The 10 best steam railway day trips in the UK

The first passenger train journey took place 200 years ago in the UK, revolutionizing travel around the world. 2025 is the Railway 200 anniversary and to celebrate why not experience the magic of the best of the UK’s heritage steam railways?  There are 211 heritage railways, covering 600 miles of spectacular scenery in the UK. These preserved railways offer a nostalgic day out, perfect for railway enthusiasts and those looking for scenic UK adventures. 

Whether you're searching for scenic steam railways, Harry Potter-style train rides, or historic steam train adventures, these 10 iconic steam railway routes deliver unforgettable experiences.

If you're searching for the best heritage railways to visit in the UK  for a unique steam train day trip you're in the right place. Here are 10 breathtaking steam railway experiences to enjoy.

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The 10 best steam railway day trips in the UK

1. The Jacobite Steam Train  - the Hogwart’s Express - Scotland
The Jacobite Steam Train is one of the UK’s most famous heritage railways, often dubbed the ‘Hogwarts Express’ as it features in the famous Harry Potter films. Running from Fort William to Mallaig in Scotland, this scenic journey crosses the stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct.  It offers breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands giving it a ranking as one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys.

This trip from Edinburgh on the Jacobite Steam Train (Hogwarts Express) comes highly rated.

2. The West Somerset Railway – England’s longest heritage route
Travel 20 miles from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead through the beautiful Quantock Hills and along the Somerset coast! This railway is ideal if you are looking for a scenic steam railway or a trip for a special celebration.  There are various special services available including fish and chip suppers, afternoon tea, and murder mysteries.  Buy an all day rover ticket online or tickets for shorter distances on the day.

3. The Snowdon Mountain Railway – the highest peak in Wales and England

The Snowdon Mountain Railway makes the 1085m (3065ft) climb up Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) very easy whilst taking in some of the most spectacular mountain scenery.  At the summit station the train will wait for 30 minutes to allow you to soak in the views across north Wales, have your photo taken at the cairn marking the highest point and get something to eat or drink in the café, before returning to Llanberis.

4. The Severn Valley Railway – Riverside Beauty

This 16-mile journey from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth in the West Midlands takes you alongside the scenic River Severn and through beautiful countryside.  From the six stations along the route you can access country pubs, Georgian riverside towns, small villages and historic market towns as well as access to the River Severn.  You can also visit the Engine House Visitor Centre to see some of the historic locomotives up close.

5. The Bluebell Railway, East Sussex
One of the UK’s most famous preserved steam railways, the Bluebell Railway boasts one of the finest collections of vintage steam locomotives and carriages.  The four historic stations range from the Victorian Era to the 1950s and are a hive of activity.  Easily accessible from London and Brighton the Bluebell Railway connects East Grinstead and Sheffield Park stations. The best station to join the line is Sheffield Park but you can arrive by scheduled mainline train services at East Grinstead.

If you have time to stay longer in the area then why not plan one or more ways to spend a car-free weekend in and around fun-loving Brighton 

6. The Watercress Line – lunch in Arlesford

Plan Your Day on the Watercress Line to include a trip to picturesque Georgian town of Alresford on a heritage steam train, taking in views of the South Downs National Park on the way.  The historic town of Alresford is the perfect spot for lunch, shopping and a stroll along the River Alre.  The watercress that gave the line its name was grown locally sent across the UK from the goods platform at Alresford station.  The Watercress Line is located just seven miles from the city of Winchester and you can join the line at the Alresford or at the bustling market town of Alton.

7. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway – Stunning Moorland Views
The North York Moors Railway connects some of the best North York Moors attractions and provides multiple different opportunities for day trips.  Take in the beauty of the moors on a nostalgic trip from Pickering to Whitby or use the railway to access linear or circular walks or visit Whitby for a seaside day out.  The stations are quintessentially English - Goathland Station featured as Hogsmeade in Harry Potter.

These tours come highly rated from:

• London: The North York Moors with Steam Train to Whitby; and
• York: Moors, Whitby, and the Yorkshire Steam Railway.  

To discover more look at my top tips for enjoying the North York Moors by steam train.

8. The Swanage Railway – visit the atmospheric Corfe Castle
The Swanage Railway makes for a great family day out as you can combine it with a day trip to the Victorian seaside town of Swanage and a visit to the spectacular ruins of Corfe Castle.   It’s location on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast means you can also combine with other local attractions if you have the time.  There are refreshment buffets at Norden and Swanage stations, the opportunity to take a cream tea train or bring your own picnic and make use of the picnic tables available at most of the stations.  Get your tickets for the Swanage Railway here.

9. The Dartmouth Steam Railway – Coastal & Countryside Views
The Dartmouth Steam Railway can be combined with boat trips and a ride on a paddle steamer to connect the top destinations along the English Riviera south Devon coastline.  The Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat Company allows you to enjoy the delights of Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Dartmouth, Kingswear and Totnes in true style and make a full day out including visits to coastal towns and river cruises. 

From Dartmouth take the river boat to visit Greenway, holiday home to Agatha Christie, best-selling fiction writer of all time.  Discover more in my guide to the top 5 National Trust day trips to the homes of famous authors.

10. The Great Central Railway – Double-Track
This is a railway journey for enthusiasts as well as anyone interested in all that the East Midlands has to offer.  The Great Central Railway is the UK’s only mainline heritage railway that has a double-track.  This allows a true recreation of the golden era of steam as steam trains pass each other at speed.  The heritage railway line has four stations including Loughborough Central and Leicester North and the railway’s central East Midlands location makes access by train, bus or car very straightforward.

If you have more time to spend then look at my top tips for a visit to the King Richard III (king in the car park) visitor centre in Leicester.