train

Aug. 1 (UPI) — U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Friday that the Federal Railroad Administration will cancel two grants totaling more than $26 million for the Baltimore-Washington maglev project.

The department’s press release about the Superconducting Magnetic Levitation Project said it has seen “nearly a decade of poor planning, significant community opposition, tremendous cost overruns, and nothing to show for it.”

The release called the project a “boondoggle.”

As part of its analysis, the FRA also determined the project would result in “significant, unresolvable impacts to federal agencies and federal property, including national security agencies,” the release said.

“We want big, beautiful projects worthy of taxpayer dollars — including high-speed rail. This project lacked everything needed to be a success from planning to execution. This project did not have the means to go the distance, and I can’t in good conscience keep taxpayers on the hook for it,” Duffy said in a statement. “We’ll continue to look for exciting opportunities to fund the future of transportation and encourage innovation.”

The Northeast Maglev would eventually connect Washington, D.C., and New York City. The train would be able travel at speeds of more than 300 mph to make the trip one hour long.

Maglev is a system of rail transport whose rolling stock is levitated by electromagnets rather than rolled on wheels, eliminating rolling resistance.

Compared with conventional railways, maglev trains have higher top speeds, superior acceleration and deceleration, lower maintenance costs, improved gradient handling, and lower noise. But they are more expensive to build, cannot use existing infrastructure, and use more energy at high speeds.

Indirect effects of this project also would impair critical infrastructure and ongoing agency missions, the release said. Government agencies harmed by this project would have included: the National Security Agency, U.S. Department of Defense and Fort George G. Meade, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, U.S Department of Agriculture, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Department of Interior — Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service, and the U.S. Department of Labor.

In 2015, the federal government gave Maryland a grant of $27.8 million to study a high-speed maglev train line that could connect Baltimore and Washington, D.C., in 15 minutes. Duffy is now canceling that grant. The funding for such a grant was authorized in 2005, when Congress set aside $90 million for maglev projects.

In 2021, China unveiled a maglev train that it said can travel 373 mph. In July 2020, the government said it planned to build a network with as many as nine maglev lines that include 620 miles of track.

About ten times each day, giant freight trains pass along a narrow section of track along the Sacramento River in far northern California where engineers on the locomotives regularly tense up with stress.

“Every single time, it’s a near miss” of a train hitting a person, said Ryan Snow, the California State Chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. “Multiple near misses, every single run. My nightmare is that a family that isn’t paying attention gets hit.”

This particular stretch of track, which wends north from the town of Dunsmuir, is a renegade route for hikers to one of northern California’s most enchanting natural sights, Mossbrae Falls. Fed from glaciers on Mount Shasta, the water pours out of lava tubes and down mossy cliffs, forming a verdant and ethereal cascade into a calm, shaded swimming hole.

It appears magical. It is also inaccessible —unless visitors trespass more than a mile on on the tracks or wade across the river. Accidents have happened. Two people have been struck by trains in the last few years (although both survived.) In May a Southern California woman drowned after trying to reach the falls via the river. But the tourists keep coming. Drawn by Instagram and Tiktok, increasing numbers of people have taken to visiting the falls — nearly 30,000 according to a city study, the majority of them by trespassing up the train tracks.

For years, outdoor enthusiasts in and around Dunsmuir have pushed Union Pacific Railroad, which owns the tracks, to work with the city to create a safe, accessible, legal path. But the effort has been dogged by delays.

This week, the train workers union decided to enter the fray, issuing a press release decrying the slow progress and calling on Union Pacific to do more to make the long-held dream of a trail a reality.

“Each month that goes by without a real construction timeline, lives are put at risk,” Snow said in a statement. The statement also accused Union Pacific of “slow-walking” the project, saying railroad officials have called for meeting after meeting, but has never produced a right-of-way commitment or a clear construction timeline.

Many engineers, Snow said, are frustrated and feel the delay “unfairly endangers both railroad personnel and the public.”

In a statement, Union Pacific said that the railroad had “approved the concept of a trail into Mossbrae Falls years ago, and we have been working with the City of Dunsmuir and the Mount Shasta Trail Association to find solutions that address everyone’s safety concerns.”

Earlier this summer, Dunsmuir city officials held a “summit” with Union Pacific officials to tour the falls and talk about the proposed trail connection.

City officials said the summit, which included representatives from local elected officials offices as well as railroad officials from Omaha and Denver, marked “a new milestone in the slow but steady process.” A city press release noted that “key Union Pacific officials had the opportunity to see the falls for the first time, recognizing the importance of building public access to this beautiful natural resource.”

But some longtime trail advocates said they were not convinced that the dream is any closer. John Harch, a retired surgeon with the Mount Shasta Trail Assn. and has been working with others for years on public access, said he still didn’t see evidence of concrete progress.

“Here we sit, as before, while people risk their lives to see the falls,” he wrote in an email.

Snow said he hopes the public can put pressure on the parties to make concrete progress.

