Short breaks by train

Oh-so-cool neighbourhoods, vibrant fusion food and vintage markets. Meet the capital of the Hauts-de-France region and rising star of regenerative tourism.

Cross the channel to Paris before heading northwards to Vernon, just a bus ride away from Monet's gardens in Giverny.

Burgundy's capital and UNESCO site, Dijon's walkable centre is filled with half-timbered medieval and Renaissance buildings dating back to the 15th century.

On the edge of the Hoge Veluwe National Park, Appeldoorn’s regal, historic centre extends out into miles of biodiverse countryside, easily explored on foot or by bike.

The second-largest city in Holland, characterised by striking modern architecture, sustainable urban design and a rising plant-based food scene.

Like Amsterdam, with an intimate, small-town feel. Home of the 17th-century painter Vermeer and Delf blue pottery—the perfect souvenir.

Two Scottish cities. Enough galleries, restaurants, and live music to make you go back for more.

Spend a few nights in lively Glasgow before staying in the seaside town of Oban, the perfect base to explore the many surrounding islands.

Enjoy a wellness weekend in Falmouth. Book into the spa, get your cold water fix in the Cornish sea, or discover your creative side at an arts class.

Base yourself in the heart of Snowdonia, surrounded by ancient woodland, lakes and mountains, blanketed by wildflowers in spring and snow in winter.

An ode to God's own country. Explore York and Malton, both Yorkshire towns that inspired two classic authors: JK Rowling and Dickens.

The Broads is Britain’s largest and most wildlife-rich wetland. Spend a weekend exploring fens and woodlands along its gentle waterways.

Brussels ticks all the boxes of culture, nightlife and gastronomy, from Michelin-starred dining to paper cones of moules-frites washed down with Belgian beer.

Leafy canals, gingerbread houses and cobbled streets, with a history of lace production and a beer culture so good it's been declared UNESCO Heritage.

With parks and nature reserves, Ghent is a city green to its core: home to the largest car-free zone in Europe and Belgium's 'Veggie Thursday' movement.

Forget what you know of this Swiss financial hub and discover the West’s buzzing warehouse galleries and bars. All backdropped by Alpine views.

One of Germany’s most diverse cities, with a bounty of museums that range from chocolate to perfume, modern art to Roman history.

Authenticity meets glamour: Turin’s characterful crumbling Roman old town opens up to palatial squares and elegant city parks.