Castle Combe in Wiltshire, England, Great Britain
A European rail adventure wouldn’t be the same without a visit to Great Britain – home to three distinct countries: England, Scotland and Wales – three places in one! A rich history and vibrant social scene means you’ll be kept busy with an InterRail Great Britain Pass, plus you’ll get a taste of real Britishness!
London: Dive into the world’s most captivating melting pot
A visit to London will reveal a multitude of reminders of Britain’s previous world dominance, mixed up with splatterings of cosmopolitan cool and age-old traditions. Get an extraordinary view over the whole of London on board the London Eye – Europe’s largest Ferris wheel. Then roam the city by foot and be wowed by how many exciting attractions and famous monuments the city has to offer. Check out London’s free museums, including the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Tate Britain gallery. More things to do in London
The London Eye is a 10-minute walk from London’s Waterloo train station. Both the Natural History Museum and Science Museum are located 5 minutes by foot from South Kensington tube station. The Tate Britain is a 10-minute walk from Vauxhall train station.
British countryside splendour
Venture out of the city and be surprised by the overwhelming beauty of England’s Lake District. Marvel at luscious green mountains and picture-perfect lakes, as well as exploring surrounding towns and villages, each quintessentially English in their own right. You’ll find further landscape brimming with mountains in the Scottish Highlands, which you can travel to using your rail pass by taking a train from Edinburgh. Explore Britain’s Ben Nevis, Loch Ness and stumble upon sandy beaches and an unexpected array of wildlife.
A popular starting point for entering the Lake District is from the town of Kendal, at the eastern side of the park - this town has its own train station. From Edinburgh the train operator ScotRail provides services to the more rural areas of the Scottish Highlands.
Unrivalled party scenes
Great nightlife is not just confined to London, Cardiff and Edinburgh. Make a visit to Britain’s vibrant ‘gay capital’ – Brighton – on the pebbled south coast. This beloved seaside city is quirky, cosmopolitan and arguably one of England’s liveliest spots. Hit Digital, one of the favourite clubs in town, pumping out an eclectic mix of tunes. Manchester – once an important manufacturing city – has recently become one of England’s coolest party places. Pay a visit to the legendary Sankey’s for world-class electronic and dance tunes.
To reach Brighton’s Digital take the bus towards the beach, get off at the pier and from there it is a 5-minute walk. Sankey’s in Manchester is a 10-minute walk from Piccadilly Gardens tram stop.
Get active in Britain’s great outdoors
Off England’s south west coast is top surfing paradise – Newquay. The small town’s famous Fistral Beach is a favourite with surf board fanatics and has hosted international surfing competitions for over 20 years. Once you’ve worn yourself out fighting the waves, you can find your second wind at one of Newquay’s cheesy bars. For the energetic, why not sign up for the Three Peaks Challenge, which involves hiking up the three highest peaks of England (Scafell Pike), Scotland (Ben Nevis) and Wales (Snowdon), whilst taking in the great British scenery.
Fistral Beach is a 20-minute walk from Newquay’s main train station. The Three Peaks Challenge can be arranged through an organisation or independently – but do be aware that it’s easy to get lost on the mountains.
Bags of history and culture
Edinburgh is both Scotland’s capital and its throbbing heartbeat. With Edinburgh Castle proudly perched up on a hill, this city exudes energy and a mythical charm. Join the friendly locals for a beer in Edinburgh’s rowdy bars and see if you can keep up with them! In the south of England is one of the country’s most famous university cities – Oxford. Not only home to the University of Oxford and its 38 colleges, the oldest dating back over 700 years, the city is also a vibrant place with a university feel and plenty of events going on.
Edinburgh’s main train station – Edinburgh Waverley – is conveniently located right in the centre of the city. Oxford train station is a ten-minute walk from the city centre.
Olympic Games
The world's largest sports event, the Olympic Games is held in London this summer. Over 10.000 athletes will compete for the Olympic title in 26 different sports. If you don't have a ticket for the Games, visit one of the Live Sites in London. Here you can watch everything on big screens and soak up the atmosphere!
Public transport in London will be very crowded during the Olympics. The best thing you can do to get to your destination is get off a few stops before and carry on by foot.
Notting Hill Carnival
Over 2 days around 1 million revellers take to the streets of Notting Hill for one of the world’s largest street festivals. Expect parades emblazoned with vibrant and colourful costumes, stalls offering delicious Caribbean food and an atmosphere to rival that of Rio Carnival.
Notting Hill can be reached by metro but during the carnival it is recommended to travel to a nearby station and walk in.
Edinburgh Hogmanay Festival
This 4-day New Year’s street party attracts partygoers from all over the world with top bands and DJs attending. Possibly one of the liveliest places to be to welcome in the new year!
This festival is held within the centre of Edinburgh’s city.
Edinburgh Festival
This popular 3-week festival showcases international theatre, music, dance and visual work in the heart of the Edinburgh.
The events during the Edinburgh Festival are held at different venues around the city.
Wakestock Festival
A summer festival celebrating wakeboarding and music side by side. The festival is held at a beautiful beach location on Cardigan Bay with a backdrop of Snowdonia.
Get a train to Bangor and then pick up a bus that will bring you direct to the festival.
Global Gathering
A 2-day outdoor dance music festival with an impressive line up of top DJs from around the globe.
Take the train to Straford-Upon-Avon and then connect with the festival shuttle bus.
Guy Fawkes Night / Bonfire Night
During this yearly commemoration of Guy Fawkes, who tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament, you will hear fireworks in all directions across the UK. Across the whole country there are firework displays often with a huge bonfire burning away.
There are organised events up and down Great Britain.
Glastonbury Festival
One of the biggest and best music festivals on the planet, attracting an eclectic mix of international acts and up and coming acts to perform at Worthy Farm in Somerset. Also expect a generous programme of theatre and comedy.
The festival will not be held in 2012 and will return in 2013.
To reach the festival take the train to Cranmore Station, where a free shuttle bus will take you into the festival grounds.
T in the Park
One of Scotland’s top summer music festivals held over 3 days attracts top international rock and pop acts.
Buy a shuttle bus ticket and travel from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Perth to the festival.
V Festival
This popular summer music festival is held at 2 locations simultaneously, sharing the same line up on opposite days.
For the Weston Park festival take the train to Wolverhampton or Stafford and then purchase a ticket for the festival shuttle bus. For the Hylands Park festival take the train to Chelmsford, where there will also be a shuttle bus service.