“We’ve been lucky that we haven’t had any fatalities caused by a trespasser strike,” he said. “The worst thing an engineer can do is hit somebody. It’s stressful.”

Meanwhile, he said, the route is only becoming more popular. “It’s in hiking magazines, and on the internet everywhere. It’s attracting more and more people.”

He added: “I can’t blame them. It’s beautiful.”

Majorca is known for its beaches, nightlife and sunny weather, but one woman decided to try something a little different by riding a vintage train through the Spanish island

Majorca is one of Spain’s stunning Balearic Islands, renowned for its pristine beaches boasting crystal-clear waters, secluded coves, and vibrant nightlife scenes, particularly around hotspots like Palma and Magaluf. The island’s sunny and warm climate consistently attracts British tourists seeking the perfect European summer getaway.

Lauren Jade abandoned life in the UK to embrace full-time travelling and is currently exploring Majorca in Spain. She documents her journeys across social media platforms and has created detailed travel guides to help fellow adventurers in planning their overseas escapades. The 30-year-old Brit recently shared a TikTok video showcasing an experience her viewers might not have discovered.

Lauren brought her viewers along as she went on a journey aboard a historic wooden train from Palma to Sóller.

She was completely mesmerised by the breathtaking scenery throughout the hour-long ride, including views of the magnificent Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.

At the beginning of the video, the globe-trotting content creator appears completely stunned as she gazes through the carriage window, with her mouth open and a hand pressed against her cheek.

In her post’s caption, she penned: “Majorca’s BEAUTIFUL train ride. This is the Palma to Sóller train and it traverses through the incredible Serra de Tramuntana mountains, citrus groves and tunnels carved by hand.”

Lauren captured the spectacular scenery as she travelled past the towering peaks and green woodlands, absorbing nature’s magnificence.

The railway’s official website characterises the journey as “an hour-long journey that takes you to another time and another Majorca”.

The travel influencer continued: “It’s a 1-hr journey on a vintage wooden train that has been running since 1912(!) and it’s still one of the most scenic ways to explore inland Majorca.

“It’s perfect if you’re not renting a car as Sóller is one of the MUST visit places in Majorca you simply can’t miss.

“It drops you right in Sóller town – where you can explore and then hop on the vintage tram to Port de Sóller (which I highly recommend).”

Sóller sits near Majorca’s north west coastline and is frequently dubbed the ‘Valley of the Orange Trees’ thanks to the stunning citrus orchards that surround the town, forming a significant part of both its heritage and economy.

The town is also well-known for its centre, boasting beautifully maintained historic buildings and the charming heritage tram that Lauren highlighted.

According to the official website, the Palma to Sóller train features lacquered wooden floors, walls and ceilings, alongside traditional sash windows, ornate gilded light fittings and leather-and-metal seating.

Passengers can adjust their seat positioning to face either towards or away from their travel companions, depending on the journey direction.

First-class carriages offer enhanced luxury with comfortable sofas replacing standard seating.

Lauren advised her TikTok followers to choose the left-hand side when departing Palma for the “best views.”

She also suggested purchasing tickets in advance online, warning that services become particularly crowded during the summer months.

The video has attracted more 60 comments, with one user, a seasoned visitor to Majorca, confessing: “Wow I didn’t know about this and have been so many times!”.

They continued: “Defo on my list Thanks for sharing.” Another user enthused: “Absolutely one of my favourite trips! Should be on everyone’s list to visit.”

A joint ticket for the journey from Palma to Sóller by train and then tram to Puerto de Sóller is priced at €32 (£27.68) and is available for purchase online.

A passenger train derailed in southern Germany, causing a crash that killed three people and injured at least 50 others. Investigators say a landslide caused the accident. The train’s driver died and 25 passengers were taken to hospital in a serious condition.

Officials say the crash killed the train’s driver and injured at least 50 others, with 25 of them in serious condition.

A passenger train carrying 100 people has derailed in Germany, killing at least three people and wounding dozens of others, according to officials.

The crash happened on Sunday evening in a forested area near the town of Riedlingen in southwestern Baden-Wurttemberg state, roughly 158km (98 miles) west of the city of Munich.

Charlotte Ziller, the district fire chief, told reporters that the three victims included the train driver and an employee of Germany’s state-owned rail operator, Deutsche Bahn.

She said 50 people were injured in the crash, 25 of them seriously.

Deutsche Bahn confirmed several deaths and numerous injuries, and said that two train carriages had derailed “for reasons yet unknown”.

Authorities were currently investigating the circumstances of the accident, the operator said, and traffic had been suspended over a 40km (25-mile) stretch of the route.

Thomas Strobl, the interior minister of the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, said severe storms had swept through the region earlier, and that investigators are looking at whether the rains had caused the accident.

“There have been heavy rains here, so it cannot be ruled out that the heavy rain and a related landslide accident may have been the cause,” he said.  “However, this is currently the subject of ongoing investigations.”

