BRITRAIL

 

 

BritRail – What’s New This Year!

 

If you are planning on visiting the UK, then BritRail is the one-stop-shop for all their travel needs! With a diverse assortment of rail passes, point-to-point tickets and complementary travel products, BritRail is sure to meet the wants of even the most demanding travelers.

 

New in 2008, BritRail has added a new pass as well as improved some of its existing offerings!

 

 

BritRail 2008 Brochure

 

For a comprehensive guide of BritRail’s complete product offering, please request the BritRail 2008 Brochure and Price Guide, please call Deb at 614-228-1868 or E-Mail

 

 

 

 

New and Improved – BritRail London Plus Pass

 

The BritRail London Plus Pass has extended its boundaries, allowing travelers to visit exciting destinations such as Bristol, Bath and Stratford-Upon-Avon! In addition, it also now comes complete with 2 vouchers valid on the Stansted, Gatwick or Heathrow Express.

 

For more information on the BritRail London Plus Pass, please call Deb at 614-228-1868 or E-Mail

 

 

New Pass – BritRail Central Scotland Pass

 

Providing access to Scotland’s central belt, BritRail’s newest pass is perfect for travelers looking to take ‘days-out’ trips from Edinburgh and Glasgow!

 

For more information on the BritRail Central Scotland Pass, please call Deb at 614-228-1868 or E-Mail

 

 

Updated – BritRail Pass + Ireland

 

New in 2008, the rail pass and the Irish Sea Ferry Crossings of the popular 'BritRail Pass + Ireland' have been separated into 2 different products. As a result, you now have more freedom in choosing the most convenient way to get to Ireland. The Ferry segments are now called the 'BritRail Irish Sea Crossing'.

 

For more information on the BritRail Pass + Ireland,  please call Deb at 614-228-1868 or E-Mail

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BritRail Guest Pass Discount - 25%* Off

 

When a traveler orders a BritRail Pass or BritRail England Pass for  themselves, simply order a BritRail Guest Pass of the same type for a traveling companion, who is a resident of the UK, and they both receive a whopping 25% discount on the price of both passes.

 

*New in 2008, travelers from Australia, New Zealand, India and South Africa receive 50% of each pass instead of 25%.

 

To order a BritRail Guest Pass,  please call Deb at 614-228-1868 or E-Mail

 

 

For more information on BritRail and BritRail's passes, point-to-point tickets and complementary travel products, please call Deb at 614-228-1868 or E-Mail

 

 

 

Scenic Rail Routes in Britain- a Must See!

Take in Britain's beauty from the comfort of your seat! There are many rail lines in Britain worth the trip just for the scenery. To fully enjoy them, all should be traversed in daylight hours. Remember, during the summer in the north of England and Scotland daylight ends around 10 PM, which gives you extra hours for touring!

Scotland

Scotland possesses some of the most magnificent scenic rail journeys in the world. We particularly recommend these routes:

  • Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh
  • The Far North Line - Inverness to Wick/Thurso to catch ferries to the Orkney Islands
  • West Highland Line - Glasgow to Oban, Fort William or Mallaig
  • Perthto Inverness
  • Glasgow to Stranraer - for the ferries to Northern Ireland
  • Edinburgh to Dundee
  • Newcastle to Edinburgh

North Country

England's North Country is a secret well kept with an abundance of wonderful scenery. Enjoy one of these journeys:

  • Settle and Carlisle Line
  • Middlesborough to Whitby
  • Manchester to Sheffield
  • Newcastle to Carlisle
  • Preston to Carlisle
  • Leeds to York via Harrogate

Wales

Virtually all routes in Wales are scenic! These are extra special:

  • Central Wales Line Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth or Pwllheli
  • Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog
  • Shrewsbury to Swansea
  • Swansea to Pembroke 

East Anglia & Central England

East Anglia offers scenery of a different kind - a wide-open Fenland. Wide-open views make this undiscovered part of Britain so enthralling. Try these routes:

  • Norwich to Sheringham
  • Norwich to Lowestoft
  • Ipswich to Lowestoft
  • Ely to Norwich
  • Oxford to Hereford

West Country

Unique rugged coastlines interspersed with seaside towns and villages are the trademark of a trip through Devon and Cornwall. Take your pick:

  • Exeter to Penzance
  • Liskeard to Looe
  • Truro to Falmouth
  • St Erth to St Ives
  • Bristol to Weymouth
  • Salisbury to Exeter

South East

Trains in the Southeast carry you through the South Downs and across wide marshlands to the sea. Here are some highlights:

  • Lewes to Hastings
  • Southampton to Weymouth

 

Bristol – A Seaside Gem

This month, BritRail travels to the South of England as we explore one of the UK’s most fascinating cities – Bristol. Travelers will revel in the beauty and energy of this sea-side gem as they visit the numerous cultural attractions, amazing boutiques and stylish restaurants. The fun doesn’t end there however; when the sun goes down, Bristol comes to life. You can throw on their dancing shoes, and party into the wee hours of the night in any of the city’s trendy nightclubs. With something for everyone, Bristol is perfect for any days-out trip from London!

 

Benefits of Traveling in Off-Peak Seasons:

 

Besides spending less on your BritRail Pass, yours will likely benefit from:

* Lower priced hotels, attractions and tour operators.

* Smaller crowds of tourists provide a more laid-back atmosphere, allowing travelers to explore in peace.

* Better chance of experiencing authentic local culture rather than falling victim to ‘Tourist Traps’.

