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Gifts For Train Lovers
20 of the Best Train Gifts
Need to find the perfect gift for a train enthusiast who loves to travel and eat great food?
Look no further because we’ve done all the hard work and research for you. These handy recommendations for train dining experiences and train gift ideas for adults will save you time and give you plenty of inspiration for birthdays, father’s day presents and Christmas gifts.
From steam train gifts, to afternoon tea on a train, vintage travel memorabilia and London Underground gifts, there’s something for everyone who loves to travel by rail.
For something really special, why not organise a luxury train journey with lunch or dinner on the Northern Belle?
Best Luxury Train Experience With Fine Dining
For a really special steam train day trip, travel on the Northern Belle. This beautiful private luxury train first entered service in 2000 after careful restoration by Venice-Simplon Orient Express. Travel in one of seven Northern Belle carriages that are all named after British castles or stately homes. Each one has been beautifully furnished to evoke the 1930s and the romance of train travel with specially commissioned fabrics, brass and intricate marquetry.
One of the highlights of a day trip on the Northern Belle is the fine dining on board. Enjoy canapes and champagne followed by a four-course meal as you admire the countryside views before reaching your chosen destination. Departing from stations around the UK, this is a glamorous day out and a steam train present your loved one will never forget.
Best Steam Train Dining Experience For Two
The Steam Dreams Railway Co. operates the Cathedrals Express. Buy a steam train gift experience day and the lucky recipients will be whisked off to one of Britain’s famous cathedral towns or pretty coastal resorts for the day. With a choice of over 33 different destinations, their day out on a steam train will start with a glass of champagne and a full English breakfast or brunch. On arrival, they’ll be free to explore their chosen location at leisure. On the return journey, passengers sit down in a 1960s Restaurant Car to enjoy a delicious four-course evening meal.
Best Murder Mystery Day Out on a Steam Train
Relive the golden age of train travel by hopping aboard the Belmond British Pullman at London’s Victoria station for a thrilling murder mystery day out. This very special private luxury train is normally used to carry passengers of the Venice Simplon-Orient Express between London and Folkestone as part of their journey to Venice.
Lucky train passengers are greeted with a glass of bubbles on arrival before sitting down to enjoy a delicious five-course meal served with wine. They can relax in elegant surroundings and enjoy the beautiful countryside views. During the afternoon, the cast of murder suspects are introduced to the passengers. Using a clue sheet and detective skills, guests can interview them to ascertain the most likely murderer.
Best Family Day Out on a Steam Train
Have a family day out on the historic Bluebell line in Sussex travelling through stations that have been restored for different eras. The 20-mile return trip provides an opportunity to stop for a family picnic or indulge in some leisurely railway car dining as you feast on views of the Sussex countryside. For an extra special day out, combine it with a trip to nearby Bluebell Vineyard, Bolney Wine Estate or to the botanical gardens at Wakehurst Place.
Day Trip on The North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Treat a loved one to a day out from York on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Discover the popular seaside town of Whitby famous for Count Dracula, Captain Cook and fish and chips. Plan a weekend away in York by taking a look at our handy guide to the Best Places to Stay in York.
Ready to buy a train day out as a special gift? For more ideas and a wider choice of destinations across the UK, take a look at Virgin Experience Days.
Afternoon Tea St Pancras Station
This is a super gift. How about a visit to London’s iconic St Pancras station to spot some trains and soak up the atmosphere followed by traditional afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason in the station? It’s a pared down version of Fortnum and Mason’s traditional afternoon tea served in their Diamond Jubilee Salon at their flagship store in London’s Piccadilly, but it’s just as tasty. London’s St Pancras station is the departure point for the Eurostar service and there’s plenty to see and do with its shops, bars and grand old station hotel. One of the highlights of a visit is listening to members of the public playing the piano in the concourse.
Planning a London weekend break? Check out our guide to the Best Places to Stay in London. Discover more things to do in London.
Best European Day Trip By Train
Travel by high speed train on the Eurostar from London’s St Pancras station to Paris, the city of light. This day trip includes a sightseeing tour on an open top bus around the city.
Personalised Gifts For Train Enthusiasts
This train ticket mug features the image of a British Rail train ticket. The name and date sections of the mug can be personalised so it’s an ideal gift if you’re celebrating a special birthday, anniversary or trip.
A train ticket print that can be made extra special by personalising it with a quote, a special date and the name of the gift recipient(s). Ideal as retirement gift or if someone is departing on a special journey or celebrating an anniversary. Available to purchase framed or unframed.
Vintage Style Railway Posters and Gifts
This stunning 1950’s original travel poster, by artist David Shepherd (Born 1931), would make a really special gift for a train lover. The poster shows Kings Cross station at night and measures 50 inches by 40 inches. It is sold unframed. Buy it while it’s still available!
Dream of escaping to the Highlands on the Caledonian Sleeper with this vintage style mouse mat.
A striking vintage-style digital print celebrating the golden age of train travel. It’s available to order in different sizes and is sold either framed or unframed.
Modern Train Posters
This limited edition modern print of London’s Paddington Station is designed by acclaimed artist and designer Andy Tuohy. Initially produced as part of a set of locations to celebrate twelve stops on the Great Western Railway route, it is hung in the First Class passenger lounge of Paddington Station
Signed by the artist, this limited edition print commemorates the last scheduled run to Folkestone Harbour of the Golden Arrow Orient Express train in May 2008.
Books For Train Lovers
Published by Lonely Planet in 2018, over 200 travel writers have contributed to this wonderful book on train travel. Discover 60 of the world’s greatest and most unforgettable train journeys, from the Caledonian sleeper to classic long-distance trips like Western Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer.
Matthew Engel’s witty account of travelling on trains from Penzance to Thurso, exploring the history of the British railways with all its quirkiness and charm. Along the way, he talks to people from politicians to platform staff.
Michael Williams, one of Britain’s most knowledgable railway authors, writes about his year travelling slow by train. Read about 12 of the best railway journeys in Britain. From a luxurious day out on the Orient Express, to the train from Inverness to Wick, he writes with warmth and enthusiasm.
Flying Scotsman Gifts
Looking for a train gift that’s easy to send by post? This set of Flying Scotsman cufflinks is a thoughtful gift for a man who loves trains.
Rail enthusiasts will be chuffed with The Flying Scotsman mug. Just the thing for a morning cup of tea.
Read the remarkable story of the world’s most famous steam locomotive. The Flying Scotsman broke the world speed record in 1934 and thrilled all who travelled on her.
London Underground Gifts
The ideal gift for a London Underground lover. This illuminated sign comes with 10 interchangeable station signs including Oxford Circus, Victoria and King’s Cross St Pancras.
Quirky and colourful, these London Underground coasters will brighten up the home. To make this gift extra special, why not gift it with a bottle of Sipsmith London Dry gin.
See the world’s first underground steam train at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden. From retro tube carriages to old buses and charabancs, it’s a fascinating way to explore the history of transport in the capital.
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