Over the course of two hours and 24 minutes, it’s possible to trundle through some of the most striking countryside the UK has to offer.
The direct route from Sheffield to Filey delivers a particularly scenic journey for, according to Split My Fare, just £4 return. Although when not booked weeks in advance, the cost is close to £20.
This Yorkshire route feels like a miniature cross-country adventure. Trains slip out of Sheffield’s industrial edges and into open moorland, passing patchwork fields, stone villages and wide skies that seem to stretch for miles. By the time you reach the coast, the scenery softens into sea breezes and the long sandy arc of Filey Bay. For the price of a coffee and croissant, you can swap city pavements for cliffs, beach walks and fish-and-chips on the promenade.
Along the way you’ll get to soak in the iconic vista of the massive Humber Bridge, which is best viewed from the elevated position of the train bridge to appreciate its immense span against the surrounding estuary. From Hull the train runs up the coastline, through seaside classics such as Bridlington and Bempton, with the North Sea to the east and the rolling Yorkshire moors to the west. Filey itself is a charming coastal town that is well worth spending a summer’s afternoon in.
Filey Brigg path is excellent for coastal walks and rich birdwatching is on offer at Filey Dams. The main event, however, is the five miles of sandy beach. At two and a half hours long, the Northern Rail service along the 75-mile route isn’t likely to win any speed awards anytime soon, but it’s a fantastic, affordable way to see a charming corner of Britain.
As much as the Sheffield to Hull route is busy commuter service, the Hull to Scarborough line is relatively underused given how many excellent seaside towns feature along the way.
Google search data analysed by Split My Fare shows that searches for “best train journeys” have risen by more than 70% in the past two years, while “day trips by train” is up over 40%. Even searches for “cheap train tickets” remain high, suggesting that Britons are actively looking for affordable, scenic ways to explore the country.
Pete Walls, co-founder of Split My Fare, said: « People often assume the most scenic routes or holidays are the most expensive. But some of Britain’s best views sit on everyday lines, and with smart ticketing, you can enjoy a full day out for well under a tenner. »
Part of that shift is cultural. Creators like Geoff Marshall and TikTok favourite Francis Bourgeois have helped turn train travel into a form of slow-travel escapism, with millions tuning in to watch Britain’s landscapes glide past carriage windows.
Four more picturesque, budget-friendly journeys across Britain
Nottingham to Hebden Bridge: £4.00 Return (2hr 40min Each Way)
If you like your landscapes with a hint of poetry, this Pennine journey delivers. The line climbs gradually through valleys and over moorland ridges before descending into Hebden Bridge, a creative town framed by steep hills and threaded with canals. Independent bookshops, cafés, and riverside walks make it a gentle escape from city life, and it’s astonishingly cheap considering the variety of scenery along the way.
Chester to Llandudno: £5.50 Return (1hr 7min Each Way)
A coastal classic, leaving Chester’s historic centre, the line follows the North Wales shoreline, offering moments where sea and sky merge and the water seems almost within arm’s reach. Llandudno awaits with its grand Victorian promenade, pier, and the looming presence of the Great Orme. It’s one of the easiest ways to inject a bit of seaside charm into a weekend without committing to a long journey or high fare.
Carlisle to Oxenholme: £6.90 Return (34min Each Way)
One of the shortest journeys on the list, but the Cumbrian scenery makes every minute count. The train cuts through rolling farmland under big, open skies, and as you approach Oxenholme, the Lake District fells begin to emerge on the horizon. It’s a compact route that packs in far more landscape than the half-hour duration suggests.
Plymouth to Truro: £9.75 Return (1hr 11min Each Way)
Cornwall’s relaxed pace is woven into this journey from the start. The line winds past quiet rivers, wooded valleys and long estuary views, with elegant stone viaducts bridging the landscape at intervals. Truro itself is compact and easy to explore, with independent shops and cafés clustered around the cathedral. There are also plenty of other stunning train journeys across the UK that can be enjoyed for under £10 and are well worth exploring.
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