Things to Do on a Long Train Journey

Travelling by train can be an amazing experience. The idea of being transported from A to B within such a short space of time is incredible in itself, but seeing the sights of the beautiful British countryside adds an extra dose of magic to your journey. 

However, even we can agree that long train journeys can be boring, and we often find ourselves thinking of ways to keep us busy to pass the time. That’s why we’ve come up with ten things to do on a long train journey, whether travelling solo or taking the family away. 

Play a Board Game

Few activities pass the time quicker than playing a game - particularly longer ones, like Monopoly. Now, many manufacturers make travel editions of the classics; pack Settlers of Catan, Rummikub or Cluedo and even Edinburgh to Penzance will be over in a flash. There are also plenty of riveting games that, though new, have become fast favourites for their portability - think Bananagrams and Dobble. For solo travellers, the diverse range of virtual board games available on Android and iOS app stores means you can play your favourite games with opponents worldwide – you can’t beat a heated game of online Scrabble. 

Read a Book

Long train journeys offer the perfect opportunity to get lost in a novel or piece of non-fiction, transporting you all over the world, back or forward in time and even into entirely new universes. Whether you prefer the feel of traditional book pages, an e-reader, or an audiobook, we recommend making time on your train journey to escape into a good story. Need some recommendations? Pop into a local independent bookstore and seek out one of these novels set on trains to enjoy.  

Find a Podcast Series

Finding it difficult to pick up a book and start reading? Podcasts may be the answer. We’re completely spoilt for choice with the plethora of podcasts available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other hosting platforms- there really is something for everyone. From history to sport to true crime to gossip, many podcast channels now have hundreds, often thousands, of hours of free listening. When you discover a host and a topic you can gel with, podcasts will keep you entertained for even the longest train journeys. 

Meditate

Most people cope with long train journeys with the help of technology rather than sitting and relaxing. Why not take the opportunity to go tech-free and meditate your way to your destination? It’s proven to reduce pain and anxiety and is a great way to gather your thoughts – just don’t fall asleep and miss your stop. 

 

Learn About your Destinations

How much do you know about where you’re headed? What is its history? what are the best things to do? and where do you need to go when your train arrives? If the answer to those is ‘I don’t know’, it might be a good idea to find out. Spend some time on the long train journey doing some research on the destination, ensuring you make the most of the time there. 

Watch a Movie

There’s a huge number of TV shows and films at our fingertips today. Sitting down to watch the newest blockbuster, an old favourite or an intriguing arthouse creation is the ideal way for many people to spend a long train journey. Top tip: download a favourite show while connected to WiFi to save mobile data and reduce buffering if travelling through remote areas. 

Meet New People

Most solo train journeys involve us doing things as individuals: reading, listening to podcasts, watching TV shows. Few of us actually take the time to sit and talk to the person beside us. In fact, speaking to new people is something we’re doing less and less, with technology mainly to blame. Take the opportunity to talk to fellow passengers, asking them how they are and where they’re going – you’ll be surprised how great you feel after. That being said, always pay attention to and respect the telltale signs that someone might not be up for conversation, such as wearing headphones.

Admire the Views

Britain boasts some of the most naturally beautiful areas in the world, and the CrossCountry network traverses a great deal of it. If a leg of your journey covers Bournemouth to Southampton, a glance out the window will afford you views of the New Forest, where horses roam freely. On the opposite end of the country, the journey from Newcastle to Edinburgh takes you along the North Sea, with views as far as the eye can see of the ocean scintillating with sunbeams. It’s easy to get lost in a beautiful vista. 

Try Journalling

Journaling is a fantastic means of practising reflection and self-care, and a long train journey is an ideal opportunity to put pen to paper. There is a range of different types of journalling:  

• Gratitude journaling encourages you to consider the big and small elements of your daily life that you feel thankful for. Regularly contributing to a gratitude journal can increase feelings of happiness and even decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Dream journalling can help you find recurring motifs and help you learn a bit about yourself and your unconscious mind.
• Travel journaling, perhaps most appropriate for a long train journey, is a lovely way to recount your past trips and adventures – cementing memories for your future self to enjoy. 

Take a Nap

Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to fall asleep on transport but for those who feel lulled by the movement of a train, why not just take a nap? Of course, if you’ve been told you’re a snorer, we ask that you stay awake for the benefit of the rest of your carriage! 

If you’re planning to visit a faraway destination, don’t forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or the CrossCountry app. If you need more information, you can contact us here.