1. The West Highland Line

Featuring the very same Glenfinnan Viaduct that brought us here in the first place, the West Highland Line is one of the most epic train journeys in all of Europe. Harry Potter fans will have Hogwarts Express flashbacks as the train carries you along Scotland’s rugged highlands, through Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. The line offers impressive views of the West Coast’s most picturesque landmarks including Erskine Bridge and Dumbarton Castle, all nestled in beautiful heather moors.

The West Highland line extends from Glasgow and splits at Crianlarich. From there you can choose to head north via Loch Long, entering a serene landscape of lochs and lush forest. Or you can journey deeper westward, catching magical glimpses of rugged falls and castle ruins.

2. The English Riviera Line

This rail journey is perfect for lovers of England’s enchanting coastline. Rolling slowly alongside the River Exe to the Exmouth estuary, the gorgeous English Riviera route keeps you right up against the water’s edge for most of the journey.

Trains depart from the cathedral city of Exeter and stop at the famed seaside towns of Dawlish, Teignmouth and Paignton - all worth a visit in their own right. Slide the train windows open and you’ll be welcomed by gusts of salt-tanged air, blowing fresh from the sea. In a little over an hours’ time, you’ll reach the English Riviera, England’s most-beloved stretch of beaches and seaside resorts.

3. The Talyllyn Railway

This little-known steam railway tugs its little way through some of Wales’ most beautiful and unexplored countryside. Running from the stations of Tywyn to Nant Gwernol, the Talyllyn Railway chugs through the timeless woodlands and rugged falls of South Snowdonia.

This historic railway is the quintessential nostalgic train journey - not only is this route unchanged since 1865, the original steam locomotive of those Victorian days is still in use. In fact, the Talyllyn Railway was the inspiration for Rev. W Awdry’s The Railway Series - the books upon which the Thomas the Tank Engine stories were based. Truly the little engine that could!

4. The Cumbrian Coast Line

Running from Carlisle to Barrow-in-Furness, this is the line for lovers of rugged, windswept and romantic scenery. Skirting the edge of the Lake District, it’s a wonderful way to start (or finish!) a weekend of hiking in the beautiful English countryside.

The Cumbrian Coast Line is packed with picturesque villages and lush countryside vistas, not to mention unbeatable views of the Irish Sea. Cap off your train journey with a trek through Lake District National Park, celebrated for its splendid lakes.

5. The Conwy Valley Line

Finishing in spectacular Conwy - famous for its imposing medieval castle - the Conwy Valley Line is a wondrous journey filled with sights from a forgotten age. You’ll feel just like you’ve stepped into the pages of a Neil Gaiman novel.

From the Welsh coastal town of Llandudno, this spectacular railway line runs along the Conwy and Lledr Valleys. The landscape is as varied as it is spectacular - ancient quarries give way to mountainous crags and wildlife rich forests in quick succession. Don’t miss a fairytale glimpse of Dolwyddelan Castle, a spectacular 12th-century castle in Conwy Country.

6. The Tarka Line

Named after the influential novel, Tarka the Otter by Henry Williamson, this gorgeous, quiet line takes you on a scenic journey through the river valleys of Teo and Taw. It has the added benefit of finishing in Exeter, meaning you can jump straight onto the Riviera Line for a completely different experience.

7. The Swanage Railway

This steam-driven spectacular ride is as much a heritage tour as anything else. Relive the romantic days of steam engines as you travel between the English towns of Wareham and Swanage, admiring the panoramic Dorset countryside as it unfolds before you. Get one of the best possible views of the famous Corfe Castle and traverse the stunning Purbeck hills before landing in the historic coastal town of Swanage.

8. The Orient Express Line

The Orient Express was made famous by Agatha Christie’s iconic murder mystery Murder on the Orient Express, but the thrills you’ll get on board this luxury train are definitely the delighted kind. With its sumptuous interior and impeccable service, the train recaptures the charm of the Golden Age of Travel.

If you’re taking the famous London to Venice route, you can expect gorgeous views of the southern English countryside and a magnificent crossing of the English channel. Sip a glass of prosecco in black tie as you roll onward through Europe, and wake up to dazzling views of the Alps.

All aboard

The train journeys we’ve covered are just the tip of the iceberg. And while UK may hold on to its crown spot for the world’s best scenic landscapes and railway journeys, there are equally magical scenic railway trips in every corner of the world. With diverse beauties to offer, from deep forests to high peaks to glistening glaciers, each glance out the train window promises to be endlessly enchanting.

For more amazing journeys across Britain by rail, puff on over to Evan Evans Tours. It’s the most convenient way to explore the UK.