The train had been travelling from the town of Sigmaringen to the city of Ulm when it derailed.

In a post on social media, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his condolences to the families of those killed.

He added that he was in close contact with both the interior and transport ministers, and had asked them to “provide the emergency services with all the support they need”.

Footage from the scene of the accident showed yellow- and grey-coloured train carriages lying on their sides, as firefighters and emergency services tried to get to the passengers.

According to the local television station SWR, helicopters arrived shortly after the accident to transport the injured to hospitals in the area, and emergency doctors from nearby hospitals were alerted.

Richard Lutz, the chief executive of Deutsche Bahn, said he would visit the scene of the accident on Monday.

He said the operator was deeply shocked and dismayed by the accident, and thanked all the emergency services and volunteers on the site.

“My heartfelt sympathy and condolences go out to the relatives of the deceased. I wish the injured a quick and full recovery,” he added.

The rail operator has set up a free special hotline for those affected and their relatives, according to the official DPA news agency. Emergency chaplains and psychologists are also available for affected travellers and employees, it added.

German transport is regularly criticised by passengers for its outdated infrastructure, with travellers facing frequent train delays and various technical problems.

The government has pledged to invest several hundred billion euros over the next few years, in particular to modernise infrastructure.

In June 2022, a train derailed near a Bavarian Alpine resort in southern Germany, killing four people and injuring dozens.

Germany’s deadliest rail accident happened in 1998 when a high-speed train operated by state-owned Deutsche Bahn derailed in Eschede in Lower Saxony, killing 101 people.

Travel by train in Germany remains far safer than travelling by car, with 2,770 people killed in crashes on Germany’s roads in 2024, according to Germany’s Federal Statistical Office.

Filled with scenic vistas of lush countryside, sugar-like beaches and crystal-clear waters, this short but impressive train journey has been crowned one of the country’s best

Idle along one of England’s most picturesque stretches of coastline on this stunning train journey that costs less than a tenner. The UK’s railways aren’t perhaps the first thing that springs to mind when you think of sugar-like beaches and crystal-clear waters. Plagued by constant delays, last-minute cancellations and insufferably busy carriages, many Brits only hop on board a train if they have no other choice.

However, if you look hard enough, you’ll find a slew of enchanting routes that snake through lush countryside before rolling past miles of soft golden sands and beach huts. The Riviera Line from Exeter to Paignton is no exception, and urgently needs to be added to your bucket list.

READ MORE: UK’s poshest train with seaside views and £11k cabins suffers major blow

Featuring 12 stops altogether, the train departs from Exeter St Davids, making its way down to the River Exe before hugging the coastline until you reach Teignmouth (this is the most scenic section of the line, so make sure you reserve a good window seat). From here, you’ll head back inland to Newton Abbot, edging close to Dartmoor National Park before heading back to shore for the final three stops in Torre, Torquay and Paignton.

Touted as the ‘family hub of the English Riviera’, exploring Paignton or staying overnight is well worth the effort. You’ll have a long stretch of pristine beach right on your doorstep, along with a promenade, traditional pier, colourful beach huts and even palm trees. Here, you’ll also find rows of arcades, thrilling rides, mini-golf courses and the acclaimed Paignton Zoo.

As previously reported, Paignton is about to become even more attractive following the council’s approval of a huge £14 million regeneration scheme. Described as a ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity’, the proposal, which has secured the backing of the Torbay Council planning committee, aims to revamp two of the town’s seafront areas as part of a broader sea defence initiative.

Apart from giving Paignton’s promenade a facelift with new seating terraces, the existing shelters, kiosks and cafes will find new homes along the sea line. The makeover includes a fresh entrance at South Green, opening up vehicle access to the seafront – though cars won’t be allowed onto the promenade itself.

“Like the rest of the English Riviera, Paignton benefits from a mild climate and sub-tropical palm trees, giving that real continental, holiday feel, and when we are blessed with good weather, you could be anywhere in the world,” hails The English Riviera tourist board. “But, like all our coastal towns, they showcase their own beauty in the winter months too, so whatever time of year you choose to visit, you are sure to have an enjoyable stay.”

With all of this in mind, it’s no surprise the Riviera Line was crowned the most scenic train journey in the country by National Geographic. Outranking prestigious tracks including the Cambrian Coast Highway and the iconic Western Scenic Wonders – the 27-mile journey was hailed for showcasing the ‘best views the English Riviera has to offer’.

“South Devon’s Riviera Line connects Exeter with Paignton, threading its way past towering cliffs, numerous estuaries (look out for egrets, one of the UK’s rarest birds), quaint market towns and Powderham Castle, with its deer-filled grounds,” the publication wrote. “Disembark in Newton Abbot to visit Newton’s Place, a 19^th-century church housing a small museum that explores how railways transformed this part of Devon in the 1800s.”

