A UK city has been hailed as home to ‘one of the world’s most scenic winter train journeys’
The holiday season may be the best time to ride the rails
A city in the UK has been hailed as the backdrop for “one of the world’s most scenic winter train journeys“. National Geographic experts have lauded the route as “breathtaking,” promising travellers an eyeful of unforgettable vistas. In their roundup of Europe’s top 10, they said: “The holiday season may be the best time to ride the rails on these iconic routes through Germany’s enchanted Black Forest, and Norway’s frozen waterfalls.”
But it’s Scotland that truly steals the show with its mist-shrouded hills, serpentine lochs, and stark winter landscapes. For those hunting for a festive or winter escape, this rail journey delivers an unrivalled experience.
So, where in Scotland can you find this picturesque railway journey?
Stretching around 180 miles from Glasgow to Mallaig via Fort William, the West Highland Line is your ticket to awe-inspiring scenery.
As the National Geographic expert elaborated: “Route: Glasgow to Mallaig. Often cited as one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys, the West Highland Line serves up raw, haunting beauty.
“It slices through Rannoch Moor, a sprawling peat bog, skirts Loch Lomond, and soars over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, (a spectacle long before the Hogwarts Express catapulted it to Hollywood fame).”
They added: ” Edinburgh and Glasgow both boast unique Christmas festivities worth checking out. Edinburgh’s markets spill across Princes Street Gardens under the watchful eye of the castle, while Glasgow is set to light up with a Christmas lights trail this year.”
Glasgow’s Christmas market
The Winter Wonderland Christmas market at St Enoch Square is set to run from 6 November to 24 December, boasting family rides, an ice rink, local vendors, and live music. As reported by Secret Glasgow, the event will feature the world’s first solar-powered observation wheel and a fully licensed festive bar.
Glasgow is also set to host its largest beer hall yet, accommodating up to 700 guests with pub quizzes, live music, and festive beverages on offer. The venue will be adorned with fairy lights and fire pits, serving mulled wine and winter cocktails in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
In lieu of the traditional Christmas Lights Switch-On, which has been cancelled due to redevelopment works at George Square, the city will instead showcase a festive light trail.
Key attractions include dazzling art installations along Sauchiehall, Buchanan, and Argyle Streets, as well as a grand Christmas tree and crib at the Cathedral Precinct, providing a perfect backdrop for festive photos.
Top 10 scenic train routes in Europe, according to National Geographic
A PRETTY UK seaside town will be getting trains from London for the first time.
The operator Grand Central has launched the first-ever direct trains between Seaham and London.
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The seaside town of Seaham now has four daily services to LondonCredit: AlamyThe journey will cut 30 minutes off previous journey timesCredit: Alamy
There are now four direct services between Seaham and London King’s Cross in each direction, every day.
Before the service was launched, passengers travelling from Seaham would have to change trains to travel into London, taking the total journey time to four hours.
The new direct service sheds 30 minutes off of that journey time, taking around three and a half hours in total.
One-way tickets cost from £30.50 per person, when booked in advance.
Chris Brandon, director at Grand Central, said: “For the first time in history, residents here have a direct, reliable connection to London — a connection that reflects the town’s growing ambition and needs.
“This launch reflects our mission to continue investing in the North East: through our £300million order of new trains, and through seeking increased track access rights, which will allow us to provide more services in the region for years to come.”
Grahame Morris, Member of Parliament for Easington, said: “The East Durham Coastline has been underused for decades, and I’m delighted that Grand Central has recognised the enormous potential of this route and worked hard to make it a reality.”
Seaham is located around a 17-minute drive from Sunderland in County Durham.
And the town is even home to a famous beach that stretches a mile-long and often features lots of sea glass, ideal for collecting.
Sea glass is man-made glass that at some point or another has ended up in the sea.
And when it does, it is ground down over the years and eventually washes up on the shore.
This is because during the Victorian era there was a bottle factory nearby that used to put waste directly into the sea.
There is even a beach called Glass Beach, located at the front of the town.
One recent visitor said: “If you’re looking for a place to find treasure then this is the one!
