LNER
  1. Home / 
  2. Our destinations / 
  3. Discover The Best Places to Visit in The UK by Train with LNER / 
  4. Winter warmers

Winter warmers

Dive into the season with the ultimate winter warmers along the East Coast.

      Looking for the best things to do in the colder months?

      Looking for the best winter days out in the UK? From family attractions and scenic winter walks to cosy city breaks and indoor experiences, discover some of the best places to visit by train along the LNER route.

      Whether you're planning a winter weekend away, a family day out during the school holidays or simply looking for things to do during the colder months, you'll find plenty of inspiration across destinations including York, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Harrogate, London and beyond.

      Best Winter Days Out in the UK by Train

      Winter is a fantastic time to explore some of the UK's best attractions. Whether you're looking for indoor activities, family days out, wildlife experiences or cultural attractions, there are plenty of places to visit along the our route.

      From meeting reindeer in the Scottish Highlands to discovering Viking history in York and exploring immersive art in London, these attractions make excellent winter days out by train.

      Attraction

      Location

      Best for

      Price

      JORVIK Viking Centre

      York

      History and families

      From £17.50 for adults and £12.00 for children

      Cairngorm Reindeer Herd

      Aviemore

      Wildlife and families

      From £6.50 for adults and £5.50 for children for paddock visits

      RHS Garden Harlow Carr

      Harrogate

      Gardens and nature

      From £13.60

      London Zoo

      London

      Family days out

      From £27.70 for adults and £19.40 for children

      Hopetown

      Darlington

      Railway heritage

      Free entry

      Edinburgh Castle

      Edinburgh

      History and sightseeing

      From £23.50 for adults and £14.00 for children

      FRAMELESS

      London

      Immersive experiences

      From £29.50 for adults and £20.00 for children

      Winter City Breaks

      Winter is one of the best times to explore the UK's cities. With fewer crowds, cosy cafés, festive atmospheres and plenty of indoor attractions, destinations along our route are perfect for a winter city break.

      Whether you're looking for history, culture, shopping, food and drink or scenic views, these destinations offer plenty to enjoy during the colder months.

      York

      York is one of the UK's most popular city break destinations and comes into its own during winter. Wander historic streets, browse independent shops, discover centuries of history and enjoy cosy cafés tucked away throughout the city centre.

      Trains to York

      Edinburgh

      Edinburgh is an ideal winter destination thanks to its historic attractions, dramatic scenery and vibrant food and drink scene. Visitors can explore Edinburgh Castle, discover the Old Town or enjoy panoramic views from Calton Hill and Arthur's Seat

      Trains to Edinburgh

      Trains to Harrogate

      Known for its beautiful architecture, independent shops and famous tea rooms, Harrogate offers a relaxed winter escape. The spa town's welcoming atmosphere makes it a great destination for a slower-paced winter getaway.

      Trains to Harrogate

      Newcastle

      Newcastle combines culture, shopping, food and riverside scenery, making it an excellent choice for a winter city break. Museums, galleries, restaurants and independent businesses provide plenty to enjoy whatever the weather.

      Trains to Newcastle

      Romantic city breaks

      With Valentines day aproaching swiftly, check out our carefully curated romantic city breaks! From London Japanese garden strolls to York afternoon tea, a spa treat in Lincoln to picnics in Edinburgh, there's something for every couple.

      Romantic city breaks

      Christmas markets and shopping

      It wouldn't be Christmas without a traditional Christmas market. With festive treats, deliciously spiced mulled wine, and some of the UK's best craft goods, you'll find all you need to get into the Christmassy mood. So wrap up warm, grab your friends and family, and shop till you drop this winter.

      • Edinburgh Christmas Market​

        Location: Edinburgh
        Dates: 14 Nov 2026 - 3 Jan 2027
        Price: Free

        Edinburgh’s Christmas transforms the beautiful city centre with festive fun for all the family, including traditional Christmas Markets, funfair rides, spectacular live outdoor events, delicious food and drink, plus so much more.

        See more

      • York Christmas Market​

        Location: York
        Dates: 12 Nov 2026 - 21 Dec 2026
        Price: Free

        York's Christmas Market is back, with 75 alpine chalets lining Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square, the market offers a magical array of local crafts, artisan products and delicious seasonal treats.

        See more

      • Leeds Christmas Market​

        Location: Leeds
        Dates: 9 Nov 2026 - 23 Dec 2026
        Price: Free

        From festive trails and choir performances to live music and even a visit from Santa himself, there’s sure to be lots of festivities to enjoy at the Leeds Christmas Market this year.

        See more

      • Christmas Town at Bishop Auckland​

        Location: Bishop Auckland
        Dates: 3 - 6 Dec 2026
        Price: From £6 per person

        Bishop Auckland’s Christmas Town is back for 2025, and this year it’s going to be bigger and better than ever before. Santa’s grotto will be returning to the Market Place, along with the popular ice rink and Ferris wheel.

