A MAJOR train journey hack allows you to hop-on and hop-off a train to see different destinations with just one ticket.
A ‘break of’ route allows travellers to purchase a train ticket, but get on and off the train route at multiple stations – as long as they do it in one day.
This allows passengers to see different towns and cities on the way to their final destination.
Although you can stop as many times as you like, we’ve found three ‘breaks’ to be the maximum number that gives you enough time to enjoy all locations.
Trainline’s UK Country Director, Sarah Helppi, said: “Being able to take a ‘break of journey’ is an underrated perk of most flexible tickets – many people don’t realise you can make multiple stops along your route.
“This means you can visit more than one destination with the same ticket, maximising its value.
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“Whether you’re looking to stroll around a new city, get immersed in nature or experience a combination, there are many routes across the UK offering easy access to explore.
“To plan your next great journey, head to the Trainline app where you can easily research routes and make savings on your tickets.”
You can break a journey using any ‘Anytime’ tickets, however it is not possible with ‘Advance’ tickets.
Some ‘Off Peak’ and ‘Super Off-Peak’ tickets offer the perk, however, conditions and restrictions do apply.
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In all cases, Trainline recommends checking the ticket conditions for any journey before completing payment.
To do this in the Trainline app, you just click on the information icon.
This will then show the conditions of the ticket and will include a note ‘Break of Journey’.
To save even more money when exploring, Trainline recommends purchasing a digital Railcard.
Buying a railcard can maximise savings, as passengers get up to a third off on eligible journeys and according to Trainline, puts an average of £167 back into passengers’ pockets each year.
There are a range of different railcards including 16-25’s, 26-30’s, and Family & Friends.
Here are Trainline’s top five ‘break of journey’ routes:
Bristol Temple Meads to Salisbury
Hop on the train at Bristol Temple Meads, heading to Salisbury and enjoy stops at Bath Spa and Bradford on Avon.
Once on the train, enjoy seeing the scenery whizz by before getting off at Bath Spa, after about 18 minutes.
In Bath, travellers can explore the ancient Roman town, which is known for its Roman Baths and picturesque Royal Crescent.
After you have had enough time in Bath, hope back on the train and head to Bradford on Avon, approximately 15 minutes away.
According to Trainline, Bradford on Avon is a “southwestern hidden gem” and is located on the back of the River Avon.
Passengers can enjoy a picnic here and walks along the river.
Once you have spent enough time in Bradford on Avon, head back onto the train for an hour and then get off at the final stop in Salisbury.
Salisbury is one of the UK’s most historic cities and is home to Salisbury Cathedral and a copy of the Magna Carta.
If time allows, visitors can also jump on a short bus journey to see the Stonehenge.
Cost: from £30 (or £19.95 with a railcard)
London Victoria to Broadstairs
For Londoners wanting to escape the city, travellers can head from London Victoria to Broadstairs, stopping off at Whitstable and Margate.
Trainline’s first recommended stop is Whitstable, around one hour and 20 minutes from London Victoria.
Whitstable is one of the South Coast’s most picturesque towns – known for its fresh seafood – particularly oysters – a picturesque beach and traditional pubs.
After exploring Whitstable, hop back on the train to Margate, which is a 15-minute journey away.
Known for its ‘edgy’ art scene, Margate is home to The Turner Contemporary art gallery, a number of vintage shops and Dreamland – a vintage amusement park.
Broadstairs is then only five more minutes on the train from Margate and is a quieter seaside gem.
The town is famous for its beaches and the Dickens House Museum – the cottage Charles Dickens is said to have visited often.
Time: One hour and 47 minutes
Cost: from £34.90 (or £23.20 with a railcard)
Edinburgh (Waverley) to Pitlochry
Up in Scotland, travellers can jump on the train at Edinburgh Waverly station and head to Pitlochry, with stops at Stirling and Dunkeld & Birnham.
Just 45 minutes from Edinburgh Waverly station is Stirling – home to a host of tourist attractions including Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument and the Church of Holy Rude, where James VI was crowned.
After visiting Stirling, head back onto the train to Dunkeld & Birnham station, about 50 minutes away.
Visitors to Dunkeld can walk through the ancient ruins of Dunkeld Cathedral beside the River Tay or stroll in the forest to see the alleged last surviving tree from Macbeth.
Then finally head to Pitlochry, just another 13 minutes on the train and home to the Edradour Distillery, Scotland’s smallest traditional whisky distillery, as well as the Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder, where you can see salmon leap upstream.
Time: One hour and 55 minutes
Cost: from £30.40 (or £20.20 with a railcard)
Exeter St David’s to Hayle
In the southwest of the country, travellers can board a train at Exeter St David’s heading to Hayle, with stops in Totnes and Truro.
Just over half-an-hour from Exeter St David’s, Totnes is a small town in Devon home to Totnes Castle, which offers panoramic views of the Dart Valley.
Visitors can also go for peaceful riverside walks (or canoe journeys) along the River Dart.
Head back onto the train for an hour and 45 minutes, before getting off at Truro in Cornwall.
The famous Cathedral city offers a mix of grand architecture and a vibrant independent shopping scene.
Also, the Pannier Market has been operating since the 1800s offering local produce.
It takes another 25 minutes on the train to get to Hayle – a picturesque town located on the south coast of Cornwall, renowned for its beautiful beaches, rich industrial history and close proximity to some of Cornwall’s top natural attractions.
Time: Two hours and 41 minutes
Cost: from £30 (or £19.95 with a railcard)
Cardiff to Tenby
In Wales, travellers can head from the city of Cardiff to Tenby with a stop at Carmathen.
Around two hours from Cardiff, Carmathen is a market town – alleged to be Merlin’s home – and the gateway to West Wales.
Visitors can explore Carmarthen Castle, before strolling around the town for lunch, including street food at Carmathen market.
Head back onto the train for around 40 minutes, before getting off at Tenby – a picture postcard seaside town, known for its pastel houses and sandy beaches.
Time: Two hours and 47 minutes
Cost: from £34 (or £22.60 with a railcard)
Manchester to Sheffield
From Manchester and heading to Sheffield, passengers can jump off at and explore New Mills Central and Edale.
Less than half an hour after leaving Manchester Piccadilly, get off at New Mills Central which serves New Mills in High Peak.
Offering amazing countryside, traditional pubs and a whole host of outdoor activities, this stop has great walks with views of the Kinder Plateau.
Board the train again for 18 minutes to Edale, where visitors have the chance to take a circular walk to Mam Tor, also known as the Shivering Mountain – one of the most scenic walking routes in the Peak District.
Another half an hour will get you to Sheffield – known as the Steel City – is home to loads of attractions, including the Kelham Island Museum where you can learn about the city’s steel-making past, the famous Sheffield Cathedral and the Millenium Gallery.
Time: One hour and 20 minutes
Cost: from £22.10 (or £14.70 with a railcard)
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