The Exeter to Paignton service, which takes around 53 minutes, departs multiple times a day. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fare for as little as £8.40. There is a shorter version of this train which doesn’t stop at St Thomas, Starcross, or Dawlish Warren – cutting around 13 minutes from the journey, but still offering some pretty fantastic sea views.

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

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Reporter Lucy Marshall felt like she went back in time as she rode the Northern Belle train last week. She shared her experience after paying a hefty price for the luxury experience from Yorkshire to Edinburgh

09:05, 26 Jul 2025Updated 13:08, 26 Jul 2025

Lucy covers lifestyle and social news for the Daily Mirror and other Reach PLC sites. She is passionate about sharing real life stories and is always on the hunt for the latest viral story. Lucy is particularly interested in women’s issues, health, relationships, internet trends and unique lifestyles.
The proud Yorkshire-born reporter previously worked as Life Writer at Hull Live, as well as a News Reporter for Yorkshire Live and Leeds Live.

It’s 8am on a Thursday morning and bag pipes can be heard around Wakefield Westgate station as a sea of mothers, daughters, grandparents and loved up couples could be seen dressed up to the nines on the platform awaiting the Northern Belle train.

Steam bellows out of the train before coming to a halt. Passengers beam as train staff, dressed in smart, traditional railway uniform roll out branded red carpets and greet guests as they board the luxurious carriages named after British castles or stately homes around the UK. I feel like a Royal Family member and can’t wait for my first sip of champagne.

As a regular train traveller – who more than often ends up with cancelled journeys, rowdy passengers or delays – I couldn’t wait to get a taste of this luxurious experience that I often see celebrities and influencers raving about on social media. So what better time than for my sister’s 30th birthday to enjoy such a treat. Loved ones had also shared stories of how “amazing” the train is and insist it is a must-try. But while I was excited, priced at a whopping £550 per person, my expectations were high.

The deluxe train takes passengers on rides to racecourses, castles, seaside towns, and more. We were travelling from West Yorkshire to Edinburgh, where we would also experience a tour of the Royal Yatch Britannia. The train picked up passengers from Huddersfield, Wakefield and York. It was due to also stop at Leeds but due to a fault [shock] this stop was taken off the pick up list.

After a wonderful greeting, I was seated in the Harlech carriage – the last one. If you are with a group, you will be put in a four booth seat, while couples were sat at a two-seater table at the other side.

READ MORE: Hotel guest told ‘everything in mini fridge is free’ but is astounded by contents

We also loved that a magician came round and performed tricks which left us totally baffled and wowed. The views from the train up to Scotland were amazing to see and I also observed the toilets were clean and enjoyed the White Company hand cream and luxury of using cotton hand towels instead of tissue or a dryer.

Four-hour stop in Edinburgh

After arriving at Edinburgh station, stuffed with champagne and delicious food, we got on a a private transfer from Waverley Station to Leith, before our tour of the Royal Britannia.

For some 40 years, the magnificent Royal Yacht Britannia cruised round the world carrying the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh on 968 State visits. They sailed more than a million miles, entertaining impressed prime ministers, presidents and foreign monarchs, while keeping the flag flying for Great Britain, before it stopped sailing in 1997.

It was also used for a pre-wedding party in July, 2011 as the extended Royal Family joined Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall for a cocktail party on board.

I loved seeing the staff quarters on board and we could not get over the size of the bed that the Queen and Prince Phillip would stay in. The beds looked like they were made for children. It was totally fascinating and we had a hand held phone which provided informative information. I loved hearing about the Queen’s favourite places on board and seeing the dining room where they held important dinners.

If you are a royal fan, keen sailor or love history, you will really enjoy it. Those on board the Northern Belle who weren’t keen on this spent the four hour break from the train exploring Scotland’s capital city instead.

Six-course meal and evening experience

The Northern Belle looks even more beautiful at night time as the lamps inside make it look magical.

We got back on the train for more champagne before a sumptuous six-course dinner with fine wines on our memorable journey home.

Then we ordered our three main courses at the start of the journey, as well as selecting the bottle of wine we would share to accompany each course and our selection of port to go with the cheese course. I opted for the Lishman’s of Ilkley Ham, Hock Terrain, followed by the Terroir et Saisons slow-braised daube, and finished off with Eton Mess of Annabel Strawberries.

While waiting for a main course we enjoyed a selection of canapés – including Yorkshire Asparagus Donut, British Raj Chicken, and Royal Siberian Baerii Caviar. The caviar canape was by far my favourite; it was salty and delicious.

I couldn’t quite believe how amazing the quality of food was on a train. Haven eaten in plenty of high end and Michelin-starred restaurants, this meal was up there thanks to the fantastic presentation, incredible flavours, and quality.

But the star of the show was yet to come – the cheeseboard. Oh my, the size of the board was as big as the tables. It was simply a cheeselover’s dream. We had the choice of Batch Clothbound Cheddar, Duke of Wellington Blue, Flat Capper Brie and Sheffield Forge. Of course I tried them all. There was also a choice of different crackers, jams and chutneys.

