Discover the UK's Top Attractions with Car-Free Initiatives
Are you looking for new ways to explore the UK's top attractions without the hassle of driving and parking? Well, you're in luck! Some of the UK's most popular attractions are now offering car-free initiatives, making it easier than ever to visit them by train, bus, bike, or on foot.
The National Trust, English Heritage, and Historic Environment Scotland are all piloting some exciting car-free initiatives, including big-name sites such as Stonehenge, Stirling Castle, and Dunham Massey. These initiatives are aimed at promoting sustainable travel and reducing the impact of cars on the environment.
In addition to these, the Royal Horticultural Society is also offering 30% off garden entry to car-free visitors at all five of its gardens. From this summer, all RHS gardens will have shuttle bus links as well.
It's worth noting that the discount is not applicable for the following events: RHS Chelsea Flower Show, RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, and RHS Flower Show Tatton Park.
The Trainsplit app makes it easy to find cheaper alternative journeys through split ticketing.
The app is available on both iOS and Android devices. Just search for "Trainsplit" in your app store and download the app today.
Here are some of the top attractions and their nearest train stations that you can easily visit without a car:
Stonehenge
Image credit: Ankit Sood | Unsplash
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in England consisting of a ring of standing stones. It is one of the most famous and mysterious archaeological sites in the world. The purpose of Stonehenge is unknown, but it is thought to have been a ceremonial site, possibly used for religious rituals or astronomical observations. Stonehenge was built in several stages over 5,000 years ago, and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The nearest train station is Salisbury, which is approximately 9 miles from Stonehenge. From there, you can take the Stonehenge Tour bus to the site. The Stonehenge Tour Bus picks up passengers from Salisbury train and bus stations throughout the year for the half hour journey to the stones. Find timetables and tickets.
Save money on train tickets to Salisbury
Stirling Castle
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Stirling Castle is one of the most important and iconic castles in Scotland. It is located in the city of Stirling, at the top of a volcanic crag overlooking the River Forth. The castle has a long and turbulent history, dating back to the 12th century. It has been the site of many important events in Scottish history, including the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 and the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
The castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Scotland's most popular tourist attractions. It is open to the public and offers a variety of tours and exhibits. Visitors can explore the castle's many buildings, including the Great Hall, the Chapel Royal, and the Royal Palace. They can also walk along the castle walls and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Stirling Castle is a symbol of Scottish history and culture. It is a powerful reminder of the country's turbulent past and its proud independence.
Here are some additional facts about Stirling Castle:
- The castle is built on an intrusive crag, which forms part of the Stirling Sill geological formation.
- The castle is surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs, giving it a strong defensive position.
- The strategic location of the castle, guarding what was, until the 1890s, the farthest downstream crossing of the River Forth, has made it an important fortification in the region from the earliest times.
- Most of the principal buildings of the castle date from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
- The castle was the home of the Scottish royal family for many years, and it was the site of the coronation of James VI of Scotland in 1567.
- The castle was also used as a military base during the Jacobite risings of the 18th century.
- Today, Stirling Castle is a popular tourist destination and is managed by Historic Environment Scotland.
The nearest train station is Stirling, which is approximately a 15-minute walk from the castle.
Enjoy 25% off entry when you arrive car-free by train, bus or bike. 25% off the standard Adult, Child or Concession admission price when you book online with code GOOD25 and show your train ticket on arrival.
Dunham Massey
Image credit: RMC42 | Shutterstock
Dunham Massey is a country estate in Greater Manchester, England. It is home to a Georgian mansion, a deer park, and formal gardens. The mansion was built in the early 18th century by George Booth, 2nd Earl of Warrington. The gardens were designed by William Emes in the 18th century.
The estate is now owned by the National Trust and is open to the public. Visitors can explore the mansion, gardens, and deer park. There are also a number of events held at Dunham Massey throughout the year, such as Christmas at Dunham Massey and the Dunham Massey Flower Show.
