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A steam train crosses the curved Glenfinnan Viaduct through the green Scottish Highlands.

Short breaks by train

Which? Recommended Provider - Rail Holidays

Short on time but dreaming of adventure? Make the most of a long weekend or a few spare days on these escapes by train across Europe and the UK, pairing simple journeys with easy-to-explore places. 

Most popular short breaks by train

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Fairytale Alsace

Travel to Alsace to explore medieval towns with timbered houses, canals and vineyards, far removed from theme-park fantasy.
/ 4 nights
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Chocolate-box Belgium

Chocolate-box perfection awaits in Belgium. Smell hot waffles and float down the waterways of Ghent and Bruges.
/ 4 nights
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San Sebastian short break

Spend time in San Sebastián on the Bay of Biscay, where beaches, seafaring history and pintxos bars shape daily and night life.
/ 4 nights
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Tulip fields

Each autumn millions of bulbs are planted in the Netherlands; by spring, vast tulip fields bloom, explored on foot or by bike.
/ 4 nights
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St Ives Escape

Uncover the inspiration of the Newlyn School, and gallery-hop the Tate, the Hepworth and the New Craftsman.
/ 3 nights
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Edinburgh's UNESCO old town

Explore Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns beneath Castle Rock, linking closes, Georgian streets and landmark viewpoints.
/ 4 nights
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France

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Pause in Provence

Travel south to Aix-en-Provence for a short break. Soak up the relaxed vibe of the city as you stroll colourful outdoor markets and the elegant, mansion-lined Cours Mirabeau.

Easy beach trip to Nice

The classic glamour of the Côte d’Azur sits a train ride from Paris, with palm-lined promenades, beach bars and coastal walks.

Paris short break

A short journey by Eurostar will take you to Paris for gallery hopping, boulangerie-hunting and jaunts along the Seine.

Lille short break

Discover Lille’s creative quarters, Flemish food, design shops and vintage markets around former mills.

Dijon short break

Dijon’s compact centre reveals medieval and Renaissance streets, mustard shops and Burgundian food in a UNESCO setting.

Avignon short break

Fortified hilltop Avignon pairs papal history with Rhône walks, evening bistros and lavender fields beyond the city walls.
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The UK

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Glasgow and Edinburgh

Two Scottish cities. Enough galleries, restaurants, and live music to make you go back for more.

Snowdonia

The heart of Snowdonia sports ancient woods, lakes and mountains blanketed by wildflowers in spring and snow in winter.

York and Malton

An ode to God's own country. Explore York and Malton, both Yorkshire towns that inspired classic authors like Dickens.

Inverness by sleeper train

Travel overnight by sleeper to Inverness, then enjoy riverside walks, Loch Ness boat trips, castles, bookshops and pubs.

Wellness weekend in Falmouth

Enjoy a wellness break in Falmouth, mixing spa time, cold-water swims and creative classes by Cornwall’s sheltered coast.

Norwich and Hoveton

The Broads is Britain’s largest wildlife-rich wetland. Spend a weekend exploring fens and woodlands along waterways.
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Belgium

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Belgian art cities

Kortrijk and Ghent combine compact medieval centres, canals and galleries with a lively café culture rooted in local markets.

Short break to Bruges

Spend time in Bruges among canals and cobbles, discovering lace history and a beer culture recognised as UNESCO heritage.

Namur and Spa by rail

Explore Namur's riverside citadel before unwinding in Spa, the spa town that gave the world its name.

Short break to Brussels

Spend time in Brussels enjoying galleries, nightlife and gastronomy, from Michelin dining to moules-frites and local beer.

Liège on the Meuse

Climb Liège's 374-step Montagne de Bueren, browse the Sunday market and admire Calatrava's striking station.

Short break to Ghent

Spend time in Ghent, a largely car-free city shaped by canals, parks, medieval streets and Belgium’s Veggie Thursday movement.

Short break to Antwerp

Arrive into Antwerp’s grand station for a city break in Belgium’s diamond capital, known for fashion studios, roasteries and design.

Coastal Belgium

Belgium’s coast surprises with wide beaches and maritime history, from the ship museum to North Sea resort towns.

Short break to Mons

Spend time in Mons among belfry views and mining heritage, home to the UNESCO-listed Doudou festival.
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Rest of Europe

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Break to Turin

Authenticity meets glamour: Turin’s characterful Roman old town opens up to palatial squares and elegant parks.

Amsterdam citybreak

Explore canal towpaths and Amsterdam’s lesser-known neighbourhoods by bike, with superb coffee and stroopwafels.

Cologne short break

One of Germany’s diverse cities, with museums from chocolate to perfume, modern art to Roman history.

Copenhagen citybreak

Explore Copenhagen, UNESCO’s 2023 capital of architecture, rich with galleries, breweries and café culture by bike.

Zurich short break

Discover Zürich beyond finance, from West district galleries and bars to lake swims and Alpine views reached by tram and rail.

Rotterdam short break

Stay in Rotterdam to explore bold post-war buildings, riverfront districts, inventive housing and a growing food scene.
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Byway excursions

Bite-sized short breaks

Short on time? Trip already booked?

Explore our slow travel excursions: classic routes distilled into short breaks that slot neatly into your holiday.

Whether you're after a single region to explore or a scenic route through several, these trips make an ideal add-on to an existing stay. Choose from the Bernese Oberland and GoldenPass Express from Zürich, the West Highland Line from Glasgow or Through the Bernina Pass from Turin.

Check out our excursions
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