Initiative to give visitors a Taste for Travel

Taste for Travel trails and experiences are being launched to encourage visitors in Gloucestershire to see rail as part of an adventure in the region and to promote sustainable transport. 

The idea is to promote the county as a ‘Great Rail Experience’, with operators Great Western Railway and CrossCountry each contributing £30,000 to the initiative.

Bookable experiences such as food and farm or cycling and walking trails for Stonehouse, a food and drink trail for Cheltenham, and a food, farm and forest train in Lydney, are among the trails.

“The idea is that people step out of the station to enjoy an experience, make the most of local businesses, and even stay at a local hotel,” said Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership Co-Director Hannah McDonnell.

“This ties in nicely with our plans to develop a strategic destination management experience to benefit Community Rail Partnerships across the country. We want to create a robust and resilient strategy, where rail users can recognise the potential to reduce carbon through rail experiences.

“In five years’ time you could be anywhere in the country or visiting from abroad - with the development of this strategy you’ll be able to learn about amazing rail experiences right on your doorstep.”