The Caledonian Sleeper offers overnight train journeys from Birmingham International for the first time in 30 years, meaning we can explore some wild, stunning landscapes without the long journey to London
The train has a fresh new route(Image: Construction Photography/Avalon, Getty Images)
The Caledonian Sleeper has announced its overnight train journeys from Birmingham International for the first time in 30 years, starting from January 2026.
This means that travellers wishing to experience Scotland’s famous sleeper service no longer need to travel to London to board.
With fares starting from just £60 one-way, passengers can enjoy some of the most breathtaking landscapes en route to Fort William, including Ardlui at the head of Loch Lomond, Rannoch, the village of Dalwhinnie (famed for its distillery) and the Bridge of Orchy.
Those opting for the Aberdeen route will be treated to views of the stunning seaside haven of Lunan Bay.
The train journey itself is an experience, winding through beautiful landscapes on the way north.
Onboard, there are rooms with double beds, ensuite bathrooms and breakfast, as well as bunk bed rooms and accessible rooms.
Budget travellers can opt for a less expensive spot in the seated coach, which offers a seat tray table, a footrest, a safe and a sleep kit. There is also an individual reading light for comfort during the long journey.
These tickets start from £60.
Destinations such as Dundee, Inverness, Perth and the Cairngorm National Parks will now be within reach for Brummies, with a club car available for late-night drinks and snacks, reports Birmingham Live.
You can secure your spot on the Caledonian Sleeper by booking directly through their website.
Why trains need to return to Ashford International
The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey weighs in.
Living just down the road from Ashford International Station, it is baffling to me how trains to Europe are yet to return.
It is certainly a depressing sight, as I leave the station, seeing the huge international terminal left abandoned.
The town needs the return of trains to Europe, not just because it more than doubles the time for Kent travellers.
Locals have said that they have lost millions in business since the axing of the route in 2020, which once connected the UK to Paris, Brussels and Disneyland.
While investment will be needed to install the new EES systems that were rolled out over the weekend, it would also ease the pressure points at London St Pancras, which can see huge queues at the Eurostar terminal.
It is great news that FS has revealed plans for a 2029 launch – and it can’t come too soon.
This could include places like Cologne and and Frankfurt, as well as Geneva and Zurich.
The £175m Beaulieu Park train station in Chelmsford is finished well ahead of time, and will open for passengers next week – it’s the first station on the Eastern main line for 100 years
New railway station arrives months early
The first new train station on the Eastern main line for 100 years will be arriving … four months early. Rail chiefs are delighted with the £175m station which will open its doors next week.
Beaulieu Park is the first station on this part of the UK rail network network since the 1920s. And because it’s months ahead of schedule passengers will be able to use it from October 26th.
The station is part of a new super green initiative project near Chelmsford, Essex. Martin Beable, Greater Anglia’s Managing Director, said: “We are really looking forward to the opening of Beaulieu Park station, the first new station on the Great Eastern Main Line in over 100 years.
“Beaulieu Park station will benefit from a regular and reliable service of up to four trains per hour during peak times and two trains per hour during off peak periods, making rail travel simple and convenient for passengers.”
Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader at Essex County Council, said: “Essex is pioneering the type of infrastructure-supported growth that’s on the national agenda, being bold and ambitious in our commitment to future-proofing the county and putting investment where it’s most needed.
“The new Beaulieu Park station is testament to this, and the role it will play in transforming travel in this part of Chelmsford and surrounding areas will have a positive impact for years to come.
“The progress being made to build the station is remarkable and I want to thank everyone involved for their hard work to get the project to this stage. I’m very much looking forward to the station opening.”
Council bosses hope the new station will transform travel north of Chelmsford as it will eases pressure on the existing busy Chelmsford train station and reduces car journeys into the city centre.
The station is a significant addition to the Beaulieu and Channels neighbourhoods in the north of the city, which form the first phases of the new Chelmsford Garden Community.
4,350 homes already have planning permission as part of the Garden Community. This includes 1,989 new homes which have already been built, along with the Beaulieu Square Neighbourhood Centre providing local shops, community and health services.
This is in addition to the Beaulieu Park School – the first all-through primary and secondary school in Essex.
Another 6,250 homes, a second all-through school campus, up to three primary schools with early years and childcare provision, up to four standalone early-years facilities, more than nine hectares of employment space and walking and cycling routes will also be delivered as part of the Garden Community in the coming years.
Beaulieu Park Station will provide easier and quicker access to jobs, helping the economic development of the area and encouraging further investment.
Beable added: “We expect the new station to be a very attractive and popular option for travellers from that part of Essex.”
Geneva is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, but it’s also one of the most walkable – and the city centre is just a six minute journey from the airport
Geneva’s city centre is close the the airport(Image: Getty)
Geneva is a stunning destination, not just for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures but also for its pedestrian-friendly layout.
Despite being one of the priciest places to visit in Europe, footloose tourists are spoilt for choice in this Swiss city. The city centre is a mere six-minute journey from the airport, making it an ideal spot for those on brief trips who don’t fancy a lengthy transfer.
According to geneva.info, Geneva airport is situated four kilometres from the city. A train ride between the Geneva Airport and the central railway station in the city (Gare Cornavin) takes six minutes, while a bus journey lasts about 20 minutes.
