Your ultimate UK destination guide

Chocolate-making at The Chocolate Story, whizzing around the Railway Museum and a Fish & Chips river cruise, York for the whole clan. Drop down to find out what to do when in York!

1. Start your adventure with something sweet by visiting

   York’s Chocolate Story. Here, families are taken through the rich history of chocolate-making in the city, complete with the chance to create their own treats. Continue the indulgence with the Chocolate and Sweet Treasure Trail, a clue-hunting adventure through the city that turns sightseeing into a delicious, playful challenge.

2. For curious minds eager to explore how the world works, the

   National Railway Museum is a must-visit destination and is home to around one hundred iconic locomotives and a treasure trove of railway history for all ages. Inside, you'll find Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery, where hands-on exhibits, science shows, and creative play zones are designed to spark imagination and inspire young scientists.

3. History buffs will love York Castle Museum, where immersive exhibits take you on a journey through Britain’s past, from the cobbled streets of the Victorian era to the challenges of wartime Britain.

4. If you fancy taking to the water, City Cruises York offers something for everyone – from sightseeing cruises with live commentary to self-drive boats, and even a Fish & Chips cruise (complete with ice cream!).

York is a city that turns every family day out into an adventure, where history, play, and discovery come together to build memories that last a lifetime. Book your train to York with LNER now.

Ideal for a day trip or weekend escape, Falkirk offers a refreshing mix of history, creativity and green space, earning its title as the best Scottish destination for families. Direct LNER trains from Edinburgh Waverley to Falkirk Grahamston take just 27 minutes.

1. Start your visit at The Helix, a vibrant space with children’s adventure play areas, splash fountains, woodlands, and wildlife walks. It’s also home to the iconic Kelpies, towering 30-metre-high horse-head sculptures that wow children and adults alike, and which are especially magical when illuminated at night. Follow the Heart of Falkirk Trail from here to discover more of the town’s green spaces and canal paths, ideal for walking or cycling together as a family.

2. For a hands-on history lesson, the elegant Callendar House is a grand mansion where you can step back into centuries past, all set in the leafy Callendar Park. Here, families can explore Georgian kitchens, Roman artefacts, and tales of Mary, Queen of Scots. Just outside is the ancient Antonine Wall – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once marked the edge of the Roman Empire.

3. Hop onboard a steam train on the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, with scenic views and home to Scotland’s largest railway museum. Fancy a film? The vintage Hippodrome Cinema in Bo’ness is the oldest purpose-built cinema in Scotland. And if you’re up for a quirky detour, check out the Dunmore Pineapple - a giant stone pineapple in the middle of the countryside, and the perfect setting for a family picnic you won’t soon forget.

1. Begin your adventure with a trip to

   Grainger Market. This historic indoor space has been a local favourite since 1835, and today it's a hub for environmentally-conscious shopping, where the past meets the future in a vibrant blend of organic local flavours and vintage fashion finds. It’s an ideal place to explore what sustainable living can look like in practice.

2. A short stroll from Newcastle Central Station takes you to the

   Quayside, where you can soak up views of the iconic Tyne bridges, browse the Sunday outdoor market, and tuck into locally-made organic food, while supporting North East artisans. Music fans can take things up a notch with a visit to The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, which has been recognised with awards for both sustainability and accessibility. It’s a brilliant spot for live performances, hands-on workshops, and family-friendly fun.

3. Getting around is easy on foot, by bike, or via the Tyne & Wear Metro, which connects you with beaches and neighbouring towns in minutes. When it’s time to refuel, Newcastle delivers with eco-conscious eateries like

   Blackfriars, known for seasonal menus sourced from local farms and fishermen.

It’s easy to get there. LNER high-speed trains between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh stop at Newcastle Central Station, as do trains to Inverness and Aberdeen, so start planning your sustainable visit to Newcastle today.