“There’s loads to see here from beautiful glass and fossils to a friendly little robin that comes and sits with you while you hunt for treasure.”
But if you want to explore a sandy spot, then head to The Slope Beach which looks out at Seaham Lighthouse.
A recent visitor said: “A hidden Seaham gem, with a gently sloping sandy beach leading down to a protected sea, with great views of the lighthouse at the far end of the pier.
In Seaham you can explore a beach, known for sea glassCredit: Alamy
“Great parking, a freshwater tap at the top of the beach, and all the facilities of the marina right next door, including toilets and a fantastic array of cafes.
“A great trip out for the kids, or a peaceful few hours to one’s self when they’re in school. Lovely!”
The town itself then also features a number of places to grab a bite to eat, including a Wetherspoons pub.
Or just up from Seaham Beach you can head to the Crows Nest pub, where you can order mac and cheese or Hunter’s chicken for £11.79.
If you fancy fresh seafood, head to The Lamp Room with options including a surf and turf salad for £16.95 or a seafood linguine for £15.95.
One diner commented: “The food was amazing, fresh, and very tasty.
“We had fresh mussels with fries, and the sauce was delicious.”
A MAJOR UK city, home to the third oldest subway system in the world, is set to get driverless trains next year.
Glasgow will be getting driverless subway trains in the second half of 2026, according to The Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT).
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Glasgow will be getting driverless trains from next yearCredit: Alamy
The new driverless trains will be introduced in Glasgow slowly, with officials noting in a report that “whilst our new system will be capable of Unattended Train Operation, there may be a requirement for some staff presence within the system beyond this point”.
The move to driverless trains in Glasgow will be the first of its kind in the UK.
The only other similar train system is the DLR in London – while not having train drivers, they do still have ‘Train Captain’s onboard.
In addition to the driverless trains, Glasgow’s public transport more widely has undergone a number of other projects.
These include implementing more glass screens at a number of stations for safety.
And most stations on the circular line have had refurbishments.
There are also a few projects that still need to be carried out including introducing new signalling.
A report from June revealed that the subway modernisation in Glasgow is the “most significant investment and improvement programme to be undertaken in the Subway within the last 45 years”.
The report also listed a number of other areas that will undergo improvements, including the introduction of a new ticketing system.
Glasgow is planning on becoming the first city in Scotland to trial a free public transport scheme as well.
The scheme will start in early 2026 and involve around 1,000 people, who will get free public transport for six weeks.
This means travellers will get unlimited travel on trains, buses and the subway network.
The aim of the scheme is to see whether more people take up public transport, rather than opting to drive.
Currently, fares to travel on Glasgow’s transport network range from around £3.60 to £5.90.
This week, rail operator Lumo also announced that it is extending its London Euston to Edinburgh route to Glasgow.
It comes as Glasgow’s subway network has undergone a number of projectsCredit: Alamy
Passengers will be able to use two northbound services each weekday and one southbound service.
There will then be one service in each direction at the weekend.
And tickets for the route with the low-cost operator will cost from £33.10 between London and Glasgow.
The heritage steam railway trundles through pretty seaside villages and along stunning North Norfolk coastline
The North Norfolk Poppy Line is a wonderful experience(Image: Getty)
A stunning train route has been crowned England’s “most scenic” after travellers discovered it winds through charming seaside villages and breathtaking landscapes. Better still, the heritage steam railway itself is rich in history as it chugs along picturesque old tracks.
The Poppy Line, running between Sheringham and Holt in North Norfolk, meanders for 5.25 miles (8.45km) across the region’s flat countryside. East Anglia’s self-proclaimed “premier heritage railway” is run almost entirely by volunteers, lending the entire journey a welcoming atmosphere.
Yet it’s far from amateur – first class carriages provide dining experiences where passengers can tuck into delicious meals and enjoy exquisite bottles of wine.
Options range from a Comedy Dining Experience to various gourmet services, a Murder Mystery Dining experience – and even a Gin Train for those seeking a more relaxed affair.
