As the British travel landscape continues to evolve in 2025, two distinct corners of the United Kingdom—one English, one Welsh—are making headlines for their unique contributions to domestic tourism. In County Durham, the picturesque seaside town of Seaham is set to receive its first-ever direct rail link to London, while across the border, ten Welsh holiday properties have been shortlisted for the prestigious Sykes Gems 2025 Awards, highlighting the country’s growing reputation for exceptional stays.
Starting in December 2025, Seaham, a bustling harbour town perched on the dramatic Durham coastline, will welcome four daily Grand Central trains in each direction connecting it directly to the capital. According to the Express, this marks the first and only direct rail connection between Seaham and London, a move that’s expected to transform both tourism and local life. The service, operated by Open Access operator Grand Central and backed by transport giant Arriva, will run until at least December 2026, with the possibility for extension.
Grahame Morris, MP for Easington, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I’m delighted to share that the Office of Rail and Road has confirmed that Grand Central Trains will begin stopping at Seaham Station from December 2025 to December 2026. [There will be] four stopping services per day in each direction.” His optimism is shared by many in the community, who see the new route as a vital link not only to London but also to York and other regional destinations. “This means that our constituency will now have direct rail links to York and London, alongside increased capacity to local destinations such as Sunderland and Hartlepool,” Morris added, as reported by the Express.
Seaham, home to roughly 21,500 residents, is a town that wears its maritime heritage with pride. Its award-winning hotels, vibrant cafés, and breathtaking clifftop vistas have long drawn day-trippers and holidaymakers, but the lack of a direct rail connection to London has been a sticking point. That’s about to change. The new trains, manufactured at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe plant—Britain’s own railway manufacturing hub—will soon glide along the tracks, promising smoother access for those seeking a classic British seaside escape.
And what an escape it is. Seaham’s coastline is famed for its one-mile stretch of sandy and rocky shoreline, punctuated by the town’s iconic harbour wall and the northern boundary of the settlement. The town is perhaps most celebrated for its dazzling sea glass—fragments of manmade glass, tossed by the waves for decades, that now wash ashore as colourful, polished gems. According to a recent Tripadvisor review, “Lovely beach with beautiful coloured pebbles and sea glass. There are car parks along the seafront—only cost £3 for the whole day. Town is within walkable distance and has a number of good fish and chips shop. Bell’s fish restaurant has plenty of seating inside when the weather’s cold. There’s also a market. Great for a relaxing day out.”
Of course, no visit to Seaham is complete without sampling its legendary fish and chips. The town boasts no fewer than ten fish and chip shops, according to Google Maps, making it a culinary hotspot for fans of the classic British dish. The new rail link is expected to bring even more visitors eager to experience this slice of coastal life, especially as UK rail regulators have approved extended track access rights for Grand Central’s operations through to 2038.
Meanwhile, in Wales, the focus is on the booming holiday cottage sector, where ten exceptional properties have been shortlisted for the Sykes Gems 2025 Awards. This annual competition, as highlighted by The Sun, recognizes outstanding service, unique accommodations, and positive guest experiences across the UK and Ireland. This year, Welsh properties have stood out for their charm, amenities, and breathtaking settings.
The shortlist is a veritable tour of Welsh landscapes, from the remote beauty of Eryri National Park to the windswept shores of Anglesey. Among the finalists are Balog Farm, a three-bedroom cottage in Llaneilian, Isle of Anglesey, boasting uninterrupted sea views and striking character features; Creuddyn, a quirky holiday pod near Aberystwyth with glorious countryside vistas and a private hot tub; and The Old Sweet Shop in Conwy, a lovingly restored semi-detached cottage dating back to 1850, just a stone’s throw from the ancient castle.
Other standout properties include Curtau in Powys, a spacious detached home with four bedrooms and a garden hot tub; Dol Blodau, a delightful lodge in the heart of the Welsh countryside; and Glanduad Fawr, a twelve-guest rural idyll near Newport, Pembrokeshire, surrounded by lawns, woodlands, and a tranquil pond. The list also features Llety Cariad, a pet-friendly studio lodge with a sauna and hot tub near Llandrindod Wells, and Weirglodd, a quirky pod nestled in the Denbighshire countryside, complete with a fire pit, covered hot tub, and even an outdoor TV.
The awards span a range of categories, from ‘best farm stays’ and ‘best for beaches’ to ‘best for couples’ and regional accolades for North Wales, Mid and South Wales, and South West England. The expert judging panel includes Sykes’ Managing Director James Shaw, Customer Experience Director Luke Squires, and The Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski. Winners will be announced in September 2025, adding a sense of anticipation for property owners and guests alike.
For travelers, the appeal of these Welsh retreats lies in their blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. Many feature hot tubs, woodburning stoves, jacuzzis, and panoramic views—a testament to the evolving tastes of British holidaymakers. And while Sykes remains a leading platform for booking such stays, the market is increasingly competitive, with options like Airbnb, Holidaycottages.co.uk, and Booking.com vying for attention.
Both the new Seaham rail link and the Sykes Gems shortlist reflect a broader trend: the resurgence of domestic tourism in the UK. As international travel faces ongoing challenges, more Britons are discovering—or rediscovering—the delights of their own backyard. Whether it’s a bracing walk along Seaham’s windswept beaches or a cozy weekend in a Welsh cottage, the message is clear: the best of British travel is closer than ever.
With new connections and celebrated destinations, the UK’s travel scene is set for a vibrant year ahead, offering fresh adventures for seasoned explorers and first-time visitors alike.
