Cheers to 60 Years

Kick off your 60s with a well-deserved birthday getaway to remember with loved ones, right here in Britain. Unsure where to go? No problem. We’ve identified 6 different places for 6 different experiences, so you can either try something new for your diamond jubilee or celebrate just the way you like it!

The destinations we’ve picked are also reachable by train, meaning you can relax on your way there and your way back.

Remember to book your tickets with a Senior Railcard, too. You can apply for your Railcard up to 2 weeks for your 60th birthday and it gives you up to 1/3 off train tickets – including First Class!

Celebrate in England

1. London: for endless entertainment and culture

Whether you love your cultural experiences or adore spending evenings out wining and dining, a trip to London for your 60th will not disappoint. For the art lovers among you, explore the Southbank’s Tate Modern or see Van Gogh’s Sunflowers at the National Gallery.

If you’re a history buff, well, the British Museum lets you explore 2 million years of human activity, while the Natural History Museum offers you a chance to go further back in time. In the evenings, you can either get a box seat for a world-class performance at The Royal Opera House(external link, opens in a new tab) or catch a play in the West End. Or take in the views of the city at the London Eye.

For the foodies, your choices in the capital are limitless. For something special, treat yourself to the tasting menu at Michelin-starred Benares(external link, opens in a new tab) in Mayfair or opt for Thames views at Skylon(external link, opens in a new tab) restaurant in the Royal Festival Hall. Later, wrap up your night with a birthday cocktail or two at Swift(external link, opens in a new tab) in Soho or in Southbank’s glamorous Lyaness Bar(external link, opens in a new tab).

Nearest stations: London Charing Cross, London Victoria, London Waterloo

2. The Cotswolds: for quintessential English charm

Honey-coloured stone cottages, gently rolling hills, picture-postcard market towns and roaring pub fires – if a relaxing countryside escape is the order of the day for the big 6-0, then the Cotswolds has it in spades. Base yourself at Stow-on-the-Wold for pretty boltholes, delicious farm shops and Sunday roast at The Porch House(external link, opens in a new tab), England’s oldest Inn.

You will have your pick of chocolate box villages to explore here, too. Head to Bourton-on-the-Water for the riverside shops and classic Cotswold views, and Snowshill for its hilltop beauty.

For some stately grandeur befitting a 60th birthday, visit nearby Blenheim Palace(external link, opens in a new tab) then go antique hunting in Tetbury to pick out a present for yourself. Want a spa date? Thyme(external link, opens in a new tab) in Lechlade or Barnsley House(external link, opens in a new tab) in Cirencester will leave you feeling thoroughly pampered.

Nearest stations: Stow, Moreton-in-Marsh, Oxford Parkway, Kemble

Celebrate in Wales

3. Brecon Beacons: for tranquil natural beauty

Picture expansive landscape views, thundering forest waterfalls and crumbling castles steeped in history – the Brecon Beacons have all this and more for a 60th birthday break in the heart of Wales’s wonders.

Top of the bunch is Carreg Cennen(external link, opens in a new tab), a stunning castle with a narrow cliffside passage leading to a natural cave. The views are topped only by the dramatic summit vistas up Pen y Fan.

Another top hiking route is the Four Falls Trail, which includes walking underneath the Sgwd y Eira waterfall. When you’re out of puff, let the Brecon Mountain Railway(external link, opens in a new tab) steam train do the puffing, with stunning views of Taf Fechan Reservoir. For an extra birthday treat, book afternoon tea at the station tearooms afterwards.

Nearest stations: Ffairfach, Neath, Merthyr Tydfil

4. Snowdonia (Eryri): for outdoor adventures in paradise

If you’re seeking an epic 60th birthday adventure with added wow factor, Snowdonia – aka Eryri – won’t let you down. For keen hikers, you’ve got breathtaking mountain climbs up Yr Wyddfa, the country’s highest peak. For watersport enthusiasts, take your pick from sailing, canoeing and paddle boarding at Llyn Tegid, Wales’s largest natural lake. And for pure adrenaline seekers, the world’s fastest zip line over Penrhyn Quarry awaits!

Snowdonia hugs the coastline too, which means you have windswept coastal walks aplenty. Visit Portmeirion(external link, opens in a new tab) for a quirky coastal day trip with Italian Riviera vibes and a big dollop of Welsh eccentricity. Add to that a generous pinch of cafes, golf courses and the mighty Caernarfon Castle, and you’re in for a fun-packed birthday break.

Nearest stations: Bangor, Wrexham, Minffordd

Celebrate in Scotland

5. Oban: for coastal bliss and island escapes

Soak up the incredible views on the train from Glasgow to Oban for a coastal-themed 60th birthday bash that begins with one of the world’s most scenic railway trips. When you arrive, don’t miss your chance to taste some fresh seafood at a local shack or at the award-winning Waterfront Fishouse(external link, opens in a new tab) – the town is known for its aquatic cuisine.

Best of all, perhaps, Oban is known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’ and you’re just a short ferry ride from the rugged isles of Kerrera, Mull, Lismore, Tiree and more. There are seal, dolphin and whale-watching boat trips from the harbour, too, while on land you can enjoy impressive sunset isle views from Ganavan Beach.

All that’s then left is for you to toast your 60th with your other half, friends and/or family with a ww dram of Scotch from the town distillery(external link, opens in a new tab).

Nearest stations: Oban

6. The Scottish Highlands: for a secluded getaway

If it’s a tranquil, secluded and sparse kind of 60th birthday getaway you’re after, head to the Scottish Highlands – you can genuinely spend a few days here without seeing another soul.

Instead, and in addition to your travel party, what you’ll have for company is spectacular scenery. This is true for every day of the year, with each season transforming the landscape in its own imitable way (and where even the Northern Lights can make the occasional and welcome winter appearance).

Choose a grand highland hotel perched on a loch for your birthday celebrations or find an artist’s hideaway on the northwest coast where the mountains touch the sea. Or, if you travel north to Orkney and Shetland, you can see the remnants of Viking longhouses. For remote beach walks, visit the white sands of Luskentyre on the Isle of Harris or hike to the dunes of Sandwood Bay near Cape Wrath.

Nearest stations: Thurso, Garve, Nairn