Celebrating the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s historic Eurovision win, we are highlighting some of the ABBA-inspired locations you can visit by train.
Fifty years ago, a musical phenomenon was born on the Eurovision stage, captivating hearts and shaping pop culture for generations to come.
As we commemorate the golden anniversary of ABBA’s historic Eurovision victory in Brighton, ABBA’s music has bridged many generation gaps over the years, and Waterloo is widely regarded as the best song to ever win the Eurovision Song Contest among many fans and viewers alike.
With Eurovision set to be held at the Malmo Arena in Sweden this year but most unable to make it all the way to ABBA’s homeland – Trainline has curated a list of train-accessible locations perfect for any UK ABBA fans.
Whether it’s exploring the vibrant streets of London’s West End to catch a live performance of ‘Mamma Mia!’ or venturing to the picturesque vineyards of Bordeaux featured in the film, there’s something for every ABBA fan to enjoy.
Sakshi Anand, VP Growth and UK GM at Trainline, said: “Why not celebrate 50 years of ABBA’s musical legacy with a train adventure? From Brighton to London, Oxford to Bordeaux, there’s a journey for every fan. Book your tickets early to save money and make your ABBA-inspired trip a reality!”
Explore the vibrant seaside town that hosted the memorable Eurovision Song Contest victory when ABBA took the crown.
Take a stroll along Brighton Beach, visit the Brighton Pier, shop to your heart’s content in The Lanes and soak in the lively atmosphere of this coastal city.
Getting there: Direct trains from London Victoria to Brighton run frequently, with a travel time of approximately one hour.
Immerse yourself in the magical vibes of ABBA’s music by experiencing it live in none other than London’s famous West End. A night at “Mamma Mia! ” the musical will give you the chance to join in the tuneful melodies of this theatrical merriment.
Board a direct train from London Paddington to Oxford with services running regularly and journey times averaging just an hour.
Also, witness the hyper-realistic display of ABBA Voyage in Stratford where you can almost believe that you’re watching ABBA perform live. Make sure to glimpse around the expressive streets, engage with the city’s animated music scene and stop by iconic landmarks during your London exploration.
Getting there: Various train services connect London to major cities across the UK and with Europe, with frequent departures and varied journey times depending on the destination.
Find yourself among the astonishing vineyards set in Bordeaux, France, where the scenes for “Mamma Mia!” were captured. Here, you can taste some of the world’s renowned wines and immerse yourself in the area’s affluent cultural history.
Don’t forget to travel through the beautiful villages and picturesque rural landscapes that were utilised as the film’s musical escapades’ backdrop. Furthermore, check out the historic city centre recognised for its exceptional architecture, hospitable streets and energetic atmosphere.
Getting there: Travel from Paris to Bordeaux via direct trains, with a journey time of around two hours.
Immerse yourself in the cinematic universe of the beloved sequel by venturing to Oxford, where the magic of the film comes to life. Discover the breathtaking vistas and quaint hamlets that provided the perfect setting for the film’s enchanting musical sequences.
From the majestic Christ Church College to the idyllic Oxfordshire countryside, this region is a tapestry of cultural richness and scenic splendour.
Getting there: Direct trains from London Paddington to Oxford run frequently, with a travel time of approximately one hour.
