200 Years of Revolutionising the ‘Staycation’
200 Years of Revolutionising the ‘Staycation’
What is a ‘Staycation’? The Cambridge Dictionary defines the word as ‘a holiday that you take at home or near your home rather than travelling to another place.’ (11)
In the UK, there are endless possibilities for travelling within the country. From coastal escapes to highland treks. Although Merriam-Webster says that the first written instance of the term was not recorded until 1944, we look back to 200 years ago when ‘staycations’ became accessible to the masses (12).
2025 marks two centuries since the Stockton & Darlington Railway launched the world's first public steam train line in 1825, stretching a mere 26 miles in County Durham. From here, the rise of passenger railways transformed British and then European, and then the rest of the world's transportation, effectively giving birth to the modern day staycation.
Explore how modern staycations have evolved across the UK thanks to 200 years of railway heritage.
A Journey Through 200 Years of UK Railway History
The Stockton & Darlington Railway opened in 1825, catalysing public passenger rail transport not only in the UK but across the world. Connecting people, places, and communities led to a boom in the sharing of information and ideas, revolutionising not only travel but also communication(14).
To celebrate two centuries of modern passenger railways, "The Greatest Gathering" was held in Derby earlier this year, 2025, and was the largest-ever gathering of historic and contemporary rolling stock. From one of the oldest steam trains, built in 1825, to the newest models, a great collection of locomotives was on show. 40,000 visitors attend the event with profits split between five charities, Alzheimer's Research UK, Railway Benefit Fund, Railway Children, Railway Mission and the Transport Benevolent Fund(6).
In light of ‘Railway 200’, there has been a larger revival of railway station tours in London, including Waterloo, Victoria, and London Bridge(1,2). Similarly, there are historic railway stations across the UK that have now been turned into museums or memorials. An example of this is Ballater Station. According to Visit Ballater’s website, “Ballater railway station is a former station in the village of Ballater in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The station was formerly the terminus of a branch line from Aberdeen.” This historic site was once the same railway station frequented by royals as the nearest station to Balmoral Castle (10).
Overall, the railway's impact on British Travel Culture is immeasurable. Passenger railways have made local travel and staycations accessible by bringing the opportunity to travel to the masses. This has indefinitely boosted tourism and shaped leisure habits across the UK and beyond.
Staycations on the Rails – Heritage and Modern Journeys
Across the UK, you can experience heritage railways and scenic journeys across several lines and locations. From the bottom to the top of the country, there are just over 10,000 miles of rail networks and 28 major train operators(15). Even smaller lines, such as the Jacobite Steam Train, induce a sense of nostalgia as travellers explore the immersive landscape during their highland journey.
Experiences like these evoke the romance of early rail travel, as you watch rolling hills, lengthy coastlines, and incredible landscapes pass by. Motion sickness may not be as severe during front-facing rail travel, especially when compared to car travel through the winding country roads (9). With your eyes not trained on the road, or two hands on a car wheel, cracking open a book or opening a laptop is now an option. The ease of railway travel has the potential to evoke a sense of luxury and offers benefits that extend beyond its passengers. According to the National Rail, rail travel creates between 5 and 10% less carbon pollution when compared to car travel, per passenger (7).
The growing trend of combining scenic journeys and greener travel with local hotel stays emphasises relaxation and ease. Crerar Hotels has partnered with Caledonian Sleeper (5), a truly iconic way to travel between London and Scotland. Serving over 40 destinations, cosy into your room, sit back, or lie back, and enjoy this overnight adventure, which is more than a journey. It’s a bucket list experience, a luxury experience from start to finish.
Elevating Your Scottish Staycations with Caledonian Sleeper & Crerar Hotels
Crerar Hotels operates high-quality boutique hotels and spas across Scotland and the Lake District. Our profile includes Dunkeld House Hotel, Daffodil Hotel & Spa, Fonab Castle, Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, Oban Bay Hotel, Balmoral Arms, Glencoe Inn, Thainstone House, Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa, and Golf View Hotel & Spa. 2 years ago, Crerar Hotels was named AA ‘Small Hotel Group of the Year’ and continue to be award winning propertines across the collection.
With properties across Scotland, a location that is well-travelled and has a well-supplied railway system. Railway travel is essential to many guests across the Crerar Hotels collection and, partnered with Caledonian Sleeper, the experience has become even more luxurious for travellers. Replace metal skylines with rugged landscapes when you go to sleep in London and wake up in the Scottish Highlands, making for the ultimate staycation. Celebrate Railway 200 with an escape, enjoying the smooth, rail journey on a Caledonian Sleeper journey and settle in to your staycation at a Crerar Hotel. (1,4,5)
Oban Bay Hotel (Glasgow Central Station - Oban Station)
Begin your journey by travelling to Glasgow Central via the Caledonian Sleeper. From here, take the short connection to Glasgow Queen Street, where you can hop onto a continuing Scotrail service directly to Oban Station (13). A beautiful, 15-minute bayside walk brings you to Oban Bay Hotel's doors - or simply call reception to see if a car is available to pick up those with more luggage.
Oban, known as the gateway to the Isles, is the perfect seaside retreat with connections to the western Isles and the Hebrides. With adventure, history and even bayside relaxation, plan your escape on the way!
Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa (Oban Station - Craignure Ferry Port)
Slightly farther afield, recently refurbished, with 75 rooms and new luxury suites await guests, along with an extensive spa and wilderness thermal facilities. After making your way to Oban, the rest of the trip is just a puddle jump away.
Once you’ve arrived at the port town, join a Caledonian MacBrayne ferry for a quick ride over the water to Craignure Port on the Isle of Mull (13). From here, the hotel is a 10-minute walk along the coastline. You can also phone the Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa for a ride via the hotel shuttle.
