Railtrail Tours Blog
The 15 Best Scenic Train Rides in Switzerland (2026)
Fifteen Swiss scenic railways, from Europe’s highest station at 3,454 metres to a steam locomotive that has climbed the same mountain since 1892. This guide covers the routes worth knowing before you book: the distances, the gradients, and what needs reserving months in advance.
Written by
Railtrail - 15th June 2026
Steam Railways in Northern France: Five Days, Five Heritage Lines, and One Spectacular Festival
Railtrail Tour Manager Henry Allum spent five days in the Somme region exploring some of the finest steam railways in northern France. The tour takes in the coastal metre-gauge runs of the Baie de Somme Railway, the wartime narrow-gauge history of the Froissy Dompierre Light Railway and its annual steam festival, two exclusive private steam charters, and a ride on vintage AMITRAM trams in Lille. Every charter is arranged exclusively for the group.
Written by
Railtrail - 12th June 2026
Isle of Man Steam Railway: A Tour Manager’s Guide to Riding All Four Lines
The Isle of Man runs four working heritage railways on a single island: a Victorian steam line, an electric coastal tram, a mountain rack railway, and a narrow-gauge glen line. Railtrail’s Isle of Man Explorer covers all four in five days, with reserved train travel included from your local UK station. Read on for a day-by-day account from the Tour Manager who leads the trip.
Written by
Les Snaith - 4th June 2026
Steam Train Journeys Through the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Join Railtrail Tour Manager Les Snaith on a journey through the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, featuring heritage railways, a cruise on the River Wye and visits to historic market towns. From the Brecon Mountain Railway to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, discover the highlights of this memorable five-day tour through one of Britain’s most scenic regions.
Written by
Les Snaith - 2nd June 2026
Exploring Heritage Railways in Yorkshire & Herriot Country
Elegant Harrogate, steam on the Embsay Railway and a visit to the World of James Herriot: our escorted Yorkshire rail break packed heritage, scenery and memorable experiences into five days. Here’s a look back at the tour, day by day.
Written by
Les Snaith - 28th May 2026
The Best Places to Visit in Scandinavia and the Best Time to Go
Planning a trip to Scandinavia? This guide covers the best times and places to visit across Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, from summer fjords and midnight sun to winter Christmas markets, to help you plan the perfect Scandinavian rail holiday.
Written by
Railtrail - 20th May 2026