Lonely Planet has just released its eagerly awaited Best in Travel guide for 2025, highlighting 30 must-see destinations for the upcoming year. The globally respected travel authority has also shared its top 10 travel trends, with train hopping predicted to be a popular choice.
From grand cross-continent trips to relaxed local day trips, train hopping turns any journey into an adventure. One railway stretch ideal for a countryside to coast trip is located right here in the UK.
Tucked away in the scenic landscape of northern England, The Bentham Line offers more than just a train ride; it’s a chance to soak up the peaceful allure of the countryside. Operating between Leeds, Lancaster and Morecambe, this historic route winds through quaint villages, lush green hills and historic towns, inviting travellers to take a step back in time.
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For over 170 years, The Bentham Line has served as a vital link for local communities, connecting them to vibrant cities while maintaining their rural charm. The stunning 75-mile (120 km) trans-pennine journey starts from the heart of West Yorkshire, meanders through beautiful valleys, past the Ribblehead Viaduct and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, before arriving at the picturesque shores of Morecambe Bay.
Under the initiative Scenic Rail Britain, the Bentham Line operates as a community rail partnership, bringing together local groups and organisations to enhance railway journeys for passengers. Setting off from Leeds Station, your journey transcends city clamour, unwinding into the tranquillity of the Yorkshire Dales, reports the Manchester Evening News.
With stops including Shipley, Bingley, and Keighley, it’s a mere 30 minutes before you disembark at Skipton – known as the “Gateway to the Dales”.
Skipton’s renowned 900 year old castle and its time-honoured cobbled High Street are brimming with history and scenic charm, attracting visitors eager to explore the fortress, meander through markets or indulge in the unique selection of shops, pubs, and restaurants.
Giggleswick is yet another delightful station stop, nestled just beyond the market town of Settle. A village famed for its grand architecture and historic church replete with fascinating details, Giggleswick also boasts a school chapel with an eye-catching copper dome that enhances the local skyline.
Every stop along the Bentham Line offers a unique enchantment, whether it’s stepping into the nostalgic scenes of the forties film ‘Brief Encounter’ at Carnforth station or exploring Lancaster, home to the majestic Edwardian butterfly house, dubbed the ‘Taj Mahal of the North’, and the imposing Lancaster Castle.
On their journey, passengers can admire the traditional Yorkshire stone buildings and the awe-inspiring Ribblehead Viaduct, a testament to Victorian engineering. Further along lies the serene Lune Valley, an untouched stretch of land that follows the River Lune, offering picturesque views at every corner.
The trip ends in Morecambe, a coastal town where the vast skyline meets the Irish Sea. Renowned for its Winter Gardens, the iconic art deco Midland Hotel and its expansive sandy bay, visitors flock here to savour fish and chips on the seafront after a delightful train ride.
Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or simply seeking a breath of fresh air, The Bentham Line provides an easy route through some of England’s most enchanting landscapes. It serves as a reminder that the best travel experiences are not always about the destination, but the journey itself.
So, jump on board, and let the rhythm of the rails whisk you away.