Train

Wisteria and clematis hang from weathered cottage walls. Tulips and pink apple blossom spill out of several gardens. Thatched animals decorate the rooftops. There’s a Norman church, a medieval castle and an 80-hectare (200-acre) nature reserve. Amberley is the kind of place people assume you can only reach by car, but the village has its own railway station with regular direct trains, along the scenic Arun Valley line, from Bognor, Horsham and London Victoria.

This spring, the Black Horse pub reopened in Amberley. The new owners are the gourmet Gladwin brothers, Oliver and Richard, returning to their Sussex roots near Nutbourne Vineyards. Having founded five Local & Wild restaurants in London, the Black Horse is their first country pub and first place with rooms.

I’ve walked through Amberley numerous times, but never stopped to explore. It’s the midpoint of the South Downs Way, a 100-mile route from Winchester to Eastbourne, with views for much of its length in both directions: north across the Weald and south towards the sea.

Trains leave London every half an hour and take about 1hr 20mins to get to Amberley. The scenery outside gets steadily lovelier, passing blackthorn-bordered fields and bluebell woods. Beyond Pulborough, the railway enters the South Downs national park. There are herds of deer, chalk-hill views and the winding River Arun.

My first stop is Amberley Museum (two for the price of one with a voucher if you travel by train). Sprawling across more than 14 hectares (36 acres) of former chalk pits, it has impressive disused lime kilns and demonstrations of everything from broom-making to printing.

It’s right opposite the railway station and I’m planning a 45-minute whiz round before strolling into the village. Three hours later, I’m still there, riding the narrow-gauge railway and chatting to volunteers with encyclopedic enthusiasms for various traditional crafts. Visitors can hear the rattle of old machines and smell the printers’ ink, pine shavings, brick dust and engine oil. There’s a whole building about communications through time, from horse-drawn post carts to fibre-optic cables. The Tools & Trades History Society has intricate displays involving bee-smokers, hoop drivers, moulding planes, straw splitters and spindle grinders.

Above the museum’s main site, a nature trail leads up, through banks of bluebells and primroses, to a hilltop bench. Across the chalk cliffs of the old quarry and tall sycamores with their nesting rooks are views of the fortified walls of Amberley Castle, a bishops’ residence dating mainly from the 14th century.

I pass the castle on my 20-minute amble into the village and stop off at neighbouring St Michael’s church to admire the zigzagged Norman arch, oak leaf-carved doorway and graveyard cowslips. I check into the Black Horse, then head out again to explore Amberley Wildbrooks nature reserve, an area of boggy woods and tussock-sedged wetland, which starts two minutes’ walk away from the pub.

A pair of birders with a proper scope show me their photo of the resident white-tailed eagle, then I stroll through golden evening shadows serenaded by linnets and skylarks. No sign of the eagle, but I’m happy to hear warblers in the reedbeds and a woodpecker drumming for bugs. (Next day, I learn one of the area’s best eagle-spotting sites is The Sportsman, Amberley’s community pub, with binoculars on its terrace). I walk for miles along the single boggy track, following the Wey-South Path, a 34-mile (55km) route to Guildford mostly along canal towpaths, before finally heading back.

With bedrooms offering real milk and coffee, Amberley pottery and homemade biscuits, the Black Horse is hospitable. There are wooden beams, hilly views and fresh flowers. Plenty of pubs claim to be haunted by a “grey lady”; the Black Horse reports sightings of a spectral “woman in lavender … fleeting as the mist that settles over the Downs”.

The renovated pub’s wood-panelled restaurant has an emphasis on local, foraged and sustainable food. Wild garlic season is ending and local asparagus has arrived. Grilled green spears in lemon with purple onion flowers look beautiful and taste better. Salad is dressed with gingery magnolia. There’s squid from Worthing, free-range lamb from the third Gladwin brother and farmer, Gregory, and wines from the family vineyards five miles north.

Many of the diners live locally (some on their second or third visit), while the early breakfasters next morning are mostly hiking the South Downs Way. The chalky hills look tempting in the spring sunshine, but I have other plans. In Arundel, four minutes’ journey south by rail, the nearly 1,000-year-old fortress (£17, gardens only) is hosting its huge annual tulip festival when I visit, having planted more than 1.4m bulbs over the past decade and won Historic Houses’ garden of the year in 2025, among other awards.

From pretty Arundel station, a bee-friendly path leads cyclists and walkers under the railway and beside a field to a safer stretch of pavement. Local community group Greening Arundel has won awards for this path, which is lined with celandines, murals and bug hotels.

There’s a queue to get into the castle gardens, but it’s easy to see why people come here. With fountains, thatched gazebos and historic walls as a backdrop, there are sweeping beds of multicoloured blooms, banks of scarlet by the moat, lush tubs of peony-style doubles, elegant lily-flowered cultivars and striped Rembrandts among a soft haze of forget-me-nots and the last of the narcissi.

Included in garden entry is the monument-filled 14th-century Fitzalan chapel, where pairs of marble knights and ladies lie side by side. On one of my teenage South Downs’ hikes, I spent hours with a friend searching every church in town for the stone effigies featured in Philip Larkin’s 1956 poem An Arundel Tomb, only to find them later in Chichester Cathedral.

After walking around the gardens, I climb the narrow-stepped Norman keep for views that stretch to the sea. There’s plenty to look at inside the castle, too: paintings by Van Dyck and Canaletto, rooms full of crossbows and rapiers, lion pelts in the Great Hall, antlers in the corridors.

From Arundel station, I can see the hilltop church and castle, framed by woods and marshes. The scene is up there with England’s other great views from railway stations, such as Durham Cathedral or St Michael’s Mount. Rich in history and wildlife, the trip feels longer and more rewarding than a simple overnight break. Outside the train windows, herons guard the waterways and swans are nesting in the reeds.

Accommodation was provided by the Black Horse pub, doubles from £110 room-only. Train travel was provided by Southern

It has been a beloved seaside landmark for over 200 years, where families can explore its rich history and enjoy a ride on its historic train for just a few pounds

For just a few pounds per person, families can explore the world’s longest pleasure pier right here in the UK – complete with its own railway whisking you off to a day on the waterfront.

Southend Pier isn’t your average seaside attraction but a major landmark sitting proudly in the heart of Southend-on-Sea, Essex, holding the title of the world’s longest pleasure pier. It extends an impressive 2.14km, or 1.33 miles, into the water.

Jutting out into the Thames Estuary, the pier was originally built in 1829, before welcoming the public in 1889.

