A weekend in Broadstairs, Kent, sounds great – classic seaside atmosphere, pretty beaches, lots of restaurants, easily accessible by train.
But what if you could spend an afternoon in Margate en route, without paying a penny more?
There’s a simple travel hack that could help you get more for your money and visit three places for the price of just one.
Angus Cameron, 36, is head of industry strategy booking platform Trainline, and has worked in the industry for more than 10 years.
He shared his insights and expertise, encouraging train passengers to make the most of their journeys.
Angus explained: ‘Customers sometimes don’t realise they can break their journey without buying multiple tickets.
‘If you have an Anytime ticket, which is the most flexible product that’s available on routes in the UK, you can get off the train as many times as you want between your origin and destination, and then board again with the same ticket.’
In short, purchasing an ‘Anytime’ rail ticket could get you up to three trips for the price of one.
Angus Cameron, 36, is head of industry strategy at Trainline and has worked in the industry for more than 10 years
He shared his insights and expertise, encouraging train passengers to make the most of their journeys
Angus added: ‘What is, of course, unfortunate to see is where customers have bought multiple tickets for that type of adventure.
‘You can go from London to Broadstairs, breaking your journey in Whitstable and Margate for as long as you want within the duration of your ticket eligibility, and really have a proper adventure and a day out on the train for the price of one ticket, rather than taking on the complexity and the price of buying multiple fares.’
According to the Trainline website: ‘To put it simply, Anytime train tickets allow for flexible outward and return travel between two stations, either on a single day or returning within a one-month period.
‘There are no restrictions on the time of day you can travel with an Anytime ticket, meaning you can board a train during Peak, Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak hours.’
This tactic is always possible with Anytime tickets. With Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets, it’s permitted on some routes, depending on operator conditions – although it won’t work with Advance tickets.
Travellers can check ticket conditions easily in the Trainline app by tapping the i icon before paying – look for the ‘Break of Journey’ section in the ticket details.
Trainline experts shared 10 top routes that can be completed with a single Off-Peak or Anytime ticket, allowing travellers to hop on and off freely at each stop.
1. Bristol to Salisbury (stops at Bath Spa and Bradford-on-Avon) – 1 hour 15 minutes
Bath is an ancient Roman town known for its Roman Baths and the iconic Royal Crescent
Bath is an ancient Roman town known for its Roman Baths and the iconic Royal Crescent – and you can stop for free on this train journey.
Next, Bradford-on-Avon is a riverside gem ideal for summer strolls and picnics.
And Salisbury is one of the UK’s most historic cities, home to Salisbury Cathedral and a copy of the Magna Carta.
2. London Victoria to Broadstairs (stops at Whitstable and Margate) – 1 hour 50 minutes
Broadstairs is a quieter seaside town with sandy beaches and literary heritage at the Dickens House Museum
Whitstable is known for its fresh seafood, independent pubs and shingle beach – and makes for a great day out.
Margate offers a thriving art scene, the Turner Contemporary and the vintage amusement park, Dreamland.
For the end of your journey, Broadstairs is a quieter seaside town with sandy beaches and literary heritage at the Dickens House Museum.
3. Edinburgh to Pitlochry (stops at Stirling and Dunkeld & Birnam) – 2 hours
Pitlochry is home to the Edradour Distillery and the Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder
Stirling, a great spot to stop if you take a slight detour, features major attractions including Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument.
Dunkeld offers cathedral ruins beside the River Tay and forest walks linked to Scottish folklore.
And finally, Pitlochry is home to the Edradour Distillery and the Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder.
4. Exeter to Hayle (stops at Totnes and Truro) – 3 hours
Totnes is a historic Devon town with castle views and peaceful riverside paths
Fancy a weekend away? Totnes is a historic Devon town with castle views and peaceful riverside paths, and is a great first stop on this route.
Truro is Cornwall’s cathedral city, famous for its Victorian market and independent shops.
And to finish it off, Hayle offers beautiful beaches, coastal scenery and a rich industrial past.
5. Cardiff to Tenby (stop at Carmarthen) – 2 hour 40 minutes
Tenby is a picture-postcard seaside destination with pastel houses, sandy beaches and a charming harbour
If you’re looking for a stopping point on this route, Carmarthen is a market town steeped in Welsh legend and medieval history.
Tenby is a picture-postcard seaside destination with pastel houses, sandy beaches and a charming harbour.
6. Manchester to Sheffield (stops at New Mills Central and Edale) – 1 hour 20 minutes
Sheffield combines industrial heritage with cultural attractions including Kelham Island Museum
Combine historic towns with one ticket, starting at New Mills, which provides access to dramatic Peak District views and traditional pubs.
Edale is the starting point for the popular circular walk to Mam Tor.
And Sheffield combines industrial heritage with cultural attractions including Kelham Island Museum.
7. Oxford to Worcester (stops at Charlbury and Moreton-in-Marsh) – 1 hour 25 minutes
Worcester offers riverside views, a grand cathedral and centuries of local heritage
Charlbury is a quiet Cotswold village surrounded by woodland and walking routes – perfect for a quick pit stop.
Moreton-in-Marsh is a classic market town known for antiques, cafés and Cotswold charm.
Worcester offers riverside views, a grand cathedral and centuries of local heritage.
8. Leeds to Scarborough (stops at Knaresborough and Malton) – 1 hour 55 minutes
Scarborough provides sandy bays, cliff-top walking routes and the ruins of a medieval castle
Knaresborough is known for its dramatic viaduct views over the River Nidd, and can easily be reached if you take a slightly windy and yet simple route.
Malton is Yorkshire’s self-proclaimed ‘food capital,’ offering artisan producers and bustling markets – a great option to break up your journey.
When you arrive at your final spot, Scarborough provides sandy bays, cliff-top walking routes and the ruins of a medieval castle.
9. Glasgow to Oban (stops at Dumbarton and Crianlarich) – 3 hours 15 minutes
Oban is regarded as the ‘Seafood Capital of Scotland’ and serves as a gateway to the Hebridean islands
Dumbarton features an imposing castle perched on volcanic rock above the River Clyde.
You can combine this with a visit to Crianlarich, a Highland village surrounded by mountains and scenic hiking routes.
Finally, Oban is regarded as the ‘Seafood Capital of Scotland’ and serves as a gateway to the Hebridean islands.
10. Newcastle to Carlisle (stops at Hexham and Haltwhistle) – 1 hour 50 minutes
Hexham is a lively market town built around its historic Abbey
Hexham is a lively market town built around its historic Abbey – and you can visit on the way to Carlisle.
Haltwhistle provides easy access to some of the best-preserved sections of Hadrian’s Wall.
The final destination on this route, Carlisle offers a medieval castle, cathedral and riverside walks.
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