Glencoe Inn (Fort William Station)
Take the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Fort William. Once you arrive at Fort William Station, it's much easier to get to us in Glencoe, and on this luxury service, you'll be fully refreshed for your adventure ahead (13). Select from a range of onward transportation options. Frequent buses run between Fort William and Glencoe, or you can find a nearby car rental. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us directly, and we will be happy to discuss options to get you to our waiting Inn.
Glencoe is historically connected via the West Highland Line, offering dramatic scenic views from start to finish. Whether you are looking for a quiet experience at the Glencoe Inn or a group retreat to the self-catering Island View House, there is something for everyone.
Dunkeld House Hotel (Dunkeld & Birnam Station)
This luxury country house on the River Tay is the perfect countryside escape in Perthshire. 90 minutes from 90% of Scotland, what better place to escape for a quick staycation than this central, yet magical escape?
Dunkeld & Birnam Station connects to the Highland Main Line, enabling effortless rail-based access from major Scottish cities down to London (5,13). The Caledonian Sleeper runs directly through this line, and it is the perfect opportunity for our guests from farther afield to extend their holiday. Enjoy a casual 45-minute walk through the historic small town along the River Tay, or hail a taxi for a quicker option. You can contact us directly for pick-up and drop-off options.
Fonab Castle (Pitlochry Station)
Fonab Castle offers an exceptional retreat for travellers seeking relaxation, adventure, and refined indulgence in the heart of the Highlands. Pitlochry Station is situated just 1 mile from our doorstep and directly on the Caledonian Sleeper route (1,13).
With our team of top-class concierges and a shuttle on hand, you can contact the hotel directly for collection from the station or enjoy a scenic walk through the Faskally Wood across the river.
Golf View Hotel & Spa (Inverness Station - Nairn Station)
What better place to staycation than the white sand beaches of Nairn? Golf View Hotel & Spa is more than a seaside hotel. With a whole resort feel, the spa has panoramic views of the sea beyond and delectable menus to enjoy.
Take a journey to the nearby city of Inverness for the whole Caledonian Sleeper experience before connecting through another service to Nairn. Golf View Hotel & Spa is only 1 mile from Nairn Station (13). From here, you can take a taxi or enjoy a 20-minute walk towards the sea.
What are you waiting for? Book your StayCation
Follow in the footsteps of Victorian travellers by hopping aboard heritage railways, onto modern transports, before then unwinding in luxurious Crerar Collection hospitality.
Whether you are looking for spa stays with a round-trip scenic views,or adventure-led treks in the Scottish Highlands, Staycations can be whatever you want them to be, thanks to the railways. We see guests journey from across the UK and beyond for Crerar Hotels' staycations, and with 200 years of railway, that legacy continues, not only in transport, but as a gateway to local discovery and recuperation.
Combine Caledonian Sleeper and Crerar Hotels to be the ideal partnership in the staycation revolution. Providing luxurious, accessible getaways across the UK is just the start of the journey. Plan your modern staycation with a nod to the heritage of the contemporary railways while indulging in modern luxury.
Celebrating the Railway 200, Caledonina Sleeper is offering a limited-time offer for 200 lucky overnight guests – 200 rooms for £200 on Club ensuite rooms. With additional continuing journey discounts from ScotRail, your possibilities are limitless. Create a travel experience to remember, then relax upon arrival at any of the Crear Hotels collection with their Autumn & Winter Getaway offer, where you will receive dinner, a bottle of bubbles and discounts on spa treatments when booked in advance (1,5).
FAQ's
You can find all destinations for the Caledonian Sleeper here.
Almost! Many of our locations have local railway stations, such as Oban Bay Hotel, Fonab Castle, Dunkeld House Hotel, and Golf View Hotel & Spa. At the same time, others have alternative forms of public transportation connections nearby via bus and ferry. You can contact us to learn more information about public transportation to our venues.
No, Ballater Station is no longer the terminus for the Aberdeen Line and now sits as a museum and welcome centre.
- “200 Years of Rail.” Caledonian Sleeper, https://www.sleeper.scot/200/.
- “About Railway 200.” Railway 200, https://railway200.co.uk/about-railway-200
- “Anglo-Scottish Night Trains: Sixty Years Ago.” Europe by Rail, https://www.europebyrail.eu/anglo-scottish-night-trains-sixty-years-ago/
- “Caledonian Sleeper.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caledonian_Sleeper
- "Crerar Hotels.” Crerar Hotels, https://www.crerarhotels.com/
- "Greatest Gathering.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greatest_Gathering
- "Greener Travel.” National Rail, https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/greener/
- “HSBC Backs Crerar Hotels with £40m Refinancing Package.” Scottish Financial News, https://www.scottishfinancialnews.com/articles/hsbc-backs-crerar-hotels-with-ps40m-refinancing-package
- “Motion Sickness.” NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/motion-sickness/
- “Old Royal Station.” Visit Ballater, https://visitballater.com/listings/old-royal-station/
- “Staycation.” Cambridge Dictionary, dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/staycation.
- “Staycation (Word History and Meaning).” Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/staycation-date-meaning
- “Stations and Facilities.” ScotRail, https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/stations-and-facilities
- “The World’s First Passenger Railway Marks Anniversary.” The Guardian, 17 June 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2025/jun/17/world-first-passenger-railway-county-durham-stockton-and-darlington
- “Transport in the United Kingdom.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport_in_the_United_Kingdom#:~:text=A%20radial%20road%20network%20totals,tons%20of%20goods%20in%202019
- “Why Travel Through Hidden Areas First-Time.” The Sun (Ireland), https://www.thesun.ie/travel/14953497/historic-train-station-new-tours-hidden-areas-first-time
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