Through the decades it has evolved and been reimagined into the pier that visitors and residents recognise today, having survived several catastrophic blazes.

Throughout the 1970s, the cherished pier fell into disrepair, prompting the council to announce plans to shut it down in 1980. But it wasn’t long before residents rallied together with passionate protests to save their treasured landmark, and by 1983, restoration work was approved.

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A revitalised pier, featuring a modernised railway system, welcomed visitors once more in 1986, though troubles for the structure weren’t quite over.

Fires in both 1995 and 2005 wreaked havoc on the pier’s timber planking and decking, necessitating multiple rounds of reconstruction.

There’s also a museum situated along the pier offering deeper insight into Southend Pier’s 200-year story, covering everything from the calamities to the entertainment and its wartime contribution.

Featuring original artefacts from the early days, old penny slot machines and a simulated train driver experience, there’s plenty to keep visitors entertained.

Families can now revel in this remarkable slice of British seaside heritage, enjoying rides, stalls, food and drink while taking a leisurely stroll out towards the sea.

For those who’d rather not walk, they can jump aboard the train, which runs along the pier every half hour.

One visitor took to TripAdvisor to share: “We were lazy and took the train instead of walking. Stepping on to the train is like stepping back in time. The train was from a different era, which was interesting.

“It didn’t go too fast, but we just didn’t feel like walking. It was cute to watch children who were walking with their parents try to race the train. The pier is very pleasant even on a cold day.”

Visiting

Perhaps the biggest draw of a trip to Southend Pier is just how affordable it is. Entry currently costs adults £3.10, while children and concessions pay £2.10.

For a little extra, families can combine pier entry with unlimited train journeys for as little as £19.50 with a full family ticket.

Those looking to swap the amusements for a peaceful day by the water might want to consider a fishing pass. Locals can turn up with all their gear and enjoy a full day’s fishing, provided they stick to the pier’s guidelines.

One visitor shared: “We decided to walk the pier, and the driver of the train waved each time he passed. Ice cream was lovely and views amazing. Worth the 1.3 miles there and back.”

Another happy visitor added: “Visited here recently with friends. A lovely long pier that’s perfect for a nice walk from the coast or a train ride if you prefer!

“It’s ticketed and does cost a few pounds to enter, but it was worth it personally, as I’ve never seen or experienced such a long pier before!”

The pier welcomes visitors daily between 10:15am and 5pm, with last entry permitted one hour before closing time.

HOLIDAYMAKERS planning a trip to Europe this summer will now be able to tick two cities off their list in one train journey

Uncertainties surrounding the jet fuel crisis mean its the perfect time to take advantage of Europe’s train network.

A new train line between Prague and Copenhagen has officially opened to passengers, creating a direct link between two of Europe’s most popular cities.

Launched on May 1, travellers can commute between these unique locations for as little as £53 per ticket.

Starting from Prague’s main train station, Hlavní Nádraží, the train link will also stop at German stations, including Dresden and Berlin.

Two services will now run on a daily basis, with one making a return journey from Hamburg to Prague, and the other travelling to Copenhagen.

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For those wanting to commit to the ultimate European journey, the service will begin in Prague at 6.30am, then arrive in Copenhagen for 7.38pm.

This 13-hour journey is considerably longer than flying between destinations, which takes just over an hour.

Between the Danish and Czech capitals, travellers will also be able to stop off in Dresden, Berlin and Hamburg.

For those exclusively wanting to travel from Prague to Germany, the total journey to Hamburg takes just over six hours.

Passengers will be travelling on Czech Railways (ČD), with their premium ComfortJet trains including onboard restaurants, WiFi, bike storage and a children’s cinema.

Onboard entertainment, air conditioning and quiet carriages will also be available.

Those wishing to travel will also be able to book on an extra summer service, departing from Prague at 4.30pm and travelling to Copenhagen.

The new Prague to Copenhagen route is one of ten new routes supported by the European Commission to improve cross-border rail travel.

Budding travellers can expect a Munich-Milan-Rome connected journey as soon as December 2026.

A HISTORIC railway station is set to open soon after being reconstructed brick by brick – nine miles from its original location.

The Victorian station was originally built in 1867, but fell into disuse over the last century.

Wansford Road station, near Peterborough, had been facing demolition to make room for the proposed A47 dual carriageway.

However, in 2022 an agreement was reached between Nene Valley Railway (NVR) and National Highways for the building to be dismantled and re-built.

National Highways also granted nearly £200,000 in funding towards the project.

Having been dismantled in April 2024, the limestone station has almost completed its re-location to Peterborough, now under the new name of ‘Woodstone Wharf Station’.

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The historic building will serve as a gateway to both Railworld Wildlife Haven and the NVR, and features a booking office, waiting room and administration office.

Stan Bell, who led the project at The Wansford Road CIO, said: “It’s clear that the building will have a huge rejuvenating impact on this often-forgotten part of Peterborough.

“We’ve been incredibly lucky to have the support of National Highways.”

The original railway served passengers from Stamford to Wansford, although it closed by 1929.

The building was then converted into a private residence, before falling into disrepair.

The £100 million proposal to create a dual carriageway for the A47 was also scrapped in July last year, due to planning complications and rising costs.

THE UK is home to over 2,500 train stations and there is nothing better than your journey leading you to one that is super pretty and has special experiences.

From free cocktails to unique-looking Greggs stores, there are many UK train stations that offer more than just commuting options. Here are our top 10 train stations across the UK:

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Glasgow, Scotland

I’ve never seen a train station in the UK as pretty as Glasgow Central in Scotland and if it wasn’t for a day trip outside of the city, I would have completely missed this gem.

Sadly, part of the station recently burnt down but it is still pretty inside with several shops all with the same signage and colour palette, making them look more like museum exhibits than shops.

There’s even a Greggs that stands on its own, with a rounded brown front and cream signage, ditching the usually bright blue and yellow.

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And there’s the voco Grand Central Glasgow by IHG hotel which has a Champagne Bar overlooking the dreamy concourse.

– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Norwich, Norfolk

Norwich railway station looks more like a grand French palace than the modern commuter’s railway station.

It opened back in 1844, and despite its renovations since, this historic station still retains its charm today.

This grand, Grade II-listed building was designed in French Renaissance style, with striking red bricks, stone trimmings, and a large ornate dome and traditional clock face. Inside you’ll find a tall,  ballroom-like ceiling.

The grand entrance served as a carriage porch, designed to keep Victorian passengers dry as they hopped from their horse-drawn carriages.

This station serves the Great Eastern Main Line in the East of England, as well as secondary lines to seaside towns such as Sheringham and Great Yarmouth.

