Our promise to you
How we choose
A guide is only useful if you can trust it. Here is how we choose the places we recommend, how we keep them up to date, and what we will never do.
Updated October 2026
Independent, always
No one can pay to be on our lists, and no one can pay to move up them. Every place is chosen by our editorial team because we think it is worth your time.
We do offer advertising, and businesses can send us their own photos and logo, but neither changes whether or where a place appears. Anything paid for is always clearly marked.
How we choose
Every operator in our rail guide is one we have checked on its own website, and every railway story links to the city guide where its places are listed and checked by our editors.
We link straight to each operator, with no affiliate codes. We don’t use review scores, and nobody can pay to be included.
How we keep it up to date
We review the operators and stories whenever timetables or routes change, and link to each operator’s own pages so that dates and prices stay current in one place.
Seasonal services and special departures change every year, so it is always worth checking with the operator before you plan a journey around them.
Our articles
Our in-depth articles are written by the ULTIMATE Rail Journeys Editorial Team. We tell the story behind each place as accurately as we can, give you practical advice, and say honestly what to expect, including when it gets crowded or what is not worth the money.
We keep politics out of our articles. Where a subject is debated, such as a major new development, we explain the facts and let you have your say in the comments.
Our photos
Our photos come from photographers who share their work on Wikimedia Commons, always credited beside the photo or on our About page, or from the businesses themselves, sent to us with permission. We try to make sure every photo shows exactly the place or scene described beside it.
Spotted something?
If a place has closed, moved or changed, or if you think we have missed somewhere special, we would love to hear from you. You can leave a comment on any article or in HOT TOPICS, or email us, and we will check and update the guide.