Holidays by Rail in South East England

Chiltern Railways is your gateway to discovering some of Buckinghamshire and Shakespeare Country’s best kept secrets.

Image of a Chiltern Railways train

Chiltern Railways travels through some of the most scenic rail routes in the UK, with a network stretching right from historic London Marylebone and the bright lights of London, though the beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside to the heart of Shakespeare Country and the West Midlands.

Be sure to have a look at the Chiltern Railways website next time you travel and take advantage of some fantastic 2for1 admission offers.

Rail Ale Trail

Enjoy some of the finest real ales the country has to offer without having to worry about who's driving. Chiltern Railways have teamed up with CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) to provide a handy guide to the finest real ale pubs along the Chiltern route. The Rail Ale Trail provides you with information on great quality real ales and excellent food, all within an easy reach of a station.

The Scenic Route

Image of typical countryside scene in the Chiltern Hills

Hidden within leafy Buckinghamshire icharming range of destinations that provide the perfect offering for a relaxing day out. However, if you’re feeling energetic then experience the Chiltern Hills by foot or bicycle and enjoy this Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Station walks and cycle routes are available from Seer Green, Beaconsfield, Saunderton, Princes Risborough, Great Missenden and Wendover stations. You could also put your feet up and enjoy real ale at any of the pubs featured within the Chiltern Railways Rail Ale Trail.

Shakespeare Country

The Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare's Houses, the famous Royal Pump Rooms of Leamington Spa and the medieval Warwick Castle - Shakespeare Country is just waiting to be explored! On arrival at Warwick station, stroll through historic Warwick to the jewel that is the mediaeval Warwick Castle. Remember to download your 2FOR1 voucher to Warick Castle or pick up a 2FOR1 leaflet at any staffed station.

Alternatively take a stroll around Royal Leamington Spa, where there is an array of winding streets, art galleries, museums, cafes and the famous Royal Pump Rooms awaiting to tempt you. Finally, Stratford-upon-Avon is home to the famous Royal Shakespeare Company and Shakespeare's Houses, where each of the Houses offers an authentic insight to the life of the playwright. If you pick up a Shakespeare Country leaflet from any of our staffed stations you can take advantage of the 2FOR1 admission to the Houses and many more money off vouchers.

Boutiques & Retail Therapy

Image of a woman shopping

If you’re partial to a spot of retail therapy then don't fret. Unique boutiques and stylish shops are bountiful in the Chilterns. Bicester Village has over 100 luxury retail outlets with collections from Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and Jaeger to name but a few. Simply purchase your Bicester Village Ticket from any Chiltern Railways ticket office and your connection on the Bicester Village Taxi Bus is included.

Looking for something a little more unique? Then many of the picturesque towns along the Chiltern Railways network provide the perfect array of boutiques, antique shops and weekly markets.

Room at the Inn

With so much to see and do, don't rush your stay in the Chilterns - check in and make a break of it. Visit Chiltern Railways' new online hotel booking service and enjoy great value rates at some of the finest hotels along the Chiltern route.

Brimming with History

Image of the entrance to the Hellfire Caves

Hidden deceptively amongst the scenery of the Chilterns is a wealth of history. See it unravel as you tour through the villages and towns that make this area so special. For political scandal, there is the Hellfire Caves, a headquarters for the notorious 18th Century Hellfire Club, led by the one-time Chancellor, Sir Francis Dashwood.

If you plan on visiting, download a voucher and enjoy 2FOR1 admission at the Hellfire Caves with your rail ticket.