* Locals are more likely to be friendly and courteous, making your' holiday that much more memorable and enjoyable.

 

Getting to Bristol

 

You can use a BritRail England Consecutive or Flexi Pass and travel to Bristol in the comfort and style that only BritRail can offer. The passes also offer access to the Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted Express trains - the quickest way from London's airports to central London. With The BritRail England Pass, traveling has never been so easy!

 

To purchase this, or any other BritRail products, please call Deb at 614-228-1868 or E-Mail

 

The Best of Bristol

 

A Mix of Culture and History

 

Bristol's Top 3 Attractions

 

Brunel's SS Great Britain

 

Created in 1843 in Bristol, this naval masterpiece was the world’s first ocean-going, propeller driven iron ship. During its sea-faring days, the behemoth ship served many purposes – from luxury cruise liner to cargo vessel, the SS Great Britain has done it all. Now, it serves as one of Bristol’s most popular attractions. Visitors are encouraged to climb aboard and experience what life was like for her passengers and crew in decades past. With audio guides in multiple languages, Brunel’s SS Great Britain is definitely a must see.

 

British Empire and Commonwealth Museum

 

An utterly enthralling attraction, the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum explores Britain’s dramatic, imperial past. The exhibits span over 500 years of history and together, tell a tale of trade, exploration and, of course, British Conquest. Located right next to Temple Meads, Bristol's main railway station, this acclaimed museum is sure to enlighten and entertain.

 

Glastonbury Abbey

 

Our pick for most interesting and unique attraction, Glastonbury is possibly the oldest abbey in all of Britain. A number of exciting legends are weaved into the 2000 years of rich history that surrounds the site. Jesus is said to have been brought here by Joseph of Arimathea and it is supposedly the original burial grounds for the heroic King Arthur and his Queen Guinevere! The nearest train station is Castle Cary (on the London Paddington to Plymouth line).

 

A Taste of the South

 

Bristol's Top 3 Restaurants

 

 Avon Gorge Café

 

You can take some time to enjoy the view at the Avon Gorge Hotel’s relaxing café. Not only is it the perfect place to sample an assortment of superb teas, the café also provides the most fantastic view of Brunel’s masterpiece, the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

 

The Mud Dock

 

A favorite of the locals, The Mud Dock is unique a restaurant located, interestingly enough, above a specialty bike shop. The great view it offers of Bristol’s harbor combined with the laid back tunes of the on-location DJ’s, make the Mud Dock one of the coolest places in all of Bristol.

 

Severnshed

 

On a sunny day, we suggest you check out the modern Severnshed restaurant. Once a 19th century boat house, it has since be transformed into one of England’s best restaurants (voted one of UK’s top 100 restaurants in 2005 by BBC’s Olive magazine). The Severnshed boasts fine cuisine, an immaculate terrace and, its ‘Pièce de résistance’, a floating bar complete with ‘mixologists’, ready to whip up any cocktail you can imagine!

 

 

A Night on the Town

 

Bristol's Top 3 Night Outings

 

Bristol Hippodrome

 

Theatre aficionados must spend an evening at the Bristol Hippodrome. Showcasing the best in West End and Broadway productions, this month's highlights include The Wizard of OZ, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat and the critically acclaimed Mamma Mia.

 

The Elbow Room Lounge

 

If you are looking for a place to put your feet up and kick-back then The Elbow Room is for you. Located on the fashionable Park Street, this bar offers the perfect mix of style and unpretentiousness.

Oceana

Finally, for the ultimate night-on-the-town, visit Oceana. With 5 bars and two clubs all under the same roof, Oceana offers a party experience like no other.

Destination Scotland

Scotland has been a haven for runaway lovers for centuries so it is no wonder that it has emerged as one of the globe’s most romantic destinations. Celebrities such as Madonna, Ewan McGregor and Robert Carlyle have all chosen to tie the knot here.

As winter glides into Spring there has never been a better time for your to visit Scotland with its pink and purple skies, diamond white snow-capped mountains and a hint of warmth in the spring sunshine. Whichever part of Scotland you choose to visit, you’ll be captivated by Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes with its unspoiled beaches, sweeping mountain slopes and clear sparkling rivers and lochs. Combine this with ancient castles and sense of history to create an atmosphere of romance that will work its magic long after your return home.

Planning a trip to Scotland

Scotland, the land of Braveheart, of Bonnie Prince Charlie; a land of exciting cities and peaceful lochs and glens.   There is something for everyone in Scotland yet only about 10% of travelers to the UK make your way there. But Scotland is easy to reach and well worth the few hours of traveling through some of England’s finest scenery on the way.  

Getting there:

From London, there are 2 routes, one up the East coast and another up the West coast.

1.         The East coast service leaves from London Kings Cross station at least every hour and takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes. 

2.         The West coast service leaves from London Euston a little less frequently and takes slightly a little longer but offers a truly exceptional view of the U.K. 

3.         As another unique experience, climb aboard a Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston and you’ll wake up the next morning in your favorite Scottish city (maybe Aberdeen or Inverness for example). 

As you can see, getting there is both easy and a pleasurable ride. 

What to see:

Inverness, the capital and principal cross-roads of the Highlands of Scotland, has an enviable location at the head of the Great Glen and on the shores of the Moray Firth.

Bustling, cosmopolitan and attractive capital of the Highlands and Scotland’s millennium city – Inverness makes an ideal base for exploring. Highlights include the beautiful River Ness, Eden Court