Take a scenic route with CrossCountry this Easter

With its Birmingham to Bristol route regarded as one of Britain's most scenic, passing through the picturesque Worcestershire and Gloucestershire countryside; CrossCountry offers passengers the perfect opportunity to enjoy some spectacular views the length and breadth of Britain. From stunning coastal scenery and classic countryside, to historical bridges and impressive waterways; CrossCountry can treat you and your family to a 'seat with a view' this Easter.

Those of you thinking of visiting friends or family back home in Scotland can pass over the much-loved Forth Bridge, through the Kingdom of Fife and across the 'Silvery Tay' into Dundee on the scenic east coast route from Edinburgh to Aberdeen or take in the stunning coastal scenery on the Scottish borders passing through Berwick-upon-Tweed on route from Newcastle to Edinburgh.

If the sun shines, a trip to the coast could be a family favourite. Marvel at the Dorset coast on route from Manchester to Bournemouth or stop off at the popular resort of Weston-super-Mare having taken in the scenic delights of the Cotsworlds on route to Exeter from Cheltenham.

Treat the family to a relaxing city break with some breathtaking views along the way when travelling from Peterborough to Cambridge or Derby to York or cross the romantic West Country, Brunel's Royal Albert Bridge and the impressive sea wall at Dawlish on route to Exeter from Penzance.

With its stunning waterways and classic countryside, the journey from Leamington Spa to Reading is an easy day trip to make for a quick lunch and walk along on the Thames whilst crossing the impressive Seven Estuary and charming Welsh countryside when travelling from Nottingham to Cardiff makes for a pleasant weekend break.

Andy Cooper, Managing Director at CrossCountry comments: "With plenty of affordable Advance fares now available, including Birmingham to Bristol from £15.50 or even Newcastle to Edinburgh from £19.50, there is every reason to leave the car at home, avoid Bank Holiday congestion on the roads and travel by train this Easter.

"We can often take for granted the true beauty of the British countryside but with so many of us opting to stay at home this Easter, there has never been a better time to explore the most attractive scenic rail routes in Britain with CrossCountry."

Holiday makers are advised to book their trip in advance via crosscountrytrains.co.uk and make use of CrossCountry's latest online e-ticket which saves time by printing the ticket at home or at the office.

CrossCountry's top ten most attractive rail journeys:

1. 1. Birmingham to Bristol (through Worcestershire and Gloucestershire)
2. 2. Edinburgh to Aberdeen
3. 3. Penzance to Exeter
4. 4. Newcastle to Edinburgh
5. 5. Peterborough to Cambridge
6. 6. Manchester to Bournemouth
7. 7. Cheltenham to Exeter
8. 8. Derby to York
9. 9. Nottingham to Cardiff
10. 10. Leamington Spa to Reading

Notes to editors:

CrossCountry started operating on 11 November 2007. The franchise, which is the most extensive in the UK, will run until 31 March 2016. For further information on CrossCountry services and future franchise plans log on to www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk

CrossCountry is part of the Arriva group which operates transport services in twelve European countries, employs more than 40,000 people and provides more than one billion passenger journeys every year. For more information about the Arriva group visit www.arriva.co.uk

CrossCountry facts and figures:

STATIONS SERVED: 118
ROUTE MILES: 1,654
WEEKDAY SERVICES: 293
PASSENGERS CARRIED: Over 30 million passenger journeys a year anticipated
ANNUAL TRAIN MILEAGE: Approximately 16 million
EMPLOYEES: Approximately 1,700
LONGEST TRAIN SERVICE: (SX) 08.20 Aberdeen to Penzance (699 miles)

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Contact Information

CrossCountry Press Office: [email protected]

About CrossCountry

CrossCountry is a long-distance passenger train operator, with a network stretching from Aberdeen to Penzance and from Stansted to Cardiff and calling at over 100 stations. Based in Birmingham, CrossCountry connects seven of Britain’s 10 largest cities and delivers 240 services every weekday, equating to over 42 million passenger journeys each year.

For further information on CrossCountry services, visit crosscountrytrains.co.uk or visit one of our social media platforms via X @crosscountryuk or Facebook at facebook.com/crosscountrytrains