miss the cross in the marketplace that commemorates soldiers who fell in the war.
Just a stone’s throw away is Holt Country Park – a 100-acre woodland filled with oak, pine and silver birch trees. The ruins of Baconsthorpe Castle are also well worth a visit.
This moated and fortified manor house dates back to the 15th century and is teeming with intriguing history.
A BUDGET train operator is launching more cheap tickets between some major UK cities.
The Lumo train service between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh is being extended to Glasgow Queen Street.
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Lumo is extending its route from London Euston to Edinburgh, to GlasgowCredit: Alamy
The train will still run via Edinburgh, as well as Falkirk High, on the East Coast Main Line.
Passengers will be able to use two northbound services each weekday and one southbound service.
There will then be one service in each direction at the weekend.
As a result of the announcement, it is thought more people will head to the Commonwealth Games too, which will take place in Glasgow in July next year.
Tickets for the route with the low-cost operator will cost from £33.10 between London and Glasgow.
If travelling between Newcastle and Glasgow, tickets will be as little as £10.90.
Stuart Jones, managing director of First Rail Open Access, said: “This is a landmark moment which will boost connectivity between Scotland and England, offering a sustainable travel option whilst also boosting economic growth.
Paul Tetlaw, Director of Policy at Transform Scotland, said: “We welcome the new Lumo services from Glasgow and Falkirk via the East Coast Main Line.
“There is a significant market of people who currently drive or fly to the North East of England and London who now have the opportunity to switch to the train.
“The new services soon to be launched from Stirling will help to build on that modal shift to rail.”
Lumo is also launching a new route which will connect Stirling with London Euston, in May 2026.
It comes as FirstGroup, which owns Lumo, revealed in November that it has submitted applications to launch new direct routes between Cardiff and York, as well as Rochdale and London Euston.
The Cardiff to York route would also include stops in Birmingham, Derby and Sheffield.
This service would run six times a day throughout the week.
And the stops on the Rochdale to London Euston route would include Manchester Victoria, Eccles, Newton-le-Willows and Warrington Bank Quay.
A single fare for the route will cost from £33.10Credit: Getty
This route would feature three return services on weekdays and Sundays, and four services each Saturday.
The company is aiming for the route to operate by December 2028.
Lumo trains are electric and on board feature no first-class seating option, fitting in with their budget offering.
Seats do have tray tables though and USB sockets, as well as free Wi-Fi.
A new service could welcome direct trains from London to major German cities, making it even easier to explore Europe and visit their famed Christmas markets
New direct train links from London to major German locations could be introduced (Image: Getty Images)
Proposals for a fresh high-speed rail link connecting Britain and Germany could make future festive market getaways simpler than ever before.
At present, Brits hoping to reach Cologne or Frankfurt via Eurostar must change trains at either Brussels or Paris, turning the journey into a several-hour trek fraught with the hassle of switching services. But direct trains between these destinations are now “one step closer” to reality, following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed this week between Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn (DB), Germany’s national railway operator.
This development could see high-speed links between London and key German cities operational as soon as 2030. The service would deploy Eurostar’s new double-decker Celestia fleet, which offers significantly increased passenger capacity along the route, reports the Express.
Suggested itineraries include a direct London to Cologne service that takes four hours, and a London to Frankfurt connection completed in five hours, providing a swift and comfortable alternative to air travel. In a statement, Keir Starmer said: “This brings us one step closer to a new rail link that will put Britain at the heart of a better-connected Europe and paves the way for increased trade, tourism and investment.”
A direct service would allow Brits to access beloved destinations such as Germany’s famous Christmas markets more easily, without requiring air travel. Frankfurt Christmas Market, one of the oldest in the country and a favourite among tourists, dazzles with its half-timbered buildings in Römerberg and Paulsplatz town squares, adorned with festive lights.
Alongside the main market, smaller themed markets operate during Advent, including the Frankfurt Artists’ Christmas Market and the new Frankfurt Children’s Christmas Market, featuring trees decorated by children, storytelling tents, entertainment, and child-friendly food.
Cologne, with its multiple Christmas markets spread across the city, would undoubtedly become a popular destination for Brits given a direct Eurostar link. The Cologne Cathedral Market, located in Roncalliplatz, offers a traditional German market experience and is the most frequented.
The Harbour Christmas Market also attracts many visitors, boasting a massive Ferris wheel that provides panoramic views of the Rhine.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that Eurostar plans to introduce direct services from London to Geneva, connecting the British capital with one of Switzerland’s key financial centres. The BBC reported over the summer that this new link could reduce travel time between London and Geneva to just five hours.