Around this time, a two-man band came around and played music at each seats. This was super fun and got everyone clapping together on the train which was really sweet. While fabulous, they only did one song at each seat. Throughout the rest of the journey both travelling to and from Edinburgh there was no music. So I think considering it is listed as part of the experience, the band could have played for longer or some classical music could have been put on in the background.

The evening was finished off with us ordering espresso and porn star martinis. I was shocked that not all drinks were including within the price. While it was great to share a bottle of wine, and that is enough, throughout the rest of the long journey if you want a drink you have to pay extra for it. To be honest I think this is pretty appalling when you are paying £550 I think the price should cover all drinks for the day.

Overall I absolutely loved this experience and was totally wowed. It has also made me want to try other fancy train rides too. It’s a brilliant way to not only enjoy luxury, spend a long period of time having fun with friends, a partner or family, but it also allows you to see new places.

While I think it is totally justified it’s an expensive experience, I do think £350-£400 would be a more appropriate amount for what we got on the day. If they included all drinks and provided more entertainment I believe it would be worth the full price.

But would I ride it again? Absolutely.

Would you pay this much to ride a train? Comment below.

Two new train stations are set to open in towns in Devon and Somerset – providing prime access to the stunning countryside of southwest England beginning in 2026

People keen to explore the UK by train can extend their reach in Devon and Somerset. In a major boost to the UK transport network, two new rail stations will be constructed in southwest England as part of an expansive government infrastructure programme. In July 2025, the UK Government confirmed two brand new railway stations will be developed in Cullompton, Devon and Wellington, Somerset.

Neither town has had a functioning station since the mid-1900s but the new government programme will see train services begin operating by 2026. The railway expansion will reconnect Cullompton and Wellington to the rail network between Exeter and Taunton – a boon for locals but also for anyone interested in exploring more of the UK.

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The new stations will benefit those heading down from London or even further afield. The new stations will connect via Exeter St David’s – the mainline station for trains into Cornwall and around the country. This transport hub has direct services to London Paddington, Plymouth, Bristol and more.

READ MORE: UK’s most beautiful railway station crowned and it’s in tiny fairytale village

The new stations in Cornwall and Devon open up access to some of the most picturesque countryside in the southwest of England. Cullompton is situated near Blackdown Hills which is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The new station in Wellington will allow travellers immediate access to the Quantock Hills and ample hiking trails.

The Government confirmed the development of the new stations at the start of July 2025. The aim of the expansion programme is to unlock new jobs and housing opportunities and is part of a broader £92 billion transport investment strategy.

The railway upgrades are part of wider plans to drive economic growth and enhance connectivity in southwest England. Alongside rail developments, a series of major road improvements are set to take place, including the approval of the A382 scheme from Drumbridges to Newton Abbot.

The programme includes realigning and widening the highway, constructing a new link road, and upgrading multiple junctions. New pedestrian and cycle paths are also planned, aiming to ease congestion and improve safety for all road users.

Many smaller, strategic road schemes have also received renewed support, including improvements to junctions along the A38 and around Plymouth. This also includes enhancements at the A374, A386 and A364 junctions, as well as work around North Somerset, previously referred to as the Bristol Airport Access project.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Transport is the backbone of our economy, which is why we are giving them the record funding boost they need, putting taxpayer’s money where it matters most and making everyday journeys easier.

“We are also bringing back rail services between Portishead and Bristol City Centre to better connect people with jobs, education, and new opportunities.

“With over £92 billion investment we’re delivering the schemes that fast-track economic growth and jobs, connect communities, and will help us build 1.5 million new homes, as we deliver our Plan for Change.

“We’re forging ahead with the vital new transport infrastructure Britain needs, and improving what we’ve already got, to deliver a new era of renewal and opportunity.”

A luxury train journey vowing to ‘showcase the very best of modern England and Wales’ has hit a major snag following a last-minute cancellation, despite passengers forking out thousands on a ticket

The country’s most luxurious new train which idles past rolling countryside and golden beaches has hit a major snag – for the second time this month. There’s no denying the UK’s railways are in dire need of significant reform. Riddled with hefty delays and last-minute cancellations – most Brits have endured the commute from hell thanks to unreliable trains and overcrowded carriages.

When you’re forking out a staggering £11,000 for a double cabin, you would expect a much better, more efficient, service. However, the acclaimed Belmond has axed its inaugural run of its newest fleet, the Britannic Explorer, once again.

READ MORE: Beautiful 31-mile train journey past both mountains and beaches named UK’s best

Featuring an onboard spa, a world-class menu curated by a Michelin-star chef, and sleek rooms that look like they belong in a five-star hotel – the Britannic Explorer is the epitome of elegance. Earlier this year, the sleeper train unveiled it will be taking passengers on an incredible three-night journey to Wales via the west of England and the iconic Cotswolds.

