With the half term holidays coming up, thought turn to days out, and families are being encouraged to ditch the car and explore by train this Autumn.
The three-week ‘Days Out by Rail’ campaign, developed by Community Rail Network is designed to raise awareness of rail as one of the greenest ways to travel with the family, especially combined with walking, cycling and buses. Shining a spotlight on the benefit of swerving traffic jams, parking problems and pollution, while exploring lesser-known spots as part of a day out, short break or staycation.
Community Rail Network is a grassroots movement spanning Britain, involving communities and volunteers with their local railways and stations. The campaign is being delivered through Community Rail Network’s tourism initiative, ScenicRailBritain.com, and aims to provide inspiration for families looking for days out during the October half term and throughout autumn.
The campaign includes top tips on how to have a low-cost railway-themed day out, ideal ideals for things to do with the grandkids, and highlights some of Britain’s hidden gems off the beaten track, all accessible by train.
Most of the lines featured in the campaign are supported by community rail partnerships and station volunteer groups working at grassroots level to engage local communities and promote rail as a key part of sustainable, healthy travel. The movement works to improve rail connections, advising railway partners on local needs to help more people be able to access rail. Community Rail Network, the non-profit organisation that operates Scenic Rail Britain, supports, connects and champions those working and volunteering in community rail across Britain.
Jools Townsend, chief executive of Community Rail Network, said:“Many people don’t realise the scope for seeing Britain’s stunning landscapes, pretty villages and historic sites by rail – and making use of our wonderful, often little-known, community rail lines and stations is a great way to do this.
“We’re excited to launch our Days Out By Rail campaign with help from community rail partnerships and station volunteers across the country. This campaign is all about drawing on the local knowledge and insights from the community rail movement, and sharing that with families, day-trippers and holidaymakers. We hope to inspire more people to explore our beautiful countryside and fascinating heritage through green and scenic journeys by rail, avoiding the stress and pollution of driving and parking.”
