Days Out by Rail - members' campaign toolkit

1 August to 31 August 2025

Our popular tourism and leisure campaign, Days Out by Rail, is set to return this summer from 1-31 August, and we’re inviting everyone in community rail to get involved.

Now in its fifth year, the campaign aims to encourage more people to take the train for greener, healthier leisure journeys. Inspiring blogs and itineraries and themed content throughout the campaign will be delivered through our Scenic Rail Britain website and social media channels.

Content for the campaign will be driven by local insights and knowledge from across community rail. We are encouraging members to get involved and showcase ideas for hidden gems, greener days, longer stays and places off-the-beaten-track, linking in with any work that’s already being delivered in your partnership or group.

The information gathered from members will be highlighted across four exciting themes:

Family adventures loved by locals

Focusing on the local knowledge and insights provided by our members to provide ‘off the beaten track’ suggestions for family days out. Highlighted on social media during 4 – 10 August.

Unlock the past by train

Linking in with Railway 200, this theme will showcase heritage events taking place in the summer as well as highlighting museums and historic places to visit along community lines. Highlighted on social media during 11 – 17 August.

Memorable moments for less

Highlighting low-cost/free places to go and advice on how to travel for less including Railcards, advance fares and shorter journeys. Highlighted on social media during 18 – 24 August.

From rails to reels

Exploring TV and film locations by train, ranging from popular sites to hidden gems across community rail lines. Highlighted on social media during 25 – 31 August.

How to get involved

There are lots of ways to get involved in this year’s Days Out by Rail campaign. We’ve included some suggestions below. However, you don’t necessarily need to do something new to join in, you may already be doing some of these activities during August that you can tag as being part of the campaign, or perhaps you want to use the campaign to promote previous tourism and leisure work you’ve delivered.

Content contributions

Submit local highlights – share hidden gems, scenic spots, or family attractions accessible by train in your area. Submit via news@communityrail.org.uk
Share your downloadable family activity packs with us. We will be promoting railway-themed fun at home for those unable to take the train this summer and we’re keen to showcase your family activity packs. Please send the link to news@communityrail.org.uk.
Suggest themed itineraries – build family day trip ideas around the campaign’s themes, see above, and share them with your audience.
Create short stories or blogs to feature on your website – write about memorable rail journeys, local legends, or historical insights linked to your community.

Visual engagement

Share photos and videos – submit high quality images or short clips of destinations, events or rail journeys that we can use to promote your area. Ensure you have the right permissions and send to news@communityrail.org.uk.
Host a photo challenge/competition – encourage your community to share their own rail-based adventures using the campaign hashtag: #DaysOutByRail
Create reels or TikToks – showcase your area with short engaging videos that highlight what makes exploring by train special and the benefits for families. You could use it to highlight any family-focused schemes in the area such as baby sling libraries or cycle hire with facilities for younger ones.

Promotion

Promote on social media – use our digital toolkit (launching 9 July) to share campaign content on your channels using the official hashtag: #DaysOutByRail and tagging @ScenicRailBritain (@ScenicRailBrit on X)
Engage local influencers – partner with local bloggers or content creators to spotlight your area. Consider working with your local train operator who may already be working with influencers in the area.
Collaborate with tourism partners – work with local tourism organisations or attractions to jointly promote rail-accessible experiences, you could suggest a social media takeover day or use the campaign as a conversation start for any potential partners you don’t have a relationship with.

Interactive activities

Host a virtual event or Q&A – organise an online session to talk about your line or station and the attractions nearby. This could be aimed at visitors, local residents or community rail colleagues.
Run a digital quiz or poll – engage audiences with fun facts or trivia about your area’s rail history or landmarks.
Feature local voices – interview residents or station volunteers and share their fascinating stories online.

For further support, get in touch with our Comms team here.