Not only do guests get to marvel at stunning stretches of coastline, lush mountain ranges and unspoilt countryside – they can also partake in excursions such as hikes in the Welsh national parks, clay pigeon shooting and a trip to a luxury boozer.

The unique experience, does however come with an insane price tag – with a double cabin costing £11,000.

“Highlights on the Wales route include a picnic-style lunch featuring delights like rarebit and leek tart,” the company said. “Each dining experience onboard will reflect the landscape outside the train’s windows, using the freshest local ingredients to create an immersive culinary journey that celebrates the diverse flavours and stories of England and Wales.”

The boujee train was due to depart from London Victoria at 3.45pm on Monday, July 21 – but passengers were informed the night before that the journey had been suddenly cancelled. This follows a similar decision to cancel a three-night trip to Cornwall earlier this month (July 4).

Speaking to the Mirror, a Belmond spokesperson said the ‘difficult decision’ to postpone the inaugural journey of the Britannic Explorer was not ‘taken lightly’. “During the routine pre-trip protocol checks over the weekend, we encountered unforeseen technical issues related to the door mechanism,” they said.

“Despite the dedicated efforts of our engineering team, the issue could not be resolved in time, and as a result, we had to make the difficult decision to cancel the trip. As always, guest welfare and reliability of our train operations remain paramount.”

Belmond confirmed that that every affected guest was offered a full refund, along with a complimentary future journey aboard the Britannic Explorer in 2025 or 2026. “In addition, we are covering any related expenses incurred as a result of the cancellation,” the spokesperson added. “Our team worked closely with each guest to arrange immediate alternative accommodation where needed.”

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July 23 (UPI) — Los Angeles’ Union Station will give visitors a closer look at Southern California’s railroad history during Train Festival 2025: LA’s Spirit in Motion in September.

The free two-day event is scheduled Sept. 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. PDT and will feature railroad equipment tours, displays, model train exhibits and interactive information booths.

Visitors also can enjoy live entertainment and giveaways during the family-friendly event that is sponsored by Metro, Amtrak and Metrolink and celebrates Los Angeles’ “vibrant rail history and its revolving role in the city’s future.”

“Transportation is … about the people, places and stories that compel us to move,” Metro Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Wiggins said.

“We’re proud to make those connections possible,” Wiggins added, “and there’s no better place to see that in action than Los Angeles Union Station.”

She called the event a “celebration of the journeys we embark on, the history that grounds us and the communities we build through shared travel.”

Visitors can learn about nearly a century of rail history and tour and view displays of railroad equipment dating from 1927 to now.

Among featured exhibits will be the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society’s Santa Fe 3751 steam locomotive, which pulled the rail station’s first named passenger train more than 85 years ago.

“Many kids grow up reading about steam trains in their history books but will never actually see one in person,” SBRHS President Alex Gillman said.

“Santa Fe 3751 offers families … the chance to experience what a working, 874,000-pound steam locomotive looks like as they climb into the cab, meet the engineer and learn what it takes to keep this rare icon of American history operating today,” Gillman added.

Amtrak, Metrolink, LARail.com and the Pacific Railroad Society also are scheduled to display their respective train equipment during the event.

So will several of Southern California’s model train clubs.

Young attendees can visit the kids’ zone and receive a train conductor hat that they can keep and wear while taking selfies next to Travel Town Museum’s restored Railway Express Agency delivery truck.

More event information is available at Union Station’s Train Festival 2025 webpage.

Toasted ham baguettes in hand, we cheered as the new-generation Nightjet drew into Vienna Hauptbahnhof. It was a little before 7pm, and as the carriages hummed past I felt a rush of joy, like celebrity trainspotter Francis Bourgeois, but without the GoPro on my forehead. For more than three years I’ve been documenting the renaissance of sleeper trains, and I’d wondered if I might one day tire of them. But the thrill seems only to intensify each time I embark on another nocturnal adventure, this time with my two daughters – aged eight and five – who were already arguing over the top berth. The first four carriages were designated for travellers to the Italian port city of La Spezia, the other seven carrying on to Roma Tiburtina, where we would alight at 10am. Once in Rome we had 24 hours to eat classic carbonara, dark chocolate gelato, and bike around the Villa Borghese before taking a train to Florence.

Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) has played the lead role in resuscitating Europe’s night trains. Towards the end of 2016, ÖBB launched its Nightjet network on 14 routes, using old rolling stock it bought from Deutsche Bahn. Then, to the delight of train nerds like me, it launched a brand-new fleet at the end of 2023, and now operates 20 routes across Europe. We were now on board this high-spec service, which smelled of freshly unpacked furniture, the carpets soft underfoot, the lighting adjustable to disco hues of neon blue and punk pink.

We were booked into a couchette carriage, which mostly comprisesd mini cabins designed for solo travellers preferring privacy. Placing shoes and small bags in lockers, passengers can open a metal door with a keycard and crawl into their single berth, drawing the door closed around them, and not have to look at another human until morning. Last year I had trialled the mini cabins from Vienna to Hamburg alongside a tall friend who had likened the experience to sleeping inside a bread bin, though I hadn’t found it as claustrophobic as I’d feared, just a bit hard, chilly, and with a pillow as flat as a postage stamp. So I was curious to see how the carriage’s four-person private compartments, for families and groups, would differ.