Passengers board at Sheringham, a classic Victorian seaside town where fishing remains a thriving trade and shops stock an array of local goods. The town boasts an expansive beach with golden sands – ideal for a winter ramble whilst the train prepares for departure.
For those wanting a lengthier excursion, continue along the coast atop the gently rising cliffs to take in the diverse mix of wildflowers, butterflies and sweeping vistas of the North Sea.
From this point, the train chugs along for a few miles to the quintessentially English village of Weybourne, reports the Express.
Here you can also bask in the stunning coastal views, or perhaps pop over to the Muckleburgh Military Collection, the UK’s largest privately owned military museum, boasting over 120 tanks, guns and vehicles among its collection of 10,000 items.
Once you’ve had your fill of military history, meander over to one of the traditional British pubs where you can tuck into fish and chips, or locally sourced seafood or other produce. Notable establishments include The Ship Inn and The Red Lion.
Afterwards, hop back on the train and you’ll be whisked off to Kelling Heath Park, which is just a brief stop. From here you can embark on hikes around Kelling Heath, a 221-hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Following this, Holt is the final stop, where you’ll alight to discover a treasure trove of 18th-Century Georgian buildings, with charming antique and book shops tucked away in the many hidden courtyards and alleyways. Don’t miss the cross in the marketplace that commemorates soldiers who fell in the war.
Just a stone’s throw away is Holt Country Park – a 100-acre woodland filled with oak, pine and silver birch trees. The ruins of Baconsthorpe Castle are also well worth a visit.
This moated and fortified manor house dates back to the 15th century and is teeming with intriguing history.
AN ‘international’ railway station has revealed its £1million refurbishment.
Harwich International train station in north-east Essex is technically international despite having no trains actually go to Europe from the station.
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Harwich International train station in north-east Essex is located next to Harwich International PortCredit: Alamy
That’s because it is located near Harwich International Port, a major cruise and ferry terminal with a number of daily sailings to the Netherlands.
Through September, Greater Anglia carried out work on the roof of the station, as well as improving lighting, the staircases and station entrance areas.
The entire train station was also repainted.
Andrew Goodrum, from Greater Anglia, said: “These improvements make a significant difference to the overall passenger experience.
“The station is now brighter, more modern and more welcoming, while our new energy-efficient lighting reduces our carbon footprint.”
Each year, over 100,000 journeys start or end at the station.
The station serves some local destinations such as Harwich Town and also travels to LondonLiverpool Street, where passengers can change and travel on to a number of other destinations including Norwich, Ipswich, Heathrow Airport and Stansted Airport.
A number of other ‘international’ stations in the UK are set to undergo upgrades.
Virgin Trains is looking to launch high-speed services through the Channel Tunnel in around 2030, competing with Eurostar.
As part of the operators’ plans, it is exploring the potential to use Stratford International to carry out these services.
Virgin Trains was given permission by the UK’s rail regulator (ORR) to use the Temple Mills depot in London – a crucial part of operating international services through the Channel Tunnel.
And they plan to connect London with Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam.
Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International used to have international services until Eurostar suspended them in 2020.
Virgin Trains is also looking at how these stations could be used for international rail services.
A POPULAR seaside town will be losing half of its direct trains to and from London next week.
Currently, there are four direct trains a day between London and Blackpool, operated by Avanti West Coast.
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Avanti West Coast has confirmed that changes to the timetable mean that Avanti’s four daily services from Blackpool will be reduced to two – one in each directionCredit: EPA
The service currently operates Monday to Friday.
However, they have confirmed that changes to the timetable means that the four daily services from Blackpool will be reduced to two – one in each direction.
The two routes being scrapped are the 9:39am London to Blackpool North service, and the 12:52pm Blackpool North to London service.
The routes that will continue to run include the 5:35am Blackpool North to London Euston route and the 5:40pm London Euston to Blackpool North route.
Instead, they will be increasing routes between Blackpool and Liverpool as well as restarting a morning route from Manchester.
Avanti West Coast slammed the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) who are the economic and safety regulator, regarding the new restrictions being introduced.
An Avanti West Coast spokesperson said: “We are disappointed with the Office of Rail and Road’s decision not to grant access rights from December for three weekday services that we currently operate, including the 09:39 London to Blackpool North service, and the 12:52 Blackpool North to London service.
