Why a UK Staycation by Train is the Smarter Way to Travel

There’s something quietly transformative about stepping onto a train. No traffic jams, no sat nav rerouting, no tense motorway overtakes—just a seat, a view, and the gentle rhythm of the rails carrying you towards your next escape.

At The Big House Co., we believe that how you travel should be part of the holiday itself. And increasingly, our guests are discovering that a UK staycation by train isn’t just a practical alternative—it’s a better one. With rising petrol costs, increasing flight prices, and a growing awareness of our environmental impact, train travel paired with a large self-catering holiday home offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and conscious travel.

Here’s why this way of holidaying is fast becoming the preferred choice.

Driving long distances—especially with a full house worth of guests to coordinate—can quickly turn into a logistical headache. Multiple cars, staggered arrival times, traffic delays, and the inevitable “are we nearly there yet?” all chip away at the start of your break.

Train travel changes the tone entirely.

Instead of focusing on the road, you can relax from the moment you depart. Catch up with friends, watch the countryside roll by, read a book, or simply switch off. For group trips—whether it’s a family gathering, celebration weekend, or corporate retreat—travelling together by train creates a shared start to the experience.

And when you arrive? Many of our homes are within a 10-mile radius of a mainline station. A short taxi transfer later, and you’re at your front door, ready to begin.

We have carefully selected properties that combine seclusion with accessibility. That means you can enjoy the feeling of “getting away from it all” without the challenge of actually getting there.

Take for example:

• Cheltenham House – easily reached via Cheltenham Spa station, with direct routes from London and the Midlands
• Somerset Manor – accessible from Taunton station, with London only 1 hour 40 minutes away, placing rolling countryside within easy reach
• Bath House – just a short transfer from Bath Spa station, one of the UK’s best-connected heritage cities
• Tatham House – a rural retreat that still benefits from proximity to major rail connections

This balance is what makes a train-based staycation so appealing. You’re not sacrificing convenience for charm—you get both.

Sustainability is no longer a niche consideration—it’s central to how many of us plan our travel. Choosing to holiday within the UK already reduces your carbon footprint compared to flying abroad, but travelling by train takes that a step further.

Rail travel is one of the lowest-emission forms of transport available. By opting for train over car or plane, you’re significantly reducing the environmental impact of your journey—without compromising on comfort or experience.

Pair that with a stay in a large self-catering home, where shared resources, group cooking, and longer stays naturally reduce waste, and you have a more responsible way to holiday.

 Let’s talk numbers.

Fuel prices remain unpredictable, and when you factor in wear and tear, and potentially multiple vehicles, driving can quickly become expensive. Flights, meanwhile, continue to rise in price—especially during peak seasons—and often come with hidden extras.

Train travel, particularly when booked in advance or as a group, can offer excellent value. Railcards, split ticketing, and group discounts make it even more accessible.

When you arrive at a large self-catering property, the savings continue. Cooking together, sharing costs, and avoiding expensive restaurants every night means your overall trip can be far more budget-friendly—without sacrificing quality.

Hotels simply can’t compete with the experience of a large holiday house.

Our properties are designed for groups. Think generous kitchens, long dining tables, spacious sitting rooms, and outdoor areas made for gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday, hosting a reunion, or planning a relaxed getaway with friends, having everyone under one roof creates a unique atmosphere.

And because you’ve travelled together—arriving refreshed rather than frazzled—you start your stay in the best possible way.

In a world that moves quickly, there’s real value in slowing down.

Train travel encourages a different pace. It gives you time to transition—from busy schedules to holiday mode, from routine to relaxation. There’s no need to rush, no pressure to navigate unfamiliar roads, and no distractions beyond the changing landscape outside your window.

That sense of calm carries through to your stay. Large self-catering homes naturally lend themselves to slower living: long breakfasts, unhurried walks, shared meals, and evenings spent talking rather than scrolling.

One of the biggest misconceptions about train travel is that it complicates the “last mile” of your journey.

In reality, it’s remarkably simple.

With most of our big houses located within 5-10 miles of mainline stations, a quick taxi ride is all it takes to complete your journey — just step into your transfer and let someone else handle the final stretch.

For larger groups, pre-booked taxis or minibuses make the process even smoother, ensuring everyone arrives together and on time.

Train-accessible staycations work beautifully for a wide range of trips:

• Family celebrations – bring generations together without the stress of coordinating multiple journeys
• Hen and stag weekends – start the fun early and keep logistics simple
• Corporate retreats – encourage team bonding from the moment you leave the city
• Wellness escapes – swap motorway stress for a mindful, relaxed journey

Whatever the reason for your gathering, the ease of train travel enhances the overall experience.

As travel habits continue to evolve, the appeal of staying closer to home—while still enjoying something special—has never been stronger.

A UK staycation by train offers a compelling combination of sustainability, simplicity, and genuine enjoyment. It removes many of the common pain points of travel and replaces them with something far more appealing: ease, comfort, and connection.

At The Big House Co., we’re proud to offer homes that make this style of travel not just possible, but effortless.

For enquiries and to discuss your specific requirements, simply visit our Contact Us page, email us at party@thebighouseco.com, or call +44 (0)1823 662673.

Let’s make your next celebration one to remember—in true grand style.

Your holiday doesn’t begin when you arrive—it begins the moment you leave home.

So next time you’re planning a group getaway, consider swapping the motorway for the railway. Choose a destination that’s both beautiful and accessible. And discover just how enjoyable the journey can be.

With The Big House Co., your perfect staycation is closer—and easier—than you think.

The Big House Company
Big enough for everyone. Personal enough to feel like home.