Britons are rediscovering the beauty of their own backyard thanks to a surge in affordable rail travel, with one particularly stunning Yorkshire route offering an incredible day out for less than the price of a meal deal.
A Picturesque Cross-Country Adventure
The direct Northern Rail service from Sheffield to Filey spans 75 miles of breathtaking scenery in just two hours and 24 minutes. According to ticketing experts Split My Fare, a return ticket can be secured for an astonishing just £4 when booked well in advance, though last-minute fares can climb closer to £20.
The journey itself is a visual treat, acting as a miniature expedition across diverse landscapes. Departing from Sheffield's industrial edges, the train soon opens out into vast moorlands, passing patchwork fields, traditional stone villages, and skies that stretch for miles. The climax of the trip is the arrival at the coast, where the landscape softens into the sea breezes and the broad, sandy sweep of Filey Bay.
Iconic Views and Coastal Charm
A major highlight en route is the iconic Humber Bridge, best viewed from the elevated train bridge which offers a perfect perspective of its immense scale against the estuary. From Hull, the service continues north, tracing the coastline past classic seaside towns like Bridlington and Bempton, with the North Sea on one side and the rolling Yorkshire Wolds on the other.
The destination, Filey, is a charming coastal town ideal for a leisurely day out. Visitors can enjoy superb coastal walks along Filey Brigg, spot wildlife at Filey Dams nature reserve, or simply relax on the town's five-mile stretch of sandy beach.
The Rise of Affordable Rail Escapism
This trend is part of a wider cultural shift. Analysis of Google search data by Split My Fare shows queries for "best train journeys" have surged by over 70% in the last two years, while searches for "day trips by train" are up more than 40%. The search volume for "cheap train tickets" remains consistently high, indicating a strong public appetite for discovering Britain affordably by rail.
Pete Walls, co-founder of Split My Fare, commented: "People often assume the most scenic routes or holidays are the most expensive. But 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."
Content creators like Geoff Marshall and TikTok sensation Francis Bourgeois have also played a role, popularising rail travel as a form of slow-travel escapism that celebrates the passing landscape.
While the Sheffield to Hull section is a busy commuter line, the extension from Hull to Scarborough via Filey remains surprisingly underused, offering a brilliant and budget-friendly way to explore a delightful slice of the British coast without the crowds.
