Unusual UK Events Worth the Train Trip (2025 Edition)

Pam

28 Apr 20259 min read

Get ready for a journey of quirky, offbeat, and downright eccentric events across the UK — all you need is a train ticket and an adventurous spirit!

Looking for something beyond the usual food markets and music festivals? The UK’s calendar for 2025 is packed with wonderfully weird, delightfully niche, and totally memorable events — all just a train ride away. Whether you’re into folklore, strange sports, or centuries-old traditions, we’ve got something that’ll make your next trip even more fun. Let’s dive in!

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Jack in the Green Festival – Hastings (2–5 May 2025)

Source: Hastings Traditional Jack in the Green

Step into the whimsical world of folklore at the Jack in the Green Festival in Hastings!

Dating back to 1770, this vibrant celebration marks the arrival of spring with Morris dancing, folk music, and a spectacular flower-filled parade. If you’ve never seen a May Queen crowned or watched dancers in traditional costumes twirling through the streets, this is your chance!

Getting there by train: Hastings is easily accessible via Southeastern trains from London Charing Cross, London Bridge, or Ashford International. The festival venues are within walking distance from Hastings station.

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Multitudes Festival – London (23 April – 3 May 2025)

Source: Southbank London

Looking for something a bit more refined but still brimming with creativity? The Multitudes Festival at the Southbank Centre is your ticket.

This interdisciplinary festival is a fusion of classical music, theatre, dance, and visual arts curated by Mark Ball. It’s a celebration of human expression, innovation, and cultural diversity, sure to inspire anyone with a love for the arts.

Getting there by train: Waterloo Station is a short walk from the Southbank Centre, making it easily accessible from various parts of London and beyond.

World Worm Charming Championships (21st June 2025)

Source: Nantwich News (pics of 2022 event by Jonathan White)

Yes, you read that correctly — worm charming is an official sport.

The World Worm Charming Championships takes place every year in Nantwich, Cheshire. Participants try to coax as many worms out of the ground as possible within a set time. Vibrations, music, and maybe a little luck — who knows? But it’s certainly a sight to behold.

Nearest station: Nantwich, then a short taxi, bus, or scenic walk.

Swan Upping – River Thames (14th July 2025)

Source: windsor.gov.uk

Witness a centuries-old tradition of royal swan census along the River Thames.

The Royal Swan Uppers have been counting the UK’s mute swans for centuries. Dressed in traditional scarlet uniforms, they row along the Thames, catching and releasing swans in a ceremony that’s both historical and utterly captivating.

Getting there by train: The Swan Upping route covers areas between Sunbury and Abingdon. Stations like Windsor & Eton Riverside, Reading, and Oxford provide convenient access points to various parts of the ceremony.

International Bog Snorkelling Championships (24th August 2025)

Source: Visit Wales

Why swim in a pool when you could dive into a bog?

The International Bog Snorkelling Championships in Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales, are everything you’d expect from a quirky British event. Contestants don flippers, a snorkel, and plunge into a peat bog — no front crawl allowed! It’s an absurdly fun competition and a true test of endurance.

Nearest station: Llanwrtyd, then a short walk.

The World Stone Skimming Championships (6th September 2025)

Source: stoneskimming.com

Think skipping stones is easy? Try it on Easdale Island.

Held annually in the Inner Hebrides, the World Stone Skimming Championships attract competitors from around the globe. With just three skips to make your mark, the pressure is real! Plus, the island is stunning, which makes the experience all the more memorable.

Nearest station: Oban, then ferry to Easdale Island.

Egremont Crab Fair – Cumbria (20th September 2025)

Source: egremontcrabfair.com

Prepare for one of the UK’s oldest and quirkiest festivals: the Egremont Crab Fair!

Here, you can witness the infamous gurning competition — where contestants contort their faces through horse collars — and a lively parade featuring the ‘Apple Cart’ procession. It’s pure, unfiltered British eccentricity at its best.

Getting there by train: Egremont is near Whitehaven, accessible via Northern Rail services. From Whitehaven, local buses or taxis can take you to Egremont.

The Flaming Tar Barrels of Ottery St Mary (5th November 2025)

Source: Ottery St Mary

Forget fireworks — Ottery St Mary goes full medieval with flaming tar barrels!

In one of the UK’s most intense and fiery traditions, locals hoist blazing barrels of tar and run through the streets of Ottery St Mary. It’s a jaw-dropping spectacle that’s not for the faint-hearted.

