Let's go on the train
Tuesday 15 September 2009
Want to get away this weekend? Here are some cool destinations you can go to by rail.
Newquay
The surf capital of Cornwall has been a popular destination for water adventurers for years. Watergate Bay is a top place for beginners, with a two-mile sandy beach and good low-tide conditions, while Fistral Bay is best-known for fast waves and big swells. If you’re a first timer then there are loads of short surf classes you can sign up to – give it half a day and you'll be on your feet within hours. Get all the info on surfing.
There are also some cool places to go camping. Most sites are fully equipped so you won’t have to worry too much about completely roughing it out either. Here’s the lowdown on what you need to remember about camping.
London
It’s all about the hustle and bustle in the capital city. From theatre land in Covent Garden, to shopping central on Oxford Street, vintage Brick Lane or trendy Portobello Road Market - you’ll find everything you need.
A lot has happened in London’s 500,000 year history. Step back in time to some of the most historic events and visit spooky London Dungeon, Tower of London or Buckingham Palace – you might even spot the Queen!
Newcastle
Between 2002-2005, Newcastle was voted the nation’s favourite English city-break destination. Impressive!
One of the best attractions in the city is the Centre for Life, Europe’s largest indoor fair that’s filled with live science demonstrations, rides and special exhibitions and events that explore our world and beyond. Another cool site is the Blue Reef Aquarium which is home to loads of sea life creatures like tropical sharks, octopi, seahorses and piranhas – eeek.
Newcastle is also famous for its sculptures and statues around the city, including The Angel of the North which is made out of 200 tonnes of steel. You can walk straight up to it if you want – a lot of people like to take pictures by the Angel’s feet.
Cambridge
For a city that’s pretty small and easy to get around, there’s a lot to do in Cambridge.
There are loads of arty attractions to visit, from the ADC Theatre which shows both student films and local drama, to the Arts Picturehouse, Cambridge Arts Theatre and the Corpus Playroom.
Museums and galleries fill the streets, exploring different times, countries and people. Why not visit the Fitzwilliam Museum and learn about Egyptian relics and more, or the Scott Polar Institute which takes you to the North and South Poles, or the University Museum of Zoology where you can examine different types of species?
If you enjoy getting some fresh air and like being surrounded by acres of green and blooming flowers then Cambridge has just what you need. There are eight different gardens to choose from, perfect for catching some sun, chilling or picnicing.
16-25 Railcard
If you want to travel by rail, but your wallet's not exactly bulging with funds, then why not buy a 16-25 Railcard? It cuts 1/3 off the price of rail fares for a whole year, and gets you some cool deals on restaurants, films, hotels and fun days out. Woohoo!
Find out whether you’re eligible here. You can either pay £26 for a year-long railcard, or if you like, £65 for three years.
