You can’t beat a good weekend away. It’s a chance to see a city at its most lively, and the perfect opportunity to explore somewhere new. So, why not leave the car at home? Here’s our round-up of some great cities for a weekend away by train.

Where can I go for a weekend away by train?

Looking for a great night out, a chance to sample some local delicacies or to just to see the sights? There’s something for everyone, here. We’ve visited all of these places ourselves, too. Just click the link at the bottom of each entry to find out more.

Newcastle

Newcastle might have an atmosphere as a party city, but it’s so much more. By day, you can work your way around its free museums and art galleries, such as the Discovery Museum and the Baltic. Have a stroll around the Quayside and admire the many bridges, too:

Looking for a drink? Newcastle is filled with hip craft beer spots, cute cocktail bars and plenty of classic pubs for a pint. Best of all, Geordies have a reputation for just being pure friendly. Want to see what we got up to? Click here.

York

York is a perfect weekend away by train for history buffs and train geeks alike. You could walk the walls, visit the National Railway Museum and admire the facade of York Minster without spending a penny.

Don’t forget to explore the many independent shops on the Shambles, either:

Or, perhaps you just want to go out of your way to find the brilliantly named Whip-ma-Whop-ma-Gate. We paid a visit to see the sights, too.

Sheffield

So, what’s going on in the City of Seven Hills? Quite a lot, in fact, and definitely enough for a great weekend away by train! It’s filled with free museums, such as Kelham Island Museum and the Millenium Gallery. You can learn more about the rich history of Sheffield, as well as the people that make it great.

Why not shop till you drop in the Vintage stores of Division Street? Don’t forget the fried chicken at Lucky Fox, either. Or, you could take it easy and have a stroll around the Botanical Gardens: 

One of us lived and studied in Sheffield for four years, so we’ve got plenty of tips! Find out more here.

Glasgow

There’s something in Glasgow for everyone. Fancy admiring a wall covered in cars? You can do that at the Riverside Museum, for free:

It’s home to the People’s Palace and Kelvingrove Museum, too. They don’t cost a penny, either. Fancy getting closer to nature? You can go say hello to the coos in Pollok Country Park, or admire the plants in the Botanic Gardens.

Peckish? Don’t pass on the fluffy soufflé pancakes at KoKo House.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a perfect weekend away by train for music-lovers. It’s the home of so many class acts, after all. You can learn more about them in the Museum of Liverpool. No prizes for guessing which is the most famous act:

As well as soaking up some art in Tate Liverpool, you could pop out of the city and enjoy a bracing coastal walk in New Brighton or West Kirby.

Of course, you could spend an entire weekend trying to spot all of the Superlambananas. 

Is there anything else I should know?

Feeling inspired? Looking to book a ticket and have a weekend away by train? No problem. You can do it all with Railsmartr. We don’t charge any extra fees either, even if you just change your mind about your trip.