However, concerns were raised about whether Eurostar’s East London depot had sufficient space to accommodate the larger trains needed for such continental journeys.
Eurostar is also facing fresh competition from rival operators keen to launch UK-to-Europe rail services, including Virgin, which revealed in October that it was “on track” to introduce its own Channel Tunnel operation. The competing service plans to link London St Pancras International with Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam by 2030, with ambitions to extend to additional European destinations thereafter.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
But there’s so much more to love about a quick, easy train journey that promises the chance to enjoy some festive fun with continental flair and fabulous food.
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The Sun’s Lisa Minot and Kara Godfrey took to the Eurostar this month to check out Lille and Brussels – and their Christmas marketsCredit: Getty Images
Step aboard the Eurostar from London St Pancras and just one hour and 24 minutes later you could be in Lille – then 30 minutes farther and the delights of Brussels await.
With fares from £39 each way if booked in advance, it’s the perfect way to sprinkle some magic on your festive season.
So Lisa Minot and Kara Godfrey took to the Eurostar this month to check out the cities – and their Christmas markets.
Lisa in Lille
Lille’s Old Town and Place Rihour sparkle with 90 festive chalets, charming shops, and hearty French fare for a perfect quick Christmas getawayCredit: Supplied
WITH beautifully decorated stores in Lille’s Old Town, a fabulous Ferris Wheel in the Grand Place and a charming Christmas market on Place Rihour featuring 90 wooden chalets, Lille is a great place to hop over to for a quick festive break.
With a compact city centre and oodles of lovely independent shops, Lille also promises hearty French fare in its traditional ‘estaminet’ restaurants to keep you fuelled.
BEST SNACK
COME hungry to the Christmas Market as there are endless stalls offering hearty snacks.
From baguettes to paninis and oysters, caviar and salmon as well as waffles and crepes, there’s a huge amount of choice.
But for a French speciality, it has to be the aligot. A truly indulgent dish of ultra-creamy mashed potatoes mixed with garlic, butter, cream and gooey cheese, a generous portion costs just £8.70.
Or perhaps go for the traditional Savoie dish of tartiflette — slices of potato with onions, bacon and reblochon cheese.
BEST DRINK
YOU’LL find mulled wine everywhere. This is France, after all!
In the Christmas Market, a large cup costs seven euros but you’ll get two euros back when you return the eco-friendly cups, so a warming drink will set you back just £4.40.
At the traditional Lille estaminet restaurant, Au Vieux de la Vieille, your mulled wine comes with a shot of Amaretto on the side for a nutty alternative and costs £5.70.
BEST VIEW
ADMIRE the festive lights around the streets of Lille from high above on the Ferris Wheel, at the centre of the Grand Place.
Soaring 164ft into the air in the gondolas gives you a fabulous view of the city and beyond. Book ahead to avoid the queues.
Sunset is a perfect time to take in the views with the lights of the town and market a delight.
Prices start from £6.10 for adults and £4.40 for children. See lagrande rouedelille.com.
For those without a head for heights, you can also get a fantastic view from the balcony of the City Hall’s Belfry — getting there involves climbing up 109 steps.
BEST SHOPPING
Travel Editor Lisa Minot enjoys a festive drink in LilleCredit: Supplied
LILLE’S compact, cobbled old town is a delight for shopaholics. There are plenty of independent gift stores as well as lots of options for clothes and shoes.
To bring back a reminder of your stay, head to the legendary Meert — famed for being one of the oldest pastry shops in the world.
The ornate building is even more festive at Christmas and it’s the perfect place to pick up one of their signature waffles, from a recipe first invented in the 1840s.
You can also buy a huge range of cakes, chocolates and a variety of exotic tea blends. The tea room is a delight. Just be sure to book in advance.
BEST RESTAURANT
FOR a relaxed but sophisticated dinner with a fantastic view, head to Nu, close to the train station. This rooftop restaurant and bar is fabulously festively decorated at Christmas but it’s the food that is undoubtedly the star of the show.
As well as a selection of tapas-style dishes starting from £7.90, there’s a host of French classics.
We enjoyed a decadent lobster dish and a delicious seared tuna finished with a cafe gourmand — where your cup comes with a selection of their best desserts.
For truly authentic dishes from the North of France, head to Estaminet Au Vieux de la Vielle.
Booking is essential at this tiny, historic restaurant and locals flock here for carbonnade flamande, where chunks of beef are cooked in beer and spices.
Also amazing was the Welsh au maroilles — beer-soaked bread topped with ham and then drenched in melty maroilles cheese. Come hungry!
