Charming UK Towns You Can Reach by Train

Tony

Tony

4 min read

Scenic Small-Town Escapes, Easy Rail Routes & Tips for Cheap Tickets

The UK’s best stories aren’t always found in the big cities. Sometimes they’re waiting on a quiet high street, nestled between cottage windows and centuries-old stonework. Whether it’s a riverside stroll past ivy-covered houses or tea in a timber-framed inn, charming small towns offer a slower, richer way to explore Britain and yes, you can get there by train.

No car? No problem. These picturesque towns are all reachable by rail (with a little help from a bus or taxi in a couple of cases), and with smart planning think split ticketing, Railcards, and off-peak travel you can get there for less.

Ready for a slower-paced getaway? Let’s explore some of the most charming UK towns you can reach by train.

Settle, North Yorkshire

Train route: Settle-Carlisle Line via Leeds
Why it's charming: A peaceful Dales town with market-town soul and dramatic railway views

Settle feels miles away from modern life in the best way. With old stone buildings, a welcoming local market, and the stunning Settle–Carlisle Line passing through, this is a proper escape.

Don't miss:

  • The Tuesday market and the Ye Olde Naked Man Café
  • Riverside walks or hikes up to Attermire Scar
  • Taking the train north over Ribblehead Viaduct

St Ives Cornwall, Hidden Gems You Can Reach by Train in the UK

Image Credit: HP Bodmer | Unsplash

St Ives, Cornwall

Train route: St Erth to St Ives branch line (GWR)
Why it's charming:  Beaches, whitewashed cottages, and artistic soul
Top tip: Travel midweek outside school holidays for the best fares.

St Ives isn’t exactly unknown, but its unique charm is in how easy it is to reach without a car. The train from St Erth to St Ives is breathtaking, rolling past the sea and straight into the heart of town.

Don't miss:

  • Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden
  • A morning swim or paddleboard from Porthminster Beach
  • Wandering the narrow streets and seaside cafés

Lavenham, Suffolk

Train route: Greater Anglia to Sudbury, then short bus or taxi
Why it's charming: One of Britain’s best-preserved medieval villages
Top tip: Use a Railcard and PlusBus to simplify your trip.

Lavenham is like stepping into a medieval film set. Crooked timbered houses, cobbled lanes and quiet charm make it one of the most atmospheric villages in the UK and it’s only a short trip from London.

Don't miss:

  • The Guildhall and its hidden local history
  • Cream tea in a crooked café
  • Strolling the lanes to spot filming locations (Harry Potter fans, take note)

Berwick on Tweed - Hidden Gems You Can Reach by Train in the UK

Image Credit: Roger Daniel | Unsplash

Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland

Train route: East Coast Main Line
Why it's charming: A border town with ancient walls and sea views
Top tip: Direct trains from London and Edinburgh make it an easy escape often cheaper than expected.

Right on the England–Scotland border, Berwick has switched hands more than a dozen times and the layered history shows. Surrounded by Elizabethan walls and looking out to sea, this peaceful town has a quietly grand appeal.

Don't miss:

  • Walking the old town walls
  • Visiting the Lowry Trail and Berwick Barracks
  • Exploring the beaches and estuary on foot

Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire

Train route: Bradford-on-Avon (GWR from Bath/Bristol)
Why it’s charming: Cotswold beauty without the crowds


Often overshadowed by Bath just up the line, Bradford-on-Avon is all stone cottages, canal towpaths, and antique shops with a slightly sleepier charm than its famous neighbour.

Don't miss:

  • The 14th-century Tithe Barn and Saxon church
  • Canoeing or walking along the Kennet and Avon Canal
  • Independent shops, bakeries, and riverside pubs

Whitby, North Yorkshire

Train route: Whitby (via Middlesbrough)
Why it’s charming: Seaside nostalgia with a twist of Gothic mystery

Famous for its Dracula connection and crumbling abbey, Whitby is more than a seaside resort — it’s a moody, magnificent town full of Victorian flair, steep steps, and great fish and chips.

Don't miss:

  • Climbing the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey
  • Browsing quirky shops on Church Street
  • Fossil hunting or braving the North Sea on the beach

Knaresborough - Hidden Gems You Can Reach by Train in the UK

Image Credit: Tom Maclean | Unsplash

Knaresborough, North Yorkshire

Train route: Northern service from Leeds or York
Why it's charming: A riverside town with dramatic cliffs, castle ruins, and a storybook viaduct

Knaresborough might be one of Yorkshire’s best-kept secrets. Perched above the River Nidd, it blends dramatic views with old-world charm: think winding lanes, independent cafés, and even a legendary prophetess’s cave.

Don't miss:

  • Rowing beneath the viaduct on the River Nidd
  • Exploring Mother Shipton’s Cave and wishing well
  • Tea in the market square followed by a visit to Knaresborough Castle


Why Train Travel Is the Smart Choice

  • It’s sustainable. Train travel has a lower carbon footprint than driving or flying.
  • It’s scenic. Enjoy the countryside instead of staring at a motorway.
  • It’s smart. Tools like split ticketing and advance booking can cut costs significantly.

Split Ticketing: How It Works and Why It Matters

One of the most effective ways to find cheap train tickets in the UK is through split ticketing buying separate tickets for different segments of your journey rather than one continuous fare. It’s completely legal and valid as long as the train stops at each of the split points. By using our unique journey planner, you can cut down costs and obtain some wonderfully-priced cheap train tickets. 

Need Help Finding the Best Fare?

Whether you’re unsure how split ticketing works, looking for cheap train tickets, or just want the quickest way to your destination, go take a look at raileasy.co.uk and check out our journey planner.

Final Word

The UK is full of undiscovered treasures, and many of them are just a train ride away. So next time you’re thinking of a getaway, skip the obvious and explore the quietly spectacular hidden gems you can reach by train, with cheap tickets, less stress, and plenty of charm.

Got a Question About Your Hidden Gem Adventure?

Planning your trip to one of these hidden gems and not sure where to start? Confused by split ticketing? Wondering if your train stops anywhere near that postcard-perfect village?

Drop us a line. We’ll get you sorted — soggy sandwich, scenic route and all.

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