Virgin Experience Days has crunched the numbers, studied the density of quieter stations and greener surroundings, scrutinised punctuality and good fellow passengers vibes, and named the UK’s most relaxing railway region
The UK region with the highest chances of hopping on board and enjoying a relaxing train ride has been named.
There’s something calming about watching the world roll by from a train window, with no traffic, no airport queues, and no juddering bus to get you down. Just you, a cup of something warm, and a view that gets greener by the minute.
Of course, not all UK train journeys are a one-way ticket to serenity, given the hefty price of tickets and the lack of reliability that plagues some lines. But at its best, there’s no finer way to travel.
Virgin Experience Days has crunched the numbers, studied the density of quieter stations and greener surroundings, scrutinised punctuality and good fellow passengers vibes, and named the UK’s most relaxing railway region.
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Leading the way is the East of England – officially the UK’s calmest and most relaxing region for train travel. An impressive 34% of its stations rank among the country’s best, with none falling into the worst category, and trains here run on time an impressive 83% of the time, higher than anywhere else in the UK. Add to that its abundance of green space, offering soothing views along the way, and it’s easy to see why the East of England sets the standard for stress-free rail journeys.
At the heart of the region’s railway set-up is the East Coast Main Line, which is one of the oldest in British railway history. The line, which is the former route of the Flying Scotsman and the Mallard, connects the capitals of England and Scotland via Yorkshire, York, Durham and Newcastle. It is in the early stages of a huge £1.2bn upgrade as part of the national Railway Upgrade Plan including the King’s Cross remodelling project and East Coast upgrade.
If you’re looking for something a little less functional and a bit more scenic, the Bittern Line is the way to go. The Norfolk route heads north from Norwich passing through The Broads and on to the dramatic north Norfolk coast, where it takes passengers to the likes of Cromer – a classic seaside town famous for its crabs.
Scotland also makes a strong case for itself as one of the UK’s most relaxing rail regions. With 41% green space, it claims the top spot for the country’s most calming scenery, creating journeys that feel like a breath of fresh air.
Passengers are also far less stressed here, only 26% of social media reactions about train operators are negative, compared to 64% in the East Midlands, showing that travellers generally find the experience smoother and more enjoyable. And while Scotland ranks fourth for punctuality overall, any minor delays are softened by the kind of views that make rail travel feel truly restorative.
Perhaps Scotland’s high ranking comes down to the presence of the iconic West Highlands Line, which leaves Glasgow behind and delves deep into the west coast, trundling along the Clyde to Helensburgh, and then north via Garelochhead and Loch Long towards either Oban or Mallaig. It has previously been named the most scenic railway line in the world.