As people without cars, Sam and I are stuck only traveling by train in England. Not that it’s a hardship as the trains go pretty much everywhere. And after last summer, I only have the best memories of riding Virgin trains. (Whilst we were on our train from London to York for our wedding, the conductor found out that we were getting married in a few days time, so they gave us a bottle of champagne to split. It was a great train ride.)
7 Weekend Breaks from London by Train
York
The Virgin train from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh (as well as other northern destinations) calls at York. I might be biased (I am biased) but York is one of the best places in the UK for a weekend break. Cute boutique hotels, lots of things to do and fabulous food. What more could you want?
A Virgin train from London King’s Cross to York takes 1 hour and 50 minutes on average.
Birmingham (Birmingham New Street Station)
I haven’t been back to Birmingham for a few years now, but Sam and I did a weekend break there and had an amazing time. I highly recommend going for a curry on The Curry Mile and doing some shopping at the Bullring.
A Virgin train from London Euston to Birmingham takes as little as 1 hour 25 minutes on a quick train.
Edinburgh
I’ve said it before, but Edinburgh might be my favourite place that I’ve ever visited! I love the way the city looks, the food, the things there are to do. I couldn’t recommend a weekend break in Edinburgh more! Though if you want to avoid sky-high prices and overcrowding, you might want to steer clear of a weekend break when the Fringe is on. Unless you want to see some great comedy and theatre – then that’s the time to go!
A Virgin train from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh takes 4 hours and 20 minutes on average.
Liverpool
You don’t have to have Beatles mania (sorry, I don’t) to enjoy a weekend break in Liverpool. You definitely have to make time to wander around Albert Dock, the Museum of Liverpool and the two Liverpool Cathedrals. You can take a ferry inside the city, which is a fairly unique way to view it!
A Virgin train from London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street takes as little as 2 hours 15 minutes on a quick train.
Glasgow
Because I’m a nerd, I can’t think of Glasgow without seeing a folk song about the River Clyde in my head. But that’s my problem. (And Sam’s annoyance – much like my constant humming of “Scarborough Fair” when we go to Scarborough.) If you’re visiting the city for the weekend, you have to take in the Kelvingrove Art Museum and Gallery and a show at the Scottish Ballet.
A Virgin train from London Euston to Glasgow takes 4 hours and 45 minutes on average.
Manchester
I’ve had the somewhat unfortunate honour of only getting to spend about 6 hours in Manchester. It was definitely not enough time! Though I did manage to squeeze in a great show at the Royal Exchange. However, it was just enough time to whet my appetite for another (longer) trip back!
A Virgin train from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly takes as little as 2 hour 7 minutes on a quick train.
Oxenholme (Lake District)
I visited the Lake District for the first time back in 2015 for a wedding, and ever since then I’ve been angling to go back. It’s the perfect weekend break for me. Lots of beautiful scenery, isolation and super cute rustic accommodation. Have I mentioned that the Lake District is probably one of the most beautiful places in the UK? Because it is!
A Virgin train from London Euston to Oxenholme takes 2 hours and 38 minutes on average.
This month marked Virgin Trains 20th anniversary in the UK and they celebrated with a pretty cool pop-up musical performance in London Euston station. Check it out below! I also have the life goal of hanging out with Richard Branson after watching Obama kitesurfing with him last month.
**This post was a collaboration with Virgin, but all opinions are forever my own**
Any favourite weekend break destinations?
