8 of the best railway carriage holidays in the UK
From vintage Victorian carriages to first-class cabins
Posted on 04-12-24, updated on 16-06-25By: Sarah R. | 4 minute read
Sprat and Winkle in Horsebridge, Suffolk
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If you're looking for a unique and memorable hoiday in the UK, why not consider staying in a converted train carriage? From cosy couples retreats to family-friendly escapes, there are a variety of options to suit a range of tastes and ages. In this blog post, we'll take a look at 8 of our best train carriage holidays in the UK, highlighting the features and amenities that make each one stand out. Whether you're a railway enthusiast or simply looking for one-of-a-kind accommodation, these converted carriages are sure to make for an unforgettable stay.
For more quirky stays, check out our complete glamping collection, or discover our top treehouse stays in the UK and our top safari tent stays in the UK.
Best luxury train carriage
The Stannington Pullman - near Morpeth, Northumberland
Worrying that a train carriage holiday means sacrificing style and comfort? Introducing The Stannington Pullman! This luxurious train was running as recently as 2020, and offers a first-class stay near the East Coast Mainline between Newcastle and Morpeth. Railway enthusiasts will love this location, with plenty of train-spotting opportunities right on your doorstep, while those who want to explore the area should head west for Northumberland National Park or east for the Northumberland Coast.
Tip: As the site is so close to the East Coast Mainline, there is some noise from passing trains.
Best family-friendly train carriage
Brockford Railway Sidings - Railway Carriage Two - Brockford, Suffolk
If you want to take the kids away for a fun and unique UK break, then Brockford Railway Sidings - Railway Carriage Two is our pick! Located in the middle of the Suffolk countryside, near the pretty villages of Debenham and Mendlesham, this 2-bedroom carriage offers something for both adults and kids. Onsite, you can make the most of shared amenities including an indoor swimming pool, hot tub and children's play area. Don't miss a day out on the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway, which has some great family-friendly events throughout the year, such as the Easter Steam Up in the spring and Santa Specials at Christmas.
Tip: There are several converted train carriages to choose from at Brockford Railway Sidings - ideal if you're travelling with another family.
Best train carriage with a hot tub
Thursford Holidays - Just the Ticket - Thursford, Norfolk
Trains and private hot tubs don't usually go together, but at this glamping getaway in Norfolk they certainly do! Thursford Holidays - Just the Ticket is a stylish Vicotrian railway carriage in the pretty village of Thursford, near Fakenham, in North Norfolk. As well as having its own private hot tub, Just the Ticket also has a cosy wood burner, a pretty garden patio and characterful interiors. The local village is well known for its annual Christmas Spectacular and the Thursford Steam Museum (open April-September), whilst the beautiful beaches and market towns along the North Norfolk Coast are only a short drive away.
Best coastal train carriage
Elsie - near Minehead, Somerset
A characterful stay on the coast awaits you at this charming converted railway carriage near Minehead in Somerset. Elsie sits right by the West Somerset Railway line and offers sea views from every room! If you want to get moving, you can hop aboard the West Somerset Railway from the nearby seaside village of Blue Anchor, which is also home to a long sand-and-shingle beach. The medieval village of Dunster, known for its impressive castle, is less than 10 minutes' drive away.
Best dog-friendly train carriage
Sprat and Winkle - Horsebridge, Hampshire
Set in the Hampshire countryside, near the River Test, Sprat and Winkle is a lovingly restored train carriage with bags of character. Whilst it's a great option regardless of whether you have a dog, we do think it's a particularly great place to bring your pooch, with a garden for them to run around in and plenty of lovely walks along the famous Test Way. Just down the road you'll find the John O'Gaunt Inn, which is a great dog-friendly pub where you can enjoy a drink and a bite to eat after your walk.
Best train carriage for couples
Nirvana - Tiverton, Devon
Glamping is a unique and special way to spend a romantic weekend with your partner, and this dreamy train carriage near Tiverton in Devon ticks all the boxes. Appropriately named Nirvana, you can wake up to an incredible view of the valley from your cosy bedroom, before embarking on a walk in the nearby Exmoor National Park or heading for a daytrip to one of the beautiful beaches along the North Devon Coast. In the evening, it's all about cooking up a tasty meal in your barbecue hut and stargazing from your private wood-fired hot tub.
Best train carriage for a large group
Byeways - Railway Carriage - Selsey, West Sussex
Fill your own train carriage with this converted Pullman Railway Carriage in Selsey, right on the tip of the West Sussex Coast. Byeways - Railway Carriage sleeps an impressive 11 guests (plus one dog), with 6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. There's also a large private garden with a barbecue, perfect for entertaining on a warm summer's day! And if you're visiting with the kids, Selsey Beach is just down the road, with its shingle shores, playground, family café and promenade. There are also plenty of great pubs, restaurants and fish-and-chip shops.
All aboard for a unique staycation!
With so many unique options to choose from, train carriage holidays in the UK are a great way to create lasting memories with your loved ones. From tranquil countryside settings to scenic coastal locations, each carriage offers its own special charm and personality. So, why not book your tickets and hop aboard one of these quirky carriages to experience the magic of a railway adventure like never before?
Book your stay in a converted train carriage today, or check out our full UK glamping collection for even more inspiration!
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