“This will clearly impact those customers who already use these services.
“However, we will still be delivering even more services across our network from the start of the December timetable, including further additional trains on our Liverpool route.”
An ORR spokesperson said they “recognised passengers would be disappointed”.
However, they explained: “In every timetable change train operators bid to add or amend services, and we are informed in our decision making by what Network Rail tells us is possible.
“In this case, Network Rail provided evidence and recommended that ORR decline the applications to secure better reliability on the network as a whole.
“We would welcome the opportunity to work with Network Rail and train operators should they consider that there is room for these services in future timetables.”
Several commuters who use the route have taken to social media to express their thoughts on the news.
One said: “Another kick in the teeth for Blackpool.”
Another added: “The reason why no one is using Avanti, is because the prices of their train tickets is crazy.
“Avanti trains are always cancelled or delayed. Get rid of them!”
The services currently run Monday to Friday and only two services will remain, one in each directionCredit: Getty
This includes the Winter Gardens, which first opened back in 1878.
A £300million project is also in the works to improve Blackpool’s Golden Mile, with a new indoor entertainment complex with rides, restaurants and bars.
Last month, passengers were left furious as Avanti revealed it would run an empty ghost train to London.
The rail regulator ruled that the weekday morning service from Manchester to London would run without passengers for five months.
A spokesperson for the ORR told the BBC that the decision was based on “robust evidence” from Network Rail, arguing that running the service with no passengers would allow more flexibility to better assist with “service recovery”.
Ahead of one of the busiest times to travel, the National Rail has issued a warning and outlined some of the changes that could impact your train journey during the festive season
Changes are expected on a number of train services during the festive season(Image: Getty Images)
Train travel changes to be aware of between Christmas and New Year
Plan and check your journey before you travel
There will be no National Rail services running on Christmas Day
Most train operators will not be in service on Boxing Day. However, there will be very limited services on some train operators, including Chiltern Railways, London Overground, Merseyrail, ScotRail, Southern and Stansted Express
Timetables could be subject to change during the festive period, including late-notice changes, which runs from Tuesday, 23 December, until Friday, 2 January
No trains will run to or from London Liverpool Street station from Saturday, 27 December, to Thursday, 1 January
No trains will run to or from London Waterloo Station or Vauxhall on Saturday, 27 December, and Sunday, 28 December
Bus replacements will be in operation between Milton Keynes Central and Rugby/Northampton from Saturday, 27 December to Sunday, 4 January
There will be an amended service between Preston and Carlisle from Wednesday, 31 December to Thursday, 15 January
Bus replacements will be in operation between Carlisle and Lockerbie from Thursday, 1 January, to Wednesday, 7 January
An amended service will be in place between Leeds and York from Saturday, 27 December, to Friday, 2 January
No trains will run between Cambridge and Cambridge North, Bury St Edmunds, and Stansted Airport from Saturday, 27 December, to Sunday, 4 January
Bus services will replace trains between Dalmuir and Balloch/Helensburgh from Saturday, 27 December, until Wednesday, 31 December
National Rail stated that there will be “lots of planned essential engineering works and upgrades taking place as Network Rail works to improve the railway” over Christmas and the New Year. This may result in changes to train timetables, so it’s best to check your journey before setting off.
PASSENGERS got their first look at the new Great British Railways trains today, ahead of a full rollout from next spring.
Before the switch up the transportation company’s trains were a standard white with red and yellow accents, and GBR scrawled on the side.
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Great British Railways have just debuted their new transportation designCredit: PAHeidi, a transportation secretary for GBR, is incredibly proud of the new look and what it stands forCredit: PA
But now the trains have had an impactful makeover starring bold colours and shapes.
The new design features a red, white and blue colour scheme and sharp angles intended to mirror the Union Flag – as well as a striking yellow stripe on the nose.
The GBR logo has also been added to the side of each train, its iconic double arrow motif signifying the company’s proud heritage in getting people to and from where they need to travel.
