The Bentham Line, nestled in the scenic northern English countryside, offers more than just a train ride; it’s an opportunity to immerse oneself in an almost three hour train ride to the coast
Lonely Planet, the renowned travel guide experts, have just unveiled their much-anticipated Best in Travel guide for 2025. The guide features 30 must-visit destinations for the upcoming year and reveals the top 10 travel trends.
One of these trends is the simple joy of train hopping, turning a regular train journey into an exciting adventure by getting off at different stops along the way. The Bentham Line, tucked away in the picturesque northern English countryside, offers more than just a means of transport; it’s a chance to embark on a nearly three-hour journey to the coast.
Labelled as a “near-secret” by the experts, this lesser-known 75-mile train route is predicted to be one of the UK’s best train journeys for 2025, reports the Express.
This historic line, which stretches between Leeds, Lancaster and Morecambe, meanders through charming villages, rolling hills and historic towns, encouraging travellers to step back in time.
For over 170 years, The Bentham Line has been a crucial link for local communities.
The 75-mile (120 km) trans-pennine journey starts in the heart of West Yorkshire, crosses stunning valleys, passes the Ribblehead Viaduct and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, before ending at the scenic shores of Morecambe Bay.
The Bentham Line, a gem in Scenic Rail Britain’s crown, is managed by a community rail partnership (CRP), bringing together local community groups and organisations to enhance the passenger experience.
Setting off from Leeds Station, the journey winds its way westwards, swiftly trading the city’s frantic energy for the peaceful countryside of the Yorkshire Dales.
The service calls at Shipley, Bingley, and Keighley before arriving at Skipton, dubbed the “Gateway to the Dales.”
Boasting a 900-year-old castle and a historic cobbled High Street, this town serves as a beloved day-trip spot encircled by stunning landscapes.
Another favourite destination to disembark is Giggleswick.
This charming village, nestled just beyond the market town of Settle, boasts numerous elegant properties and a historic church featuring captivating architectural details.
The distinctive copper dome of Giggleswick School’s Chapel dominates the horizon, creating a striking landmark across the region.
Every station along this route provides its own enchanting experience.
Step into yesteryear at Carnforth, where the railway station served as the backdrop for the most memorable moments in the 1945 classic Brief Encounter, or alight at Lancaster to discover the Edwardian butterfly conservatory in the ‘Taj Mahal of the North’ alongside Lancaster Castle.
Travellers can marvel at the classic Yorkshire stone architecture and the magnificent Ribblehead Viaduct, a remarkable example of Victorian craftsmanship.
Beyond this point stretches the tranquil Lune Valley, an unspoilt expanse of countryside that traces the River Lune, providing breathtaking panoramas around every bend.
The journey concludes in Morecambe, a seaside town where the vast horizon meets the Irish Sea.
Known for its Winter Gardens, the iconic art deco Midland Hotel and its broad sandy bay, visitors are drawn here to enjoy fish and chips on the seafront after a charming train ride.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or simply in need of a breath of fresh air, The Bentham Line offers an effortless route through some of England’s most captivating landscapes.
It serves as a reminder that the finest travel experiences aren’t always about the destination, but the journey itself.
So, hop on board, and let the rhythm of the rails carry you away.