Stunning UK train journey named among Lonely Planet's travel list for 2025

Lonely Planet has just released its eagerly awaited Best in Travel guide for 2025, highlighting 30 must-see destinations for the forthcoming year. The globally respected travel authority has also shared its top 10 travel trends, with train hopping predicted to be a popular choice.

From grand cross-continental trips to local journeys and day trips, train hopping turns any journey into an adventure in itself. One railway stretch ideal for a countryside to coast trip is conveniently located in Yorkshire.

Tucked away in the scenic landscape of northern England, The Bentham Line offers more than just a train ride; it's a chance to soak up the peaceful allure of the countryside. Operating between Leeds, Lancaster and Morecambe, this historic route winds through quaint villages, verdant rolling hills and historic towns, inviting travellers to take a step back in time.

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For over 170 years, The Bentham Line has served as a vital link for local communities, connecting them to vibrant cities whilst maintaining their rural charm.

The stunning 75-mile (120 km) trans-pennine journey starts from the heart of West Yorkshire, traverses beautiful valleys, passes the Ribblehead Viaduct and the Yorkshire Dales National Park before arriving at the picturesque shores of Morecambe Bay.

The Bentham Line, part of Scenic Rail Britain, is a community rail partnership (CRP) that brings together local community groups and organisations to enhance the public's rail experience. The journey begins at Leeds Station and heads westward, leaving the city's hustle and bustle behind to reveal the tranquil Yorkshire Dales, reports the Manchester Evening News.

With stops at Shipley, Bingley and Keighley, it's only a 30-minute ride to Skipton, known as the "Gateway to the Dales". Skipton, with its historic cobbled High Street and famous 900 year old castle, is a hub of history and natural beauty.

It attracts visitors from all over who come to explore the iconic castle, browse the marketplace and discover a variety of independent shops, pubs and eateries. Giggleswick is another popular stop.

This picturesque village near the market town of Settle boasts many fine houses and an historic church with numerous intriguing features. The copper dome of Giggleswick School's Chapel is a distinctive feature on the skyline.

Each stop along the line offers its own unique charm. Step back in time in Carnforth, where the town's railway station was used to film the most iconic scenes in the 1945 film Brief Encounter, or alight at Lancaster to explore the Edwardian butterfly house in the 'Taj Mahal of the North' and Lancaster Castle.

On their journey, passengers can admire traditional Yorkshire stone buildings and the awe-inspiring Ribblehead Viaduct, a testament to Victorian engineering. Further along lies the serene Lune Valley, an untouched stretch of land that follows the River Lune, offering picturesque views at every corner.

The trip ends in Morecambe, a coastal town where the vast skyline meets the Irish Sea. Renowned for its Winter Gardens, the iconic art deco Midland Hotel and its expansive sandy bay, visitors often indulge in fish and chips by the seafront after a delightful train ride.

Whether you're an experienced traveller or simply seeking a breath of fresh air, The Bentham Line provides an easily accessible route through some of England's most enchanting landscapes. It serves as a reminder that the best travel experiences are not always about the destination, but the journey itself.

So, jump on board, and let the rhythm of the rails whisk you away.