1. Start your day with a walking tour of the city centre, taking in the historic

   Mercat Cross, the imposing Marischal College, and cultural gems like Aberdeen Art Gallery. Stop for a coffee at Books and Beans, a Fairtrade café and second-hand bookshop, or enjoy a bite at Foodstory Café that's known for its cosy, community-focused space and plant-based dishes.

2. Aberdeen might be famous for its grey stone, but it's greener than you might think. Duthie Park is a Victorian gem with rolling lawns, ornate greenhouses, a boating pond and a fantastic children’s play area. It's a great spot for a relaxed afternoon or an energy-burning adventure for your little ones.

3. Staying on the coast, Torry Battery is an old fort overlooking the harbour and one of the UK's best places for dolphin spotting. Bottlenose dolphins are often seen feeding in the surrounding waters, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

4. Just a short trip down the coast, Stonehaven Beach offers a breath of sea air. Whether you're into watersports, wildlife-watching or just fancy a brisk seaside walk, it's a refreshing way to round off your visit.

Discover sustainable travel the easy way – plan your next trip to Aberdeen with LNER.

1. Start your cultural journey with a visit to

   King’s College Chapel, where Gothic grandeur meets musical mastery. Its soaring fan-vaulted ceiling and world-famous stained glass windows inspire awe, and the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols draws visitors from around the globe.

2. Just a short stroll away, the Fitzwilliam Museum offers free access to world-class art and artefacts spanning continents and centuries. With treasures ranging from ancient Egypt to Impressionist paintings, it’s a cultural gem that rivals any London gallery.

3. Cambridge’s theatrical scene is just as rich as the capital city’s. The Cambridge Arts Theatre hosts major touring productions, from West End musicals to thought-provoking drama. If you’re after something more experimental, Cambridge Junction serves up an eclectic mix of live music, comedy and contemporary performance.

4. No trip to Cambridge is complete without meandering through the historic university colleges. Wander under the iconic Mathematical Bridge at Queens’, explore the grandeur of Trinity, or pause for reflection in the peaceful gardens along the River Cam. To see these from a different angle, hop onboard a traditional punting tour where guides share fascinating stories as you glide past its most iconic spires and bridges.

5. When it’s time to refuel, The Eagle Pub is a must-visit. Not only is it one of the oldest inns in Cambridge, but it's also famously known as the spot where C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien once gathered with other members of the literary group The Inklings. It's also the place where the discovery of DNA was first publicly announced!

1. Start with Stirling Castle, a place of grandeur, drama and significance. Once the seat of Scottish royalty, it’s a treasure trove of art, costume and historical re-enactments. From its elevated position, you’ll enjoy sweeping views over the Highlands and the surrounding countryside. The National Wallace Monument pays tribute to the legendary freedom fighter through artefacts and immersive exhibits – be sure to climb to the top for some unbeatable panoramic views!

2. Art and history combine at the Stirling Smith Art Gallery, home to more than 40,000 objects that chart the city's heritage from ancient artefacts to modern art. For an alternative look back at Stirling’s past, visit the Old Town Jail, where immersive tours reveal tales of crime and reform.

3. No visit is complete without experiencing the Battle of Bannockburn Experience, where cutting-edge 3D technology lets you step onto a medieval battlefield and relive a pivotal moment in Scottish history.

Book your next cultural escape to Stirling with LNER and explore this inspiring city by train!

1. Start with a stroll along York’s City Walls – the longest intact medieval town walls in England. The full 2 mile loop offers towers, views, and a walk through history. For something more playful, Go Quest Adventures takes you on a self-guided treasure hunt through hidden corners of the city.

2. Prefer to explore on two wheels? A York Cycling Tour is a great way to see the city’s hidden corners, historic sites and riverside paths, all guided by a local expert. Whether you’re in it for the fresh air, family bonding or just a change pace, York offers the ideal mix of city charm and countryside calm.

3. When it’s time to slow the pace, Homestead Park offers 14 acres of ornamental gardens, wildflower meadows and open space, It is perfect for a peaceful stroll, a picnic under the trees or just enjoying nature.

