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The Great British Rail Sale is back for another year, with millions of train tickets on sale.
So if you’re looking ideas for a day trip or weekend escape, these cut-price tickets can help you enjoy an adventure for less. Here’s some ideas for where to go and what to see.
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9 Destinations To Visit in the Great British Rail Sale
You can save up to 50% on advance and off-peak fares to loads of UK destinations, travelling between 13 January and 25 March 2025. From traditional city trips to coastal jaunts, here are 9 places to see while tickets are reduced.
1. London
- Liverpool Lime Street - London Euston: from £7
London is an obvious pick for a day out, but lower fares make it even more tempting.
Get your bearings by doing our top sightseeing hack – a DIY London bus tour! You can see lots of the main sights on a few well-chosen routes, all for the bargain price of £1.75.
Check out the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden, then head to Chinatown for a cheap lunch and maybe a TikTok-famous dessert. In the afternoon, roam the posh streets of Chelsea or head to Hampstead Heath for a walk and a pint in a cosy pub.
London checklist
Where to eat: Chinatown is great for cheap eats – try YiQi for Pan Asian flavours.
Where to drink: Go to an old school pub like The Lamb in Bloomsbury, which is a great area for mooching in general.
What to do for free: Stroll along the South Bank, visit a museum like Tate Modern and take a wander through the Barbican Estate.
Where to stay: Browse budget London hotels.
2. Exeter
- London Waterloo - Exeter: from £10
Exeter is a lovely city for a visit, but you can also combine it with a Devon countryside escape.
Explore the town with a stroll through Cathedral Green then head down to the Quay and Topsham Brewery & Taproom to quench your thirst.
From Exeter you can catch another train on to Exmouth for fish and chips by the seafront or Totnes for charming olde-worlde vibes – both take about half an hour.
Exeter checklist
Where to eat: Grab a meal at The Fat Pig, pub, where local ingredients take centre stage.
Where to drink: Have a cider or two at The Old Fire House.
What to do for free: The scenic route along the River Exe is pefect for stretching your legs and getting some fresh air.
Where to stay: Browse Exeter hotels.
3. Sheffield
- Doncaster - Sheffield: from £1.20
Sheffield is a top pick for a UK city break, with a buzzing arts scene and lots of cool food and drinks spots.
In the city centre, you’ll find museums, green spaces and lots of good pubs. I love the Winter Garden, their huge glasshouse which is like a tropical oasis, or there’s the Kelham Island Museum where you can learn all about Sheffield’s industrial past.
Sheffield checklist
Where to eat: Grab a bite to eat at The Treehouse Board Game cafe.
Where to drink: Sip a craft beer at The Old Shoe.
What to do for free: Check out a free exhibition at Nottingham Contemporary.
Where to stay: Browse budget Sheffield hotels.
4. Middlesborough
- York - Middlesborough: from £4.20
Middlesbrough – Boro to locals – is often overlooked but there’s plenty to do on a day out. You’ve got cultural attractions like the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (mima), and there’s Albert Park for a stroll. For bars and restaurants, hit up Baker Street and Bedford Street – try The Nuthatch for cocktails.
You can even jump on another train to the historic Victorian seaside town of Saltburn-by-the-sea, which takes about half an hour, and get fish and chips from The Seaview chippy on the historic pier.
Middlesborough checklist
Where to eat: Tuck into a wood-fired pizza at Bazaar.
Where to drink: Grab a coffee at cosy Cafe Etch.
What to do for free: Learn about the city’s history at Dorman Museum.
Where to stay: Browse Middlesborough hotels.
5. Edinburgh
- Newcastle - Edinburgh: from £4.20
Stunning Edinburgh is always a popular spot for a day trip or a weekend, and you can bag some seriously low fares right now!
Take in the majestic architecture, walk the Royal Mile and have a stroll across The Meadows – plus there’s Arthur’s Seat if you’re feeling particularly energetic. The views make it more than worth the effort!
Edinburgh checklist
Where to eat: Sit down with a delicious toastie at Books N’ Cup Cafe.
Where to drink: Sip a pint in historic surroundings at The Guildford Arms.
What to do for free: Take a walk down iconic Victoria Street.
Where to stay: Browse budget Edinburgh hotels.
6. Nottingham
- Derby - Nottingham : £0.90
Nottingham is a strong pick for a fun, affordable weekend in a city with bags of character.
Check out Hockley and Lace Market areas for cool creative energy. Then there’s Nottingham Castle as well as the city’s sandstone caves, a huge network of underground caves that you can visit.
Nottingham checklist
Where to eat: Grab a pizza at Pizzamisu or get Japanese at Kushi-Ya.
Where to drink: They take their coffee seriously at Speciality Coffee.
What to do for free: Check out a free exhibition at Nottingham Contemporary.
Where to stay: Browse budget Nottingham hotels.
For more information about discounted rail fares, check out our article on the Great British Rail Sale – there are millions of fares included with up to 50 off!
7. Swansea
- Bristol Temple Meads - Swansea: from £5
Swansea is a lively city on the Welsh coast with a nice dollop of seaside charm.
Get your history fix at the National Waterfront Museum, and learn about Wales’ industrial past and have a browse at Swansea Market, an indoor collection of stalls selling everything from food to antiques.
If you prefer to stay outdoors, make a beeline for Swansea Bay or Clyne Gardens. You can also catch another rain on to Tenby, a really lovely seaside town with bags of character.
Swansea checklist
Where to eat: Have a meal at Truffle.
Where to drink: Get coffee and a snack at Mumbles Coffee.
What to do for free: Take a brisk seafront walk along the bay.
Where to stay: Browse budget Swansea hotels.
8. Tunbridge Wells
- Charing Cross - Tunbridge Wells: from £4
Royal Tunbridge Wells is a well-heeled town that’s a nice easy day trip from London.
Originally a spa town, it’s very picturesque and is famous for The Pantiles, a historic colonnaded street that holds cute independent shops, galleries and restaurants.
Don’t miss Dunorlan Park, a lovely historic park with lakes and lots of paths that’s especially peaceful outside peak season.
Tunbridge Wells checklist
Where to eat: Savour fresh seafood at Sankey’s The Old Fishmarket.
Where to drink: Have a coffee at cosy spot Leaf and Bean.
What to do for free: Check out The Amelia, a cultural hub combining a museum, gallery and library.
Where to stay: Browse Tunbridge Wells hotels.
9. Whitstable
- St Pancras - Whitstable: from £7.50
Whitstable has become a super-popular year-round destination, so it’s a little bit quieter if you visit between January and March. It’s known for its oysters, colourful beach huts and chilled-out vibe.
You can walk from the station to the seafront in about 15 minutes, taking in the high street on the way with its independent shops and cafes. Wrap up warm and strike out along the beach, spotting boats and enjoying the views.
Whitstable checklist
Where to eat: It’s got to be oysters – try Whitstable Oyster Company.
Where to drink: Have a sit-down and a coffee at The Larder.
What to do for free: Soak up the fresh sea air on the promenade.
Where to stay: Browse Whitstable hotels.
Take Your Pick of These 9 Destinations To Visit in the Great British Rail Sale
Whether you’re taking a short trip or a longer break in the UK this winter, the Great British Rail Sale is a great opportunity to nab some rail tickets for less.