The release comes as the landmark Railways Bill is being debated in the House of Commons today, and just after the Government made the decision to freeze rail fares for the first time in 30 years.
The Bill will bring together 17 different transport organisations, in an aim to cut through the bureaucracy that continues to plague the railways, and instead run Britain’s railways as a single organisation for the first time in decades.
The new colour scheme is set to be fully rolled out in spring, cloaking every train.
It will also expand out to the company’s online platforms including their website and ticketing app.
Speaking on the fresh look Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “The future of Britain’s railways begins today.
“I’m immensely proud to unveil the new look for Great British Railways as we deliver landmark legislation to nationalise our trains and reform the railway so it better serves passengers.
“This isn’t just a paint job – it represents a new railway, casting off the frustrations of the past and focused entirely on delivering a proper public service for passengers.”
Switzerland’s largest city is often overlooked by tourists, but its Christmas markets offer unique food experiences including wasabi cheese and fondue served on a train
16:24, 08 Dec 2025Updated 16:29, 08 Dec 2025
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(Image: Getty)
As Christmas approaches, many flock to Colmar in France for its enchanting half-timbered houses or Lapland in Scandinavia for guaranteed snow and Santa sightings. However, this year I decided to break away from the norm and kick-start the festive season with a hidden treasure.
From bracing dips in the river dressed as Father Christmas to sampling unfamiliar cuisine, this city offers a unique Christmas experience like no other.
This became evident as soon as I landed in Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city. Often overlooked due to its reputation as a financial hub rather than an Instagram hotspot, it’s frequently dismissed as merely a gateway to the country, a place to rush through on the way to the breathtaking alpine landscapes elsewhere. But that would be doing it a disservice.
Dig a little deeper, look past the clichés, and you’ll uncover one of Switzerland’s best-kept secrets – Zurich is just as vibrant at Christmas as any ski resort. The Weinachtsdorf Christmas market, situated in a city centre square near the lake shore, is a perfect example.
Switzerland may be famed for its world-beating cheese, but have you ever tried a variety that’s greener than your yuletide tree?
My palate was sent into raptures after tasting the wasabi-flavoured cheese at one particular stall, which caught the eye in a striking pistachio green hue. Alongside it sat “tricolore” cheese, spiced with paprika, chilli and carrot atop a goat cheese foundation, plus a black lemon version enhanced with charcoal (reminiscent of a Limoncello-infused Lindt chocolate bar, yet as dark as coals on a crackling festive hearth).
The range was so impressive that other typically “exotic” flavours, such as truffle, jalapeno and pesto, appeared almost commonplace by comparison.
The lively Christmas spirit was already in full flow. Salmon sizzled over open fires in preparation for lunch, fondue pots bubbled enthusiastically and vendors beamed warmly whilst seeking out customers.
The star attraction for those seeking refuge from the chill is a substantial fondue chalet, its interior wonderfully cheese-scented, leaving little doubt about the delectable fare on offer. Meanwhile, whilst everyone adores the classic Christmas favourites like mince pies and marzipan (and in Switzerland’s case, raclette and fondue), it’s equally simple to avoid predictability through an extensive selection of international food stalls, offering everything from Chinese dim sum to Mexican tortillas and Indian street food, each presenting their own distinctive festive twist.
The German bratwurst – a beloved sausage snack – is a must-try here, but I also came across a rather unexpected festive pudding that’s traditional in Switzerland: chestnut purée cheesecake. The artistic rendition is designed so that each portion resembles a snow-capped mountain peak.
After refilling my glass with cinnamon-infused gluhwein (mulled wine) followed by spiced apple punch, I wandered further through the market and quickly happened upon a delightful pick-and-mix stand advertising “old fashioned British fudges”. Flavours ranged from bubblegum to honey and pistachio, whilst neighbouring chocolate vendors left me utterly spoilt for choice with varieties including coffee, Irish cream, pink gin and cherry.
Whilst the market’s European-crafted presents carry hefty price tags, the food offerings are considerably more affordable, and sampling these culinary delights is an experience well worth having. Following a few hours meandering through the market, I headed to the locally celebrated Café Conditorei 1842, renowned for its legendary postcard-perfect interior, where I indulged in hot chocolate and cake.
