Coastal Rail Journeys See Record Numbers as Brits Embrace Staycations

Rail lines along the Cornish and Welsh coasts report a record spike in summer ridership, reflecting a broader domestic tourism trend.

10 June 2025 at 18:10 • By Max Holloway, The Angle Watch

Coastal rail journeys in the UK are experiencing a renaissance as holidaymakers rediscover the joys of scenic domestic travel. From the dramatic cliffs of Devon to the rolling dunes of Wales, regional rail lines report record ticket sales this summer.

According to Great Western Railway, their Penzance-to-Exeter route has seen a 34% increase in ridership compared to last year. The Cambrian Coast Line, which snakes along western Wales, reported its highest monthly numbers since before the pandemic.

Tourism boards credit the uptick to a combination of rising international airfare and a renewed appreciation for slow travel. Families, retirees, and solo explorers alike are choosing trains over planes, seeking not just a destination but the experience of the journey itself.

Miriam Lane, a travel writer from Brighton, recently documented her multi-leg rail holiday from Cornwall to Glasgow. 'I forgot how beautiful this country is when seen from a train window. It felt like a moving postcard,' she wrote.

In response, some operators have added extra carriages and launched new 'panoramic services' with oversized windows and onboard commentary. Local vendors are also benefiting, with coastal stations reporting surges in foot traffic to nearby cafés and shops.

Environmental advocates praise the trend as a greener alternative to car or air travel. Rail travel produces significantly fewer emissions per passenger, and increased demand may lead to more investment in rail infrastructure along the coasts.

Whether driven by nostalgia, economics, or climate concerns, Britain’s seaside train routes are back in vogue—reminding travellers that the journey itself can be the destination.