It’s hard to find a good deal in London. Oftentimes, you just have to accept that a beer you can’t pronounce costs $11, and you may be best served exploring on your own rather than hopping aboard a tour.
That said, the rest of the UK doesn’t have the touristy prices, with the exception of some other bucket-list destinations like The Cotswolds, for example.
When it comes to exploring the UK, we all know Americans can’t handle renting a car to drive on the wrong side of the road.
Let me repeat – the wrong side. Got that, Brits?
That’s where trains level up your adventure if you decide London doesn’t define the UK as a one-trick pony.
One of the UK’s most exciting new rail journeys is set to launch this spring, with so many must-stop destinations on the full route, you may never reach the end!
Why Travel Publications Are Off The Rails
Full disclosure: most travel publications are reporting this route as London to Scotland, which it is.
However, we believe they’re mostly off-track.
Okay, that’s enough train puns…
But really, the endpoint isn’t quite as exciting as one of the stops that’s largely being looked over as a pass-through snoozer.
And that would be Carlisle, an almost unheard-of city that’s brimming with history and timeless charm, especially its numerous staggering castles spread across Cumbria.
For reference, this is the full 12-stop route:
- London Euston
- Milton Keynes
- Nuneaton
- Crewe
- Preston
- Carlisle
- Lockerbie
- Motherwell
- Whifflet
- Greenfaulds
- Larbert
- Stirling
Stirling Isn’t The Star
Is Scotland as magical as it’s claimed to be? Absolutely.
Even though little-known Stirling may be gorgeous, it’s not like you’re gaining another passport stamp for riding out the full journey.
Stirling is another city known for its glorious castles and picture-perfect Old Town, but it seems other publications aren’t doing their due diligence, assuming the most exciting part of this new route is the last stop.
But like the old Hostess commercials, sometimes you gotta ask, “where’s the cream filling?”.
The answer: Carlisle.
We’re not here to tell you that you’d be disappointed by visiting Stirling; we’re here to tell you we believe you’d be disappointed by not exploring Carlisle, and here’s why:
- Carlisle is roughly 4 hours away, compared to approximately 6 hours to Stirling
- Feels untouched from a tourism perspective
- A springboard to UNESCO-protected Hadrian’s Wall and Lake District National Park
- It’s not a one-and-done city with so many charming
- Carlisle is layered in history versus a one-stop Old Town district
Why Carlisle Is One Of The UK’s Most Underrated Getaways
Chances are before this article, a trip to Carlisle would never cross your mind.
Let’s change that…
This gem boasts over 2,000 years of fascinating history, including Roman roots and ancient landmarks like the aforementioned Hadrian’s Wall, stretching over 70 miles across northern England.
What may seem like a quiet city at first glance is a place you wish walls could talk.
A far cry from London’s urban sprawl, Carlisle is easily walkable throughout its compact cityscape — so much so that many guides recommend car-free itineraries.
But what Carlisle is largely know for is it stunning, and rightfully named Carlisle Castle, and separately its Carlisle Citadel.
Those are both very easy to reach if making your base in the city, exploring the sights.
In total, there are 9 notable castles worth visiting in the region:
- Carlisle Castle
- Carlisle Citadel
- Rose Castle
- Scaleby Castle
- Bewcastle Castle
- Edmond Castle
- Toppin Castle
- Corby Castle
- Thistlewood Tower
Better yet, if you’re looking to experience the UK on a budget, Carlisle fits the bill.
Last year, Carlisle was named the UK’s cheapest city to live in, where many costs translate to tourists too, such as cheap pints, transportation, and hotels, such as Crown & Mitre Hotel, offering double-digit rates throughout spring.
Lumo Introducing $35 Fares
Lumo is an all-electric low-cost rail operator based in Newcastle. They’re living up to their reputation with this one by kicking off this route set to launch May 17, 2026.
Our sources say, “Single journey fares start from £25.90 between Carlisle and London, while additional routes include £29.90 between London and Stirling, £23.90 from London to Preston, and just £14.90 for the Preston to Stirling leg.”.
Don’t worry — we’ve crunched the numbers to dollars for you.
- London to Carlisle: fares start at about $34.39 one-way.
- London to Stirling: fares start at about $39.70 one-way.
- London to Preston: fares start at about $31.73 one-way.
- Preston to Stirling: fares start at about $19.78 one-way.
