The travel guide experts at Lonely Planet have released their eagerly awaited Best in Travel guide for 2025.
The guide highlights 30 must-see destinations for the forthcoming year and unveils the top 10 travel trends.
Among these trends is the humble practice of train hopping, alighting at different stops tourney a train ride into an adventure all by itself.
The Bentham Line, nestled in the scenic northern English countryside, offers more than just a train ride; it’s an opportunity to immerse oneself in an almost three hour train ride to the coast.
Described as a “near-secret” by the experts, the lesser-known 75-mile train route is set to be one of the UK’s best train rides for 2025.
This historic route, which runs between Leeds, Lancaster and Morecambe, winds through quaint villages, rolling hills and historic towns, inviting travellers to take a step back in time.
For over 170 years, The Bentham Line has served as a vital link for local communities. The 75-mile (120 km) trans-pennine journey begins in the heart of West Yorkshire, traverses beautiful valleys, passes the Ribblehead Viaduct and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, before culminating at the picturesque shores of Morecambe Bay.
The Bentham Line, a jewel in the crown of Scenic Rail Britain, is run by a community rail partnership (CRP), uniting local community collectives and entities in a concerted effort improve the experience the for passengers.
Departing from Leeds Station, the route meanders westward, quickly swapping out the hustle and bustle of the city for the tranquil landscape of the Yorkshire Dales.
The train stops at Shipley, Bingley, and Keighley before pulling into Skipton, the “Gateway to the Dales.”
With its 900-year-old castle and historic cobbled High Street, the town is popular day trip destination surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Another popular stop to jump off at is Giggleswick. The picturesque village just outside the market town of Settle, is home to many fine houses and an historic church with fascinating features.
Giggleswick School’s Chapel with its copper dome sits grandly on the skyline making a distinctive feature in the area.
Each stop along the line offers its own slice of magic. Take a step back in time in Carnforth, where the town’s railway station was used to the film the most iconic scenes in the 1945 film Brief Encounter, or jump off at Lancaster to explore the Edwardian butterfly house in the ‘Taj Mahal of the North’ and Lancaster Castle.
Passengers can admire the 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 journey 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 flock here to savour fish and chips on 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 easy passage 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, climb aboard, and let the rhythm of the rails whisk you away.
