The nights are drawing in, it’s getting colder & wetter, and you’re probably thinking of just staying at home or not venturing out too far. Having said this, why not have a look at some different things that can be done in England, Wales, or Scotland (N.B. Northern Ireland’s rail network is separate to that of the UK) in some of the colder months? If you want to go to a visitor attraction with the family, have an indoor adventure, or even just find somewhere different to eat while out exploring, we’ve got you covered with a few possibilities. We have plenty of opportunities to purchase cheap train tickets from our website and/or app to help you cut down on costs, and the savings you make could always go towards one of these many options.
The TrainSplit app makes it easy to find cheaper alternative journeys through split ticketing.
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National Museum Cardiff
Address: Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NP
Nearest station: Cathays (served by Transport for Wales)
In the centre of Cardiff is the National Museum Cardiff, part of the Amgueddfa Cymru collection of museums, found in a number of places across Wales. The National Museum Cardiff is just a short walk from Cathays station, and is within easy reach of Cardiff city centre itself. The museum has rotating exhibitions as you’d get at many museums around the country, but there are of course more permanent ones, with the focus being on art and natural history. The art collection itself spans about 500 years, and includes a number of examples of Impressionist art, as well as art from Italy and the Netherlands between 1500 and 1700. Given the museum’s proximity to the centre of Cardiff, why not make it part of a day out in the Welsh capital?
Edinburgh
Most suitable station: Edinburgh Waverley (served by Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, CrossCountry, LNER, Lumo, ScotRail, TransPennine Express)
If you’re considering a trip to Scotland, but are worried about the weather in November being less-than-ideal, please don’t worry - there are still plenty of things to do indoors. One of them is taking a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, famed for being the former royal yacht for the British royal family. It was commissioned at the start of 1954 and saw many years of service before being retired towards the end of 1997; it is berthed in Leith, and can be reached via the Edinburgh Trams (nearest stop is Ocean Terminal; tram tickets must be purchased separately to train tickets). If you fancy something a bit more interactive, then perhaps Camera Obscura at the top of the Royal Mile and near to Edinburgh Castle will be of interest. With a number of different exhibits and illusions, an observation tower from which you can view the city of Edinburgh, and information about the history of photography, it promises to be a fun day out for all the family. For the adults among you, why not consider a trip to the Johnnie Walker Experience on Princes Street? Here, you can delve into the history of one of the world’s most popular and well-known Scotch whisky brands through a variety of different experiences designed to cover a variety of different aspects of whisky. One potentially unconventional option is a whisky & chocolate experience, but if you fancy it, then why not go for something a little different?
Image Credit: Jörg Angeli | Unsplash
💡 Tip: If you’re planning multiple trips, don’t forget to buy a digital Railcard directly through TrainSplit. It can pay for itself in just 1-2 journeys!
Duke Street Food Market
Address: 46 Duke Street, Liverpool L1 5AS
Nearest station: Liverpool Central (served by Merseyrail)
The concept of a food hall (multiple different food retailers under one roof) has taken off in popularity in recent years. If you’re in a group, but can’t all come to an agreement on what to have, then this can prove to be an excellent option. Perhaps you’re considering a trip to Liverpool, in which case, Duke Street Market could be an ideal dining choice. Situated near the city centre, it’s well-sited to stop off for a bite to eat when exploring this famous city. The options here include fish & chips (with some modern seafood twists as well), Southeast Asian food, Mexican cuisine, pizza & pasta, and more. Oh, and there’s also a sizeable drinks menu, with many cocktails & wines to choose from; there are also a number of alcohol-free drinks options as well if you don’t drink for any reason.
Locomotion
Address: Locomotion, Shildon DL4 2RE
Nearest station: Shildon (served by Northern)
If you’ve been to the National Railway Museum in York, then why not consider its sibling site up at Shildon in County Durham? First opened in 2004, Locomotion Museum is very close to the historic Soho Works on the Stockton & Darlington Railway, which is cited as the world’s first public railway (opening in 1825). Arguably the museum’s flagship exhibit is the locomotive ‘Locomotion No 1’, which ran the iconic service back in 1825. Other available exhibits include an experimental version of the Advanced Passenger Train (APT), the steam locomotive ‘21C151 Sir Winston Churchill’ (which pulled his funeral train in 1965), a collection of somewhat unusual and interesting objects (including a snowplough dating from 1891), and many more. Its proximity to Shildon station itself makes it easily accessible by rail; why not go by train and get some cheap train tickets in the process from our app or website?
