British Food and Travel

Our recent series has looked at some options for fun trips by train in Scotland, England, and Wales. But some of us love trains too much to leave it there. In this post, we feature three wonderful hotels and B&Bs that are set in converted train carriages and stations.

Wendy, the Coastal Carriage

The converted Edwardian railway carriage Wendy lies along the Welsh Coastal Path between Aberporth and Tresaith. It’s within walking distance of two beaches but still isolated enough to enjoy your own company and that of the local dolphins. In fact, this has been named one of the best spots in the UK to see bottle-nosed dolphins and seals. You can even catch your own fish for dinner while you’re enjoying the view.

We really enjoyed our stay at the Coastal Carriage. What a cosy, quirky little gem!

This restored carriage is the last of her type, a 1905 Sleeping Car originally built for the Plymouth-Waterloo train. After being retired in 1931, she was transported to her present location. Although the carriage has been restored and undergone a number of alterations, she is still painted in her original Great Western Railway colours.

Absolutely stunning, breathtaking views, cosy warm bedrooms, perfect tranquil surroundings.

Wendy sleeps five although one bed is a small twin and recommended for a child. What it lacks in luxury, it makes up for in character. There’s a kitchen with microwave, small fridge, and oven, as well as a salon, complete with woodburning stove, comfy sofas, and dining space. Two bedroom compartments are described as “compact but cosy”. Dogs are welcome for an additional fee and wi-fi service is free.

We had a fantastic 5-night break in this charming Edwardian railway carriage. This place really is a Tardis. Everything is well thought out to incorporate a great deal of comfort as well as style. The wood-burner not only looked good but worked very efficiently. 

Click here for booking information for Wendy, the Coastal Carriage.

The Old Railway Station

If you are looking for a change from the usual hotels while visiting the South Downs, The Old Station in Petworth, Sussex has several types of room to choose from. The Old Station is conveniently located just 11 miles from Chichester and 7 miles from Goodwood Race Course.

Just wonderful, like stepping back in time, the Pullman carriage had everything that was required. Lovely freshly cooked breakfast.

As the name suggests, this was once Petworth Railway Station and was built in 1892. Passenger services through Petworth stopped in 1955, with freight services coming to an end a decade later. The station soon fell into disrepair but was bought in the 1980s and carefully restored. Now a B&B, guests can stay in the main Station House or in a converted train carriage. The four carriages – Montana, Flora, Mimosa, and Alicante – date from the early 20th century. Plans are also underway to renovate the former signal box into an 11th room. The owners have converted the waiting room of the station into a tea room which serves cream teas throughout the year. In the summer, enjoy tea on the platform. When it’s colder, take a seat by the roaring fire inside.

The train carriages are just beautiful and it’s like stepping back in time with a little modern twist. The staff are very friendly and go out of their way to look after you.

The Station House has two rooms while the Pullman carriages have a total of eight rooms. All have en-suite bathrooms. Full English breakfast is included, as is wi-fi. Children under 10 are not permitted to stay overnight.

The attention to detail was all so beautifully done & authentic.

Click here for booking information for The Old Station House.

Railholiday

For those seeking a Cornish holiday with a difference, Railholiday has five different converted train carriages and an array of awards, including a Gold Award for Excellence from VisitEngland and a Gold Award from Cornwall Tourism. They also have received several awards for sustainability and ethical tourism.

You don’t have to be a train buff to enjoy the experience. They have thought of all the little details guests may need.

The self-catering carriages are all located along the former GWR Cornish main line, four in the village of St Germans and one in Hayle, near St Ives. The choices of carriage are:

• Millpool – wheelchair accessible, sleeps 1-2 with possible room for a 3rd person, pets welcome.
• Mevy – Victorian slip coach, centrally heated by wood-fuelled biomass boiler, sleeps up to 5, pets not allowed, private deck, access to 10 acres of private woodland.
• The Old Luggage Van – sleeps 1-2, wood burning stove, located in small enclosed garden, access to 10 acres of private woodland, pets welcome.
• The Travelling Post Office – sleeps 4 with room for another 2 on sleeper sofa, located next to railway track, cot and children’s toys available on request, wood burning stove, access to 10 acres of private woodland, pets welcome.
• Harvey of Hayle – restored 1950s coach which still has many of the old British Rail fixtures (lamps, luggage racks, etc), divided into two but only rented to one party at a time, comfortably sleeps 6 in one end but entire carriage can accomodate up to 13, short walk from beach, campfire area outside, pets welcome.

What a gem of a find. A truly accessible holiday let for two people.

All carriages are non-smoking and include wi-fi access.

Wonderful setting in amazing converted carriages. Hours of work has been undertaken to make these carriages home from home on so many levels. You even feel like you’re hopping on to travel somewhere.

Click here for information about booking any of the Railholiday carriages.

Whether you are looking for a peaceful getaway with your loved one, or a fun family holiday, a converted train carriage could be just what you need. Each one featured here has been restored in a different style, ensuring you have a memorable time.