4 snowy winter day trips by train: Peak District & more

The Peak District is one of the UK’s most scenic national parks, and a true feast for the eyes in wintery conditions. At the southern end of the Pennines, the Peak District is easy to reach from across the north of England. Travelling from Manchester to the Peak District by train is an ideal way to explore the great outdoors. Swap the city for the country on one of the best winter day trips by train from Manchester.

Nearest station: Edale Station

Arriving at the Peak District by train into Edale Station is the perfect way to get more out of your day trip from Manchester. A stop on the Midland Railway's Dore and Chinley line, Edale Station provides great access to key Peak District attractions like the Upper Derwent Valley and Kinder Scout, the Peak District’s highest point at 636 metres.

Upon arrival at Edale, you’ll be in the heart of the national park and ready to set off walking for wintery landscapes. A basic station with seating areas and some step-free access to all platforms, Edale has free Wi-Fi, perfect for passengers looking to plan their onward travel. Note: there are no toilets at Edale Station.

Train route: Manchester Piccadilly to Edale

Experience more from your winter day trip to the Peak District when you arrive by train. The Northern service from Manchester Piccadilly to Edale Station takes approximately 45 minutes. Trains to the Peak District​ don’t cost the Earth either, with prices starting from just {cheapPrice}.

Why visit the Peak District in winter?

From frozen waterfalls to snowy hill views, the Peak District in winter is a truly idyllic landscape. Embark on a winter walking trail for the best views of this unique landscape, whether you’re exploring the Dark Peak (moorland dominated by gritstone) or the White Peak (a limestone area with valleys and gorges).

If you prefer more indoor activities, head to Bakewell, a charming town steeped in heritage and the largest settlement in the Peak District. Winter visits to villages like Edale and Castleton are also a sight to behold when dressed in snow.

Suggested day itinerary

1. Start your day trip to the Peak District with an early train from Manchester Piccadilly. The earliest birds can board the first train of the day from Manchester Piccadilly to Edale at 05:46, giving you hours of fun to enjoy your winter day trip by train.
2. When you arrive at Edale, you’ll have a wide choice of great walks from the station. Take a morning hike to Kinder Scout, basking in the beauty of the remote landscape, or choose a short winter stroll in the village of Edale.
3. Staying in Edale, you’ll have a choice of various tea rooms and cafes to order a warming bowl of soup or a cup of tea and a cake. Or take the bus from Edale to Castleton in only 20 minutes on the Peak Pathfinder 62 for an inspiring range of cafes and restaurants.
4. Fuelled up, you can set out on another winter walk, whether a scenic stroll through Castleton or another Peak District village. Or why not take things at a slower pace and make time for an afternoon scenic photography session?
5. After a day exploring the Peak District, your evening train back to Manchester awaits. At an average of 44 minutes, with the fastest trains taking only 33 minutes, you’ll be home quickly and efficiently, while resting your weary legs. If you want to stay out even later, the last train from Edale to Manchester Piccadilly departs at 23:19.

Travel to the Brecon Beacons by train for unforgettable winter days out from London. Arriving at Merthyr Tydfil, you’ll have excellent access to the snow-covered mountains, including Pen y Fan, the highest in South Wales. The Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) are an ideal location for active days out in Wales in winter.

Nearest station: Merthyr Tydfil

For central Beacons access, take the train to Merthyr Tydfil, a station managed by Transport for Wales. Located in Merthyr, formerly known as the Iron Capital of the World, the town is home to Grade-I listed Cyfarthfa Castle.

Train route: London Paddington to Merthyr Tydfil

Your route from London to the Brecon Beacons includes a change in Cardiff, and can be completed in approximately three hours. Start at London Paddington, a popular central London station that is one of the busiest in the UK in terms of passenger numbers.

Take the Great Western Railway service from London Paddington to Cardiff Central, then swap to a Transport for Wales train from Cardiff Central to Merthyr Tydfil, arriving at this scenic landscape for less when you book cheap train tickets in advance with Trip.com.

Why visit the Brecon Beacons in winter?

From snow-dusted peaks to quaint market towns, the Brecon Beacons offer a patchwork of wintery landscapes to dazzle and delight visitors. Snow-covered scenes at Pen y Fan have adorned many postcards and calendars, providing breathtaking sights to accompany bracing winter walks.

Make the most of national cycle routes for a wonderful winter cycle, or take a walk to Sgwd yr Eira, an iconic waterfall in winter. Warm up and relax in cosy cafes and tea rooms in one of the Brecon Beacons’ many quaint market towns.

Finally, your arrival point for visits to the Brecon Beacons by train offers activities galore for the whole family. From the largest indoor climbing wall in Wales to the world’s fastest seated zip line, turn your winter visit into an adventure when you combine stunning views and 

Suggested day itinerary:

1. Set off from London Paddington on an early train (services start from 05:23), grabbing a coffee and snack in the station before you board. Enjoy the train journey from London to the Brecon Beacons, knowing you are travelling most sustainably.
2. Take a morning stroll from the station, breathing in the stunning views of the Brecon Beacons, including the snow-covered tops of Pen y Fan to the north. Or hop on a bus to Brecon, deeper into the national park, perfect for serious walking in the higher mountainous areas.
3. Stop for lunch, choosing from several cosy cafes and tea rooms in Brecon or Merthyr Tydfil. Take your time to unwind and recharge to fuel up for the afternoon.
4. After lunch, try an indoor activity or set out on a short trail to soak up even more breathtaking views. Bring a camera (or use your phone) to capture stunning winter photos.
5. At the end of a busy day, board your Merthyr Tydfil to London Paddington train to get back to the UK’s biggest city. You’ll find it hard to wave goodbye to your winter idyll, but comfy trains will get you back to London conveniently, without the hassle of driving.

