York based train company, Grand Central, is encouraging the nation to take the scenic route this summer and travel by train.
The ‘open access’ operator runs from Thirsk, Northallerton and York to London and Wearside. It’s made a number of films of the journey from different angles including sitting next to the driver.
You can travel from London to Sunderland in around 20 minutes too but still catch the famous landmarks on the way.
The company is due to make an announcement tomorrow (Friday) about its policy on face coverings and reservations after next Monday’s changes in the law on covid rules.
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The four journeys featured within the video are:
Sunderland to York,
York to London Kings Cross,
Doncaster to London Kings Cross
and the entire route from Sunderland to London Kings Cross.
They travel along a combination of dramatic coastlines, stunning countryside, and bustling urban locations all visible from the comfort of their train carriages.
You will also pass through Thirsk and Northallerton stations.
In a bid to raise awareness of the broader benefits that a journey by train can offer, and to highlight their commitment to accessibility and inclusivity onboard their trains, Grand Central has teamed up with award winning charity, Autism Together, as part of this exciting project to find out more about the joy that a day out on the train can give bring to those with autism.
Jane Carolan, Deputy Chief Executive for the charity, commented:
“Every autistic person has their own particular interests and things that excite and stimulate them – and, for many, this includes going on a rail journey.
“For individuals on the autism spectrum who do love trains, the gentle motion of the carriage and the wonder of the landscape rushing by their window can be enough of a joy that the destination isn’t as important as the journey to get there.
“For others it’s the details that spark the interest – the specifications, the timetables and routines, the facts and the history.
“Autism is a non-visible condition, which means it’s unlikely to be immediately apparent that a passenger on the train with you is autistic. For this reason, some people with autism choose to wear the sunflower lanyard or carry an autism alert card, a visible sign so others can see that the wearer or someone with them may require some support, specific assistance, or simply more time to board or leave their carriage.
“We would ask train users to be considerate of all their fellow passengers and be mindful that the person they are sitting nearby may have a non-visible condition and be in need of their patience and support during the journey.”
You can read more about the scenic routes here, and videos can be found here.
Those looking to book a summer adventure with Grand Central you can do so here.