Once you step outside, the calm canal of this cathedral city is just a stone’s throw away – as are its popular waterside pubs.

– Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Bristol Temple Meads

Bristol Temple Meads, which opened in 1840, was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

The Grade I listed building has a mock-Tudor design using local stone.

On the concourse you’ll see tall stone and brick arches and then in the main train station there’s a vaulted glass ceiling.

The station has a number of shops too including an M&S, Starbucks and even a florist.

St Pancras, London

London St Pancras first opened in 1868 and later became an international rail hub in 2007, with trains to Europe.

It has a red exterior and then inside, glass features throughout the station and platforms.

Inside, you can also visit The Booking Office 1869 Bar and Restaurant, which features a long bar.

Visit at 5:05pm and you can get a free cocktail and history lesson…

And of course there’s Searcy’s, a cool champagne bar with yes, a champagne button, found in the train carriage-like booths and Europe’s longest champagne bar, stretching 98 metres.

There’s often live music in the station as well, thanks to pianos scattered around for the public to play.

– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

York

York Railway Station opened in 1877 and is a great example of Victorian architecture and rich history.

When inside, visitors will be able to see the ‘Great Curve’, which is 244-metre curved platform that was designed to curve around the city walls.

Make sure to look up too, as the ceiling is glass with huge iron arches and is one of the largest of its kind in the world.

Keep an eye out for other original details across the station as well, such as the Yorkshire rose and the restored two-faced clock on the main concourse.

Wemyss Bay, Scotland

You could happily take a trip to Wemyss Bay Railway Station in Inverclyde, even if you had no train to catch.

This award-winning station was one of only ten to earn five stars in Simon Jenkins’ Britain’s 100 Best Railway Stations, and it’s often considered one of the UK’s most beautiful.

This Category A-listed station has a giant Edwardian curved-glass ceiling, which makes this railway station feel more like a beautiful botanical garden – especially since the station is also decorated with flowers and plants.

The magnificent iron and glass structure curves around the entire station, giving you plenty of space to wander around and admire.

For some more sightseeing, this station also contains the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry terminal, which connects onward to the Isle of Bute.

– Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter

Birmingham New Street

Birmingham New Street is less historic than the other destinations on this list and more futuristic.

Redesigned around 10 years ago, the train station boasts a reflective stainless-steel facade and then as you head inside, you’ll see a giant, light-filled atrium that feels more like a spaceship.

Look out for ‘The Eye’, which is a 30 metre-wide screen in the station that is often used as a meeting point.

In the centre of the station look out for Ozzy the Bull, whose eyes light up and head even moves.

Edinburgh Waverley, Scotland

In the Scottish capital, you’ll find the second largest train station in Britain – Edinburgh Waverley – and it sits lower than the two sides of Edinburgh towering above it, with the Old Town on one side and New Town on the other.

The pretty Category A listed station was named after Sir Walter Scott’s novels and has a 13 acre (yes, really) glass roof.

You aren’t short of shops either with an M&S, Cafe Nero and WHSmith, or if you fancy a tipple, there is even a Brew Dog pub and The Booking Office Wetherspoons.

Even the film industry thinks it is special, with scenes shot on Platform 2 for Marvel‘s Avengers: Infinity War.

– Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Cardiff Central, Wales

Cardiff Central train station is the largest and busiest rail hub in Wales.

Built back in 1850, it features eight platforms and an Art Deco style inside that emerged slightly later, between 1931 and 1934.

The Booking Hall is the main highlight, with a vaulted ceiling and Art Deco lamps.

Keep an eye out for original interwar design features as well, such as wall tiles with hands on pointing to different platforms.

London Bridge, London

As a regular commuter into London Bridge, I’ve come to appreciate just how great the station is compared to some of the others in the UK.

It has restaurants, coffee shops, and for retail therapy there’s the likes of Boots, M&S Food, and Pret.

There are also designer shops under the arches like Reiss and All Saints which might not be affordable, but it’s nice to window shop.

When you’re stuck in the station waiting for a train home, the Wi-Fi is easy to join and as you might not expect, actually reliable.

For quirky touches, it has a Meet by the Heart mural, a museum of artefacts, and even a pipe organ known as Henry – which you’re free to try out.

– Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

In the heart of the countryside and conveniently located just an hour from London, is a frozen-in-time town with a sprawling vineyard that offers an idyllic day out

Just outside London is a picturesque market town with independent businesses, rolling hill vistas and a vineyard with its very own wine train.

Nestled in the heart of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and just an hour’s train journey from London, is the charming market town of Dorking. While it’s a commuter town, often cited as a laid-back alternative to its neighbours, Guildford and Reigate, Dorking offers a scenic day out against its picturesque backdrop.

The historic town is said to have a ‘nostalgic’ feel, thanks to its timber-framed buildings, traditional coaching inns, and narrow alleys in a nod to its deep medieval roots. Travellers are said to have traditionally used Dorking as a stop between the South Coast and London, while its Victorian-era tales still run through the town.

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Its frozen-in-time setting is only enhanced by its renowned antique quarter on West Street, the town’s oldest street, with hidden gems, vintage items and ancient treasures. Dorking is also renowned for its independent scene of boutiques, coffee houses and eateries, alongside popular branded stores on the High Street.

When it comes to food, there are a few notable spots to point out, including the Michelin-starred restaurant Sorrel, offering modern fine dining from à la carte and tasting menus, to really savour the flavours. Elsewhere, there’s the steakhouse, Heaven’s Kitchen, a pizzeria, Monte Forte, Mediterranean dishes at Arto Restaurant, and, on the outskirts of the town, The Hillroom Restaurant, which offers a delightful afternoon.

Yet it’s well worth exploring beyond the main streets, as cosy squares are tucked among the picturesque town, including Old Kings Courtyard, Allen Court and St Martin’s Walk. That’s in addition to the Dorking Halls, where visitors can catch a theatre performance, watch live music, or sit down for a film.

A walk around the town is enough to warrant a visit, whether it’s to browse its independent retailers or explore its narrow lanes and stunning medieval architecture. But its selection of walking routes and famed Box Hill zig-zag cycle trail are another highlight in the area, offering the chance to really take in the picture-postcard scenes of the rolling Surrey countryside.

And a little further afield, an 8-minute car journey or 20-minute bus ride to be precise, is where you’ll find the vineyard with its very own wine train. The Denbies Wine Estate is England’s largest single-estate vineyard, spanning 265 acres, with its very own hotel and restaurant on-site.

