Summer’s not over yet, and neither is your chance to escape. Whether you’re craving coastlines, countryside, or a new city to wander through, there’s still time to make a break for it. Even better? You can do it without torching your wallet.
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Here are a few smart, last-minute tips to help you get out of town by train, and still have money left for a decent lunch when you get there.
The TrainSplit app makes it easy to find cheaper alternative journeys through split ticketing.
Download the app
The TrainSplit app helps you find better fares by splitting your tickets. Available on iOS and Android, just search for TrainSplit in your app store and start saving today!
1. Travel on the ‘in-between’ days
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Everyone’s after the same peak days - Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons are when prices and crowds surge. But if you can travel mid-morning Tuesday, or early evening Saturday, you’ll often find trains quieter and cheaper.
Bonus tip: If you’re flexible on return, look at Monday morning trains, some are surprisingly affordable.
2. Don’t be afraid of the underdog destinations
Brighton, York, and Edinburgh are classics, but they’re also crowded, pricey, and booked solid this time of year. If you’re after somewhere with just as much charm (and fewer selfie sticks), try one of these less-obvious gems instead:
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Berwick-upon-Tweed – A walled town on the Scottish border with big sea views and even bigger skies. You’ll find peaceful beaches, coastal walks, and just enough history to wander through at your own pace. Bonus: it’s still on the mainline, so easy to reach.
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Hebden Bridge – A creative, laid-back town nestled in the Calder Valley, full of bookshops, galleries, indie cafes, and canal walks. It’s got just enough quirk to feel like a proper escape, without the London-on-holiday price tag. Good train links via Leeds or Manchester.
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Margate – Part-hipster revival, part-throwback seaside town, with roller discos, galleries, and a beach that actually delivers. Expect a side of grit with your sunset view, but that’s half the charm. Trains from St Pancras are direct and usually pretty frequent.
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Shrewsbury – Think Tudor streets, a lazy river loop, and a food scene that punches well above its weight. It’s the kind of place where you can eat well, walk it off, and stumble into a great pub without trying. Underrated for a weekend away.
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St Ives (Cambridgeshire, not Cornwall) – Less coast, more quiet charm. This riverside town has historic streets, boat trips, and just enough buzz for a day or overnight break. Ideal if you want a countryside feel without going deep rural.
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Matlock Bath – A strange and brilliant mash-up: seaside resort energy in the middle of Derbyshire. Think cable cars, arcades, fish and chips, and dramatic limestone cliffs. Perfect if you like your day trips slightly odd (in the best way).
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Lytham St Annes – Like Blackpool’s grown-up sibling: calmer, prettier, and with way better coffee. You still get sea air and a proper prom, but without the hen party chaos. Ideal for a chill beach walk and a smart lunch.
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Dundee – Scotland’s most overlooked city is now punching back — with the V&A Dundee, a buzzing waterfront, and one of the UK’s most underrated dining scenes. Trains are easy from Edinburgh or Glasgow, and the views en route are part of the fun.
These destinations often have more last-minute availability and lower prices, but still offer a proper break from your postcode. And isn’t that the point?
3. Use your railcards properly (and stack them)
If you’ve got a railcard, use it. If you don’t, check if you’re eligible. And yes, even last-minute travellers can benefit, you can buy and activate most railcards instantly.
Got two travelling together? The Two Together Railcard is criminally underrated. £35 for a year’s worth of 1/3 off fares, often paid for in one trip.
4. Book while you’re walking, seriously
Train prices fluctuate, and mobile availability is your friend. Seen a decent fare? Don’t hesitate. You don’t need to be home in front of a laptop to book. The TrainSplit app lets you lock in your seat wherever you are. Queueing for coffee? Book it. Waiting for a friend? Book it.
Last-minute travel rewards the bold (and the prepared).
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.
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5. Pack light and avoid ticket machines
When you book through the TrainSplit site or app, e-tickets are selected by default (where available), meaning there’s no need to print anything or collect from a machine. Your ticket lives on your phone, ready to scan at the gate.
It’s one less thing to think about, and it gets you straight to the platform without delays.
6. Treat yourself with the savings
If your ticket comes in cheaper than expected (and it often will), use the extra to upgrade your trip — not your seat. Book that table by the sea, get the museum pass, or grab an extra cocktail before your return train.
That’s the point of travelling affordably: to enjoy more when you get there.
Ready to go?
You’ve still got time to squeeze one last adventure out of summer. Open the app, see where you can get to, and book it. No planning panic, no overspending, no fuss.
Just you, the train, and somewhere else for a while.
Buy a digital Railcard
If you’re eligible, you can buy a Railcard instantly and store it digitally in the TrainSplit app. It applies automatically at checkout, and your savings start right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the cheapest days to travel by train in the UK?
Midweek days like Tuesday and Wednesday tend to be cheaper, especially during mid-morning or late evening times. Avoid peak travel windows like Friday afternoons or Sunday evenings.
Are e-tickets available on all routes?
E-tickets are available on most major routes and are selected by default when you book with TrainSplit. You can scan them directly from your phone — no need to print.
Can I use a digital Railcard with TrainSplit?
Yes! Buy and activate a digital Railcard instantly, and it will automatically apply eligible discounts during booking on TrainSplit’s site or app.
What if my destination isn’t on a direct train route?
TrainSplit automatically finds the best route options, including changes if needed, to get you there affordably. No need to plan connections manually.
Are last-minute train tickets more expensive?
Not always. With the right timing (off-peak travel, railcards), you can still snag affordable fares — even on the day of travel. Flexibility is key.
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Help and FAQs:
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Remember, if you have any questions about train travel or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our team. We're here to help you plan a memorable journey.
