By train: weekend breaks in Europe

Eight miles of seafront from Shoreham to Rottingdean, two piers and a city right behind the pebbles. Here is how to plan a Brighton beach day.

ScotlandChristmas market

Market stalls below the castle, a big wheel over Princes Street and an ice rink on George Street, from 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.

United KingdomChristmas market

More than 200 stalls across the city centre from 6 November 2026, with Albert Square back as the centrepiece.

A two-day Cardiff route: a Gothic fantasy castle, shopping arcades, free museums at St Fagans and Cathays Park, and a waterfront walk round the Bay.

United KingdomChristmas market

Alpine chalets on Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square from 12 November to 21 December 2026, in one of England’s most festive cities.

FranceRegion guide

One day on the Left Bank, one in Saint-Émilion, and a city made for long lunches. How to plan a Bordeaux wine weekend that works.

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