Later, as dusk descended, I made my way towards the city’s celebrated shopping boulevard, the Bahnhofstrasse, joining the throngs of spectators gathered to witness the Christmas illuminations being switched on. Signalling the official start of the festive period, these lights are nicknamed Lucy, a moniker drawn from the Beatles’ classic ‘Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds’.
My scarf, adorned with twinkling stars against a midnight blue backdrop, mirrored the Lucy lights and shielded my ears from the biting wind when pulled over my head. While Audrey Hepburn may not have had to contend with freezing temperatures as she donned a headscarf in a vintage car along the European coast, my Swiss setting offered a festive touch with snowflakes….
After enjoying the city’s renowned Singing Christmas Tree, featuring Santa hat-clad choir members belting out tunes from Cher to the Backstreet Boys, it was time for supper. Zurich boasts an array of fantastic dining options – the festively decorated ceiling of Coco Grill and Bar deserves a special nod – but that evening, there was no doubt about my destination: the famed Fondue Express Train at Polerzauber.
Zurich’s globally celebrated fondue is displayed to its full glory on this charming little train, perched high above the Christmas markets at Zurich Central Station. From my elevated vantage point, I watched shoppers splurge at an impressive 120 stalls, all under the watchful gaze of a towering tree, the undeniable centrepiece of the station hall.
Dunking my bread and potatoes into the steaming pot, it became instantly clear why Switzerland boasts such a stellar reputation for world-class cheese – and you can elevate the experience further by incorporating additions such as “a pinch of blue cheese from the [local] dairy”, white Alba truffles, mountain herbs and even champagne. Vegans needn’t feel left out either, as a dairy-free alternative of this iconic dish is available.
One traditionally Swiss – though entirely optional – method of finishing the meal involves requesting a raw egg to be cracked into what remains of the cheese, creating a flavour combination that Polerzauber promises will deliver “probably the best scrambled eggs ever”. It’s undoubtedly unforgettable – and just to make certain it stays with you, the restaurant also stocks its own branded Christmas jumpers, which naturally all the staff sport whilst on duty.
Had I been blessed with additional time, I would have expanded my Christmas market tour to encompass the one situated on Zurich’s own mountain, the Uetliberg. It showcases handcrafted and locally sourced products, whilst on misty days, there’s the possibility of finding yourself enveloped by fluffy white clouds at eye level thanks to the elevation.
Conversely, should the skies be clear, you can drink in a panoramic view stretching to the distant Alps – meaning regardless of conditions, it appears you simply cannot go wrong. Finally, the locals of Zurich have a rather unconventional way to ring in the festive season – an icy dip in the nearby river.
This annual tradition takes place during the first week of December, and even brave tourists can join in if they complete the necessary paperwork in advance.
Despite temperatures potentially dropping to a chilly minus 5C, around 300 festive swimmers don their swimsuits and signature Santa hats each year for the so-called Santa Swim (or Samichlausschwimmen in German). It might be a challenge for the fearless, but it’s hard not to get swept up in the Christmas spirit in a city so committed to the cause.
Some locals boast about the cleanliness of their river, claiming it’s so pure there’s no food for fish, while others highlight the much-touted health benefits of ice bathing. Upon leaving, I was left with no doubt that Zurich’s quirky traditions and distinctive flavours create a unique Christmas experience that simply can’t be found elsewhere.
Book the holiday
Swiss International Airlines (SWISS) provides one-way flights to Zurich from various UK airports. The fare includes all taxes, fees and surcharges, one piece of checked luggage up to 23kg and one piece of hand luggage. Book at swiss.com.
Room rates at Hotel Seidenhof start from 320 CHF (£300) per night, including breakfast, based on two adults sharing a double room. Discover more and book at sorellhotels.com.
For further details on Zurich, head over to zuerich.com. You can also purchase the Zürich Card here, which offers unlimited 2nd class travel in Zurich, various lake cruises, free entry to popular museums, a 50% discount on selected public city tours, and a host of additional discounts and exclusive offers.
