Leading travel magazine names scenic cross-border rail route in its top ten trips
Thrilling views, unforgettable landscapes and serene spots have earned train operator East Coast’s cross-border route between England and Scotland a place among the finest rail journeys in Britain.
Tourism magazine ‘Britain’, the official magazine of tourism agency VisitBritain, selected the East Coast route between Durham and Edinburgh in its ‘Ten Of The Best Railway Journeys’ colour feature in its latest issue.
The East Coast Main Line is the only inter-city route to make the magazine’s top ten.
Britain magazine editor Jessica Tooze says the East Coast route fully deserves its status among the ten finest train journeys in the country. She says: “Rail travel in the UK is experiencing something of a renaissance and continues to grow in popularity.
“The journey between Durham and Edinburgh on East Coast is filled with thrilling views and beautiful surroundings. It is undoubtedly one of Britain’s best railway journeys.”
Writer Martha Alexander begins her description with the famous view of Durham Cathedral – ‘one of the most admired Norman cathedrals in the world’ – from the viaduct high above the city.
The route enters Newcastle, ‘crossing the river to take in the city’s industrial glory’, before heading north into ‘rolling, unspoilt Northumbrian countryside’.
As Martha Alexander writes: “The track hugs the coast north of Newcastle, showcasing quite unforgettable landscapes …passing from England to Scotland through Border country presents some of the loveliest rural scenery you will find.”
East Coast Head of Marketing Natalie Cowen said: “The journey by East Coast train from Durham to Edinburgh offers a unique and memorable travel experience. Our passengers can relax and feel at home while some of Britain’s most beautiful city, coast and countryside presents an ever-changing vista.
“We are gaining new passengers as more and more people discover the train offers a relaxing and more comfortable alternative to driving or flying. The scenic views from the train are a wonderful bonus.”
Full details of East Coast’s train times and lowest fare deals are available on its website www.eastcoast.co.uk.
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