Visitors can utilise public transport around the city without shelling out a single penny and can freely hop on and off its comprehensive transport network. Anyone lodging in approved accommodation, be that a hotel, youth hostel, or campsite, is entitled to the city’s Transport Card for free travel throughout their stay, reports the Express.
Walkable city
The city centre of Geneva is relatively compact, meaning most of its top attractions are located within a short distance of each other. Whether you’re staying near the lake or in the Old Town, many of the city’s highlights are reachable on foot.
You can stroll from the famous Jet d’Eau, the large fountain, to the charming Parc des Bastions, a renowned park, without needing to catch a bus or tram. Geneva’s streets, particularly around the Old Town, are pedestrian-friendly with wide pavements, abundant green spaces and clearly marked crossings.
One of Europe’s largest lakes, Lake Geneva, is a major attraction in the city. The lakefront paths are perfect for leisurely strolls or brisk walks, offering stunning views of the water, distant Alps and the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain.
The city boasts numerous parks that offer tranquil walking routes. Parc La Grange and Parc des Eaux-Vives, both situated along the lake, are perfect for an afternoon amble. Another favourite is Jardin Anglais, conveniently located near the city centre and offering picturesque lakeside vistas.
For those seeking more adventurous treks, Geneva’s position at the foot of the Alps provides easy access to hiking trails just outside the city.
While Geneva is easily navigable on foot, its public transport system offers a welcome respite for weary feet. The city has trams, buses, and even water taxis (known as Mouettes) that can swiftly transport you to any part of the city.
Moreover, if you’re staying at a hotel in Geneva, you’ll typically receive a Geneva Transport Card for complimentary public transport during your stay. In line with its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, Geneva encourages walking and aims to reduce car traffic. Several areas in the city have limited or no car access.
FROM October 12, 2025, British travellers could be hit with delays thanks to the introduction of the new EU Entry-Exit System.
The use of EES will begin this weekend for the very first time, and holidaymakers believe they’ll be facing longer wait times as a result.
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The EU Entry-Exit System for travellers will start on Sunday October 12Credit: Getty
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Some travellers are worried about delays to their journeys this weekendCredit: Getty
When you use EES, the first time you travel you’ll need to register at a special machine called a kiosk where you will scan your passport.
The machine will then take your fingerprints and a photo – children under 12 will not need to give fingerprints.
You will also answer four quick questions on the screen about your trip, such as where you are staying and confirming you have enough money for your holiday.
The EES checks will happen when you arrive at your destination airport in the Schengen area – but not all of them.
Madrid will be registering arrivals from a single, early-morning flight on October 12, 2025.
In Germany, Dusseldorf Airport will have EES, but will only a small proportion of travellers will be required to go through the new system.
Depending on where British travellers fly into, will depend on whether or not they have an EES check, or continue with a passport stamp.
While EES is ready in certain places now, it’s a gradual process and is being rolled out over the course of 180 days, from October 12, 2025 to April 9, 2026.
But as it’s the first time the EES has been used for travellers, experts have warned there could eb “delays”.
US travelers will be fingerprinted before flights in new October 12 ‘border’ law hitting 29 countries
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “I reckon there will be delays” while Tom Jenkins, chief executive of European travel association Etoa said it’s “a complete muddle”.
Tom Jenkins added: “If it all goes haywire, they can revert to inspecting passports.
“I don’t think it will be catastrophic because of that, it will just be tiresome.”
However, managers at the Port of Dover have insisted there will not be delays on Sunday, as traffic levels will be “manageable”, as reported by the BBC.
A government spokesperson said: “We are supporting ports and carriers to ensure EES registration is simple for anyone travelling to the Schengen area.”
For the first few weeks, only lorry drivers and coach passengers will have to register with EES at Dover.
Other traffic, including the thousands of car passengers who use the crossings, will be subject to the new system from November 1, 2025.
The same goes for those travelling through the Eurotunnel.
At the Eurostar entrance in St Pancras, EES registration will take place upon departure, overseen by French border officials.
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Brits will need to have biometric checks instead of having their passports stampedCredit: AFP
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Only certain passengers travelling on the Eurostar will be checked in through EESCredit: PA
And from October 12, only passengers travelling in business and premium class will be subject to EES checks – for other passengers, they will begin in January 2026.
Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, said: “We recognise that EES checks will be a significant change for British travellers, which is why we have worked closely with our European partners to ensure the rollout goes as smoothly as possible.
“The UK and EU have a shared objective of securing our borders and these modernisation measures will help us protect our citizens and prevent illegal migration.”
For more on EES and ETIAS, one travel expert revealed what to expect.
Travellers to Europe, including Brits, will be subject to new entry registrations from Sunday October 12, 2025 under a phased implementation of the EU’s new digital border system.
The Entry Exit System (EES) requires non-EU citizens to register at the EU border by scanning their passport and having their fingerprints and photograph taken.
Travellers do not need to take any action before travelling and the process is free.
Registration will take place upon arrival at the EU border and may take slightly longer than previous border checks.
Checks should only take 1-2 minutes for each person, but may lead to longer wait times at border control upon arrival in the Schengen area.
In places where registration will be completed in the UK prior to departure, there may be longer waits at busy times.
The scheme is being introduced to digitise border crossings across the Schengen area and collate the information into a central database to more closely monitor the movements of non-EU citizens.
EES will also help to identify any suspected criminals and to limit travellers to 90 days of stays, in any 180 day period.
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EES is being introduced in certain places from October 12, 2025Credit: Reuters
