Our favourite UK New Year’s getaways & staycations by train

Hogmanay is Edinburgh’s world class party with the famous Street Party, live music, and midnight fireworks over the Castle. Key events run around 31 December into 1 January and many areas require advance tickets bought only from official sellers. 

Edinburgh Waverley is your gateway for this celebration. The station sits between Princes Street and the Old Town, with taxis outside and straightforward walking to Princes Street Gardens and the Royal Mile. Facilities include ticket office, toilets, shops and step free routes. 

From London Kings Cross, LNER run fast trains to Edinburgh which take about four and a half hours. From Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh, the ScotRail service is frequent, with typical journeys around one hour. From Newcastle, you can be in Edinburgh in around one and a half hours. Always be sure to check live trains times and festive timetables, as it is a popular time for engineering works.

Suggested day plan: Arrive late morning or early afternoon, wander the Royal Mile and New Town, then head towards Princes Street Gardens for the evening build up. Enjoy the midnight fireworks and either stroll back to your hotel or make your way to Waverley when services resume.

London’s riverfront display is one of the most watched in the world. Entry to the official viewing areas is ticketed and the Greater London Authority opens sales in advance, so book early and follow the event guidance for timings and access. 

For the Thames display, the most convenient mainline and Tube connections are around London Waterloo and Westminster, with London Bridge also handy for views further east and for South Bank walks. Services are usually busy around this time, so plan simple walking routes and only use Tube links where needed.

Typical intercity routes are fast and frequent. Birmingham New Street to London Euston averages about one and a half hours, whereas Manchester Piccadilly to Euston is about two hours to two hours fifteen, and Leeds to Kings Cross is about two hours fifteen (though note that these durations are subject to change given the festive calendar).

Suggested day plan. Arrive early afternoon and explore the South Bank or Westminster area. Book dinner nearby, then move to your ticketed viewing area well ahead of time. After midnight, either return on late night services or stay over and enjoy a New Year morning walk along the river. 

New Year’s Eve in Cardiff is always a lively affair, with the city ringing in the new year through live music, colourful street performances, and a full line-up of family-friendly events. While Cardiff Council no longer stages a midnight fireworks display in the city centre, the focus has shifted to vibrant venues and organised celebrations across the city, offering everything from energetic gigs to community gatherings.

Cardiff Central is the closest station for both the city centre and Cardiff Castle. From the concourse you can walk into the heart of the action in minutes, with taxis outside and clear wayfinding making it easy.

Great Western Railway runs frequent London Paddington to Cardiff services with fastest times around one hour and fifty minutes, whereas Bristol Temple Meads to Cardiff is about fifty minutes. From Swansea the fastest services take around fifty to sixty minutes with regular trains through the evening.

Suggested day plan: Arrive mid afternoon, browse the arcades and markets, dine near the Castle or St Mary Street, then choose an evening gig or family event before your return train or an overnight stay. 

Cotswolds 

A timeless setting for a peaceful New Year break, the Cotswolds offers honey-stone villages, rolling hills, and fireside charm. Moreton-in-Marsh station places you close to classic villages and countryside inns. The station offers step-free access, ticket facilities, and convenient connections by local bus or taxi to nearby cottages and market towns. Direct trains from London Paddington make it an easy escape for a long weekend surrounded by rural beauty.

Lake District

For lake views and bracing walks, Windermere station is the perfect gateway to the South Lakes. From here, you can easily reach Bowness-on-Windermere and nearby trails by foot, bus, or taxi. Travelling from London Euston via Oxenholme provides a smooth connection, placing you in one of the UK’s most picturesque regions for a refreshing start to the new year.

Scottish Highlands

If you’re seeking crisp air and mountain scenery, head north to Aviemore, the gateway to the Cairngorms National Park. This welcoming Highland station has ticket machines, a waiting room, toilets, and easy access to local buses and taxis. Trains run from London King’s Cross on selected services or via Edinburgh, connecting you to winter walks, cosy pubs, and peaceful lodges perfect for a quiet New Year’s escape.

Three-day itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive mid-afternoon, check in to your inn or cottage, and enjoy a fireside dinner.
• Day 2: Take a morning walk, visit a village tearoom, and unwind in the evening with local fare and good company.
• Day 3: Before your return journey, make a short scenic hop by train or bus to explore another nearby village or viewpoint.

Local New Year events in these regions tend to be small and friendly, celebrating community and countryside charm rather than large-scale crowds - the perfect way to welcome the year ahead at a slower pace.

Brighton

New Year’s Eve in Brighton is all about atmosphere - the city comes alive with parties, dinners, and buzzing seafront celebrations. Brighton station is just a short walk from the Lanes and the beach, making it easy to step straight into the festivities. While the city doesn’t usually host an official fireworks display, you’ll find plenty of lively indoor venues and seafront countdowns at bars and hotels to ring in midnight by the sea.

York

Train travel to York is straightforward, with direct services bringing you right into the heart of this historic city. York station is within walking distance of the medieval walls and cobbled streets, where the Minster’s midnight bells have long been part of the city’s New Year tradition - ringing out when services permit. Across the city, you’ll find everything from elegant dinners to festive gatherings, all set against York’s timeless backdrop.

Bath

Step off the train at Bath Spa station and stroll through elegant Georgian streets to the Abbey, Roman Baths, and the Pump Room. Each year, these landmarks host seasonal balls, dinners, and city parties, alongside family-friendly celebrations that capture Bath’s refined yet welcoming spirit. Whether you’re toasting the New Year in grand surroundings or enjoying a quiet evening meal, Bath’s compact centre makes everything easy to reach on foot.

• Book train tickets early for peak travel with Trip.com!
• Check event ticketing and timings – many celebrations are ticketed.
• Dress warmly: remember, these are outdoor locations in late night/early January temperatures!
• Arrive early to secure good viewing positions for fireworks or street parties.
• Travel light but bring essentials (consider hat, gloves, using a small bag etc.).
• Plan your return journey in advance, or consider overnight stay options.