Visitors can book a wine tasting or tour, enjoy one of their events, or book a stay at the vineyard hotel. But one of its most notable experiences is the outdoor vineyard train tour.

Guests can enjoy the train journey around the vineyard underneath the British sunshine while stopping for their next tipple of vino and soaking up the vistas of the Denbies Estate and the North Downs. With tickets starting from just £12.50 per person for the 50-minute tour, it might just be the best way to enjoy the spring weather.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

A HISTORIC railway station will finally receive a long-awaited upgrade that’s been six years in the making.

Plans were first announced in 2020 but construction is only expected to go ahead in the coming months.

East London‘s Lea Bridge station is set to get a major upgrade to its ticket hall and entrance, following a campaign by locals.

The historic building was originally constructed in 1840 but closed in 1985 following the closure of the railway route.

It was re-built and re-opened in 2016, however despite being along a busy commuter route, the station features only a small un-gated side street entrance with no ticket office.

After calls from residents to upgrade the facilities, the station will now receive a modernised ticket hall.

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This includes a fully staffed ticket office and automatic entrance gates.

The plans also involve a retail unit and a new cycle hub, which will provide secure parking for up to 130 bikes.

A larger entrance on the main road will also be built, intended to make the station bigger, safer and more accessible for travellers.

Construction will begin this summer, and is expected to last into 2027.

This comes as the area undergoes a period of major regeneration, with 387 homes planned for the site around the station.

Lea Bridge operates between Stratford and Tottenham Hale on the Lea Valley Lines, and serves a daily average of 2,500 passengers.

It offers a 20-minute route into London Liverpool Street and a direct line to Stratford and Meridian Water.

THE beloved “Hogwarts Express” steam train could be heading for the buffers thanks to a bitter health and safety row.

The iconic service, made famous by the Harry Potter film series, is under threat after rules forced a major overhaul.

The iconic train, known as The Jacobite steam train, runs through Scotland’s stunning countryside between Fort William and Mallaig, crossing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.

But now the popular locomotive – which is enjoyed by around 70,000 passengers a year – is at a crossroads due to a long-running dispute over safety regulations and the resulting financial strain.  

Old-style carriages used in the films have effectively been banned because their doors don’t have central locking.

Operator West Coast Railways says being forced to swap them out has caused huge problems.

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Newer coaches are unpopular with tourists and far more expensive to run. They even require a diesel engine at the back just to power air conditioning.

The train, which should have started running this month, has yet to begin its 2026 season.

Bosses are now begging regulators at the Office of Rail and Road to allow the return of the original carriages.

James Shuttleworth of West Coast told The Telegraph: “I don’t know what we would do. We were losing money working like that and you don’t go into business to lose money.”

Local businesses are already feeling the pain, with trade slumping as visitors stay away.

Fears are now growing that unless a solution is found soon, the world-famous Hogwarts Express could run out of track for good.

A MAJOR train station in England has announced its closure over a busy bank holiday weekend.

Passengers are urged to plan their journeys ahead as the station will be shut.

One of the North West‘s busiest stations will be closed over the early May bank holiday.

Liverpool Lime Street station will stop its overground services on Sunday, May 3, and into the morning of Monday, May 4.

Engineers will be carrying out major upgrade works around the station during the closure.

Along with replacing outdated signalling infrastructure in the Edge Hill area, workers will be maintaining overhead power cables and track points.

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This means that overground lines in and out of Lime Street will be disrupted.

Paul Owen, Liverpool area director for Network Rail, said: “We would like to thank passengers for their patience while this vital work takes place.

“Replacing older signalling infrastructure with new equipment will reduce disruption on the railway and create smoother, more reliable journeys.”

Local Merseyrail trains will continue to run while other routes will be diverted or replaced by bus.

Travellers are advised to check with their train operator or on the National Rail Enquiries website for the latest information.

Passengers should allow extra time for travel and expect delays or changes to their journeys.

April 23 (UPI) — Two passenger trains crashed head-on in Denmark on Thursday leaving 18 injured, five of them critically, law enforcement officials said.

The trains collided at 6:29 a.m. CEST, traveling on a line that connects Hillerød and Kagerup in the North Zealand region of northeast Denmark. Hillerød is about 19 miles from Copenhagen. There were 37 people aboard. North Zealand police said the trains were traveling fast, but the exact speed wasn’t known.

No cause of the crash has been determined, said Tim Ole Simonsen of the Greater Copenhagen Fire Department, but he told Danish TV that all the injured were taken to the hospital by either ambulance or air.

“I am deeply shaken and shocked, and my thoughts are with all those involved,” Gribskov Mayor Trine Egetved posted on Facebook. “The local track is used by many Gribskov citizens, employees and pupils. Emergency services are working at full pressure, and we are trying from the central team to get an overview of what has happened more accurately and make sure that everyone gets the help they need.”

Fire and rescue service leader Christoffer Buhl Martekilde told reporters, “The two trains collided head-on, causing large damage to them and sending broken glass flying everywhere.”

North Zealand Police Inspector Morten Pedersen said his agency will work with Denmark’s Accident Investigation Board to find out what happened, the BBC reported.

Klaus Jensen, accident board manager, told TV2 that investigators were exploring “all hypotheses,” including “a failure in the signalling system or whether there may have been a failure due to human factors,” the BBC reported.

Several train staff were injured, said Claus Pedersson, safety director at Lokaltog, the Danish railway company, to Danish broadcaster DR.

He said the crash was “one of the worst we can imagine in the railway industry.”

“We see accidents like this happen from time to time, and the most important thing is that we learn from it,” Pedersson said.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a statement that she was “very moved by the terrible train accident on the Gribskov line this morning.” She told TV2, “Several people are in a critical condition. My thoughts go out to the injured, their relatives and everyone affected by the accident.”

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said he offered help for the incident response, but Danish police declined the offer.

A FIRST look at a new £40million train station has been revealed.

The hub is set to connect thousands in a rural English village to two major UK cities.

Construction for the new railway station in Charfield in South Gloucestershire began in August 2025 and will host train services for the village for the first time in decades.

Now, locals have been given a first glimpse of the £39.5million project that will provide them with hourly trains to and from Bristol, Gloucester and Yate.

With the station set to open in spring of 2027, a new image of its 70-space car park has been shared.

“This 70-space car park will support future rail users by providing safe, convenient access to the station and is a big step forward ahead of the station welcoming its first passengers in spring 2027,” a spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said.

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There will also be other facilities built as part of the two-platform station, such as a pedestrian footbridge, bus stop and cycle parking.

Located off of Charfield’s Station Road, the renovation will provide the village with train services for the first time since 1965.

