As a small island nation, you might be surprised by just how many ways there actually are to get around. From classic scenic train rides and speedy hovercrafts to good old-fashioned road trips, there’s always a way to reach your next adventure.
As I plan my future travels across the UK, I’ve been exploring all the different ways we can experience the journey — because sometimes, the journey really is half the fun.
🚄 Trains — The Classic Choice
The UK’s rail network connects almost every corner of the country, from busy cities like London and Bristol to the remote Scottish Highlands and unpronounceable Welsh villages. (Not that I can pronounce all the English ones correctly either!)
Trains can be pricey at times, and yes, occasionally late, but they remain a relaxing and scenic way to travel. I love sitting back with a coffee and watching the countryside roll by.
Some routes are special in themselves — like the North Wales Coast Line, which offers incredible views of the Irish Sea and Mount Snowdon. I often wonder how the sheep get up there… I bet they could give mountain goats a run for their money!
Other iconic routes include:
- The Caledonian Sleeper, which lets you drift off in London and wake up in the Scottish Highlands.
- The Night Riviera Sleeper, a coastal journey from London to Cornwall — perfect for exploring the South West.
🚋 Trams — A Touch of Nostalgia
Yes, the UK still has trams! Once common before the 1950s, they’ve made a modern comeback in cities like Manchester, Blackpool, Edinburgh, and Sheffield.
Though they’ve been upgraded with Wi-Fi and contactless payment, trams still hold a charming old-world feel. I can’t remember ever riding one, so when Erika and I hop aboard for the first time, it’ll definitely feel like stepping back in time.
🚂 Steam Trains — All Aboard the Heritage Line
The classic choo choo! There’s something magical about steam trains — the sound, the smell, the nostalgia.
The UK has plenty of heritage lines worth exploring:
- Snowdon Mountain Railway in Wales
- North Yorkshire Moors Railway
- The Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland (aka the Harry Potter train!)
You can even enjoy afternoon tea aboard some of them, watching the world roll by at a gentler pace.
🚌 Buses & Coaches — The Scenic Budget Option
Cheap and cheerful, buses connect bustling cities with hidden countryside gems. Sure, they’re slower, but sometimes that’s the best part — you notice things you’d otherwise miss.
You can reach remote villages, stumble across quirky little museums, or find yourself at a village fete in summer.
For longer journeys, National Express and Megabus can take you all the way from Penzance to John O’Groats. It might take longer than the train, but it’s a wallet-friendly adventure.
🚗 Cars — Freedom on Four Wheels
Road trip, road trip! Sometimes the best plan is no plan. Just jump in the car and go — stopping for tea, cute cafés, or unexpected roadside attractions along the way.
Of course, parking fees, narrow country lanes, and endless roadworks can test anyone’s patience, but the freedom to explore wherever and whenever you like is unbeatable.
⛴️ Ferries — Sailing the Isles
As an island nation, it’s no surprise we rely on ferries — the UK has over 6,000 islands, though only a fraction are inhabited.
Ferries connect us to those faraway spots or even just across rivers, like the Torpoint Ferry from Plymouth to Saltash. Whether it’s a quick hop to the Isle of Wight or an overnight voyage to the Shetlands or Northern Ireland, there’s something soothing about travelling by sea.
I’m already looking forward to standing on deck, watching the waves with Erika by my side, both of us scanning the horizon for land.
🛳️ Hovercrafts — The Quirky Survivor
Now here’s one I have to try! The UK runs the only commercial hovercraft service in the world — between Portsmouth and Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
It’s just a 10-minute trip, but a truly unique experience. You can even take luggage (though not cars). In summer, it’s both a transport link and a tourist attraction. It’s short, quirky, and completely one-of-a-kind — right up my alley!
Fun Fact: The Portsmouth–Ryde route has been running since 1965, and still glides over the Solent daily.
🚠 Cable Cars — Views with a Lift
If you’d rather see the UK from above, there are several scenic cable cars worth trying:
- IFS Cloud Cable Car, London – gliding over the Thames (day and night views!)
- Great Orme Cable Car, Llandudno – with stunning North Wales coastline views
- Cairngorm Mountain Funicular, Scotland – up into the majestic Highlands
Even though heights aren’t my favourite thing, the views from these make it all worthwhile.
✈️ Domestic Flights — The Quick Hop
Sometimes speed wins. With some domestic flights costing the same (or less!) than train fares, it’s often the best option for far-flung corners of the UK — like the Hebrides or Orkney Islands.
It’ll also be Erika’s first time flying, so starting small — say, a quick hop from Glasgow to Barra — will be the perfect way to test the skies before tackling longer routes abroad.
✨ Closing Thoughts
The UK has an incredible mix of transport options — from modern innovations to charming old classics. Whether it’s trains, trams, hovercrafts, or ferries, there’s an adventure waiting in every journey.
When we start travelling full-time, I plan to try them all — trains and buses for everyday trips, ferries and planes for island hopping, and of course, that quirky hovercraft ride.
After all, this is our story — and the journey is just part of it.
Couch Potato to World Getter 
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