Interrail Trip By Train From Romania to England & UK Train Trips
A diary of my train trip from Romania to England just before the lockdowns started. We also enjoyed a few train trips in between the various restrictions. 2020 was a strange year for everyone on this planet because of the current pandemic. COVID-19 has affected people in different ways since it kicked off big time in March. Some have become very busy, including those in the medical and other essential jobs. Others have taken a hit and had to reduce or lose income or, worse, family/friends.
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I’m not sure how to rate the year, as it has been great and had good parts; thus, I consider it part of a journey, maybe even a forced detour. I cancelled trips; however, I completed some and got to do alternative trips, so on a travel scale I broke even.
In life, I typically do things on short notice as a default. So, where possible, I seized the chance for a trip out, a staycation or a new local adventure.
2020 was the first year that I haven’t broken or lost my mobile phone since it existed.
Interrail Train Trip From Romania to England
My travel exploits in 2020 included an epic Interrail train trip from Romania to the UK. This included some fascinating stops, including some of the great cities of Europe.
A Pleasant Time in Brasov in Romania
The year started with a bang in the central square of Brasov’s old town. A great firework display, nice beer and brilliant company ā a top New Year’s celebration. Many subsequent days I spent in the city with the dog in tow, so naturally I found bars he was welcome in. This resulted in my Brasov Dog-Friendly guide, a page I cannot wait to expand.
I got the chance to spend lots of time exploring the city walls of the city and doing a slow photo tour. I learnt plenty on the way round and found parts I had missed on past visits. Brasov has a significant history, and many historical buildings can be visited, most with a backstory.
Some solo winter hiking in the local mountains, the best being getting a chairlift to a snow-covered peak above Poiana Brasov. Many other walks and meals happened in the city before leaving mid-month.
A night in Deva The First Interrail stop
Using an Interrail pass, I travelled by train across Transylvania to the city of Deva. The city was OK but rough around the edges. The highlight of the stay here was visiting the amazing Corvin Castle nearby.
Interrail to Vienna in Austria
After a night train from Deva, I arrived in Vienna, Austria, for a few days. It was my 2nd visit to the city, and I was keen to explore more. The highlight of the stay in Vienna was visiting St Stephen’s Cathedral. What a magnificent building.
Thoroughly Enjoyed Exploring Bratislava the Capital of Slovakia
A short train trip from Vienna landed me in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. The old town area was fantastic to explore, as was the castle on the hill overlooking the city. The food and beer were fantastic here, especially the pilsners on draught.
Caught the Prague Bug The Highlight of this Interrail Trip
After departing the hostel in Slovakia, I enjoyed a fantastic train journey to Prague. Prague is truly a special city and very pleasing on the eye. I could have spent much longer here and intend to in the future. The stunning architecture of the city was my favourite part of my visit.
Visiting Dresden in Germany on Interrail
Crossing the border into Germany by train was through a stunning national park. Dresden was the next stop on the long journey home. This is a very interesting city with magnificent buildings and nice German beer on tap. My favourite part of Dresden was getting up before sunrise to explore an empty old town and riverside.
Return to Frankfurt on Interrail for Another Dog Walk
Crossing Germany to the Netherlands was a mammoth leg with a dog. This required a strategic change for a dog walk with some Erdingers mixed in. Frankfurt very much fit the bill. The clear blue sky while admiring the high-rise buildings of the city was great.
A lovely time in Maastricht
Next was the Netherlands, where we stayed in a small village on the outskirts of Maastricht. Maastricht is a beautiful city with lots to see and do, including some magnificent churches and city walls.
Ferry back to UK
A crazy dash across the Netherlands to the ferry port in Hook of Holland was fun. Arriving just in time for what was my last time outside the UK for the rest of 2020. The ferry trip was a nice daytime trip in calm seas while the dog stayed on the kennel deck.
A Night in Harwich in England
Due to the late arrival of the ferry into England, a stay on the Essex coast was required. Dovercourt fit the bill, as it was right near to Harwich. The morning walk on the beach was a great tonic and energised me for the cross-London fun with the dog.
Return to Hometown Gloucester
Next was a family visit to my hometown, Gloucester, to wind down. I enjoyed a few walks in the local countryside to recharge my batteries. We enjoyed a few meals out in the city too and visited friends.
UK Train Travel in 2020
After the Interrail trip across Europe from Romania to the UK, we enjoyed some less grand trips in England. This also included many day trips while navigating the pandemic restrictions.
Back Home Birmingham for work and Travel Blogging
A few weeks getting back to normal in Birmingham. Not knowing what was coming in March, I may have done things differently. I enjoyed meals and drinks out and working. The dog walks usually involved visiting dog-friendly hospitality businesses.
Free Stay in Cheltenham
I enjoyed a night away in Cheltenham, which was great fun exploring the town. The Pittville Park area was pleasant, as was the fun of finding dog-friendly pubs.
Lockdown 1.0 Birmingham
Then comes the bombshell while out on a Jewellery Quarter bar crawl. We were to be locked down for the first time. The pubs were closing imminently, so drinks ordered to soak it all in.
Lockdown in 2020 involved lots of time-killing, some work and keeping the dog empty.
Much-Needed Camping trip By Train to Cornwall
The trip to Cornwall came about after getting stung a few times playing dodge the travel corridor. Cornwall camping ended up being a fantastic trip with glorious weather. The trip was for a few weeks, and the dog got a load of miles under its paws and ate copious amounts of seafood. One highlight was the simplicity of a mackerel fishing trip on a boat from Looe.
City Break to Worcester
After the ups and downs of tiers and itchy feet occurred, a last-minute trip away was needed. This time an hour down the train line to Worcester, a pretty city. There were loads of things to do, including some great walking between bars. Visiting the cathedral and seeing it at sunrise was very special.
Day Trip By Train to Leamington Spa
Work took me to a brief meeting in Leamington Spa. I seized the opportunity to have a good mooch around the town. This is a really nice place, the must-see thing being Jessop Gardens on the River Avon.
A few days out in Shrewsbury
Again, work required me to visit Shrewsbury a few times, a place I hadn’t been to in decades. This is a really pretty and historic town with lots of timber-framed buildings. Shrewsbury has churches galore, pleasant gardens and a castle. I also enjoyed a few dog-friendly pubs while visiting.
The Last Break of 2020 in Stratford-upon-Avon
Fearing the tier system was going to end the year for me, I packed a bag and left for Stratford-upon-Avon. They permitted travel, as Brum and Stratford were in Tier 2. This is a beautiful English town that is linked heavily with William Shakespeare. There were many highlights, including the architecture. However, my last meal out of 2020 was in a Greek restaurant here.
Lockdown 2.0 Birmingham
Since returning from SUA, Birmingham has either been in the top tier or in lockdown, so there is zero option but to stay put.