Thanks to funding for the project from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, residents will enjoy fast links to nearby cities and be able to reduce reliance on car travel.

“It will improve the local and regional road network and give people the option of fast, clean travel to the heart of neighbouring towns and cities for work, education and leisure,” said South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration, and Infrastructure, Councillor Chris Willmore.

“We know this project has been a long time coming, and there will inevitably be some disruption while the work is carried out, but it’s an investment for the future of the village and the surrounding area and we are so pleased to be getting on with delivering the infrastructure that people need,” he added.

Charfield is one of five new station builds set to take place in the West of the country over the next few years.

“Local people in and around Charfield will see and feel the difference, with new travel options thanks to regional investment with the support of local and national partners,” said Mayor of the West of England, Helen Godwin.

“Delivering projects like Charfield station lays the foundations for a better transport system overall for the West of England, building the kind of regional railway network that other places take for granted.”

ONE of the UK’s most-loved National Parks will soon be much easier to get to without a car.

Last year, Dartmoor National Park in Devon celebrated winning a court debate that allowed the public to wild camp for free.

And now it’s getting a new £15million station on its doorstep, allowing more people to visit the park.

The new interchange station will open at Okehampton, which is on the northern edge of the National Park.

The station will be called Okehampton Interchange and is a different station from Okehampton.

Work on the station began back in February last year.

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Once complete, it will be the newest stop on the Dartmoor Line since it opened in 2021 and will connect Okehampton to Exeter, as well as Crediton in North Devon.

And if you are travelling from London, it won’t take you too long to get there, making it the ideal escape for the weekend.

You’ll need to hop on a train between London Paddington and Exeter St Davids, taking just over two hours, and then switch to a service to Okehampton.

The single-platform station is planned to open this summer.

I was fortunate enough to grow up within short distance of Dartmoor National Park, which is the ideal spot for hikes and walks.

In my opinion, the Dartmoor doesn’t get the love it deserves.

It is the only place in England where you can wild camp without prior landowner permission, which is an incredible situation that shouldn’t be undervalued.

While tourists head en masse to the Lake District and the Peak District each summer, Dartmoor still feels like an undiscovered gem.

On many of my hikes, for example, I haven’t come across another soul – unless you count the free-roaming sheep or loveable Dartmoor ponies.

To head on a hike from the new station, exit onto Hameldown Road before reaching and crossing the B3260.

Then drop onto Fatherford Lane, where you’ll head under the bypass and onto Dartmoor.

From here, there are several walks you can go on.

For a two-hour round walk, you can venture to Belstone, which is a tiny village at the edge of the National Park.

Once you reach the village, you can stop by for a pint at The Tors Inn.

If you want to head off on a longer hike, you can also use Belstone as a base, as there are a couple of holiday lets in the village.

Points of interest in the moorland surrounding the village include the Nine Stones Circle, also known as the Nine Maidens or 17 brothers.

It is a Bronze Age stone circle that was a burial ground and is mentioned in folklore, where locals are nervous of carrying out restoration work on the circle as they believe those who tamper will become cursed.

If you don’t mind a longer route, you can head to Meldon Reservoir, which dams the River Okement and was built over 50 years ago.

On your walk around the Reservoir, you can expect breathtaking views, and you can also spot Meldon Viaduct, which was built in the 19th century.

For the keen hikers, you might want to visit High Willhays – the highest point on Dartmoor and in southern England.

Reaching 621metres above sea level, it is no small feat to hike to the top, but once you do you will be greeted by panoramic views.

And depending on the time of year, High Willhays often has snow when the rest of Dartmoor doesn’t.

You can also add in a stop to Yes Tor, which is slightly more rugged.

The best thing about hiking on and visiting Dartmoor is that it remains the only place in England where visitors have a legal right to camp for free, without seeking landowners’ permission beforehand.

The National Park just asks that you do it within the areas marked on their backpack camping map and that you stay no longer than two nights.

The right to wild camp on Dartmoor was threatened last year when, back in 2021, landowners (and millionaires) Alexander and Diana Darwall claimed that visitors should not be able to camp without landowner permission.

Over four years of back-and-forth debates, the Supreme Court eventually ruled that wild camping was allowed.

Even though wild camping on Dartmoor often means you’re exposed to the elements, there is no way to camp closer to nature in the UK.

But before you visit Dartmoor, make sure to check the live firing times which are posted on the Gov.uk website.

Though this might sound scary, it is nothing to be worried about – the British military use Dartmoor as a training site and have since the 1800s.

This means they will sometimes carry out exercises using live ammunition, but in the areas they do, red flags or lights will be displayed to warn the public.

On several occasions I have come across army cadets hiking and training, as well as seeing empty ammunition shells on the ground – though, The Ministry of Defence advises not to pick them up.

And if you are heading on a hike, you’ll need good boots as a lot of Dartmoor is boggy.

Make sure you know where the bird nesting areas are as well, as they cannot be accessed during certain times of the year.

Dartmoor National Park’s website lists the different areas with maps and also the times you cannot enter them.

Some do have set paths through them though that you can use.

There are also so many more places you can explore and hike to on Dartmoor than High Willhays, Meldon and Belstone.

The National Park has been used as the filming location for a number of major productions including Sherlock Holmes’ Hound of the Baskervilles, War Horse and even the upcoming HBO Max Harry Potter series.

As you explore the National Park, make sure to look out for the wild ponies that also call it home.

And if you fancy a bit more of an adventure, there are some companies that offer canoeing and rafting on the moors’ rivers.

Name a better place to enjoy ponies, peaks and pubs…

If you are looking for other places to camp in the UK, here’s the English campsite named the best in Britain that families are raving about, and it costs just £12.50 each a night.

Plus, here are five affordable campsites with some of the UK’s best views – and pitches from just £11.

Host cities may have made a commitment to provide transport to games at the usual cost, but the prices in New Jersey and Foxborough go far beyond that.

Not all cities are the same, however.

Free shuttles, external are being offered in Arlington from Centerport Station, and Kansas is charging $15, external (£11) for a return bus to the stadium from four pick-up points.

Philadelphia has said the usual fare of $2.90, external (£2) will remain in place across the six games in the city.

Concannon added that as more high prices are announced, “this sort of stuff is starting to not surprise us”.

“Every single thing coming out of this tournament so far is just fans getting fleeced,” he added.

“With there being no concessionary prices that’s obviously going to impact families, senior concessions as well.

“Who knows what even a pint of beer is going to cost in the normal bars? What’s food going to be like? And then there’s obviously the tipping culture.