More Splits, More Savings! Find cheaper train tickets by splitting your fares with the TrainSplit app. Download now on iOS or Android - search for TrainSplit in your app store.
Bletchley Park
Address: The Mansion, Bletchley Park, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK3 6EB
Nearest station: Bletchley (served by London Northwestern Railway)
This unassuming country house just a short walk from Bletchley station is highly-renowned for its importance in World War 2. It became the centre for Allied code-breaking, and saw many people work there; the workforce at Bletchley Park is often cited as being 75% women at its peak. Arguably one of the most famous achievements of the work done at Bletchley Park is that of decrypting the famous Enigma code machines used in Germany. Some of the most well-known people who worked at Bletchley Park during this time include Hugh Alexander, Margaret Rock, and Joan Clarke, though arguably the most renowned of these is Alan Turing; since June 2021, he has appeared on the £50 note (you may have seen one of these if you’re lucky enough!). Also on site at Bletchley Park is the National Museum of Computing, so why not visit both if you can? Bletchley station lies on the West Coast Main Line, and its proximity to Milton Keynes makes it accessible for large parts of the country, so you may be able to get some good bargains on cheap train tickets from our app or website.
Image Credit: T S | Unsplash
Shelter Hall, Brighton
Address: Shelter Hall, Kings Road Arches, Brighton BN1 1NB
Nearest station: Brighton (served by Gatwick Express, Southern, Thameslink)
Going to the seaside in the colder months may not be the first thing on your mind, but you may want to rethink this when you hear about the Shelter Hall in Brighton and its food options. Located on the sea front itself, it’s a short walk west from the famous Brighton Pier. The Shelter Hall itself was first opened in 1888, and has seen a number of uses over the years, with the food hall opening in 2021 as Brighton’s first food hall. There are a total of seven different outlets at the Shelter Hall, offering a variety of different dining options. These include Portuguese BBQ, Mexican cuisine, burgers, fried chicken, pizzas, and more. There’s also a bar on site with plenty of drinks options, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Image Credit: Nick Fewings | Unsplash
💡 Tip: If you’re planning multiple trips, don’t forget to buy a digital Railcard directly through TrainSplit. It can pay for itself in just 1-2 journeys!
We very much hope that we've been able to convince you to consider at least one of these options by train. If we have, then fantastic! If you have any questions about cheap train tickets for getting to & from these destinations, please email us on customer.support@trainsplit.com, and we'll be more than happy to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning on going to one of these by train? Here are answers to the most common questions about finding cheap train tickets, using split ticketing, and making the most of your adventures across the UK.
How can I find cheap train tickets in the UK?
You can save money by booking in advance, travelling at off-peak times, and using TrainSplit to find split ticket options, often involving cheap Advance tickets. It’s a great way to cut the cost of travelling across the UK by train.
Can I use split ticketing for journeys by train?
Absolutely. Many UK train routes allow for split ticketing, meaning you can book multiple tickets for different parts of a journey and save compared to a single through fare. TrainSplit does this automatically and shows you the savings upfront.
When should I book train tickets for the best prices?
It’s best to book well in advance, as fares rise closer to the travel date. Booking 8–12 weeks ahead often gets you the lowest fares. Split ticketing can also help you save even when booking later.
Are there discounts for frequent train travellers in the UK?
Yes. A digital Railcard offers 1/3 off most fares and works alongside split ticketing for even bigger savings. It’s ideal for frequent travellers or those planning several day trips and weekend breaks.
Is it cheaper to book train tickets online or at the station?
Booking online in advance is almost always cheaper. Using TrainSplit lets you compare fares, find split ticket combinations, and avoid paying full-price walk-up fares at the station.
Can I reach these places by train?
Yes. The rail stations are clearly specified under each heading, and the destinations are within a short distance of each station.
Can I still travel if my original train is delayed or cancelled?
Yes. Under the National Rail Conditions of Travel, you’re entitled to take the next reasonable service to complete your journey if your train is delayed or cancelled.
When is the best time to travel to any of these destinations by train?
Trains are quieter outside peak hours. Travel early and check return times in advance. Mid-morning departures often offer the best balance between comfort and cost.
How can I reduce my carbon footprint when travelling?
Travelling by train produces far fewer CO₂ emissions than driving. Visiting places by rail helps reduce congestion and environmental impact while supporting sustainable tourism across the UK.
Do I need to print my train tickets?
No. Most tickets are available as e-tickets you can store on your phone. You can also collect them from a station machine with your booking reference if you prefer a paper copy.
Remember, if you have any questions about train travel or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our team. We're here to help you plan a memorable journey.
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