BEST HOTEL
HOTEL l’Arbre Voyageur is ideal for a weekend break — just an eight minute stroll from the train station.
The 4H hotel has 48 rooms with comfy beds and L’Occitane toiletries.
With two restaurants and its own patisserie, food is top notch. Rooms are from £143 per night, with breakfast. See hotelarbrevoyageur.com.
Kara in Brussels
Brussels’ Winter Wonders Christmas Market dazzles with 250+ stalls, a Ferris wheel, ice rink, curling, and a spectacular light show in the Grand-PlaceCredit: Alexander Spatari
WITH more than 250 stalls and chalets to browse, the Christmas Markets in Brussels are certainly an extravaganza.
Called the Winter Wonders, this also includes the popular Ferris Wheel, an ice skating and curling rink and the huge light show in the Grand Place.
The largest section is in Marché aux Poissons, where you will find 200 of the stalls. It runs until January 4, so you have more than enough time to fit in a quick weekend trip.
BEST SNACK
IF you spot a long queue, it’s most likely outside Fritland. Right next to the Christmas markets, the much-loved shop has been serving up huge portions of chips since 1978 (from £3).
There are many sauces to choose from, with the tomatoey Dallas tasting delightfully zingy.
If you need something sweet afterwards, the other busy spot is the stunning Maison Dandoy, where you’ll find some of the city’s best waffles.
Even with the rich Speculoos spread slathered on top, the waffles are so light they are easy to eat even on a full stomach.
BEST DRINK
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey gets into the Christmas spirit in BrusselsCredit: Supplied
YOU can’t go wrong with a mulled wine, or gluhwein, which can be found throughout the markets.
A glass will set you back around £4.30, although keep an extra 90p if you don’t have your own cup.
It is the right amount of sweetness and warmth to keep you cosy in the chilly winter weather.
Not a wine fan? Most of the stalls also sell hot chocolate.
BEST VIEW
FOR some of the best vistas across the city, you can’t beat the Ferris Wheel.
With tickets around £8.70, the ten-minute trip is stunning both during the day and with the twinkling lights at night.
But if you want a secret way to see the picturesque Grand Place light show without the crowds, keep an eye out for the Christmas Fairies door.
Walk through a fairy light tunnel, up a winding staircase and past Santa to grab your spot at the window overlooking the huge tree that lights up every hour.
Ahead of one of the busiest times to travel, the National Rail has issued a warning and outlined some of the changes that could impact your train journey during the festive season
Changes are expected on a number of train services during the festive season(Image: Getty Images)
Train travel changes to be aware of between Christmas and New Year
Plan and check your journey before you travel
There will be no National Rail services running on Christmas Day
Most train operators will not be in service on Boxing Day. However, there will be very limited services on some train operators, including Chiltern Railways, London Overground, Merseyrail, ScotRail, Southern and Stansted Express
Timetables could be subject to change during the festive period, including late-notice changes, which runs from Tuesday, 23 December, until Friday, 2 January
No trains will run to or from London Liverpool Street station from Saturday, 27 December, to Thursday, 1 January
No trains will run to or from London Waterloo Station or Vauxhall on Saturday, 27 December, and Sunday, 28 December
Bus replacements will be in operation between Milton Keynes Central and Rugby/Northampton from Saturday, 27 December to Sunday, 4 January
There will be an amended service between Preston and Carlisle from Wednesday, 31 December to Thursday, 15 January
Bus replacements will be in operation between Carlisle and Lockerbie from Thursday, 1 January, to Wednesday, 7 January
An amended service will be in place between Leeds and York from Saturday, 27 December, to Friday, 2 January
No trains will run between Cambridge and Cambridge North, Bury St Edmunds, and Stansted Airport from Saturday, 27 December, to Sunday, 4 January
Bus services will replace trains between Dalmuir and Balloch/Helensburgh from Saturday, 27 December, until Wednesday, 31 December
National Rail stated that there will be “lots of planned essential engineering works and upgrades taking place as Network Rail works to improve the railway” over Christmas and the New Year. This may result in changes to train timetables, so it’s best to check your journey before setting off.
A HISTORIC English train station is set to close this Sunday – and it won’t reopen for another two years.
A new, modernised station will re-open 200 metres west from its current location.
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Ravensthorpe station will be shutting down from Sunday, December 14 until the summer of 2028Credit: NETWORK RAIL
Ravensthorpe station, near Dewsbury, will be shutting down from Sunday, December 14 until the summer of 2028.
Passengers traveling between Ravensthorpe and Dewsbury will be offered a rail replacement bus service during the closure, but should plan their journeys.
