All aboard! It’s no secret that air travel comes with a hefty carbon footprint, but committing to flying less doesn’t have to mean compromising on exploring new places. As winter rolls into spring, it’s the perfect time to plan an adventure by rail and we’ve rounded up some of our favourites below. 1. Explore Amsterdam’s sights by bike With eye-catching architecture, world-class museums and a vibrant foodie scene, Amsterdam makes an ideal city break. A perfect place to explore during lighter and brighter, spring days, we recommend hiring a bike and touring this incredibly bike-friendly city on two wheels. Must-see sights include the Van Gogh museum and Rijksmuseum, as well as Anne Frank’s house. We also recommend taking a boat trip along the city’s canals which offers a great perspective from which to view the historic buildings. Amsterdam is incredibly easy to get to by train from the UK and can be reached from London via the Eurostar in just under four hours. 2. Treat yourself to tapas in Barcelona If you’re torn between exploring a new city or relaxing on the beach, Barcelona combines the best of both worlds. This coastal city can be easily accessed via train - we recommend taking the Eurostar to Paris and then connecting onto a direct train to Barcelona. As well as relaxing on the city’s lively beaches, we love exploring the atmospheric gothic quarter, enjoying tasty tapas on Las Ramblas and marvelling at Gaudi’s famous architecture including the world-famous Sagrada Família. 3. Enjoy an arty weekend in Paris If you don’t want to travel far but crave an adventure fix, Paris is an ideal destination. Less than 3 hours away by train, the French capital has more than enough to do to keep you entertained for days. Home to several museums and galleries including the famous Louvre, we recommend allocating some time on your trip to drinking in the city’s amazing art scene. Once you’ve had your fill of culture, recharge at a typical Parisienne bistro. 4. Drink beer in Bruges Just a few hours away by train, the picture-perfect city of Bruges is a great option for a springtime holiday. Offering attractive architecture and quaint cobbled streets, strolling around the centre is like taking a step back in time. Alongside its famous chocolate shops, Bruges is renowned for its locally-produced beer. With a whole selection of different tipples to try, you can also break up the bar crawl with local foodie favourites such as fries, mussels and waffles. 5. Get active in the Alps Until the middle of April, accessing the Alps without flying is easy thanks to the ski train that departs weekly from London and Ashford. The journey itself is around 8 hours and is a fast and fun way to get to the mountains which makes the journey part of the adventure itself. Once you arrive, there is a whole host of mountain-based activities you can enjoy – from skiing and snowboarding to ski-touring and ice skating. Plus, making the most of the region’s legendary apres-ski culture is a great way to make the most of your evenings too. Do you think we’ve missed a great option from our top five? Let us know on Facebook or Instagram.
