If you’re looking at a break over the winter period, then most people would probably consider some winter sun destinations like the Canary Islands, the Caribbean, or Thailand. You may want to consider something a bit closer to home, though, so why not look at what’s on offer in the UK? Whether it be a city break or some time in the countryside, there are plenty of options to consider.
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You may have questions, though, about how to get to where you want to go. Well, why not leave the car at home and let the train take the strain? Many winter breaks can use rail travel to get to them, so there may be plenty of great deals on cheap train tickets to be had through our website. So let’s dive on in to see what there may be on offer in the UK! (Please note that this article only considers England, Wales, and Scotland - Northern Ireland is on a separate rail network to the rest of the UK).
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City break to York
Nearest station: York (served by CrossCountry, Grand Central, LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express)
A city break can be a nice idea if you're wanting to get away somewhere in the colder months, particularly if you're a lover of history. One popular option is the city of York, founded in the Roman period, and situated on the East Coast Main Line; its connections across the country can help to facilitate the finding of cheap train tickets to get there. It became well-known as a railway city in the 19th century, and has been the home of the famous National Railway Museum since it was established in 1975. If you enjoy trains, then this is definitely a must-visit! If you want to look at more of the older history, then the city walls an be a good way of taking a look at this aspect, or maybe visiting the Jorvik Viking Centre to delve into the Viking history. One of the more iconic features of York is 'The Shambles', a historic street with many medieval buildings filled with a sizeable variety of different shops. If you'd like some further detail on what there is in York, we have an article HERE which may be of use to you.
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Take a scenic rail journey
Nearest station: Depends on the exact route you'd like to take
Who doesn't love taking a scenic rail journey? The winter months can help to add something different to rural landscapes, and there are many places where you can see some stunning sights from inside a train - ideal if you don't want to get too cold! One of the popular scenic routes in England is the Settle-Carlisle line, which goes through the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the North Pennines, and also goes over the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct (best stations to connect to this are Leeds and Carlisle). If you wish to explore North Wales in the winter, then the North Wales Main Line is a good option, running from Crewe to Holyhead via Chester, Rhyl, and Llandudno Junction. If you're taking a scenic rail journey (or any rail journey, in fact), you'll want to get the best-value tickets possible, so make sure to check our website and purchase cheap train tickets from us.
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City break to Bath
Nearest station: Bath Spa (served by Great Western Railway)
Sited in the very south of the Cotswolds and not too far from Bristol is the city of Bath. The Romans built baths here in the middle of the first century AD, but it really became popular as a spa town during the Georgian era in the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1987, it became a World Heritage Site, and in 2021, it was added a second time as part of the 'Great Spa Towns of Europe' alongside the likes of Spa in Belgium, Karlovy-Vary in the Czech Republic, Baden-Baden in Germany, and Montecatini Terme in Italy. Whether it's exploring the Roman Baths, taking a visit to Bath Abbey, or wandering the city to take in some of the famed Georgian architecture, we're certain you'll find something to enjoy. If you want some further details on things to do in Bath, why not take a look at our article HERE?
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Nearest station: Depends on the location
Even with the weather getting colder, there are still plenty of opportunities to get out and explore the outdoors. Wales is one such example, with a number of walking routes worth considering. One option is the Mawddach Trail, running between Barmouth and Dolgellau, and is served by stations at Barmouth itself and also Morfar Mawddach (both served by Transport for Wales). You'll also get to see the renowned Barmouth Bridge; an impressive structure, particularly when you consider the fact it's made out of timber! Some other walks in north Wales can be accessible by rail, and you may wish to use some of the stated walks HERE as a starting point for some inspiration. There are many other options in Wales itself, and also across the rest of the UK, with a sizeable list being compiled by Cewe - you can view this list HERE. The variety of different options can give you a good number of chances to get cheap train tickets for your journey. One thing we do wish to stress is the importance of staying safe if you go out walking in the winter. Wild Trails Wales have a comprehensive article on things you can do to stay safe if you want to go for a rural walk in the winter, and you can find this HERE.
