Two hundred years after Britain’s first passenger railway changed the way we explore, Crerar Hotels is inviting travellers to rediscover Scotland by rail, blending heritage, sustainability and luxury in one seamless journey.
The landmark anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway in 1825 marked the dawn of public transport and opened the countryside to generations of explorers.
Now, that same spirit of discovery lives on through Crerar Hotels’ partnership with the Caledonian Sleeper, the overnight train that glides from London to the Scottish Highlands, connecting 19th-century innovation with 21st-century indulgence.
Alison MacLeod, Director of Marketing at Crerar Hotels, said the collaboration celebrates both the past and the future of travel.
“Rail travel first made the staycation possible,” she said.
“Two hundred years on, we’re proud to celebrate that heritage, helping guests arrive rested, inspired and ready to explore the beauty of Scotland.
“Our partnership with Caledonian Sleeper makes that sense of slow, scenic travel more attainable than ever before.
“It’s a modern luxury that still honours the romance of Britain’s original railway journeys.”
Rail travel today remains one of the most sustainable ways to explore Scotland, producing up to 90% less carbon emissions than driving.
For modern staycationers, it offers a rare invitation to slow down, switch off and savour the journey, much like the Victorian travellers who first arrived by train 200 years ago.
“Crerar Hotels has always been rooted in their landscapes and communities, places that owe so much of their accessibility and prosperity to the arrival of the railways,” Alison added.
“By encouraging guests to travel by train, we’re helping to protect those same landscapes for generations to come.”
Each of Crerar’s six award-winning destinations connects effortlessly to the rail network through the Caledonian Sleeper, offering guests an elegant and eco-conscious alternative to air or car travel.
From Oban Bay Hotel, a short stroll from Oban Station’s harbour views and fresh seafood dining, to Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, just a ferry ride from Craignure, guests can follow the rails to some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery.
At Glencoe Inn, reached via Fort William, the Highlands unfold in dramatic style for walkers and photographers alike.
Dunkeld House Hotel and Fonab Castle Hotel, both on the Highland Main Line, promise riverside tranquility and historic indulgence, while Golf View Hotel & Spa in Nairn welcomes guests to golden beaches and sea-view serenity.
Together, Crerar Hotels and the Caledonian Sleeper are rekindling the timeless romance of rail travel, reminding us that the journey north can be every bit as beautiful as the destination.