When thinking of the most stunning winter landscapes, few places in the UK can rival the beauty and wilderness of the Scottish Highlands. For winter day trips from Glasgow to the Scottish Highlands, the train is a convenient and affordable way to access breathtaking natural scenery. Likewise, travelling by train from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands is a great way to get more out of your winter Scottish Highlands holiday.

Nearest station

Fort William

Travel on the West Highlands line to Fort William, a town in the Lochaber region of the Scottish Highlands, that provides access to Ben Nevis. A well-provisioned station with step-free access to all platforms, accessible toilets, a small selection of shops and refreshments counters, and free Wi-Fi, you will be assured a comfortable arrival when you arrive by train at Fort William.

Inverness

Known as the Gateway to the Highlands, Inverness is the perfect arrival point for those wishing to visit the Cairngorms National Park. In the heart of this scenic Scottish city, Inverness railway station is within a short walk of destinations like Inverness Castle, and has excellent facilities, including accessible toilets, free Wi-Fi, and step-free access to all platforms.

Train routes

Glasgow Queen Street to Fort William

For scenic winter trips from Glasgow, choose the train to Fort William for a convenient journey that saves you money and reduces your environmental impact. From Glasgow Queen Street to Fort William, take the direct route with ScotRail in only 3 hours and 45 minutes. Better yet, prices for the 74-mile journey start from only {cheapPrice}.

Edinburgh Waverley to Inverness

Passengers from Edinburgh can get to the Scottish Highlands conveniently on direct trains with ScotRail. From Edinburgh (Waverley) to Inverness, arrive at the Gateway to the Scottish Highlands in roughly 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Why visit the Scottish Highlands in winter?

Words can’t do justice to the majestic snow-covered peaks of the Scottish Highlands! Leaving behind the urban expanse of Edinburgh or Glasgow, treat your eyes to breathtaking natural views. Whether you plan a full day of winter hiking or a relaxed visit to a quaint village, the Scottish Highlands is the ideal destination for winter day trips. 

Explore the Cairngorms National Park, with its thriving wildlife and wild-roaming reindeer herd. Or visit Loch Ness, a large freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands full of stories and charm, which sparkles even brighter in the winter sun when its surroundings are snow-covered.

Suggested day itinerary

• Pack your bags the night before so you can make the most of an early departure from Glasgow or Edinburgh. After a convenient direct train, arrive in the Scottish Highlands refreshed and ready to start your visit to one of the UK’s most scenic winter destinations.
• Start with a snowy walk filled with charm and natural beauty. Take a stroll around Loch Morlich, which offers visitors memorable views of the Cairngorms and Glenmore Forest. Or see Inverness in all its glory with a winter walk to blow away the cobwebs.
• To warm your hands and refresh your energy levels, stop for lunch in Fort William or Inverness, which both offer a wide range of cafes and restaurants to suit every taste. Take your time and let the 
• Once replenished, choose an afternoon sightseeing tour or a loch cruise to see the national park in a new light. Budding amateur photographers can capture stunning photos of wintery landscapes in the Scottish Highlands.
• Whatever activities you have enjoyed throughout the day, your train back to Edinburgh or Glasgow awaits. Sit back and relax on cosy ScotRail trains that make the journey fly by. You’ll quickly be missing the scenery of your Scottish Highlands winter landscape… so use the return journey to plan your next trip!

Days out in snowy landscapes are simply better by train. From comfy carriages to convenient locations, trains to the Peak District​, Brecon Beacons, and Scottish Highlands offer passengers the best winter trips.

To make the most of your day, pay attention to these top travel tips:

• Book tickets early for winter travel with Trip.com. Buy cheap train tickets when you book in advance, making use of discounts like split savings and adding a Railcard for the best prices. Remember: trains can be busy, especially at weekends, so plan ahead and make sure to secure your spot for your unforgettable winter adventure.
• Check the rail operator's weather updates for possible delays. Although the snow is part of the appeal, winter also poses challenges for travel. In stormy or snowy conditions, be sure to check the latest travel advice, and be prepared to change your plans if needed.
• Wear warm layers, waterproofs, and sturdy boots. Exploring remote landscapes with stunning snowy scenery is exhilarating, but it can be cold! Don’t forget to prepare for the wintery conditions, with plenty of warm clothes. If you’re planning to walk around snowy national parks, sturdy boots are essential.
• Bring snacks and hot drinks to keep you energised on your winter walk. A flask of coffee can warm you thoroughly, especially in remote locations where facilities might be limited. Make time in your itinerary for a stop in a local cafe or tea room if you are near a village or town.
• Consider off-peak trains for quieter journeys and discounted fares. Get away from the city’s hustle and bustle to experience the quiet beauty of the UK’s most impressive natural landscapes. Start your day peacefully, too, when you choose off-peak tickets!