The new Ravensthorpe station will have a footbridge with lifts for step-free access, along with a new forecourt and drop-off facilities.
The revamped forecourt will make it easier for cars to drop off passengers, while a longer island platform means larger trains and more seats for commuters.
The project is part of the massive Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) which is tasked with rebuilding huge chunks of the northern rail network.
Engineers are putting in a new four-track railway through the old and new station sites, plus a brand-new Baker Viaduct.
Once finished, it’ll let faster trains overtake slower ones, cutting journey times between Manchester, Leeds and York.
Overhead line equipment will also be installed throughout the area which will power greener, electric trains in the future.
Ravensthorpe is a village and civil parish in West Northamptonshire in England.
The village has a single shop, a pub (the Chequers), a playing field, a small park and a woodland maintained by the Woodland Trust.
Andrew Campbell, TRU Sponsor, said: “The upcoming closure of Ravensthorpe station marks the beginning of an important phase for the programme, as work intensifies until summer 2028.
“The station area, known as Ravensthorpe triangle, has already seen a great deal of progress, and is currently one of the biggest civil-engineering sites in the North.
“Work already underway includes the installation of concrete beams to form the new Calder Road bridge and the installation of piers for the new Baker Viaduct.
“Both of which are helping enable major track realignment work for more reliable, smoother journeys across the Pennines.
“We’d like to thank the local community for their understanding as we deliver a modernised Ravensthorpe station which will support better rail travel across the region.”
If you’re planning to travel with children and parents this holiday season, may the grace of whatever god you believe in descend upon you with alacrity. May you never grow weary, frustrated or borderline psychotic when your 80-something mom questions your every decision moments after you make it, or when your child loses that wildly overpriced souvenir hours after you finally agree to buy it.
But let’s be real: Being on vacation with a parent and child requires many coping mechanisms that aren’t obvious before you’re deep into the experience. As the sandwich-generation adult responsible for your multigenerational holiday, you need to be part tour director, part therapist and part life coach to everyone counting on you for a vacation of a lifetime.
I know, because earlier this year I spent three weeks in Austria, Switzerland and southern Bavaria with my 81-year-old mother and grade-school daughter. This was a vacation that we’ll each remember, always. It was that good. But it wasn’t easy.
And it required a lot of preparatory work and patience. Here are my Top 10 lessons learned, for anyone who plans to soon or someday travel with a child and an older parent.
No. 1: Think of yourself as an expedition leader and master every logistical detail
For my daughter’s sake, I never left our hotel or Airbnb without a full water bottle and a hard-boiled egg or two from the breakfast buffet. Or a couple oranges or other fruit that wouldn’t get crushed at the bottom of a backpack. Nothing is fun on vacation if your kid gets “hangry.”
The calculation for a parent is different. Because my mom wasn’t interested in managing more than her own aches and pains, I knew I had to be in charge of every move every day, from getting to sites to negotiating purchases to finding places to eat and managing the heat and everyone’s daily moods and energy levels.
No. 2: Create an itinerary that suits your parent’s and child’s needs and personalities
You probably know your parent’s tolerances for everything from how much he or she wants to do to how regularly they need a food or rest break to how much time they need to get up and out the door each day. Some activities that your kid has her heart set on aren’t realistic for an older parent.
In Switzerland, for example, my daughter really, really wanted to go tubing at the top of Jungfraujoch, a massive glacier 10,000 feet above sea level near Interlaken. So she and I trekked to and played in the snow for an hour while my mom had coffee at a glaciertop restaurant.
Similar to how marathoners manage a race, multigenerational family vacations tend to have fast parts and slower parts, based on how draining (or rejuvenating) the previous day was. Monitor parent and child end-of-day energy (or exhaustion) levels. They’re a good indication of how ambitious you should be the following day.
For instance, after a long day of train travel, from Vienna to Interlaken or from Interlaken to Bavaria, I made sure the next day was free of any grand excursion or event. To recharge personal batteries, everyone needs to have their coffees, or play on a playground, or feel the sun on their faces, and spend time not being scheduled.
No. 3: Give your parent and child an idea of what to expect, and ask their opinion
What works for children often works for older parents: Clearly explain well ahead of time what they should expect from the daily vacation experience.
The lovely part of traveling with parents is that, unlike young children, they often have informed, realistic opinions about what they want and don’t want from the experience writ large and on a daily basis. Ask them: What do you want out of this vacation?
For my daughter, who was excited to see Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria — the one that is said to have inspired the Disneyworld facsimile — the key piece of advance intelligence I gave her was that we’d be spending three to four hours on our feet with a tour guide.
That helped her pre-set her patience for a lot of continuous listening.