“Costs are just getting higher and higher and higher.”

The prices in New Jersey and Foxborough will hit both England and Scotland fans.

The Three Lions take on Ghana in Foxborough on 23 June, and then head to the MetLife to face Panama on 27 June.

Steve Clarke’s Scotland have two games in Foxborough, against Haiti on 13 June and Morocco on 19 June.

Scotland’s third match, against Brazil, is in Miami – and there is still no information on how fans are being transported to fixtures at Hard Rock Stadium.

The cost of parking at stadiums is also very high, with a space at the MetLife costing $225 (£166). Foxborough is priced at $175 (£129) for one car.

“We’ve already seen England fans putting buses on independently run to get to the game in Foxborough from Boston and Providence,” Concannon said.

“England fans are very, very good at looking after each other and working a way to get there as cheaply as they possibly can.

“But this just hasn’t been made easy – again. All this shouldn’t be something that England fans are having to worry about.

“It just goes to show that the organisation hasn’t been great.”

Last week, Fifa put on sale a new batch of tickets under ‘Front Category 1’ and ‘Front Category 2’.

The seats were in the first rows of lower sections and up to three times the price of a regular Category 1 ticket.

As has been the case throughout the sales process, there was no prior warning that these tickets existed or when they would go on sale. Fifa would not comment on its ticket sales policy.

“It’s not a surprise that these things are getting rolled out and ultimately trying to make as much money as possible,” Concannon added.

“And again, it’s just a shame. It’s a real shame to see.”

A STANDOFF between unions and operators means a town’s brand new train station is still closed – two years after being built.

A transformative railway line aiming to link Oxford and Cambridge is continuing to see setbacks, leading to delayed openings of stations.

The £7 billion project by East-West Rail (EWR) aims to improve transport links for millions of residents in the region and boost economic growth.

Finished in 2024, the line between Bicester Village and Bletchley, a 36-mile journey, was due to open last year.

Currently, passengers trains are running on the tracks – except they have no passengers on board.

A series of disputes between trade unions and the operator, Chiltern Railways, have meant that the stations remain closed and only empty trains are travelling along the tracks.

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The ghost-trains currently running through the station are a combination of freight trains and those used for driver training.

Currently, the only EWR trains on the new line in use are those between Oxford and Bicester Village.

Winslow is one of the towns located on the Bicester Village to Bletchley line that has been affected by the closures.

The £5 million station was completed back in 2024, but has remained closed amid the rows.

It’s opening has also been delayed by concerns raised over the platform length at the station which are going to have to be extended to accommodate the number of travelers.

Both setbacks have frustrated local residents.

A local told the The Telegraph, that the exasperating delays have caused “difficult and annoying delays” for her daughter who has to travel to Oxford to work.

They said that the delays indicate that Britain “doesn’t work like it used to”, and believe a situation like this would “never” have occurred when they were a youngster.

The cause of the row boils down to who operates the doors.

Chiltern Railways, the operator, beleive that the train line should run as a driver-only operation (DOO) meaning that only the train driver is in charge of opening and closing the doors and no guards are required.

They are in a standoff with the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, who represent train guards.

The back-and-forth between the two parties means that plans to continue with the lines opening have be brought to a standstill.

An action group has been set up on Facebook by upset locals to discuss ongoing updates.

It has also become a place for residents to vent their frustration with the continued delays, with one local calling the lack of passenger trains running “an absolute farce”.

Alex Manninger played for Arsenal, Liverpool and Juventus at peak of his career while winning 33 Austria caps.

Former Austria goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who played for Arsenal and a string of Italian clubs, has died at ⁠the age of 48 when the car he was driving was hit by a train at a crossing near Salzburg.

The Austrian Football Association (OEFB) and clubs associated with ⁠the player, who retired as a professional in 2017, mourned his passing on Thursday.

Manninger made 33 appearances for Austria and played for Arsenal from 1997 to 2001 with the club winning the league title and FA Cup in the 1997-1998 season. He ‌ended his career at Liverpool in 2017.

In Italy, the Austrian played for Fiorentina, Torino, Bologna, Siena, Udinese and Juventus.

“Alexander Manninger was an outstanding ambassador of Austrian football on and off the pitch,” OEFB Sporting Director Peter Schoettel said in a statement.

“With his international career, he has set standards and inspired and shaped many young goalkeepers. His professionalism, his calmness and his reliability made him an ⁠important part of his teams and also of the national ⁠team.”

Salzburg police said in a statement that the accident happened about 8:20am (06:20 GMT). First responders freed the driver from the vehicle, but resuscitation was unsuccessful.

“According to initial investigations, the car was ⁠hit by a railcar of the Salzburger Lokalbahn while crossing the railway crossing and dragged along. The driver was alone ⁠in the vehicle. The train driver was uninjured,” ⁠the police said.

Fiorentina said they will observe a minute’s silence and wear black armbands for Thursday’s home Conference League game with Crystal Palace while league leaders Arsenal conveyed their shock on social media.

Other clubs, including ‌Liverpool, issued statements of condolence.

“Today is a very sad day. We have lost not only a great athlete, but a man of rare values: humility, dedication, and ‌an ‌exceptional sense of professionalism,” Juventus said

“Alex Manninger will be remembered for the example he set, on and off the pitch.”

Don’t worry if your Hogwarts acceptance letter got lost in the mail — a new “Harry Potter” experience will soon let you hop aboard the Hogwarts Express anyway.

Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure will open at the Southern California Railway Museum this summer for guests to experience the Wizarding World rite of passage aboard a real moving train in the Inland Empire. The experience will run from July 24 through Sept. 27. Yes, that includes Back to Hogwarts Day on Sept. 1.

A Hogwarts Express Adventure will include a Platform 9¾-themed preboarding experience as well as House competitions and chants, spell-casting challenges and other interactive activities aboard the train. Guests will also be able to grab some themed treats from the trolley. The train ride will end at a Hogsmeade-inspired village where more food, beverages and merchandise will be available.

The Rail Events Inc. press release also teases a possible encounter with “a dark and mysterious force.” The company, also known for the Polar Express Train Ride, developed A Hogwarts Express Adventure along with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences.

This is a big year for “Harry Potter” fans. “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” a new television series based on author J.K. Rowling’s popular book series, is set to debut on HBO Max on Christmas Day. The show will introduce audiences to a new Golden Trio, portrayed by Dominic McLaughlin (Harry Potter), Alastair Stout (Ron Weasley) and Arabella Stanton (Hermione Granger), as they embark on their Hogwarts journey. (Rowling remains controversial for her views on trans women.)

