✨One of our favorite train trips...

Hi traveller,

What makes train travel so great? It's the journey—the way the landscape shifts as you move along.

With TransPennine Express, you get the freedom of a road trip without the hassle of driving. The routes cover everything from the north of England to Scotland, showing you much more than just what's outside the window.

Our favourite destinations of TransPennine Express

TransPennine Express is affordable, sustainable, and connects ten cities, each with something different to see. Along the way, you'll pass UNESCO sites, former industrial areas that have changed a lot, and open landscapes that will make you want to take a moment.

Keep reading for some useful tips and places to check out.

Happy travels,

Lucy

Durham: best for laid-back history and river walks

Durham's got a bit of everything—historic streets, green spaces, and a student crowd that keeps it from feeling too sleepy. Start with a walk along the River Wear (it's peaceful and easy-going), or rent a rowing boat if you'd rather take it all in from the water.

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Edinburgh: best for year-round city breaks

Climb Arthur's Seat, wander around the Castle, then catch a show or two during the Edinburgh Fringe if you're here in the summer. In winter, things slow down—perfect for gallery-hopping and warming up with a whisky tasting somewhere cosy.

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Sheffield: for an urban stay with nature

Sheffield has come a long way from its steel-making days. These days, it's known for its live music scene, small breweries, and indoor climbing spots. It also happens to sit right next to the Peak District, so it's easy to spend part of your trip outdoors without leaving the city behind.

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Liverpool: for a city of music

Liverpool has its own rhythm, and you'll notice it right away. As a UNESCO City of Music, it's got plenty to explore—The Beatles Story Museum, the Cavern Club, and The British Music Experience are all easy stops if you're into music history.

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Free Pocket Rough Guide

Planning a trip by train? Grab the FREE Pocket Rough Guide to the TransPennine Express. It's a quick, helpful read with ideas for where to go and what to see—before you book your tickets. A simple way to make the most of a budget-friendly, sustainable journey.