Normally happy to share with strangers, I’d booked a whole compartment for the three of us: more to protect other hapless travellers from my children, who were now swinging off the berths like members of Cirque du Soleil, their sweaty socks strewn under the seats. With raised sides, the upper berths were safe for the girls to sleep in without rolling out, and I set about tucking in their sheets while they settled down to finish their baguettes. There is no dining car on the Nightjet, so we’d bought food from the station, which was now moving backwards as the train sailed out of the Austrian capital in silence, smoothly curving south-west.

Two days earlier we’d arrived in Vienna by train from London, via Paris, and had checked into the Superbude Wien Prater, a curious hotel that appeared part art-installation, part hostel, with gen Zs slouched around worn leather sofas on MacBooks. With four-bed family cabins overlooking the Prater amusement park, it was a great location from which to explore the city, then finish the evening with a terrifying rollercoaster and a spicy Bitzinger wurst. A friend had described Vienna to me as a grand and beautiful “retirement village”, but, on the contrary, its green spaces, playgrounds and museums made it an easy stop for 48 hours with kids.

Hopping off the Nightjet from Paris, we’d gone straight to my favourite restaurant, Edelgreisslerei Opocensky – an unassuming nook serving homely dishes such as stuffed gnocchi, and goulash with dumplings – before whiling away an afternoon at the Children’s Museum at Schönbrunn Palace.

Dressing up like young Habsburgs, the girls had swanned around in wigs and musty gowns, laying tables for banquets and begging not to leave – a far cry from our usual museum experiences. Before boarding this train we’d had one last run around the interactive Technical Museum, where the human-sized hamster wheels, peg games and slides had so worn out the children that my five-year-old was asleep as the train plunged into the Semmering mountain pass.

It was still light as we swept around the Alps, my eight-year-old kneeling at the window and asking where local people shopped, so few and far between were signs of human life. Horses grazed in paddocks, cows nuzzled, and the occasional hamlet emerged from round a bend as though the chalets were shaken like dice and tossed into the slopes. In the blue-grey twilight we watched streams gleam like strips of metal, and spotted a single stag poised at the edge of a wood, before the train made a long stop at the Styrian city of Leoben, at which point we turned in.

Like the mini cabins, the compartment was still too cold, the pillow still too flat, but the berths were wider and the huge window a blessing compared with the single berths’ portholes – this one allowed for wistful gazing.

Shoving a rolled-up jumper under my head, I fell asleep, waking at 7am to rumpled clouds and a golden flare on the horizon. Most night trains terminate soon after passengers have woken up, but this one was perfect, allowing us to enjoy a leisurely breakfast of hot chocolate and jam rolls while watching the Tuscan dawn breaking into song, and Umbrian lakes and cornfields running parallel before we finally drew into Rome – on time.

When travelling alone I relish arriving with the entire day at my disposal, but with children it’s hard work waiting until 3pm to check in to accommodation, so I default to staying at a Hoxton hotel if one is available. Its Flexy Time policy allows guests to choose what time they check in and out for free, and by 11am we had checked in, showered and set off to toss coins in the Trevi fountain, finding thick whorls of eggy carbonara at nearby trattoria Maccheroni, and gelato at Don Nino. To avoid the crowds and heat, we waited until 6pm to hire an electric pedal car from Bici Pincio at the Villa Borghese and drove around the landscaped, leafy grounds, relishing the quietness of the evening ride. Excited about the next adventure in Florence, the girls had only one complaint: that they couldn’t ride there on the night train.

Monisha Rajesh is the author of Moonlight Express: Around the World by Night Train (Bloomsbury, £22), published on 28 August and available on pre-order at guardianbookshop.com

Omio provided travel in a four-person private compartment in a couchette carriage from Vienna to Rome (from £357). Accommodation was provided by Superbude Wien Prater in Vienna (doubles from €89 room-only); and The Hoxton in Rome (doubles from €189 room-only)

From green-capped mountains to creamy golden beaches and dense forests, this two-hour train journey has been crowned one of the country’s best – and it’s pretty easy to see why

Watch rolling countryside and golden sandy beaches from the comfort of your own seat on this picturesque train journey. Let’s face it, the UK’s railways don’t exactly have the best reputation. Plagued with constant delays, cancellations, and crowded carriages – hopping on a train for leisure seems like an oxymoron.

However, if you look hard enough, you’ll find a slew of beautiful trains that seem worlds away from your bleak morning commute. Take the Machynlleth to Pwllheli route in Wales, for example, which was recently named one of the best train journeys in the country by Conde Nast Traveller.