No. 4: Adjust on the fly
As the quote attributed to Mike Tyson goes: Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the nose. On vacation, the punch will be figurative: You miss a train, are too tired to visit that must-see exhibit or natural wonder, or don’t like your hotel or resort as much as you thought you would.
Be willing to adjust your plans based on what will make your parent and child happy and willing to pivot when necessary.
When the June heat in Vienna became a little too much for my mom, we agreed to cut out the walk through an ornate Hapsburg garden and go to lunch somewhere with air-conditioning.
While my mom nursed her post-prandial local beer, my kid and I went for a leisurely stroll through a nearby park. The definition of a vacation win-win.
No. 5: Identify your aging parent’s individual ‘kryptonite’ — e.g., heat, distance, foreign languages or big crowds
For my mom, extreme heat is a major barrier to her ability and desire to venture out of an air-conditioned hotel room. If the temperature is cool, my mom will walk until the hounds of hell stop her, no matter how much pain she’s in; she equates taking a short taxi ride as a moral failure. But if the temperature rises above, say, 75, she wilts within minutes.
So, I checked the weather forecasts and planned strategically.
No. 6: Calibrate daily walking distances and stairs to match your kid’s and parent’s tolerances
Think realistically about exactly how long a walk, how many stairs up and — especially important for older parents! — stairs down.
I carried a small lightweight camping stool in my backpack every day, in case my mom needed to sit with no bench in sight. We used it only once … for my daughter, during the four-hour Bavarian castle tour. (My mom refused to sit down, saying she might not be able to get up again.)
Pro tip: If you’ll be traveling by train, beware the unexpected challenge of many, many stairs at the stations. There may also be stairs up and down a medieval castle tour, where people behind you may grow impatient with an older person’s slow pace. Think about whether to put your parent and child at the back of your tour group during long stair climbs and descents.
No. 7: Diffuse inevitable inter-generational friction and frustration
At some point in your journey, Mom, Dad or child will be as fed up with you as you are with them. Perhaps more so. Usually, it’s the small things that, repeated daily, push family members traveling together to a point of needing to blow off some steam.
Plan regular “steam valve” times when you let your loved ones express whatever is on their mind. (Who knows, maybe it’ll be pure gratitude … but probably it will be a gripe you’re rather familiar with.) It’s like couples therapy sessions, except the “couple” is parent and child on a vacation together. Let them speak their truth, and accept it with a mature, “Thank you for letting me know.”
On our trip, my mom and I made each other howl with laughter by doing imitations of each other. She made fun of my haranguing her for carrying her own luggage off trains, and I poked fun at her for habitually asking whether we were on the right train.
We did this over half-liters of beer, which didn’t hurt.
My daughter added her laugh-out-loud imitations of me being overly bossy or short-tempered, and her grandma’s habit of asking whether we were on the right train and sitting in the right seats.
No. 8: Expect to be exhausted by all the daily planning and guiding
You’re going to be doing the work of two people, caring for your parent and child on a vacation — as well as yourself. That is an hourly emotional and physical load you’ll need to monitor and manage.
Anticipate that tour-leader stress, and give yourself regular off-ramps from it. Maybe it’s a night off that you spend on your own while Dad or Mom stays in the room with your kid, watching cat videos on the iPad. Maybe it’s sleeping in for once, and having morning coffee by yourself.
Like they say on airplanes, put on your own oxygen mask before helping others with theirs.
No. 9: Don’t expect every day to be a thrill or feel like a postcard
Every day of your multigenerational vacation probably won’t be as rejuvenating as you perhaps had hoped. As I told my mom and daughter before our trip: Some days will feel like the best ever; other days not so much. Expect to feel the minor let-downs along with the surprising delights.
No. 10: Offer encouragement regularly (and especially on hard days)
Whether directed at a child or octogenarian parent, a few artfully supportive words from you — “You’re doing such a great job,” “You’re so strong for your age!” or my psy-ops favorite: “Gosh, I think I’m complaining more than either of you are” — will help keep them going through a rough patch.
During the first few days in Vienna, for example, I praised my daughter for holding my mom’s hand while crossing streets or walking over tram tracks. She never missed another opportunity to look out for her Grandma.
Likewise, when my mom’s hip began hurting after two miles of walking, I made the conscious decision to announce, rather loudly on the street, “You’re doing great, Mom!” She said nothing, but I knew she heard me. And she made it back to the hotel.
Think about what words of encouragement from someone else would make you feel great (e.g., “You’re doing an incredible job managing this trip for your mom!”) and do that for them.
And never, ever forget: You’re making big memories for you and your loved ones.