Nearest station: Feniton, then a quick bus or cab.

These events offer a delightful mix of tradition, eccentricity, and cultural richness. Traveling by train not only adds to the experience but also reduces your carbon footprint. So pack your bags, grab your railcard, and embark on an unforgettable journey across the UK’s most unique events of 2025.

How to Get There: Accessibility by Train

Getting to these quirky events is simple, and travelling by train adds an extra layer of fun to the experience. With the UK’s extensive rail network, most of these events are just a short train ride away — and often, a bit of walking or a short taxi ride is all that’s needed to reach the venue.

TrainSplit Tip:

Split ticketing isn’t just for regular train journeys. You can use it to save money on your trips to quirky events! We’ll find you the best combinations of tickets to save you a few extra pounds, even if it means splitting your journey up a bit. Trust us, the savings are worth it.

Get Sorted for Your Quirky Adventure

Ready to hit the road (or tracks)? Make your journey even smoother with a digital railcard from TrainSplit. It’s all about convenience — grab yours through the app, and you’ll have everything ready to go when you step onto that train. No paper, no hassle, just savings and a swipe of your phone. Plus, it’s the perfect way to save a bit of cash for the real fun (like maybe more snacks on your quirky day out?). Get your digital railcard here!

And if you’re planning to make your quirky adventure a little longer, why not book your accommodation in advance? With our trusty partner Booking.com, you can easily find the perfect place to stay. Whether it’s a cosy B&B by the bog snorkelling championships or a sleek city hotel near the Multitudes Festival, they’ve got you covered. Trust us, you’ll want a comfy bed after all those eccentric events!

Want to save money while chasing the UK’s quirkiest events? TrainSplit finds you the best ticket combos — even if it means splitting up your journey for big savings. Try it for your next offbeat adventure!

FAQ – All Your Quirky Event Travel Questions Answered

1. What is Split Ticketing and how does it save me money?

Split ticketing is a smart way to save on train travel by buying multiple tickets for different sections of your journey, instead of one single ticket. It works by splitting your route into smaller chunks and finding cheaper fares for each part. At TrainSplit, we do all the hard work of finding the best combinations for you so you can enjoy quirky events across the UK without breaking the bank!

2. How do I get to these quirky events by train?

Most of the events mentioned are easily accessible by train, often with a short walk or a quick taxi ride to the venue. From the Jack in the Green Festival in Hastings to the International Bog Snorkelling Championships in Llanwrtyd, we’ve got all the travel details you need. Check the train stations and routes on TrainSplit, and let us handle the journey logistics for you!

3. What’s the best way to save on train tickets?

Use a digital railcard through the TrainSplit app! Not only will you save money on your tickets, but everything you need is right there in the app. It’s a simple, convenient way to make sure you’re getting the best deal for your quirky travel plans.

4. Can I extend my stay and book accommodation near my quirky event?

Absolutely! If you’re planning to stick around after the event (because let’s be honest, you’ll probably need some time to recover from the World Worm Charming Championships), you can book your accommodation directly through our partner Booking.com. Find everything from charming B&Bs to swanky hotels, and rest up for your next adventure.

5. What happens if I miss my train or a connection?

Don’t stress — if your journey is delayed, you can claim for Delay Repay for the entire trip (not just the delayed section). As long as the delay meets the compensation threshold, you’re good to go. And yes, that applies even if you’re using split ticketing! So if you miss a connection, don’t panic. Get your claim in and get your money back. More info on delay repay here.

6. How can I plan my journey to make sure I don’t miss any quirky events?

Use TrainSplit to find the best ticket options for your route and plan ahead. We’ll show you how to get to your destination with the best ticket deals, ensuring you don’t miss any quirky fun. Need more details? Our site has everything you need to plan the perfect adventure to all of the UK’s most eccentric events.

7. What events can I attend this year that are quirky and unusual?

From the Jack in the Green Festival in Hastings to the flaming tar barrels of Ottery St Mary, and the bog snorkelling championships in Wales, 2025 is full of weird and wonderful events you don’t want to miss. TrainSplit helps you get to all of them by making your travel easy and affordable.

8. Can I bring my luggage or a pet to these events?

Most train services allow luggage, but check with your specific train operator for their baggage policies. As for pets, many trains in the UK welcome small pets, but it’s best to check with your operator in advance. For those quirky events that require an overnight stay, look for accommodation options that are pet-friendly if you’re planning to travel with a furry friend.

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