The Riviera Line, England Perhaps the most beautiful stretch of railway in England, the Riviera Line travels from Exeter city centre to Paignton, via the Exe Estuary and the coast. It calls at the likes of Dawlish and Teignmouth, and then heads on to Torre, Torquay and Paignton in the English Riviera.

The West Highland Line in Scotland is widely considered the most scenic rail line in the UK, if not the entire world. Stretching from Glasgow to Mallaig, the route takes passengers through the heart of the Scottish Highlands, passing over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct (famous from the Harry Potter films) and offering breathtaking views of Ben Nevis, rugged moors, and deep sea lochs. Another top contender in 2026 is the Settle-Carlisle Line in Northern England, which crosses the spectacular Ribblehead Viaduct and winds through the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales. For coastal scenery, the South West Main Line through Dawlish, Devon, features a section where the tracks run directly alongside the sea walls, with waves often splashing against the train windows. In 2026, many travelers book the "Jacobite Steam Train" on the West Highland route for a "nostalgic" experience, but even the standard ScotRail service provides the same world-class views for a fraction of the price, making it a "must-do" for any rail enthusiast visiting Great Britain.