Avoid the Bank Holiday Bunfight: Easy Getaways by Train

Pam

1 Apr 20247 min read

Bank holiday weekend is approaching — and with it, the great British tradition of everyone going to the exact same place at the exact same time. Cornwall? Booked. Brighton? Gridlocked. The M6? Emotionally unavailable.

But don’t panic-pack your tent just yet. With a bit of planning (and a lot of TrainSplit-ing), you can dodge the crowds, ditch the eye-watering fares, and still have a proper good time.

Here are some underrated, still-bookable bank holiday getaways you can reach by train without needing a Hogwarts-level budget or patience.

Image credit: David Hulme | Unsplash

1. Hebden Bridge – Yorkshire’s artsy secret

• Cool cafés, waterfalls, independent bookshops

• Get there via Leeds or Manchester (plenty of clever split-ticket routes!)

• Vibe: If Glastonbury and a National Trust walk had a charming Yorkshire baby

Avoid the Brighton brigade and head for Hebden Bridge — it’s chill, it’s scenic, and it has zero “hen do in inflatable sashes” energy. Plus, because it’s a local stop, TrainSplit can work ticket magic your standard rail apps won’t show you.

The TrainSplit app makes it easy to find cheaper alternative journeys through split ticketing.

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The TrainSplit app helps you find better fares by splitting your tickets. Available on iOS and Android, just search for TrainSplit in your app store and start saving today!

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2. Arundel – Castles, countryside, and no crowds

• Legit medieval castle, antique shops, riverside pubs

• Trains from London Victoria, often cheaper with changes

• Vibe: Bridgerton goes rural, but with real ale

Arundel is still somehow under the radar, meaning no crowds — just charming old buildings and a castle that looks like it’s auditioning for a Netflix period drama. A sneaky split ticket via Barnham or Horsham? Chef’s kiss.

Image credit: blueorangestudio | Canva Plus

3. Llandudno – Seaside fun, minus the stress

• Retro arcades, pier walks, dramatic cliffs

• Reachable via Crewe or Chester (with TrainSplit ninja moves)

• Vibe: Your nan’s holiday — but in the best possible way

Everyone’s flocking to Newquay. You? You’re off to Llandudno, sipping tea with sea views and saving £££ by splitting your fare like a spreadsheet wizard. Who’s the smug one now?

Image credit: waseemi | Canva Plus

4. Matlock Bath – Derbyshire’s low-key theme park town

• Cable cars, fish & chips, Peak District walks

• Direct from Derby or Nottingham, often cheaper with smart splits

• Vibe: If Alton Towers and Bake Off merged in a tiny spa town

It’s weird. It’s wonderful. It’s got a cable car and chips in paper. Matlock Bath is a one-of-a-kind British gem that’s oddly quiet for a bank holiday — and super affordable by train when TrainSplit finds those alternative routes.

More Splits, More Savings! Find cheaper train tickets by splitting your fares with the TrainSplit app. Download now on iOS or Android—search for TrainSplit in your app store.

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5. Ely – Pretty cathedral town (with less foot traffic than Cambridge)

• A whopping cathedral, riverside picnics, and antique markets

• Trains from London Kings Cross or Cambridge, plenty of split potential

• Vibe: Like Cambridge… but you can actually get a seat at a café

Ely is like Cambridge’s calmer cousin. Fewer tourists, same fancy vibes, and a cathedral that looks like it’s trying to impress a drone. Best of all? With TrainSplit, you’ll likely find a cheaper, off-peak journey with less sardine-can energy.

TrainSplit hacks for a stress-free escape:

• Turn on split tickets: This is the magic switch that drops your fares. With TrainSplit, you don’t need any wizardry to save money — just let the app work its magic, and you could be cutting down your travel costs without any extra effort.

• Try alternative routes: Taking a cheeky detour might sound like extra hassle, but it’s actually the easiest way to save. You could shave off £20+ by hopping off at an earlier stop or switching trains briefly. TrainSplit does all the hard work for you, showing you the best combinations to get you where you want to go — often faster and cheaper!

• Book slightly off-peak: If you can, shift your travel time by just 30 minutes earlier or later. It’s often enough to dodge the crowds and grab a much better fare. Plus, you’ll have more room to breathe (and more money for snacks).

• Bring snacks: Not technically a TrainSplit tip, but hey — don’t let a hangry journey ruin your day. Pack a little something for the road — you’ll thank yourself when you’re waiting for the train and don’t have to rely on overpriced station food.

TL;DR: You can still escape this bank holiday (without going full gladiator at the station)

🌟 Avoid the obvious hotspots

🌟 Pick underrated gems with charm and quiet vibes

🌟 Let TrainSplit slice up your fare like a money-saving ninja

🌟 Enjoy your long weekend with more time relaxing and less time rage-refreshing ticket sites

So, this Bank Holiday, don’t just follow the herd. Plan a getaway to one of these quiet, charming destinations and enjoy more time relaxing — not queuing at the station.

👉 Start your search now.

👉 Don’t forget snacks. Seriously.

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FAQ: Bank Holiday Train Travel & TrainSplit Tips

1. How can I find cheap train tickets during bank holidays in the UK?

Bank holiday train tickets tend to be more expensive due to higher demand, but you can save by booking early, travelling off-peak, and using split ticketing tools like TrainSplit to uncover hidden savings.

2. What is split ticketing and how does it work?

Split ticketing involves booking separate tickets for different legs of your journey rather than one single ticket. You stay on the same train, but the fare can be significantly cheaper — TrainSplit automates this process and shows you the best combinations.

3. Are lesser-known UK destinations easy to reach by train?

Yes! Many charming UK towns like Hebden Bridge, Arundel, and Matlock Bath are accessible by train — and often less crowded and more affordable. With clever route planning, you can avoid major travel bottlenecks and still enjoy a brilliant getaway.

4. Do I need a railcard to use TrainSplit?

You don’t need a railcard to use TrainSplit, but if you have one, it will be applied automatically to your split fares for even bigger savings. You can also buy a digital railcard quickly and easily through rail.cards.

5. What’s the best time to travel over a bank holiday weekend?

Travelling early in the morning or later in the evening can help you avoid crowds and score cheaper fares. Also consider travelling the day before or after the main weekend rush for a smoother journey.

6. Can I reserve a seat when booking with TrainSplit?

Yes, TrainSplit includes seat reservations on most services where they’re available. We aim to keep you in the same seat where possible, but due to train operator systems and split ticket combinations, your seats may occasionally vary across different legs of the journey.

To help avoid this, we provide a seat picker during the booking process — so you can choose your preferred seats yourself if supported by the train operator. Just bear in mind that all seat reservations are subject to availability at the time of booking.

7. What if my train is delayed or cancelled?

If your first train is delayed and causes you to miss a connection, you are legally entitled to take the next available service under the National Rail Conditions of Travel. This applies even if you’re using split tickets, as they’re treated as one continuous journey.

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