How to find cheap train travel in the UK
It has been said that travelling by train is the best way to see a country and it is definitely a good way to get around the UK. The lines are well-connected and you can see some great scenery from your seat, but it can be expensive. Here are some tips to get the best deals.
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Finding cheap train travel
Car hire can be an expensive way to see England. So, travelling by coach or train is a much cheaper alternative. The experience of travelling by train can add an extra element to your stay, so here's how to do it.
Timing
The best way to get cheap rail tickets is to book in advance. Generally, the earlier you book, the cheaper deals you will get. Usually, the cheap online tickets are on sale about six weeks in advance. So, keep an eye on the ticket sites.
Breaking the journey
There is a weird secret to get cheap train tickets where you can still travel directly. However, you can break the journey when you pay for the tickets. It takes a bit of practice and trial and error. For example, a trip from Swindon to London will be cheaper if you pay from Swindon to Reading, and Reading to London. You still sit in the same seat and don't get off the train, but buy two tickets.
Where to go by train
There are some beautiful train journeys in the UK and it becomes more than just a way to travel from A to B.
Scotland
The line from the south of England to Scotland is one of the most beautiful as it travels through great English countryside and along the coast. It is long, but well worth the time.
Europe
Travelling to Europe by train is a unique holiday and going through the tunnel on the train to France is an interesting trip. You can get trains to Paris very regularly, but you can also travel further afield to places like Brussels. If you want to explore Europe by train, it is best to buy rail passes that will work out cheaper.
So, pick up your bag, a book and your camera, and explore the UK and Europe by one of the most elegant forms of transport.