We have received payment for the content in this article. Learn more.
There’s something uniquely romantic and adventurous about taking a long-distance rail journey.
Whether you’re winding your way through the Scottish Highlands, travelling along the Settle-Carlisle line, or exploring the coastal routes of Wales and Cornwall, multi-day train travel in the UK offers a slower, more immersive way to experience the countryside. However, as much as watching the scenery roll by is part of the charm, you’ll also need ways to stay entertained during those long stretches on the rails.
The good news is, there are plenty of enjoyable ways to make the most of your time onboard. From classic pastimes to modern digital entertainment, here’s how to keep your journey fun, relaxing, and engaging from departure to destination.
One of the simplest and most satisfying ways to pass the time on a train is with a book. Whether you’re into thrillers, travel memoirs, historical fiction or light-hearted comedy, there’s something about train travel that makes reading especially pleasurable.
Unlike planes or buses, trains offer a more stable and often quieter environment, ideal for getting lost in a novel for hours on end. If you’re a quick reader or embarking on a particularly long route, consider bringing more than one book or packing an e-reader so you’ve always got something fresh to dive into.
If you enjoy gaming, a multi-day railtour is the perfect time to dive into your favourites or try something new. Casual games – like word puzzles, match-three challenges, or logic-based brain teasers – are ideal for short bursts of entertainment when you want something light and fun. For those after a deeper experience, video games on mobile devices, handheld consoles or laptops can keep you fully immersed for hours. Whether it’s a relaxing simulation, a gripping adventure or a competitive challenge, there’s something to suit every kind of player.
Online casino games have also grown in popularity, especially for travellers looking to add a bit of thrill to their downtime.
From colourful slots and classic table games to interactive live dealer options, these platforms offer a wide variety of choices. Many sites now feature immersive gameplay, user-friendly apps, and even cryptocurrency payment options for added convenience. The best crypto casinos allow gamers to buy in, wager and withdraw their funds using digital coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum while offering more enhanced privacy, which many gamblers want. With a wide variety of games to choose from, punters are spoiled for choice and can stay entertained all trip long.
While many trains have food options onboard, it’s wise to pack a few of your own favourites too. Not all routes cater to every dietary requirement, and sometimes you might prefer the familiarity of snacks you’ve chosen yourself.
Healthy options like fruit, nuts and sandwiches can help keep your energy levels steady, while treats like chocolate or crisps are great comfort food when you’re settling in for a film or a game.
Don’t forget to bring a reusable water bottle, which you can refill at stations or from onboard services, helping you stay hydrated without generating waste.
Railtours often provide a wonderful opportunity to reflect, especially when you’re gazing out over ever-changing landscapes. Keeping a journal is a great way to capture your thoughts, ideas, and memorable moments along the way.
You don’t have to be a skilled writer, a few notes about the places you see, the people you meet, or the food you try will be enough to preserve the spirit of your journey. If you’re feeling creative, sketching the scenery or collecting small mementoes like ticket stubs or postcards can turn your journal into a beautiful keepsake.
Writing by hand, without the distractions of the digital world, can be incredibly therapeutic and a lovely way to slow down and savour the journey.
Don’t forget that part of the charm of train travel lies in the journey itself, not just the destination or your personal activities. Many long-distance trains offer dining cars, observation lounges and social spaces that can enrich your experience.
Take time to enjoy a cup of tea or a full meal in the dining car while watching the countryside go by. Some routes even serve regional dishes that reflect the cultures you’re travelling through. It’s a chance to meet fellow passengers, stretch your legs and experience the train’s full amenities.
Even in standard seating, walking through the carriages can help you feel refreshed. Simple interactions, like chatting with staff or making conversation with a neighbour, can spark unexpected connections and stories.
Though you’ll be spending most of your time on the train, longer stops at certain stations offer the chance to briefly stretch your legs. Some trains are timed to allow passengers to hop off for 10 to 20 minutes — perfect for a quick walk or grabbing a coffee from the platform café.
Take note of these stops and use them to re-energise. A brisk stroll and a bit of fresh air can do wonders, especially during long-haul journeys where movement is limited. If you go longer between stops, you can easily do some light exercises or stretches from your seat, too.
If you’re on a train with sleeper compartments, be sure to make the most of these too. Rest is essential on multi-day trips, and a good night’s sleep will leave you refreshed and more able to enjoy the following day’s journey.
Of course, one of the greatest joys of train travel is simply watching the world go by. Try to spend time just enjoying the views without distractions. Whether it’s rolling hills, coastal cliffs or plains, there’s something deeply calming about the steady movement of a train through nature.
Even cloudy or rainy days can create atmospheric scenes that are well worth appreciating in their own right. Set aside a portion of your journey to unplug, lean back, and take in the landscape — it might just be the most rewarding part of the trip.
Read more on The Railway Magazine