Ticket sales for A Hogwarts Express Adventure will begin April 28, with prices starting at $77 for adults and $67 for children ages 2 to 11, depending on departure time.

A NEW £15million train station is set to open this summer in a pretty English market town, making it easier than ever to reach a stunning national park.

Excitement is already building ahead of its launch, with a brand new billboard unveiled, teasing a summer opening.

The new Okehampton Interchange station is currently under construction in Okehampton, right on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.

Posting online, Devon & Cornwall’s Great Scenic Railways said: “Hurrah! Shiny new billboard in Okehampton to promote the town’s second station, which opens this summer.”

They added the sign will be updated once the official opening date is announced.

Rail bosses say the long-awaited addition will make it far easier for visitors to reach the scenic beauty spot and surrounding countryside.

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Thanks to its vicinity to the National Park, the scenic town is the perfect place for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities such as riding, swimming, fishing and golf.

It’s also home to the second oldest Norman Castle in the county. It lies in ruins now but is still a place to marvel at for any history buffs.

The £15million project forms part of wider upgrades to the Dartmoor Line, linking the town with Exeter and beyond.

Once open, the new station is expected to boost tourism by improving access to Dartmoor’s rolling hills, walking trails and outdoor activities.

It will sit close to the A30 and aims to serve the growing eastern side of the town, while easing traffic in the centre.

The interchange will also help reduce pressure on parking at the existing Okehampton station, which will remain open.

Plans for the site include cycle parking, electric vehicle charging points, and better walking and bus links to encourage greener travel.

Construction is well underway, with a footbridge, lift shaft and platform already taking shape.

A FIRST look at an exciting new train station that will link two world-famous English cities has been revealed.

East West Rail (EWR) is behind the plans for the new station as well as the new line, which will connect Oxford and Cambridge.

According to EWR, a new entrance on Clifton Road will make the station both “more convenient to access” as well as “more attractive for residents and local businesses.”

It will also accommodate about 40 per cent of commuters, significantly reducing congestion in the station at peak times of travel.

A lot of consideration has gone into the project so far, with over 80 alterations already having been made to the plan’s initial proposal.

The new Cambridge station is just one part of broader project being undertaken which will cost a whopping £6.7billion.

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On Tuesday an eight-week consultation into the project shall begin as part of the final phases to obtain building permission.

Once granted, work shall officially be able to begin in 2027.

EWR estimate that the Cambridge station would then be up and running by the middle of 2030.

As well as the Cambridge station, EWR has proposed a new location for a station in Cambourne, Cambridgeshire.

This would allow for more development in the area, and would be located on St. Neots Road.

Councillor Judy Roberts, cabinet member for Place, Environment and Climate Action on Oxfordshire County Council, previously said: “We welcome the continued commitment from the government to progress East West Rail through to Cambridge.”

She added: “East West Rail effectively provides a ‘backbone’ for developing a wider regional integrated sustainable transport network.

“And it will be important that Oxfordshire works with those on the scheme to provide high-quality first mile/last mile connectivity from key stations along the route.

“It will also be important to maximise the benefits of development for East West Rail through delivering economic, social and environmental benefits, as well as onward rail connections, for example to Swindon and Bristol.”

A NEW multi-million pound train station has finally been approved – 24 years after it was first proposed.

Construction of the East London station has been plagued by delays since plans were initially drawn up in 2002.

It took until just last week for the Housing Secretary officially to announce ‘a new Beam Park rail station could be accommodated within the existing rail network’.

The station will be built along the c2c line, running between Dagenham Dock and Rainham.

From there, the train will take just 20 minutes to reach London Fenchurch Street.

Developers have already committed a staggering £42 million to the project, but if delays continue, costs are expected to rise.

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This comes as part of an ongoing redevelopment in the area – where 20,000 new homes are expected to be built by 2030.

So far, more than 1,100 homes have been completed and a further 1,200 are under construction.

Beam Park residents officially moved into the area five years ago, but have had to rely on local buses for transport.

The Greater London Authority, London Borough of Havering, and Transport for London said they will partner together to make the station a reality.

Ray Morgon, Havering Council Leader, added: “We have always said that we would do all we can to ensure Beam Park Station is built. 

“The station is much needed for Beam Park and neighbouring Dagenham, which will enable housing and business growth in this key area.”

WHITE sand beaches, enormous castles, and peaceful canals – no I’m not describing France or Spain or Portugal as you can find all of this in the UK without spending much money.

Sometimes we Brits don’t appreciate what we have on our doorstep, and let’s face it, exploring the country can be costly – but here are some truly bucket list spots that you can see on a budget.

Richard Madden has been exploring the country on foot, by rail, road even boat for his new book Great British Journeys – and has given Sun Travel an insight into his favourite finds.

Richard says: “Obviously travelling on a budget depends where you start from – but walking, whether it’s on the coast or in the countryside is free.”

By foot

He started by saying: “I was brought up around the Lizard Peninsula, and here are some incredible places to walk to, like Kynance Cove.

“In Sussex, my most favourite walk is along Seven Sisters which is spectacular with Cuckmere Haven, where the estuary meets the sea.

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“It’s also big news that the King Charles III England Coast Path has just opened.”

The coastal path project was 18 years in the making – it’s now the longest coastal path in the country and is around 2,700 miles long.

It circles the entire English coastline with it’s start (or end) point at Berwick-upon-Tweed all the way to Land’s End.

By train

But, if you don’t fancy walking miles, give your legs a rest and hop onboard a train because you can see plenty from a train window.

Along the East Coast Main Line (which stretches from Newcastle to Edinburgh) you’ll get pretty views of beaches and seaside towns like Alnmouth and Berwick-upon-Tweed.

On the fastest services, the full length of the journey takes around 1hr38 and one-way tickets can cost as little as £7.70.

Richard says: “That whole line is beautiful with coastal views and castles.

“You don’t even have to do the whole thing – just go on a couple of stops like to Alnmouth, or go further up and you’ll pass Dunstanburgh Castle.”

On the full stretch of the line, passengers will also see the Tyne Bridge, Lindisfarne Castle, the Edinburgh skyline and Firth of Forth.

Further south, another popular route is onboard the Bluebell Line which is just around the corner from National Trust‘s Sheffield Park.

Tickets for adults to board the heritage steam train start from £27 and when you book, check for children’s rates which are just £1 with their ‘kids for a quid’ offer.

The West Highland Line, also dubbed the ‘Hogwarts Express‘ is another incredibly scenic journey.

