All Aboard for Adventure
27 February 2026
With special events and unique steam train experiences across the country, here’s our pick of the best vintage railway spots to transport yourself back in time, and the nearest PoB Hotel to rest your head after your unforgettable journey.
2025 marked 200 years since the world’s first passenger steam train set off from Stockton to Darlington, ushering in a new era of movement and exploration. With the introduction of fast and captivating train travel, seaside holidays in places like Blackpool and Brighton became newly accessible, and the rise of the railways spurred a golden age of leisure travel and grand hotels. Suddenly, fresh sea air and rolling hills were just a ticket away.
Early railway holidays brought enormous cultural change, fuelling the romanticism of the great British escape and enabling a new kind of adventurer: the middle-class holidaymaker. Railway companies even built hotels to accommodate this booming travel class.
Fast-forward to now, and more of us are travelling by train again than ever before. Scenic train routes are dominating travel wish lists, as eco-conscious travellers are choosing trains as their go-to mode of transport for leisure trips.
Here, we’ve rounded up the most iconic vintage train experiences – from steam-powered journeys to idyllic heritage lines. There’s never been a better time to plan a railway adventure, blending nostalgia with a greener way to see the country.
5 vintage railway experiences
Our pick of the best steam train spots to transport yourself back in time
Experience the ‘Hogwarts Express’ in Scotland
There’s magic in the air on the Jacobite Steam Train, which famously stars as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. Running for 84 miles on a return journey between Fort William and Mallaig, this steam-powered adventure takes in some of the most spectacular scenery in the Scottish Highlands. The showstopper moment comes as you cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct – a sweeping curve of 21 stone arches, set against mountains and lochs – just like in the films.
Where to stay: The beautiful Prestonfield House in Edinburgh – you can coach or train from Edinburgh to Fort William to begin this epic train journey.
Take a ride on the world’s oldest railway in Gateshead
Operating since 1725, the historic Tanfield Railway route winds through a beautifully preserved stretch of northeast countryside, including a spectacular wooded valley and the world’s oldest surviving railway bridge. The six-mile round trip is a gentle, scenic adventure on restored heritage trains – a real joy for history lovers and families alike. And don’t miss a visit to the world’s oldest working engine shed, where dedicated volunteers bring the story of early rail travel to life.
Where to stay: Pair the journey with the coastal spa resort, Seaham Hall, just a short drive from the railway.
Explore the picturesque Brecon Beacons in vintage style
Hop aboard the Blaenavon Heritage Railway, set within the UNESCO-listed Blaenavon Industrial Landscape at the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. This heritage line offers steam and vintage diesel services across nearly three miles of track, passing through the heart of a World Heritage site. With four characterful stations and a rolling calendar of family-friendly events, like the Annual Steam Gala or Halloween ghost trains, it’s a charming way to explore South Wales’ industrial and natural beauty.
Where to stay: Base yourself in Abergavenny at The Angel Hotel and enjoy fine dining and afternoon tea.
Steam ahead through the Sussex countryside
One of the earliest preserved steam railways in the country, the Bluebell Railway runs through the idyllic Sussex countryside between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead. With its lovingly restored locomotives and carriages, this heritage line is a nostalgic journey, and the railway also offers a range of immersive experiences – from hands-on footplate rides to elegant dining trains. The landscape rolls by in soft greens and golds, with every station stop offering a glimpse of timeless rural charm.
Where to stay: The Elizabethan Ockenden Manor Hotel is perfectly placed with a stand-out spa and beautiful grounds.
Hop on and off Hampshire’s picturesque heritage line
Embark on a nostalgic journey through 10 miles of beautiful Hampshire countryside, running parallel to the South Downs National Park. Just a few miles from the ancient city of Winchester, you can visit all four heritage stations, each with plenty of period charm and historic villages to explore, or book onto a special event – from behind-the-scenes engineering tours to teddy bears’ picnics and days out with Thomas the Tank Engine.
Where to stay: Hole up in the country house comfort of Park House Hotel, where you can add vineyard tastings and spa treatments to your stay.
The golden age of travel isn't over
All aboard for a stay with a past. Explore Now & Then for hotels where the history is as rich as the journey that brought you there.
Related Content
More Stories
British Travel
Wales: Wild, Windswept and Wonderful
23 February 2026
Our 2026 Wales travel guide spotlights the very best of this great nation, weaving together sea views, mountain roads and heritage stays
Now & Then
Rooms with a Story: Beds Fit for a King
20 February 2026
From exiled kings to scandalous socialites, their previous inhabitants could tell a very different kind of tale at turndown. You check into some hotel rooms for the view. Others for the elegant decor, the high-thread-count sheets or the fact …
Now & Then
Regency Revival: Britain’s Grandest Heritage Escapes
15 February 2026
Journey through Britain’s most atmospheric stays, from Bath’s Georgian grandeur to Yorkshire’s grand estates, perfect for Regency-inspired escapes in 2026
