Forget the assumption that beautiful travel comes with a hefty price tag. In the UK, some of the most visually spectacular train routes can be enjoyed for less than the cost of a sandwich, offering a taste of adventure without the long-haul expense.
Scenery Without the Premium Fare
Pete Walls, co-founder of the UK train ticket platform Split My Fare, notes that travellers often mistakenly believe the most scenic trips command premium fares. "People often assume the most scenic routes or holidays are the most expensive," he says. "But that idea is long outdated. Some of Britain's best views sit on everyday lines, and with smart ticketing, you can enjoy a full day out for well under a tenner."
From the coastal charm of Cornwall to the rugged moorlands of Yorkshire, these budget-friendly journeys prove that epic landscapes are accessible to all. Here are five of the most picturesque trips across Britain, each with a return fare under £10.
1. Sheffield to Filey: £4 Return
This Yorkshire route offers a miniature cross-country adventure. Departing from Sheffield's industrial edges, the train soon opens out into vast moorland, passing patchwork fields, stone-built villages, and expansive skies. The journey culminates at the coast with the beautiful sweep of Filey Bay. For just £4, you can swap city streets for cliff-top walks, beach combing, and classic fish and chips on the promenade.
2. Nottingham to Hebden Bridge: £4 Return
A journey for those who love poetic landscapes, this line carves through the Pennines. It travels through deep valleys and over moorland ridges before descending into the unique town of Hebden Bridge, framed by steep hills and laced with canals. Independent bookshops, cosy cafés, and riverside paths await, offering a gentle and remarkably cheap escape from urban life.
3. Chester to Llandudno: £5.50 Return
This is a classic coastal escape. Leaving Chester's historic walls behind, the railway closely follows the North Wales shoreline. Your destination is the elegant Victorian seaside resort of Llandudno, complete with its grand promenade, iconic pier, and the looming headland of the Great Orme. It's a simple and affordable way to inject some seaside charm into a weekend.
4. Carlisle to Oxenholme: £6.90 Return
One of the shortest trips on the list, this Cumbrian journey proves that great scenery isn't about duration. In just 34 minutes, the train sweeps through rolling farmland under huge, dramatic skies. As you approach Oxenholme, the majestic fells of the Lake District begin to dominate the horizon, offering a breathtaking preview of the national park.
5. Plymouth to Truro: £9.75 Return
This Cornish route immerses you in the county's relaxed pace from the outset. The line winds past quiet rivers, wooded valleys, and long estuary views, with elegant stone viaducts punctuating the landscape. Truro, Cornwall's capital, is compact and welcoming, with a magnificent cathedral surrounded by independent shops and cafés, perfect for a leisurely exploration.
More Adventures Await
These five routes are just the beginning. The UK's rail network is dotted with other stunning journeys available for under £10, such as the trip from Leeds to Ilkley in the Yorkshire Dales or from Glasgow to Stirling beneath the gaze of its historic castle. With a bit of planning and savvy ticketing, a world of scenic adventure is closer and more affordable than you might think.