        See more

      • Leicester Square Christmas Market​

        Location: London
        Dates: Nov 2026- Jan 2027
        Price: Free

        Located in the hear of London's West End, you'll find a marvellous array of hand-crafted goods, delicious street food, and, of course, mulled wine. Plus, head to the Spiegeltent tent to catch a show from La Clique, an award-winning performance filled with cabaret and circus skills.

        See more

      Best Winter Walks by Train

      Mindfulness is one of the most important selfcare tasks you can do, from staying active to nourishing your body with healthy foods. Walking can be a great time for all to be mindful and has a positive effect on mental health. So take a break, hope on an eco-friendly LNER train and go on a walk through some of the most beautiful destinations in the UK. Below are some of the best walks on the East Coast that will help you feel revitilised and refreshed during the colder months.

      Take a coastal walk in Middlesbrough​

      Hop on an LNER train to Middlesbrough, then switch to a Northern train bound for Saltburn. Stroll the scenic coast to Redcar, relishing traditional fish and chips while you walk along the beach. Alternatively, from Middlesbrough, catch a bus to Great Ayton then walk 30 minutes to Roseberry Topping for a lovely winter hike, offering stunning Teesside views.

      Saltburn

      Fossdyke canal trail​

      Explore the picturesque Fossdyke Canal Trail, nestled between Lincoln and Saxilby. With convenient railway connections, you can easily journey to Lincoln and embark on this scenic walk. And if you prefer not to walk back, simply hop on a train from Saxilby Station back to Lincoln for a seamless return trip.

      Fossdyke canal trail​

      London City Walking​

      Embark on a journey from station to station across London, from the bustling King's Cross Station to the vibrant Waterloo Station. Discover the calm and scenic walks amidst the urban hustle, offering moments of peace in the heart of the city.

      London City Walking

      Explore Edinburgh​

      Embark on an enchanting Old Town stroll leading up to the majestic Edinburgh Castle (booking required for entry). Alternatively, venture to Carlton Hill or the iconic Arthur's Seat for breathtaking views.

      Explore Edinburgh

      York Ice Trail​

      Britain’s largest outdoor ice trail returns with over 40 hand-carved sculptures across York’s historic streets on 6 and 7 February 2027. Visitors can follow the trail map, enjoy live carving demonstrations, and warm up with hot chocolate from local cafés.

      York Ice Trail

      Food and drink festivals along our route

      Food and drinks festivals happen all year round, inviting people from all around the UK to experience food and drink from small businesses and to try new things. From Veganuary inspired festivals to chocolate festivals that will tempt you beyond reason, go somewhere new and try something new this winter!

      • York Chocolate Festival​

        Location: York
        Dates: 1-5 April 2026
        Price: Free entry, some events/activities may charge a fee
        Kid friendly? Yes

        Immerse yourself in the delights of the York Chocolate Festival from the 1st to 5th April 2026. Indulge in artisanal chocolates, professional workshops, and chocolate-themed events for a brilliant experience for everyone.

        York Chocolate Festival

      • Inverness Food and Drink Fortnight​

        Location: Inverness
        Dates: Dates TBC, expected to take place in February or March 2026
        Price: Varies depending on what restaurant you attend
        Kid friendly? Yes

        Experience foodie bliss at the Inverness and Loch Ness Food and Drink Festival Fortnight. Savor local flavors, indulge in gastronomic delights, and celebrate Scottish cuisine.

        Inverness Food and Drink Fortnight

      • Lincoln Vegan Market​

        Location: Lincoln
        Dates: 7 February 2026
        Price: Free entry, prices vary for stalls
        Kid friendly? Yes

        Explore the diverse offerings of the Lincoln Vegan Market, and discover an array of plant-based delights. Don't miss out on their other events across the UK throughout the year!

        Lincoln Vegan Market

      • Peterborough City Market and Food Hall​

        Location: Peterborough
        Dates: All year (Closed on Mondays and Sundays.
        Price: Free entry, prices for food items vary
        Kid friendly? Yes

        Visit Peterborough's City Market and Food Hall for a cosy weather-proof winter outing. Explore stalls for local butchers, fishmongers, fresh produce and plenty more. Perfect for winter warming meals or a quick snack to try local goods.

        Peterborough City Market and Food Hall

      Go by train and relax!

      • Pick your train seats​

        Choose your train seats, including which direction you would like to travel in.

        Pick your seat

      • Eat at your seat​

        Eat warm delicious food brought right to your seat.

        Eat at your seat

      • Group train travel savings​

        Travel with friends and book together and save 20%.

        Group train travel savings

      • Park your car at the station​

        Get there hassle free, leave your car at the station and avoid those motorway jams.

        Park your car at the station

      • Eco-friendly travel​

        With 70% less CO2 emissions than travelling by car, trains are the responsible way to travel.

        Eco-friendly travel

      • Get £5 free​

        Join LNER Perks to receive £5 joining credit, plus 2% cashback for every journey.

        Join LNER Perks