Our staff’s picks: Northern’s most scenic routes

For the inside track on the best journeys the train operator asked colleagues to share their favourite routes to work on. 

All aboard for the best of the north... 

Middlesborough to Whitby 

Starting from the vibrant industrial town of Middlesbrough, the train winds its way through the beautiful North York Moors National Park, providing passengers with breathtaking views of rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and stunning coastal scenery. Whether it's for leisurely day trips or exploring the rugged beauty of the North Yorkshire coastline, it showcases the region's natural splendor and rich heritage. 

Cumbria Coast 

From Barrow to Carlisle, embark on a journey through the stunning Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its serene lakes, majestic mountains, and picturesque villages. Enjoy panoramic views of rolling green hills and charming cottages. 

Furness Line 

This underrated route meanders through charming countryside, rolling hills, and alongside the stunning coastline of Morecambe Bay. Passengers aboard the trains are treated to breathtaking views of the Lake District National Park. 

York to Leeds via Harrogate  

Beginning in the historic city of York, known for its medieval charm and iconic Minster, the train journey takes passengers through picturesque countryside through the renowned spa town of Harrogate. 

Hull to Driffield  

A hidden gem of the Northern network, this rural route shows off the best of the East Yorkshire countryside through the bustling towns of Beverley and Cottingham before arriving in Driffield, known as the ‘Capital of the Wolds’. 

Customers travelling with Northern can now compare the cost, travel time and CO₂ emissions of their journey against the equivalent trip by road. 

The train operator provides the information via the Savings Calculator comparison tool on their website. 

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.