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City break to Edinburgh
Nearest station: Edinburgh Waverley (served by Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper, CrossCountry, LNER, Lumo, ScotRail, TransPennine Express)
Edinburgh's always a popular city with tourists. In spite of it being a bit colder in Scotland, the city still retains its magic, and there's a lot going on. Of course, winter in Edinburgh would not be complete without a mention of the famous Hogmanay celebrations that take place in the city. These include a variety of events, and one of these is a concert in Princes Street Gardens - artists to have headlined here over the years include Texas, the Pet Shop Boys, and Franz Ferdinand. It's not just about Hogmanay, though. There are still plenty of things to do in Edinburgh, and if you'd like just a taster of what else the city has to offer, you may want to have a read of our article HERE. It includes some great tips on how to get cheap train tickets for your journey to this famed Scottish city.
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Ice Rink Canary Wharf
Address: Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AB
Nearest rail access: Elizabeth line (Canary Wharf), London Underground (Jubilee line at Canary Wharf), Docklands Light Railway (West India Quay, Canary Wharf)
If you enjoy ice-skating and want to experience it while in London, why not head out to Canary Wharf for the ice rink they have there? The stations mentioned above for accessing the area are all separate stations, but they're very close to each other, so please don't worry if you accidentally go to the wrong Canary Wharf station! The rink is set up among the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, and makes quite a contrast to the buildings surrounding it. Its location makes it within easy reach of central London, and is also ideal if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city itself. There are also a few different events taking place here on select dates, so you may want to check them out & see if anything takes your fancy. If you're travelling from further afield, you may well want to plan it as part of a few days in London, so why not take a look at out article HERE for some additional inspiration of things to do in the UK's capital city? You could always use this as a chance to snag some cheap train tickets from us as well to get even more value from your time in the city!
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We very much hope that we've been able to convince you to consider exploring England, Wales, and Scotland for one of many reasons over the winter. If we have, then fantastic! If you have any questions about cheap train tickets for getting to & from any of these, please email us on customer.support@trainsplit.com, and we'll be more than happy to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a winter trip by train? Here are answers to the most common questions about finding cheap train tickets, using split ticketing, and making the most of autumn adventures across the UK.
How can I find cheap train tickets in the UK?
You can save money by booking in advance, travelling at off-peak times, and using TrainSplit to find split ticket options, often involving cheap Advance tickets. It’s a great way to cut the cost of travelling across the UK by train.
Can I use split ticketing for journeys by train?
Absolutely. Many UK train routes allow for split ticketing, meaning you can book multiple tickets for different parts of a journey and save compared to a single through fare. TrainSplit does this automatically and shows you the savings upfront.
When should I book train tickets for the best prices?
It’s best to book well in advance, as fares rise closer to the travel date. Booking 8–12 weeks ahead often gets you the lowest fares. Split ticketing can also help you save even when booking later.
Are there discounts for frequent train travellers in the UK?
Yes. A digital Railcard offers 1/3 off most fares and works alongside split ticketing for even bigger savings. It’s ideal for frequent travellers or those planning several day trips and weekend breaks.
Is it cheaper to book train tickets online or at the station?
Booking online in advance is almost always cheaper. Using TrainSplit lets you compare fares, find split ticket combinations, and avoid paying full-price walk-up fares at the station.
Can I reach winter events by train?
Yes. Many options such as the city breaks are within a short distance of train stations, making travel even easier.
Can I still travel if my original train is delayed or cancelled?
Yes. Under the National Rail Conditions of Travel, you’re entitled to take the next reasonable service to complete your journey if your train is delayed or cancelled.
When is the best time to travel for autumn events?
Trains are quieter outside peak hours. For large events like fireworks or markets, travel early and check return times in advance. Mid-morning departures often offer the best balance between comfort and cost.
How can I reduce my carbon footprint when travelling?
Travelling by train produces far fewer CO₂ emissions than driving. Visiting autumn events by rail helps reduce congestion and environmental impact while supporting sustainable tourism across the UK.
Do I need to print my train tickets?
No. Most tickets are available as e-tickets you can store on your phone. You can also collect them from a station machine with your booking reference if you prefer a paper copy.