Six of the best HERITAGE RAILWAYS

Plying an 84-mile round trip route through the Scottish Highlands (current licensing woes willing), the Jacobite Steam Train starts at Fort William and skirts the tallest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, and spectacular beaches on its way to Mallaig.

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The Jacobite Steam Train

For Harry Potter fans, the main event is its crossing of the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by the Hogwarts Express. Glenfinnan is also home to the imposing Jacobite monument, erected in 1815 to honour those who died fighting for the Stuart cause, and the train often stops at Glenfinnan station too, giving passengers a chance to visit its atmospheric Railway Museum. 

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

If you've buffed up your knowledge of railway history with a visit to the National Railway Museum in York (railwaymuseum.org.uk), a ride on this nearby heritage line is the obvious next step. Steaming across the North York Moors National Park for 24 miles, it runs from Whitby to Pickering via open moorland and pretty village stations. With some 'Accidentally Wes Anderson' treasures among its collection of historic carriages, the interiors are as attractive as the passing views; as well as regular. Pullman dining experiences and afternoon tea services, groups can charter its Great Western Saloon carriage in full.

Crich Tramway Village