Direct to summer day trips in the UK

Witness stunning scenery along our popular routes
 

Along each of these popular routes, our trains pass through stunning scenery each and every day, and we’re eager to highlight that a journey with us is about much more than just getting from A to B. It’s about relaxing, enjoying the trip, and experiencing some of the UK’s breathtaking views too – something we’ll share with you with the videos we created.  
 

Sunderland to York East View
 

Sunderland to York West View
 

York to London Kings Cross, Doncaster to London Kings Cross, and Sunderland (East view)

 

York to London Kings Cross, Doncaster to London Kings Cross, and Sunderland (West view)

 

The Great British Summer Staycation 

Our country has an abundance of wonderful places to explore! A record number of holiday bookings are being made in the UK, with destinations across the country experiencing a boom in popularity amongst Brits.
 

Summer staycations with Grand Central 
 

From Devon to the Dales, summer day trips, weekends away, and holidays on home ground are certainly in high demand this summer, which could mean travel delays by road are likely, due to increased traffic, especially when visiting some of the more favoured destinations. 

Nobody likes being stuck in traffic, so we’d encourage those who can to join us on board one of our trains in the months to come and let us take the stress out of your journeys this summer. Give yourself time to sit back, relax and enjoy the views, without the worry of hitting unexpected motorway madness. 

Discover some of the top staycation locations along our route: 
 

• York
• Thirsk
• London 
• Sunderland 
• Seaham 
• Hartlepool 

The Scenic Route
 

The journeys featured in our video series take place against a picturesque backdrop, offering views of dramatic coastline, stunning countryside, and bustling urban locations, all visible from the comfort of our train carriages. 

From the stunning North East coastlines of Seaham and Durham’s Heritage Coast to the exciting, historical northern cities of York and Doncaster, and of course, not forgetting the bustling metropolis of London, our trains pass through exciting destinations every single day. 

So, whether you’re travelling solo in the coming month, taking a day trip with friends and family, or heading out as part of a larger group, here are just some of the places to look out for, or even stop off and visit when travelling with Grand Central this summer:

Summer day trips in the North East
 

The North East: Home to castles, dramatic coastlines and an incredibly rich industrial history, the North East has plenty to offer those who choose to visit. 

Those travelling with us can explore the port city of Sunderland for a day of shopping and be transported to days gone by in a museum or two. Or head out to the beaches of Roker and Seaburn for fish and chips and a stroll along the sand – and maybe even a famous “lemon top”, if you’re lucky. 

We also stop off at the quaint coastal town of Seaham, where you can explore the colourful pebble beaches in search of sea glass. Why not make a week of it and head on to Hartlepool, Newcastle and beyond, and visit the stunning Northumberland National Park, perfect for those with a sense of adventure! 

Discover our helpful guides to help you plan your trip: 

• 
  The best things to do in Seaham
• Things to do in Sunderland for free
• Take the train to Northallerton

Summer day trips in Yorkshire
 

Yorkshire: From York in the north, Bradford in the west and Doncaster in the south, let us take you through some of the inspiring and picturesque locations across wonderful Yorkshire. 

God’s own county, as the locals lovingly call it, boasts a mix of moors and dales, vibrant cities, sleepy market towns such as Thirsk and Northallerton, and glorious coastlines such as Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay. It really does offer something to keep everyone happy this summer. 

If you’re getting off the train at Doncaster, you could even head on to explore the incredible Peak District. While you’re visiting Yorkshire, don’t forget to visit local favourite Betty’s tea rooms and sample one of their famous Fat Rascals. We’re confident you won’t be disappointed. 

Explore our Yorkshire locations below: 

• Cheap trains to Doncaster and South Yorkshire

• Cheap train tickets to York and North Yorkshire

• Cheap train tickets to West Yorkshire and Brontë Country

• Cheap train tickets to James Herriot Country

Summer day trips in London and the South

London and the South: Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel break, a week of sightseeing, museums and galleries, or even a foodie break, there’s no denying that London has it all. Why not spend a day pottering around some of the city’s colourful markets, such as Portobello Road and Borough Market? 

Or, perhaps taking in some of the art and culture at the Barbican Centre is more your style? You could even take a TV and film tour and discover some of the locations featured in some of your big screen favourites. 

For those eager to explore the coast and the countryside in the South of England, Brighton, Essex, Reading, Kent and much more are just a short journey away. Are you a cycling lover? Explore summer cycling trips just a train ride away from London! And discover other helpful guides if you’re planning to explore the big city:
 

• Top spots for the best brunch in London

• London food tour guide

• The best places to picnic in London

• Beautiful places in London to relax

• London sports for all the family

Accessibility and Inclusivity Onboard
 

At Grand Central, we strive to offer passengers both accessibility and inclusivity on board our trains, and we’re always looking for ways to improve the service and experience of all those who choose to travel with us, right from the very start of your journey when booking with us. 

For some of our passengers, a train journey can mean more than just the commute to work or a day out and about. It can actually provide a place of solace and joy, and even the opportunity to take some time out from the hustle and bustle of daily life. 

Whether this is thanks to the views from the carriage, the train's movement, or even the precision and organisation of the train timetable, trains certainly have a deeper meaning for some. 

We Look Forward to Welcoming You on board this summer
 

We hope you enjoy the videos and the travel route maps we have lovingly created, and hope they encourage you to hop on board our trains and to explore more of what the UK has to offer this summer. 

If you’re travelling along our lines in the coming months, why not print out our sightseeing map and see if you can tick off some of the landmarks and scenery whilst travelling with us? 

A journey by train is such a joy (of course, we might be biased), as it allows you precious time to slow down, sit back, and enjoy the beautiful scenery that passes you by on your travels. Let Grand Central take you direct to a great summer (and beyond). We look forward to welcoming you on board very soon.