All aboard! North Yorkshire Moors Railway pulls out of the station with a full complement of passengers. |
York's National Railway Museum has won national awards for its expansive telling of the country's rail history. |
MERRY OLDE ENGLAND NURTURES A DEEP AFFECTION FOR RAIL TRAVEL
STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERSPHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER
TRAINS ARE as much a part of English life today as ships were centuries ago.
The National Railway Museum in York is the largest and most expansive in the country, known for its variety, welcoming layout and detailed exhibits. |
With lovely scenery, a beverage and perhaps a pleasant lunch, tea or dinner, train travel here combines three things the British love: countryside, history and sharing a bite, a cuppa or a pint.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway offers splendid scenery and a chance to relax and visit over a beverage or snack. |
Eurail pass beckons
fascinating film of workers tossing and collecting bags of post from moving trains. The Royal Scotsman, Orient Express -- trains, from antique to sleek-contemporary.
BRITISH RAIL travel, much like train travel in the U.S., developed during the railway boom of the 1840s, with dozens of competing companies. Through the 19th and early 20th centuries, these consolidated or were bought up
Miss Eastwood serves beverages aboard an old-fashioned steam train. |
One enterprise that flourishes is the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. We joined 100-plus fellow train lovers for a pleasant journey from Whitby to Pickering. Our hosts, John and Sue, arranged the trip -- she dropped us off via auto and John joined us in our red velvet car. We traveled through lush woodlands and picturesque villages, much as they were 100 years ago. We visited, relaxed and sipped beverages served by a smiling stewardess then Sue kindly met us to motor us home.
We've trained around the UK through England, Scotland and Wales in past visits, and recommend it for its "no hassle" ease, speed and convenience.
As passengers departed their trains in York, we headed for ours, in a lovely car taking us to London for six days. |
"do the driving," rail travel is a stress-free, comfortable way to travel, even on short notice. A spontaneous trip can easily be arranged. Visiting BritRail's website is a good place to start. You'll find passes for extended travel, sleeping cars and even package tours.
The expansive BritRail train system offers a variety of excellent passes to suit every desire for travel in the UK. |
THOUSANDS MAKE use of BritRail passes for the flexibility in using the UK's expansive national rail network to historic places. All major cities are served, including London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Brighton, Glasgow, Liverpool, Birmingham and many more. Here are a few of the impressive variety of passes BritRail offers:
Cookie and Keller visit York's famous Rail Museum which features all manner of train-related transportation, antique to contemporary. The museum asks only a donation. |
BritRail London Plus Pass - travel Southeast England to Stratford Upon Avon, Bristol, Bath and Cambridge.
BritRail Spirit of Scotland Pass- travel all over Scotland including ferry routes to the islands.
BritRail Central Scotland Pass - travel between Glasgow and Edinburgh via historical towns such as Stirling, Linlithgow and Dunblane.
BritRail Scottish Highlands Pass - travel around the Scottish Highlands by rail with some ferry routes.
BritRail Southwest Pass - travel from London (including busy Heathrow Airport) to Southwest England, to visit the beaches of Cornwall or have a cream tea in Devon.
TO GET YOU in a train state of mind, the York museum is planning fun holiday displays, including one featuring the original Stephenson's Rocket, which changed rail travel in 1829. Another exhibit features "The Age of Innovation" when vicars, lace-makers and miners brought their own miniature locomotives to life.
We recommend rail travel over renting a car in Britain, particularly for our fellow Yanks. To avoid driving "the wrong side of the road," why not ride the rails instead?
nymr.co.uk; railwaymuseum.org.uk; britrail.com
UP NEXT: Did you know that there exists in northern California, the country's oldest still operational ferry boat. The Madaket proudly patrols the waters of Humboldt Bay, with a skipper who knows her business and shares information about the wildlife, economy, waterways, history and purpose of the charming ferry, which among other attributes boasts the smallest licensed bar in the state. More next week. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn, laugh and live and catch us Fridays for a fresh look at travel, nature, the arts, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com Please share the links and tell your friends. We have a global readership of which we are very proud.
We recommend rail travel over renting a car in Britain, particularly for our fellow Yanks. To avoid driving "the wrong side of the road," why not ride the rails instead?
nymr.co.uk; railwaymuseum.org.uk; britrail.com
Bruce Keller, aka "Keller" and Christene "Cookie" Meyers on board the Madaket, on a cruise around Humboldt Bay. |
UP NEXT: Did you know that there exists in northern California, the country's oldest still operational ferry boat. The Madaket proudly patrols the waters of Humboldt Bay, with a skipper who knows her business and shares information about the wildlife, economy, waterways, history and purpose of the charming ferry, which among other attributes boasts the smallest licensed bar in the state. More next week. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn, laugh and live and catch us Fridays for a fresh look at travel, nature, the arts, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com Please share the links and tell your friends. We have a global readership of which we are very proud.
Delightful train tripping with you in the UK. We just returned from a 2-week Eurail Pass adventure, which we did many moons ago as did you. Fun stuff.
ReplyDeleteLove train travel. Just took the "Coaster" from San Francisco to your town, San Diego -- such fun
ReplyDeleteDelightful read, gorgeous photos.....especially the top one with the billowing steam.
ReplyDeleteAlways take the train when the opportunity affords itself. Would love to read your piece on west coast train travel-- have you done yet?
ReplyDeleteExciting account of an old-fashioned travel mode, my favorite!
ReplyDeleteLovely account of a truly fine way to travel. Enjoyed the photos, too.
ReplyDeleteHow I love to travel by train. Time to relax, slow down, think, enjoy. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThis piece made me yearn to be aboard again....a broad aboard!
ReplyDeleteAlways a pleasure to find what you're up to....and train travel has to be the best way to go.
ReplyDelete