It feels like it was only summer the other week. I’m sure we all remember the heatwaves. Was it six this year?
Now autumn is finally here, some of us are breathing a sigh of relief, while others are probably wishing summer would stick around a little longer.
If you’re not planning on going abroad, though, this is a pretty good time to see a bit more of the UK.
A poll of 2,000 Britons reported by Wales Online earlier this year found that nearly half had ruled out travelling abroad in 2026, with the cost of living one of the main reasons. The Lake District, Devon and Cornwall were among the popular choices for a UK break.
People often assume going abroad, particularly to Europe, is cheaper than having a break here. Sometimes it is. But if you plan ahead, travelling around the UK doesn’t have to cost a fortune either.
And the train fare is a good place to start.
What about the cost of getting there?
Split ticketing can sometimes make a journey cheaper by splitting one fare into several tickets. It doesn’t necessarily mean changing trains. You could stay in exactly the same seat, but travel using two or more tickets instead of one.
It’s also quite timely, because rail retailing came up in the House of Lords earlier this month.
During the Railways Bill debate on 8 September, former Transport Secretary Lord Harper spoke about independent retailers and said:
“when I was Secretary of State, I said it should not really get involved in this business at all because there were lots of competing providers that were much better at it and, frankly, it should just get those to do it.”
It’s obviously part of a much bigger debate about the future of the railway, but there’s a relevant point for passengers too. Competition between retailers has given passengers different ways to buy tickets and find savings, including split ticketing.
So, politics aside, let’s get back to autumn.
Where can you actually go by train to see some of the best of it?
London to the Lake District
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If you fancy a change of scenery from the usual four walls of your flat or house, and want to avoid becoming a bit of a hermit, the Lake District is an obvious one.
Yes, it’s a longer journey from London, so a day trip is probably out of the question, but a weekend break is certainly doable. And for a longer journey like this, checking for split tickets can be worthwhile.
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Manchester to Windermere
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If you’re starting in Manchester, getting to the Lakes is much easier.
Windermere can be reached in around two hours, depending on the service, so it works for a short break without spending half the day travelling.
Once you arrive, you’ve got the lake and plenty of autumn scenery nearby.
Edinburgh to Inverness
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This is one where the journey is part of the trip.
Heading north from Edinburgh towards Inverness takes you through some brilliant Scottish scenery, and autumn is a particularly good time to do it.
Forests, hills and open countryside gradually take over outside the window. Get a window seat if you can.
Bristol to Cardiff
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You don’t need to spend hours on a train to make a day of it.
Bristol to Cardiff is a relatively short journey and takes you across the Severn into Wales. It’s an easy option if you just fancy getting out for the day rather than organising a full weekend away.
London to Oxford and the Chiltern countryside
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Oxford is another easy one from London.
You get out of the city quickly, there’s plenty of countryside along the way, and once you arrive you can explore most of central Oxford on foot.
If you want to go further into the Chilterns or surrounding countryside, just plan that part before you set off. It’s much easier than trying to work it out when you get there.
Cardiff to the Brecon Beacons
Image credit: Pam
The Brecon Beacons are great if you fancy a bit of hiking. You can do a self-guided walk taking in Pen y Fan and Corn Du, although speaking from experience, it took me pretty much the whole day!
Pen y Fan is 886 metres high, and if you have a fear of heights like me, it certainly feels a lot higher when you’re nearly at the top. Probably best not to look over the edge! By that point I’d come too far to turn around, so apparently that was the day I was overcoming my fear of heights. On a clear day, the views are amazing.
How challenging you find it will depend on your stamina. Some parts are definitely steeper than others and hiking poles can help. There were families with kids doing it too though. I mean, if the kids can do it…
Definitely wear layers and take a windproof and waterproof jacket, plus waterproof trousers if you have them. The weather can change pretty quickly. It was windy when we went and started raining while we were at the top, so we were very glad we’d come prepared.
At the top of Pen y Fan you’ll also see what, to me, looked like a mound of rocks. A quick Google afterwards told me it’s actually the remains of a Bronze Age burial cairn. People were sitting around it having their packed lunches when we were there, so you can catch your breath and take in a little bit of history at the same time.
A few things worth remembering
If you’re travelling mainly for the views, reserve a window seat by using the seat selector where reservations are available. They tend to be the first ones people want.
Bring something to eat and drink too, whether that’s for the train or when you reach your destination. Not every train has catering, and even when it does, it might not be available for the whole journey. Plus, nobody wants to start a hike hungry. If you’re heading up somewhere like Pen y Fan or Corn Du, stock up beforehand as there aren’t any little shops conveniently waiting for you on the way up or down.
Charge your phone before you leave, particularly if your tickets and Railcard are on it. This is very important! Bring your charging cable and plug too, as some trains have sockets you can use. A power bank is also a good shout if you’re going to be out for the whole day, especially if you’re using your phone for maps, photos and getting home again.
And if you have the flexibility, for example if you can travel during the week rather than at weekends, have a look and compare the fares. Sometimes changing the day or time you travel can make a difference. Be a savvy traveller and do a bit of comparison yourself. Avoiding the busiest services can also mean a bit more space to sit back and actually enjoy the scenery.
Could a Railcard save you more?
If you’re planning more than one trip this autumn, it’s worth checking whether you’re eligible for a Railcard.
Depending on the Railcard and journey, you could get a discount on eligible fares. If you’re travelling a few times over the next few months, those savings can soon add up.
You can also buy a digital Railcard through TrainSplit and keep it on your phone alongside your tickets.
Have a look at rail.cards before your next trip and see whether there’s one that suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see autumn colours in the UK?
Usually from late September into early November, although it varies depending on where you are and what the weather has been doing. October is generally a good bet for woodland colour.
Can I reserve a window seat?
On many services, yes. Where seat reservations are available, you may be able to choose a preferred seat when booking. It’s always subject to availability.
Does split ticketing mean I have to change trains?
Not necessarily. Sometimes a journey can be split into several tickets while you stay on the same train. The train must call at the station where your tickets split, and you’ll need to follow the conditions of each ticket.
Will TrainSplit always find me a cheaper fare?
No. Split ticketing can produce savings on many journeys, but it isn’t guaranteed. It depends on the route, time of travel and fares available when you book.
Is a Railcard worth getting?
It depends on how often you travel and whether you’re eligible for one. If you have several journeys planned, it’s worth comparing the cost of the Railcard with what you could save on eligible fares.
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