READ MORE: UK’s most unique 417-mile train ride passes stunning scenery but has major catch

The 31-mile track, which lasts for around two hours and 12 minutes, idles through breathtaking mountains, stunning beaches, and dense forests, and can cost less than £20 for a return.

“Just inside the southernmost rim of Snowdonia National Park, this route is blessed by nature from the moment the train departs,” the publication hailed. “Passengers gaze onto scenes of tall grass smattered with waist-high wildflowers and puffy clouds over peaks fringed with forest… Not long after Dovey Junction station, the ride follows the bends of the River Dyfi until it opens wide onto the Cardigan Bay coast, shaped by fingers of creamy sand and dunes melting into the water.”

The train has 25 stops, including the ‘most isolated station in Wales’, Dovey Junction, and the acclaimed seaside town of Barmouth – just make sure you get a window seat to make the most of the journey. Most of the track hugs the country’s stunning coastline, allowing for plenty of beach vistas and sea views. However, there are no first class carriages, so it might be worth bringing your own train picnic.

Machynlleth to Pwllheli – the full route

• Machynlleth
• Dovey Junction
• Penhelig
• Aberdovey
• Tywyn
• Tonfanau
• Llwyngwril
• Fairbourne
• Morfa Mawddach
• Barmouth
• Llanaber
• Talybont
• Dyffryn Ardudwy
• Llanbedr
• Pensarn (Gwynedd)
• Llandanwg
• Harlech
• Tygwyn
• Talsarnau
• Llandecwyn
• Penrhyndeudraeth
• Minffordd
• Porthmadog
• Criccieth
• Penychain
• Abererch
• Pwllheli

Machynlleth is located 217 miles from Central London, meaning you’ll have to drive around four hours and 47 minutes to get there. You can catch an indirect train from London Euston, which includes a stop over at Birmingham but only takes three hours and 52 minutes. Single adult fares start from £37.20.

After arriving in Machynlleth, you can hop straight onto the train to Pwllheli or spend the night in the market town. Here, you’ll find an array of museums, the Michelin-starred restaurant Ynyshir, and – if you time it right – Machynlleth Comedy Festival.

You can grab return fares to Pwllheli and back for as little as £21.09. If you have a railcard, this can cut down the price to an even more impressive £13.99 – which works out at less than £7 each way!

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

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The Snaefell Mountain Railway on the Isle of Man is the only electric mountain railway in the British Isles and is steeped in history, culture and pure imagination

The only electric mountain railway in the whole of the British Isles is rich in history, culture and sheer wonder.

The Snaefell Mountain Railway climbs from Laxey to the peak of Snaefell – the highest mountain on the Isle of Man – standing a staggering 2,036ft above sea level, serving as the enchanting gateway to seven mythical kingdoms.

Constructed in 1895, the service typically runs from March to November and takes about 30 minutes for a one-way trip.

Travelling along a five-mile track, it uses electricity from overhead wires at approximately 550 volts to operate, remaining faithful to its original Victorian-era infrastructure, ferrying passengers who come from all corners of the globe to catch a glimpse of this world wonder.

Upon reaching Snafell, or ‘Snow Mountain’ as it’s often called, visitors will make their way into five wooden electric railcars. Each of them are numbered from one to six, though you’ll soon notice that number three is mysteriously absent, reports the Express.

It appears it was destroyed in an incident where the car derailed back in 2016. Whatever remained of it has been gathered and is reportedly due to be rebuilt at some stage, so stay tuned.

The main station on the line is the interchange with the Manx Electric Railway at Laxey. The only stopping place is Bungalow, the halfway point where the line crosses the A18 Mountain Road, notorious for the perilous and deadly Isle of Man TT race.

A stone’s throw away, visitors can find the Manx Museum in Douglas, a treasure trove housed in an ex-hospital with exhibits featuring Viking silver, Celtic crosses and the Tynwald – the world’s oldest continuous parliamentary body.

The museum’s creation aimed to revamp the Isle of Man’s image following tough times in the mid-19th century.

Sir Henry Brougham Loch, the lieutenant governor, played a pivotal role by initially promoting Douglas as a spa destination, triggering a seaside holiday surge.

An impressive 1,500 hotels were established to accommodate roughly 350,000 summer tourists. Yet, Loch recognised most visitors lingered only in the capital, prompting the construction of a railway network that would transport them across the island.

Andrew Scarffe, technical support officer at Manx Heritage Railways, told the BBC about the impact of the railway: “When the railway opened, it was like science fiction. Droves of people came over on the ferry just to see its electric technology and innovation.”

Scarffe shared a little-known fact: “What’s rarely spoken of is we were 130 years ahead of the rest of the world with green travel. We began generating our own power back in the 1890s to run the railway, and the electric tram cars are still doing what they were built to be doing.

“Slow travel by electric train? It all started here.”

In its heyday, the railway service boasted a million passengers annually. However, this grand Isle of Man tradition has seen a decrease in recent years, though an estimated 200,000 people still board the train each year, soaking up the immense historical splendour this small island has to offer.