Seaside by rail: Britain’s best coastal towns you can actually get to without a car
Let’s be honest – the British seaside is a national treasure.
Fish and chips in the salty air, seagulls eyeing up your 99, and the eternal optimism of packing suncream and a brolly. But what if we told you that you don’t need a car to enjoy it?
Yes, really. You can ditch the motorway madness, dodge the overpriced car parks, and roll straight into the sea breeze thanks to Britain’s rather scenic rail network.
Here are some of our favourite coastal spots that are not only stunning, but also actually reachable by train.
1. Whitby – For Dracula, fish & chips, and serious goth energy
Image credit: ian driscoll | Getty Images
Whitby’s got it all – a brooding ruined abbey, cobbled lanes, the best fish and chips you’ll ever eat (Harry’s, if you’re asking), and a gothic flair thanks to Bram Stoker.
How to get there:
Train to Middlesbrough, then hop on the Esk Valley Line – a gloriously slow trundle through the moors to Whitby station, just a short stroll from the harbour.
Bonus points: Pretend you’re in a period drama. Billowing coat optional.
2. St Ives – For golden sands and a side of art
Image credit: Howard Senton | Pexels
St Ives is as postcard-perfect as it gets – turquoise water, sandy beaches, and a splash of culture at the Tate if you’re feeling fancy.
How to get there:
Take a mainline train to St Erth, then transfer to the branch line to St Ives. It’s one of the prettiest railway journeys in the UK – no lie.
Top tip: Sit on the right-hand side for sea views that might make you cry (or at least post on Instagram).
More Splits, More Savings! Find cheaper train tickets by splitting your fares with the TrainSplit app. Download now on iOS or Android—search for TrainSplit in your app store.
Get the app
3. Llandudno – For Victorian charm and cable car thrills
Image credit: George-Standen | Getty Images Signature
The Queen of Welsh resorts. Classic pier, a tram to the top of Great Orme, and a promenade that makes you want to buy a deckchair and a 99p whippy.
How to get there:
Direct trains run from Manchester and Chester. You can be paddling in the Irish Sea with minimal faff.
Highlight: The Great Orme Tramway – not quite a train, but it runs on tracks and it’s great fun, so we’re counting it.
4. Bexhill – For low-key charm and art deco cool
Image credit: kommercialize | Getty Images
If you like your seaside quieter (fewer Londoners, no stag dos), Bexhill’s a gem. It’s home to the De La Warr Pavilion – a modernist stunner – and has the kind of long, pebbly beach that invites reflective walks.
How to get there:
Direct trains from London Victoria and Brighton. No car? No problem.
Bring: A picnic and your most existential playlist.
5. Dawlish – For dramatic coastlines and trainspotter thrills
Image credit: AndyRoland | Getty Images
You’ve probably seen Dawlish on the news – it’s that bit where the train runs right by the sea. Sometimes too close. But when the sun’s out? Glorious.
How to get there:
It’s on the main line between Exeter and Plymouth – hop off and you’re basically on the beach.
Warning: You will take photos of the train tracks. Everyone does.
6. Scarborough – For classic seaside vibes and donkey rides
Image credit: TimHill | Pixabay
Buckets, spades, rock shops, and the odd brass band – Scarborough is pure nostalgic seaside magic. Two bays, a castle, and a cliff lift that’s basically a polite rollercoaster.
How to get there:
Direct trains from York, Leeds, and Hull. Easier than trying to park on the seafront.
Don’t miss: The cliff lift. Trust us.
Let the train take the strain (because honestly, who wants to drive?)
Let’s be real – driving to the coast sounds great until you’re stuck behind a tractor, circling a full car park, or refereeing a backseat row about the aux cable.
Getting the train? A different story entirely.
You can:
-
Read a book (or pretend to),
-
Eat snacks without judgement,
-
Watch the countryside whizz by like you’re in a romcom,
-
and arrive without needing a lie-down and three paracetamol.
It’s easy, it’s greener, and you don’t need to mentally prepare for motorway service station toilets. Everyone wins.
Oh, and about those fares…
Yes, train prices can sometimes feel like a quiz you didn’t revise for. But that’s where we come in.
At TrainSplit, we sniff out cheaper tickets using a bit of clever maths and some good old-fashioned train geekery – including split fares the usual sites don’t always show you.
No secret codes, no loyalty cards, no drama. Just pop your journey in and see what you save.
You might even have enough left over for a deckchair, a 99, and a regrettable go on the amusements.
Travel smarter with a digital Railcard
Buy your digital Railcard with TrainSplit and have it ready in the app before you even set foot on the platform. Save 1/3 instantly – no faff, no waiting, and you’ll always have it with you when it counts.
Extending your seaside stay?
Whether you fall for fish & chips or fancy another dip, book your accommodation in advance with our trusted partner. More time to explore, less time stressing about where to sleep.
Can you travel to the seaside in the UK without a car?
Yes! Many of the UK’s best seaside towns are directly accessible by train. From Whitby to St Ives, you can enjoy classic coastal charm with zero driving required.
Which UK coastal train journey is the most scenic?
The St Ives Bay Line in Cornwall is a strong contender – short but jaw-droppingly beautiful. Sit on the right-hand side from St Erth for sweeping sea views.
What is split ticketing and how does it save money?
Split ticketing means buying multiple tickets for different sections of your journey instead of one through-ticket. It can often result in lower fares – TrainSplit finds the best combinations automatically.
Do I need to get off the train when using split tickets?
No – you stay on the same train. As long as the train stops at the stations on your tickets, you're good to go.
Can I use a Railcard with split tickets?
Absolutely. Just make sure each split ticket is eligible for Railcard discounts, and you’ll save even mor
Are these train journeys suitable for families?
Yes. All featured seaside towns are family-friendly and reachable via straightforward rail routes – often with things like heritage railways or beaches close to the station.
Making a Booking
Help and FAQs:
- Ticket types explained
- Split tickets explained
- How to Use Split Tickets
- Understanding Your Itinerary with Split Tickets
- Advance tickets
- Cheap Train Tickets
- Cheapest vs flexible tickets
Booking and Travel Guides:
Blog:
Terms and Conditions:
Information and Services:
- Live Running Information
- Buy digital railcards
- Introducing Digital Railcards
- Delay Repay
- Rail Strikes
- Refund form
Check out our other blog posts
Frequently Asked Questions
Remember, if you have any questions about train travel or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our team. We're here to help you plan a memorable journey.
Take your journeys with you
Journey Planner