Family Train Trips: The Best UK Trips with Kids
Travelling by train for a family holiday in the UK is a relaxed, scenic, and stress-free way to explore the country together. Whether it’s the castles of Edinburgh, the beaches of Brighton, or the museums of York, trains offer a smooth, spacious, and exciting journey that kids and adults both enjoy. With direct city-centre access and no airport lines, family train travel is both practical and memorable.
Top 5 UK Cities to Travel by Train in 2025
Easy to travel and affordable for family
London
Estimated Cost £23.70
UK
Edinburgh
Estimated Cost £15.70 – £30
UK
Manchester
Estimated Cost £4.10
UK
York
Estimated Cost £3.20
UK
Glasgow
Estimated Cost £33.40
UK
Birmingham
Estimated Cost £16.80
UK
Top 6 UK Cities to Travel by Train with your loved ones
- London
From Brighton to London Blackfriars/Victoria
- Major Hub: Connects to virtually every UK city via multiple mainline stations (King’s Cross, Paddington, Euston, etc.).
- International Access: Direct trains from airports and Eurostar from Europe.
- Endless Attractions: Museums, theatres, shopping, and iconic landmarks.
- Edinburgh
From Inverness Airport to Edinburgh (Waverley)
- Centrally Located Waverley Station: Steps from the Royal Mile and historic sites.
- Scenic Routes: Especially from London, York, and the North of England.
- Perfect for Walkers: Compact city with most attractions near the station.
- Manchester
From Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Victoria
- Excellent Rail Links: Direct trains to London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds, and Birmingham.
- Modern and Historic Mix: Industrial heritage and thriving music, arts, and food scenes.
- Served by Three Major Stations: Piccadilly, Oxford Road, and Victoria.
- York
From Leeds to York
- Historic & Convenient: On the East Coast Main Line—easy access from London, Leeds, and Edinburgh.
- Compact City: Walk from the station to the famous York Minster, The Shambles, and the city walls.
- Frequent Services: Ideal for day trips and weekend escapes.
- Glasgow
From Oban to Glasgow Central
- Two Major Stations: Glasgow Central (to England) and Queen Street (to northern Scotland).
- Great Base for Exploring Scotland: Trains to Loch Lomond, Inverness, and the Highlands.
- Vibrant Culture: Music, nightlife, art, and architecture.
- Birmingham
From Oxford to Birmingham New Street
- Major National Rail Hub: Centrally located with direct services to London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and more.
- Served by Birmingham New Street: One of the busiest and best-connected stations in the UK.
- Diverse Attractions: From the Bullring shopping centre to canals, museums, and vibrant dining.
3 Tips for Booking a Family Train Trip
If you are wondering what would be the best ways to book train tickets for a family trip, then here is our pro tips you can follow.
Book Early for the Best Fares
Advance tickets can save you a significant amount—especially for multiple travellers. Book as early as possible to grab the best prices.
Use Railcards for Family Discounts
Consider a Family & Friends Railcard, which can save up to ⅓ off adult fares and 60% off kids’ fares—it pays for itself in one trip.
Choose Direct Routes Where Possible
Minimising transfers keeps travel smooth and kid-friendly. Trainline lets you filter by direct routes and journey time to make planning easy.
Real Traveller Testimonials
Let’s see what our frequent travelers would have to say.
“Travelling from London to York by train was the highlight of our holiday. The kids loved watching the countryside fly by, and it was stress-free for me. No luggage drama, no queues—just comfort.”
“My family trip to Edinburgh from Manchester was a breeze on the train. Spacious seats, table service, and no security lines. I even got some great scenic shots from the window!”
“We used Trainline to plan our holiday from Birmingham to Brighton. Booking was easy, prices were great, and the kids were genuinely excited about the journey. Definitely doing this again next year!”
“We took the train from Glasgow to Inverness with our two teens and had an amazing time. Smooth ride, incredible views, and no one complained once. That’s a win in any parent’s book.”
