Trains can be an enchanting way to travel around the UK. Routes are often scenic and journeys swift and smooth. Picturesque lines carve their ways through the heart of the country offering views and vistas you'd never experience otherwise. And if you're in a hurry, express trains can whisk you to your destination at up to 125 mph on certain major routes. This means a trip between the major metropolises of London and Manchester takes just 2.5 hours.
Britain is the home of the railway. The first steam engines were developed there in the 19th century. The first track opened in 1825. It was 25 miles long and saw the launch of George Stephenson's Locomotion No 1.
Over the following decades, a number of railway companies were setup each providing railway services in various parts of the country. In 1948, these regional railways were nationalised to form British Railways, later known as British Rail.
A gradual preference for road transport led to the closing of many lines and stations in the 1960s. However, the introduction of high speed trains in the 1970s increased passenger volume.
In the mid-90s, British Rail was privatised. Railtrack took over ownership of the track and infrastructure, while private companies took up franchises on passenger and freight operations. The result is that in today's Britain, there are dozens of train companies serving different parts of the country. However, fares are regulated nationally and any operator can process your ticket for any other operator in the system.
Britain is the home of the railway. The first steam engines were developed there in the 19th century. The first track opened in 1825. It was 25 miles long and saw the launch of George Stephenson's Locomotion No 1.
Over the following decades, a number of railway companies were setup each providing railway services in various parts of the country. In 1948, these regional railways were nationalised to form British Railways, later known as British Rail.
A gradual preference for road transport led to the closing of many lines and stations in the 1960s. However, the introduction of high speed trains in the 1970s increased passenger volume.
In the mid-90s, British Rail was privatised. Railtrack took over ownership of the track and infrastructure, while private companies took up franchises on passenger and freight operations. The result is that in today's Britain, there are dozens of train companies serving different parts of the country. However, fares are regulated nationally and any operator can process your ticket for any other operator in the system.