Actually called the Jacobite Steam Train, the 41-mile round trip goes between Fort William and Mallaig in the Scottish Highlands (from £72.75).

However if you’re on more of a budget but still want to get the views, hop on a public service line instead.

A ticket from Fort William to Mallaig which crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, typically starts around £9.20.

When exploring the UK – why not check into some of our favourite hotels?

*If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

Margate House, Kent

This stylish boutique hotel is in a seaside townhouse, a short walk from Margate’s coolest bars and restaurants. Decked out with plush velvet sofas, flickering candles and striking independent art, inside feels like a warm welcome home. Rooms are stunning, especially the ones that give you a glimpse of the sea.

BOOK HERE

The Alan, Manchester

The Alan looks extremely grand, built into a beautiful Grade II listed building. Spread across six floors, with 137 rooms, each one looks like a fancy design magazine. From the concrete coffee tables to the pink plastered walls, the industrial-inspired designs perfectly replicate the history of the city.

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The Queen at Chester Hotel

This historic hotel has welcomed the likes of Charles Dickens and Lillie Langtry through its doors. Rooms have richly-patterned carpets with super soft bed linen and premium toiletries in the bathroom. Go for a superior room for extra goodies including bathrobes and snack boxes.

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The University Arms Hotel, Cambridge

This Cambridge hotel is in the ideal spot, within walking distance to bars, shops and hotspots like the university colleges and Parker’s Piece. The inside couldn’t be prettier, with huge stained glass windows, grand chandeliers, and rooms with enormous clawfoot bath tubs.

BOOK HERE

By Boat

To explore the country, most of us will hop into the car, but Britain is so well connected through its waterways.

Richard is no stranger to canal boating and reveals some of his favourite journeys to do around the country.

He says: “The Shropshire Union Canal is one I’ve done on quite a few occasions.

“That one goes to Cheshire, and you get these fantastic views of the Roman walls, so it’s a particularly good one.

“Another that I’ve done quite a few times is the River Wye, on the border of Wales.

“It’s Wordsworth country and it’s got incredibly beautiful surroundings in that area like Tintern Abbey which go past on the water.

“To make it better, there are lots of pubs along riversides, so you can moor up and go in.”

One very famous waterways spot is the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, where you’ll find the Bingley Five Rise Locks.

Renting a 6-berth narrowboat for a week generally costs between £900 and £1,500.

If you split that between a group of six, it can work out as little as £21pppn – but this varies depending on the season.

Richard also has some top tips for those planning a staycation or day trip around the UK to reduce the costs.

He says: “My key tip is to work it all out beforehand – the further you book in advance, the cheaper things will be.

“Go through your options as well, like how you’ll travel there and if it’s cheaper to take the bus, or if it’s worth going by train than by car.

“You can consider options like camping to keep costs down, but I would say it’s only worth doing that if you enjoy it – don’t if you’re not going to have a good time.

“There are so many different landscapes in the UK and generally, you don’t have to go far to see them.”

Great British Journeys by Richard Madden (National Trust Books, £14.99) is out on April 9.

A CHERISHED attraction has returned to an English seaside town, with a new onboard activity for young passengers.

The miniature train disappeared over the winter period but it’s now up and running again.

Eastbourne’s Dotto Train takes a journey along the town’s coast, stopping at key points including the pier, harbour, and the promenade.

Passengers can sit onboard and simply enjoy the view, or they can hop off at any point to go out and explore.

While the train itself remains the same as always, a treasure map has been introduced to keep children engaged during their journey.

Each train has a chest hidden somewhere onboard which is filled with prizes.

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Kids must use their map and answer a series of accompanying questions to help them form a code.

This code can them with shared with a member of the Dotto train’s staff to unlock the contents of the treasure chest.

Tickets to board the Dotto train cost £5.50 for adults and £3 for children ages 5 to 15.

The ticket covers all-day travel, so you can hop on and off of the train as many times as you like.

Tickets can be purchased directly from the train’s conductor.

Though the train doesn’t run every day, so it’s best to check Stagecoach’s website before planning a visit.

A scenic train journey from London to Geneva via Paris offers some of Europe’s best views – and can cost half the price of a plane ticket at around £135 return

A rail journey linking three capital cities boasts some of Europe’s most breathtaking scenery—and could set you back half the price of a flight.

The Eurostar and France’s TGV whisk passengers from London to Geneva, making the very most of a trip that spans three nations. The train departs from St Pancras with a change in Paris before heading onwards to the Swiss capital.

It’s a nearly six-hour journey in total, passing through Montbard, Dijon and Bourg-en-Bresse, offering stunning vistas of national parks and rolling countryside. Passengers can hop off in Paris to discover the city—with landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Champs-Élysées, Sacré-Cœur and the Louvre.

Once the train pulls into Geneva, visitors can take in Lake Geneva, Cathédrale de Saint-Pierre, the Palais des Nations, the botanical gardens and the Brunswick Monument.

From there, it’s also a brief trip to the nearby Alps, with day excursions available from the city to ski or snowboard on the slopes and savour the local restaurants. The train can be half the price of a plane ticket. According to Skyscanner, return flights this month cost up to £394.

During the same period, return train tickets cost around £135, half the price of a flight, according to Trainline.

Families can also cut costs by purchasing Interrail passes—£482 for a family of four to travel on four days within one month, plus seat reservation charges. And expense isn’t the sole advantage.

According to the Times, four passengers journeying from London to Geneva and back by rail produce approximately 44kg of carbon emissions, compared with 108kg by car and 1,608kg by plane. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states that, to maintain climate change within sustainable limits, each person has a carbon “budget” of 1,500kg of carbon emissions per year.

Although there are a number of factors that determine how polluting different forms of travel are, such as the type of electricity production used to power trains, riding the rails is typically greener than flying.

Back in 2023, carbon calculations made by the Rail Delivery Group found that travelling by rail from London to Edinburgh creates 10 times fewer carbon emissions than by car and 13 times fewer than by plane.

One of the tricky considerations for passengers is generally cost, with budget airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air typically offering cheaper plane tickets than the equivalent train tickets.

The route from London to Geneva shows that it is not always the case. The price gap between the two forms of transport may also be getting smaller.

Travellers are facing rising airfare costs and reductions in flight schedules as the conflict in the Middle East causes oil prices to soar, with concerns that ticket prices could remain elevated for months even if the war de-escalates. Cathay Pacific, AirAsia and Thai Airways are among a growing number of airlines increasing fares to offset the hikes.

While train services are also impacted by rising oil prices, fuel tends to be a much smaller proportion of their operating margins than with airlines.