UK train operator, Grand Central, is encouraging the nation to take the scenic route this summer and travel by train
2021 is being hailed as the year of the staycation, with a reported 84% of British travelers intending on booking a UK staycation in 2021.
Eager to encourage the nation get back on board their trains this summer and explore all that the country has to offer, UK train operator, Grand Central, has created a series of full-length train-ride videos, in a bid to showcase some of the wonderful landmarks, scenery and places of interest that can be spotted when travelling between the North East and London.
The four journeys featured within the video are Sunderland to York, York to London Kings Cross, Doncaster to London Kings Cross and the entire route from Sunderland to London Kings Cross. They pass along a combination of dramatic coastlines, stunning countryside, and bustling urban locations all visible from the comfort of their train carriages.
From the North East coastlines of Seaham and Durham’s Heritage Coast, to the historical northern cities of York and Doncaster, and of course, not forgetting England’s vibrant capital, London, these specially created videos showcase the beautiful panoramas that passengers can enjoy while travelling.
If looking for the most scenic journey, the videos show that the east side of the carriage will offer the most eye-catching scenery, with over 100 points of interest during the 3-hour 43-minute journey2 from Sunderland to London Kings Cross. Alongside the green fields and tree lines, passengers can look out for natural landmarks such as the River Tees, Brompton Beck and Holme Fen National Nature Reserve. Football fans can also keep a keen eye out for both Hartlepool United’s Victoria Park ground and Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.
The UK train operator, which connects both Yorkshire and the North East to central London, boasts daily journeys to key UK commuter and tourist destinations such as Seaham, Thirsk, York and Doncaster.
Catharine McBurnie, Head of Marketing for Grand Central Rail, commented:
“Across all of our routes, we are really lucky that our trains pass through such stunning scenery each and every day, and we’re eager to show that a journey with us is about much more than getting from A to B – something we’ve aimed to showcase in these full-length train-route videos we created.
“Grand Central is your ticket to a great summer (and beyond), and we’re encouraging those who are ready to do so to hop on board our trains and to explore more of what Britain has to offer.
“Understandably, safety whilst travelling is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, which is why we’ve implemented additional Covid measures to ensure our passengers feel safe and relaxed whilst on board our trains, and at stations.”
For some, a train journey can mean more than just a day out and can provide a place of solace and joy, whether that is in thanks to the views, the movement of the train, or the precision and organisation of the train timetable.
In a bid to raise awareness of the broader benefits that a journey by train can offer, and to highlight their commitment to accessibility and inclusivity onboard their trains, Grand Central has teamed up with award winning charity, Autism Together, as part of this exciting project to find out more about the joy that a day out on the train can give bring to those with autism.
Jane Carolan, Deputy Chief Executive for the charity, commented:
“Every autistic person has their own particular interests and things that excite and stimulate them – and, for many, this includes going on a rail journey. For individuals on the autism spectrum who do love trains, the gentle motion of the carriage and the wonder of the landscape rushing by their window can be enough of a joy that the destination isn’t as important as the journey to get there. For others it’s the details that spark the interest – the specifications, the timetables and routines, the facts and the history.
“Autism is a non-visible condition, which means it’s unlikely to be immediately apparent that a passenger on the train with you is autistic. For this reason, some people with autism choose to wear the sunflower lanyard⁴ or carry an autism alert card, a visible sign so others can see that the wearer or someone with them may require some support, specific assistance, or simply more time to board or leave their carriage.
“We would ask train users to be considerate of all their fellow passengers and be mindful that the person they are sitting nearby may have a non-visible condition and be in need of their patience and support during the journey.”
You can read more about the scenic routes here, and videos can be found and embedded from here.
Those looking to book a summer adventure with Grand Central you can do so here.
