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Top 5 places you wouldn’t believe are in the UK

Fancy a trip to faraway lands without the flight? Get inspired by our pick of places you wouldn’t believe are in the UK and take the family on a weekend break.

      Finding new experiences to share with the family be a tricky task, especially when travelling abroad seems off the menu.

      So we’ve searched our route the entire length of the country to discover some jaw-dropping hidden gems for you to explore with the little ones. The stunning and exotic is closer to home than you thought!

      From epic landscapes to magical moments, there’s something to delight all members of the family. Plus, reaching these destinations is easy, convenient and relaxing when you go by LNER train (no more “are we nearly there yet” in a motorway traffic jam!), so get booking.

      • Northern lights​

        You have to be lucky but, believe it or not, you can actually view the northern lights just outside of Edinburgh in Belhaven Bay. One of the greatest natural wonders you can ever witness is just a train ride away!

        Location: Belhaven Bay
        Price: FREE
        Dates: September - March
        Nearest LNER station: Edinburgh Waverley
        Getting there from the station: 1 hour bus
        Kid friendly: Yes

        Trains to Edinburgh

      • Malham Cove​

        Yorkshire has a lot to offer, but the Malham Cove is something very different, with a waterfall, valley views and a striking limestone formation from the Ice Age.

        Location: Malham
        Price: FREE
        Dates: All year round
        Nearest LNER station: Skipton
        Getting there from the station: 1 hour bus + 20 min walk
        Kid friendly: Yes

        Trains to Skipton

      • National Monument​

        Standing on top of Calton Hill in Edinburgh, this unfinished monument was originally designed as a replica of the Parthenon in Athens. So if you can’t get to Greece this year, try this!

        Location: Calton Hill, Edinburgh
        Price: FREE
        Dates: All year round
        Nearest LNER station: Edinburgh Waverley
        Getting there from the station: 5 min walk
        Kid friendly: Yes

        Trains to Edinburgh

      • Kyoto Garden​

        A garden that will transport you to Japan while in the heart of London. It’s a surreal and tranquil experience and it’s really worth a visit for a couple’s stroll or a family adventure.

        Location: Holland Park, London
        Price: FREE
        Times: 07:30 - 20:00
        Nearest LNER Station: London King’s Cross
        Getting there from the station: 35 min tube
        Kid friendly: Yes

        Trains to London

      • Lunan Bay​

        This is a beautiful, sandy stretch of beach backed by dunes on the East Coast of Scotland. Take a trip for endless fun in the sand and magnificent views.

        Location: Montrose, Scotland
        Price: FREE
        Date: All year round
        Nearest LNER station: Montrose
        Getting there from the station: 29 min bus
        Kid friendly: Yes

        Trains to Montrose

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