Book your train to York and start your adventure, stress-free!

1. One of the best ways to experience the area is by taking to the water. Daily boat tours on Loch Ness offer panoramic views and the chance to spot wildlife, and the area is ideal for paddleboarding, fishing, or a canoe tour along the loch’s quieter southern shore. For a more thrilling ride, hop on a rib boat or explore the Moray Firth on a dolphin-spotting trip, departing from Inverness Marina.

2. Back on land, there are miles of walking trails, scenic woodland routes, and waterfalls within easy reach.

   The Falls of Foyers and Plodda Falls are especially worth the climb, offering peaceful woodland walks and breathtaking views. Be sure to bring your walking shoes, camera and a picnic for the ideal day out!

Planning your next nature-filled escape? Take the train to Inverness with LNER to get straight to the great outdoors.

1. Topping our table with the highest number of Michelin recommended restaurants per capita, plus standout scores for food experiences and Instagram buzz, it’s a city that truly delivers on taste. You don’t need a big budget to eat well here; street food stalls and independent cafés are where this place shines.

2. Seafood is a staple here, from the classic fish ‘n’ chips at The Regency– a Brighton institution with unbeatable sea views – to The Little Fish Market, the city’s most-awarded fine dining spot, known for its elegant tasting menus.

3. For casual grazing, Brighton Open Market is a foodie’s playground. Just five minutes from the station, it’s home to independent traders, international street food stalls, and local Sussex producers serving up everything from vegan burgers to handmade pastries. Or head to Shelter Hall, Brighton’s next-gen food hall with rotating kitchens, live music, and a sea-view terrace that’s made for summer evenings.

4. The city’s food scene is as diverse as it is dynamic. Moshimo brings sleek, sustainable Japanese dining to the South Coast, while The Chilli Pickle – Brighton’s best-loved Indian restaurant – serves up bold, aromatic dishes full of colour and creativity.

5. If you prefer plant-based produce, you’re in the right place. Brighton was crowned the UK’s most vegan-friendly city in our past research, meaning there’s something on the menu, whatever your tastes. Don’t miss local favourite Food For Friends for relaxed dining with a focus on fresh, sustainable ingredients.

6. After lunch, there’s no shortage of ways to work up your next appetite. Explore Brighton Pavilion Gardens, try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding, take a dip in the sea or take in the views from the Brighton i360.

Brighton is just 1 hour 20 minutes by train from London, with LNER trains to Newcastle, York, and Edinburgh running twice an hour from London King's Cross.

1. The Scottish capital’s food scene is as diverse as it is dynamic, with everything from creative cafés and wine bars, to fine dining institutions. If you're in the mood for casual excellence, then

   Ardfern in Leith, led by local chef Roberta Hall-McCarron, offers standout brunches by day and bold, globally-inspired plates by night. For something truly special, head next door to her flagship restaurant, The Little Chartroom, for refined, ingredient-led cooking.

2. Early risers should make a beeline for Lannan, known for its unmissable pastries (but be sure to get there early!). Or grab coffee from local favourites like Artisan Roast or Modern Standard, before settling in for a leisurely brunch at The Palmerston, where a seasonal set lunch might just steal the show.

3. Edinburgh’s independent culinary scene is thriving too – whether it’s sourdough toasties at Smith & Gertrude, fresh pasta from Aemilia, or mortadella-filled schiacciata at Mootz, the city delivers serious flavour for every budget and taste. And for those with a sweet tooth? Lovecrumbs, 101 Bakery, and Mary’s Milk Bar are essential stops.

4. There’s more to Edinburgh than food, of course. Why not end the day with a gentle punt along the Union Canal

   or a sunset stroll up Calton Hill? It’s the kind of city that invites you to slow down, soak it in and make the most of a weekend away.

Hungry for a trip that tastes as good as it looks? Book cheap train tickets to Edinburgh with LNER with no booking fees, and start planning your perfect foodie adventure!