Half term has a funny way of creeping up. One minute you’re congratulating yourself on surviving January, the next you’re staring down a week of “I’m bored” before 9am. The good news? You don’t need a car, a passport, or a second mortgage to keep everyone entertained.
Travelling by train at half term is one of the easiest ways to escape the house, see something new, and stay vaguely sane. No traffic. No motorway services arguments. Just sit down, snacks at the ready, and let someone else do the driving.
With TrainSplit, you can also keep costs down by automatically finding cheaper fares, including split tickets and Railcard discounts, which is especially handy when you’re booking for more than one person.
More Splits, More Savings! Find cheaper train tickets by splitting your fares with the TrainSplit app. Download now on iOS or Android - search for TrainSplit in your app store.
Get the app
Why trains make half term easier
Family travel can be… a lot. Trains quietly remove most of the stress.
You can move around instead of being strapped into a seat. Toilets are always on hand. Screens work better. And nobody has to concentrate on the road while refereeing the back seat.
Add in off-peak fares, Railcards, and split tickets, and suddenly half-term travel looks a lot more affordable than you might expect.
Family-friendly half-term destinations by train
York: History, trains, and proper hot chocolate
Image credit: PhilMacPhotography | Canva Pro
York is a half-term classic for a reason. The National Railway Museum is free, enormous, and brilliant for all ages, especially if you have kids who like big engines and buttons to press. Outside the museum, you’ve got city walls to walk, ghost stories to discover, and enough cafés to refuel cold hands.
York station sits right on the East Coast Main Line, with direct trains from London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds, and beyond. Once you arrive, everything is walkable, which means less logistics and more exploring.
Cardiff: Castles, arcades, and sea air
Image credit: RomanBabakin | Canva Pro
If your family likes variety, Cardiff delivers. You’ve got Cardiff Castle right in the city centre, indoor Victorian arcades for rainy days, and Cardiff Bay just a short train ride away for waterfront walks and science centres.
Cardiff Central is a major hub with direct services from London, Bristol, Birmingham, and the Midlands. It’s an easy city to navigate with kids and a great option if you want culture without feeling overwhelmed.
Manchester: Museums that don’t feel like homework
Image credit: Benedek | Canva Pro
Manchester is packed with hands-on museums that actually keep children interested. Think Science and Industry Museum, football stadium tours, and indoor attractions perfect for unpredictable February weather.
Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria are well connected from across the UK, and local trains and trams make getting around straightforward once you’re there.
Edinburgh: Big views, big stories, no long drives
Image credit: Daniel J. Shwarz | Canva Pro
Edinburgh feels like a storybook city, which makes it ideal for half term. You’ve got the castle, Arthur’s Seat, museums, and winding streets that turn a simple walk into an adventure.
Trains run direct to Edinburgh Waverley from London, Newcastle, York, and many other cities. Once you arrive, you’re right in the centre, which is ideal when small legs start to tire.
How to save money on half-term train travel
Half term doesn’t automatically mean expensive, especially if you plan smart.
Booking in advance helps, but flexibility helps even more. Travelling slightly earlier or later in the day often unlocks cheaper fares. TrainSplit automatically checks split ticket combinations for your journey, showing you legal ways to pay less without changing trains.
Railcards make a big difference too. Family & Friends Railcards, Two Together Railcards, and 16–25 Railcards can all significantly reduce the total cost, especially when travelling as a group.
Digital Railcards: one less thing to remember
If you don’t already have a digital Railcard, half term is a good excuse to get one sorted.
You can buy and use a digital Railcard through TrainSplit, which means no plastic cards, no printing, and no rummaging through bags at the gate. Your Railcard lives on your phone, ready to show whenever it’s needed.
It also makes booking faster, as your discount is automatically applied when searching for tickets. Fewer steps. Fewer chances to forget something important.
Make the journey part of the holiday
Image source: Shutterstock
Half-term trips don’t have to be about packing the schedule. Some of the best moments happen on the train itself.
Bring snacks you don’t usually buy. Download a film “just for the journey”. Let the kids watch the countryside change out of the window. It’s a rare bit of enforced downtime, and that’s no bad thing.
With TrainSplit handling the ticket side of things, you can focus on the fun bits.
Ready to plan your half-term escape?
Half term doesn’t need to be complicated. Pick a destination, book your tickets, and let the train take the strain. Cheaper fares, easier journeys, and far fewer arguments than the car.
Plan your half-term trip with TrainSplit and make the journey part of the holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is travelling by train a good option for half term?
Yes. Trains remove the stress of driving, offer more space for children, and often work out cheaper when you use off-peak fares, Railcards, and split tickets.
Is half-term train travel expensive?
It can be, but booking early, travelling off-peak, and using split tickets can significantly reduce the cost. TrainSplit automatically shows the cheapest available option.
Can families sit together on trains?
Many services offer seat reservations, which can help families sit together. Availability depends on the operator and the specific train.
Do Railcards work during half term?
Yes. Railcards are valid during half term and can offer substantial savings, especially for families travelling together.
What is a digital Railcard?
A digital Railcard is stored on your phone instead of a plastic card. It’s quicker to use and easier to keep track of when travelling.
Can I use split tickets with children?
Yes. Split tickets are fully valid for families as long as the train stops at the split stations. TrainSplit handles this automatically.
Are trains reliable during winter half term?
Most UK trains run normally during winter. Checking live timetables before travel helps you stay informed if conditions change.
Do I need to print tickets for train travel?
No. Digital tickets and Railcards can be stored in the TrainSplit app and scanned directly at the station.
How late can I book half-term train tickets?
You can book right up until departure, but prices are usually lower when booked earlier or outside peak travel times.