Dunham Massey is a popular destination for day trips and weekend breaks. It is a beautiful and tranquil place to visit, and there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Here are some of the things you can do at Dunham Massey:
- Explore the Georgian mansion, including the State Rooms, the Library, and the Kitchen.
- Visit the formal gardens, including the Winter Garden, the Rose Garden, and the Italian Garden.
- Walk through the deer park and see the fallow deer.
- Take part in one of the many events held at Dunham Massey throughout the year, such as Christmas at Dunham Massey or the Dunham Massey Flower Show.
- Have a picnic in the park.
- Enjoy a meal in the Old Hall Tea Room.
The nearest train stations are Altrincham or Hale, which are approximately 3 miles from Dunham Massey. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to the site.
The Trainsplit app is more than just a way to save money on train travel. It's a great way to explore new places and meet new people.
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Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Image credit: Klaus Kreuer | Unsplash
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland. It is home to a vast collection of plants from all over the world, including a number of rare and endangered species. The garden is also a center for research and education, and it offers a variety of educational programs for visitors of all ages.
The garden is located just one mile north of Edinburgh city center, and it is open year-round. Admission is free to the gardens themselves, but there is a small charge to enter the glasshouses.
Some of the highlights of the garden include the Rock Garden, the Alpine Houses, the Woodland Garden, the Pond, the Arboretum, the Chinese Hillside, the Rhododendron Collection, and the Scottish Native Plants Collection. The garden also offers a variety of events throughout the year, such as concerts, exhibitions, and family activities.
If you are visiting Edinburgh, I highly recommend visiting the Royal Botanic Garden. It is a beautiful and fascinating place, and it is a great way to learn about plants and nature.
Here are some additional facts about the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh:
- It was founded in 1670 as a physic garden to grow medicinal plants.
- It is home to over 13,300 plant species.
- The garden's herbarium contains over 3 million preserved specimens.
- The garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- It is a member of the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI).
The nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverley, which is approximately a 20-minute walk from the garden.
RHS Garden Wisley
Image credit: Harry Grout | Unsplash
RHS Garden Wisley is a garden run by the Royal Horticultural Society in Wisley, Surrey, south of London. It is one of five gardens run by the society, the others being Harlow Carr, Hyde Hall, Rosemoor, and Bridgewater. Wisley is the second most visited paid entry garden in the United Kingdom after the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, with 1,232,772 visitors in 2019.
The garden covers 240 acres (971,000 m²) and includes a wide variety of gardens, including formal gardens, informal gardens, a glasshouse, an arboretum, and a trials field. There are also a number of educational facilities at Wisley, including a learning center, a library, and a nursery.
RHS Garden Wisley is a popular destination for both visitors and gardeners. It is a beautiful place to spend a day exploring the gardens, learning about plants, and enjoying the outdoors.
Here are some of the key points from the paragraph on RHS Garden Wisley that I have included:
- RHS Garden Wisley is a garden run by the Royal Horticultural Society.
- It is one of the most visited gardens in the United Kingdom.
- The garden covers 240 acres and includes a wide variety of gardens.
- There are also a number of educational facilities at Wisley.
- RHS Garden Wisley is a popular destination for both visitors and gardeners.
The garden is located closest to West Byfleet station (4 miles away), followed by Woking station (6 miles away), and Guildford station (8 miles away). Please note that there are no taxis readily available at West Byfleet station. However, if you arrive at Woking station, you can conveniently take the shuttle bus directly to the garden entrance.
Enjoy 30% off entry when you arrive car-free, showing a valid train or bus ticket, taxi receipt, or bike.
These are just a few examples of the many attractions that are accessible by train.
So why not take a scenic train ride and visit some of the UK's most beautiful attractions? You'll be able to enjoy historic sites, stunning gardens, and breathtaking landscapes, all while knowing that you're doing your part for the environment.
Don't miss out on these amazing experiences! Book your train tickets today and take advantage of the car-free initiatives at these fantastic attractions.
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