Visitors who travel by train to some of Warwickshire‘s outstanding attractions can now enjoy a free drink as part of their day out.

The offer is a joint effort between Network Rail‘s Central route, Chiltern Railways, West Midlands Railway, the National Trust, and waterways charity the Canal & River Trust.

Visitors who travel by train with a same-day train ticket from Birmingham Moor Street to the National Trust sites at Baddesley Clinton and Packwood House can claim a free regular cup of tea or coffee by showing their ticket at the on-site café.

Both houses are less than two miles from Lapworth station, which is served by Chiltern trains from Birmingham Moor Street station.

Easy walking routes to both houses are available from Lapworth station.

The free drinks offer fits in with how the National Trust is looking for ways to address the impacts of climate change, in this case by encouraging visitors to use greener, car-free travel on foot or rail.

Also easily accessible from Lapworth are two of England’s outstanding canal sights – the Lapworth flight of locks on the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal and Kingswood Junction where the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal meets the Grand Union Canal.

Kingswood Junction offers a rich tapestry of heritage and natural beauty, whilst Lapworth’s flight of locks provides an idyllic backdrop for walkers and history enthusiasts alike.

The train from Moor Street to Lapworth takes less than 30 minutes and allows visitors to sit back and watch the world go by through the window without the stress of being stuck in traffic.

The National Trust hopes that the promise of a free hot drink at their destination will encourage people to put away their car keys and try the slower, greener route.

Further information about the hot drink offer, the Terms and Conditions the claim the drinks, and details of the walking routes are online at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/warwickshire/travel-by-train

Some of Britain’s main line railways offer regular discounts for savings on their train tickets, such as discounts on selected LNER Advance tickets recently announced by London North Eastern Railway, and an offer by Chiltern Railways in 2023 of Birmingham Moor Street to London Marylebone tickets for just £6.40.

“As we start a year-long celebration of the railway and the important role it plays in all walks of life, it’s great to be working with the National Trust and Canal & River Trust to encourage train travel to these fantastic properties. What better way to start 2025 than by hopping on the train, getting some fresh air and enjoying some of the country’s finest historic buildings with a free hot drink.”

Patrick Power, head of stations and passenger experience for Network Rail Central route