The whole Travel Off Path team has had the pleasure of visiting London. Well, it’s at least a pleasure until you check your bank account when you get back home…
There’s no denying London is one of the world’s most captivating cities, despite the mixed bag of reviews for the food scene.
The problem with London isn’t solely its paycheck-busting prices or bland tea and crumpets; it’s the vast shadow it casts over other UK gems waiting for well-seasoned travelers to discover.
Though that seems to be changing…
For example, the cultural city of Liverpool is having a record-breaking summer, and more new trains are launching from London with hopes of showcasing the UK’s often overlooked shores, which are way more beautiful than you’d ever guess.
In this case, a little-known seaside paradise is set to become easier to reach than ever by year’s end with a new route directly from London’s timeless King’s Cross station that may look very familiar given its ties to Harry Potter.
London’s Funnest Train Station: “Accio New Train To Seaham!” 🪄
I’m sure if my ex could, she would try to permanently curse me with the “Jelly-Legs Jinx’, but I’m happy to announce I’m still here and kickin’!
The Harry Potter franchise has grossed billions and billions of dollars from books and films across the globe, but we’ve all had to accept that Hogwarts just isn’t real.
The closest thing to the real deal is likely Universal Studios’ The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but second best has to be London’s King’s Cross station, where a luggage cart is embedded in a brick wall, creating the famous photo-op for the popular film’s Platform 9¾.
If you’ve mastered Wingardium Leviosa, please contact me and give me some levitation tips, but whoever waved their wand and said the Summoning Charm (Accio) succeeded in bringing Seaham’s first-ever direct rail connection to London.
You may know Cornwall, Brighton, or the most recent coastal destination (Eastbourne) receiving a new route from London, but it’s highly unlikely you know Seaham — a tranquil seaside hideaway known for crowd-free beaches and plentiful pubs that’ve perfected the staple around here, fish and chips.
Grand Central’s Groundbreaking Route To Seaham
The new train to Seaham will be operated by Grand Central. It will not be a new line entirely; rather, Seaham will be an add-on to an already popular route to Sunderland, another underrated coastal gem.
Departing Hogwarts, err, King’s Cross, you’ll pass through other scenic towns all with their own unique flair.
If you do have time to get off and explore, we highly recommend the city of York, brimming with rich history.
But if you’ve got a one-track mind for the coast, we can’t say we blame you, as there’s plenty to do and see in Seaham for such an unsuspecting town.
Do consider that there will be 4 services each day, which should give you plenty of time to hit up York’s top sites or any other town that piques your interest along the journey, and be able to snag a seat on one of their 5-car trains.
According to TimeOut, there’s not an official start date, but government officials promise to kick off service in December 2025 and continue running the full year until December 2026.
Tickets are not yet on sale.
Cheap Stays & Savory ‘Chippies’: What To Do In Seaham
While it’s possible to cap off 2025 with a beach vacation, you’re probably already thinking about what the weather is like.
The answer: not great. The weather is far better in late spring and summer if you refuse to visit without packing your swimwear.
However, if you want to visit and experience a more authentic side of the UK without the hustle, bustle, and overly curated attractions in London, Seaham is still a great spot, if not for the scenic train ride, coastal beauty, and far cheaper pubs and ‘chippies’.
Is there a nickname for everything in this country? Apparently so.
Chippies, as you might’ve guessed, are local fish and chip shops. While I forked over at least $25 for fish and chips at a London pub, you can find single servings under $8 at Downey’s Fish & Chips, one of the top-rated chippies in town.
If you care to splurge, 5-star Seaham Hall is the town’s most lavish hotel, but budget travelers like me will appreciate places like the Seaton Lane Inn, going for a more palatable $100 per night.
As for beaches, Seaham could easily be on a postcard. Boasting dramatic cliffs, glistening sea glass, and sweeping views of the North Sea’s blue waters, don’t sleep on this hidden gem tucked away in County Durham.
Yes, winter may not be the best time to visit, but Seaham is still an awesome getaway for gorgeous scenery, and those wanting to experience another side of the UK other than London, where your wallet will thank you.
One thing is for sure. London doesn’t have a quirky Mole Sanctuary…
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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