The UK is home to some of the world’s most stunning railway journeys. From coastal cliffs to mountain passes, historic steam railways to high-speed modern routes, the country’s railways have always provided breathtaking views.
Many of these scenic routes have survived since the golden age of rail travel, while others have disappeared into history. Whether you want to relive the romance of steam travel or simply admire the incredible landscapes from a train window, here are the UK’s most scenic railway routes—past and present.
🚆 1. The West Highland Line (Glasgow to Mallaig)
📍 Scotland | Still Operating
Why It’s Scenic:
🌄 Spectacular views of mountains, lochs, and glens.
🌉 Crosses the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, seen in Harry Potter.
🌊 Runs along coastal cliffs near Mallaig, offering breathtaking sea views.
Then vs. Now:
✅ Then (1894): Built to connect remote Scottish communities to Glasgow.
✅ Now: Regular ScotRail trains still run, alongside the famous Jacobite Steam Train in summer.
📸 Best View: Look out for Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, as the train leaves Fort William.
🚂 2. The Settle–Carlisle Railway
📍 Yorkshire & Cumbria | Still Operating
Why It’s Scenic:
🌉 Crosses Ribblehead Viaduct, one of Britain’s most iconic railway structures.
🏔️ Winds through rugged moorlands and valleys in the Yorkshire Dales.
🏰 Passes historic market towns like Appleby.
Then vs. Now:
✅ Then (1876): Built during the height of Victorian railway expansion.
✅ Now: Still in use, with special steam train journeys available.
📸 Best View: The Ribblehead Viaduct at sunrise or in misty weather—truly atmospheric.
🚉 3. The Cornish Main Line (Exeter to Penzance)
📍 Southwest England | Still Operating
Why It’s Scenic:
🌊 Runs alongside the stunning coastline at Dawlish, where waves crash against the tracks.
🏝️ Ends in Penzance, near Land’s End, Britain’s most westerly point.
🌿 Passes rolling countryside, ancient stone bridges, and seaside towns.
Then vs. Now:
✅ Then (1846): Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, originally operated by steam locomotives.
✅ Now: Modern GWR trains run the route, with the Night Riviera sleeper train offering an overnight journey.
📸 Best View: The Dawlish sea wall, where the train hugs the coastline—best enjoyed at sunset.
🚋 4. The Snowdon Mountain Railway
📍 Wales | Still Operating
Why It’s Scenic:
🏔️ Climbs to the summit of Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales.
🚂 Operates steam and diesel locomotives, offering a nostalgic journey.
🌄 Views stretch across Snowdonia National Park on clear days.
Then vs. Now:
✅ Then (1896): Opened as a tourist railway to make Snowdon accessible.
✅ Now: Still running as a heritage railway, with original steam engines in service.
📸 Best View: The final approach to Snowdon’s summit, where the whole of Wales unfolds below.
🚆 5. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway
📍 Yorkshire | Heritage Railway
Why It’s Scenic:
🌿 Runs through the heart of the North York Moors National Park.
🚂 Uses restored steam locomotives, recreating Victorian railway travel.
🎬 Featured in Harry Potter and The Railway Children.
Then vs. Now:
✅ Then (1836): One of the earliest railway lines in the UK.
✅ Now: Operates as a preserved railway, with regular steam train services.
📸 Best View: Goathland Station, which doubled as Hogsmeade in Harry Potter.
🚉 6. The Kyle of Lochalsh Line
📍 Scotland | Still Operating
Why It’s Scenic:
🏔️ Runs through dramatic Highland scenery, with views of lochs, mountains, and castles.
🌊 Ends at Kyle of Lochalsh, the gateway to the Isle of Skye.
🦅 Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for golden eagles, otters, and deer.
Then vs. Now:
✅ Then (1870): Originally built to serve ferry passengers to the Isle of Skye.
✅ Now: Still operating, one of Scotland’s most remote and beautiful train journeys.
📸 Best View: The Five Sisters of Kintail, a famous mountain ridge seen from the train.
🚋 7. The Waverley Route (Edinburgh to Carlisle)
📍 Scotland | Mostly Lost, Partially Reopened
Why It’s Scenic:
🌿 Passed through the Scottish Borders, with rolling hills and ancient castles.
🏰 Historic stops included Melrose, near the ruins of a famous abbey.
Then vs. Now:
❌ Then (1862): Closed in 1969 due to the Beeching Cuts.
✅ Now: Partially reopened as the Borders Railway (2015).
📸 Best View: The approach to Tweedbank, where green hills roll into the distance.
🚆 8. The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway
📍 Devon | Lost but Being Restored
Why It’s Scenic:
🌿 Ran through Exmoor National Park, offering dramatic views.
🏞️ Used narrow-gauge steam trains, perfect for winding through hills.
Then vs. Now:
❌ Then (1898): Closed in 1935, despite being one of the most scenic routes.
✅ Now: Being restored by heritage railway enthusiasts, with a short section reopened.
📸 Best View: Looking down onto Lynton and Lynmouth, one of Devon’s most beautiful coastal towns.
🚋 9. The Great Central Railway
📍 Midlands | Partially Lost, Partially Preserved
Why It’s Scenic:
🌉 Originally included spectacular viaducts and tunnels.
🚂 Was the UK’s last true mainline steam railway before closure.
Then vs. Now:
❌ Then (1899): Closed as a mainline in 1966.
✅ Now: Partially preserved as a heritage railway in Leicestershire.
📸 Best View: Riding an authentic 1950s steam express on the preserved section.
🔚 Final Thoughts: Which Scenic Railway Journey Would You Take?
These historic and modern scenic railway journeys prove that train travel is more than just transport—it’s about experiencing the landscape, history, and magic of railways.
🚂 Would you prefer a historic steam journey or a modern scenic route? Let us know in the comments!
📌 Want to Know More?
🔎 Explore heritage railways and ride a historic steam train.
🚆 Plan your next railway adventure on one of these stunning routes.
🕰️ Compare old railway maps to see how routes have changed over time.
