Published on
August 23, 2025

Great Western Railway (GWR) just took a big step for tourism in the Southwest by teaming up with Alstom to roll out 26 new Class 175 trains. These sleek trains will connect key routes to the region’s hottest destinations: Exeter, Penzance, Barnstaple, and Okehampton. Passengers can look forward to the first trains in service by late 2025.

The arrival of the Class 175 trains will make journeys smoother and more comfortable, whether you’re a tourist soaking up the coastline, a local heading to the shops, or a hiker on your way to Dartmoor. Visitors can travel the region’s gorgeous landscapes, buzzing towns, and historic villages with ease. Alstom’s eight-year, £75 million agreement will cover maintenance and support for the fleet, ensuring that every journey stays on time and every route stays reliable for many summers to come.

Great New Train Service to the UK’s Must-See Spots

The arrival of the Class 175 trains is a big step forward for anyone visiting the UK’s top holiday destinations. The spruced-up trains will carry you smoothly to places like Exeter St Davids, famous for its ancient history and a launchpad to the lovely Devon moors, to the stunning Cornish coastline at Penzance, and to Barnstaple, the friendly gateway to North Devon.

With faster, more comfortable trains, you can spend less time getting there and more time enjoying the sights. You can drop into the stunning Exeter Cathedral, stroll the lovely streets of Penzance, or reach Exmoor National Park for fresh air and incredible views—all in one day. The new schedule also makes it easy to hop between smaller towns and bigger attractions, letting you travel the region’s best bits without the fuss.

Boosting Sustainable Tourism in Southwest England

Rail travel is earning a solid reputation as a green way to discover the UK, and the new Class 175 trains help visitors glide into some of the southwest’s most stunning areas with a lighter footprint. These trains let travelers leave the car behind and hop on a smooth, clean-powered ride into the heart of Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks. By giving a big, friendly wave to fossil fuels, GWR helps tourism grow without leaving a big mess.

The Class 175 addition is just one piece of a bigger puzzle. Across the UK, tourism boards are placing trains front and centre on the travel menu. Climbing aboard a train means instant sightseeing, with rolling hills, patchwork farms, and the shimmering coast flashing past the window. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure, wrapping visitors in the southwest’s colourful patchwork and making low-impact travel as exciting as the destination.

A Journeys Made for You

The new Class 175 trains are ready to spoil you with comfort as you glide through the UK’s loveliest countryside. Bigger seats, wi-fi, and room for your bags mean you can stretch out and enjoy the ride. And with on-time arrivals you can trade worry for wonder, making the train ride as good as the place you’re going.

If you’re new to the southwest, these sleek trains let you squeeze every drop out of your visit. Jump from the lively heart of Exeter to the windswept Cornish coast, then hop to quiet Devon villages, all with a ticket-and-smile approach. Every stop feels easy, and every stop feels like a treat.

Building a Better Network

New trains and teamwork with Alstom for top-notch upkeep show that GWR is all in on making the southwest rail network stronger. These upgrades are ready for the waves of you who love the region, so the trains can welcome every extra visitor that peak season brings, rain or shine.

With the new Class 175 trains, GWR is ready to strengthen regional rail links, making it easy for visitors to reach top tourist spots. The growing timetable will add more trains, bringing holidaymakers to places like Okehampton, famous for its stunning scenery and outdoor fun, as well as to quieter, up-and-coming locations that are winning the hearts of travelers.

Why Rail Travel Matters for UK Tourism

Modern trains such as the Class 175 are game changers for the UK tourism scene. Rail lines are the thread that weave together the country’s attractions, whether seaside towns, national parks, or historic sites. The more trains on the run and the bigger their capacity mean that the Southwest will stay on every visitor’s bucket list, whether they are travelers from the UK or overseas.

Better rail links also champion local businesses. With easy rides between destinations, visitors can wander through markets, linger over meals, and explore attractions without the stress of parking or traffic. This, in turn, fuels the local economy, boosting places that serve food, run hotels, and stock souvenirs.

Looking Ahead: Future Prospects for Tourism and Travel in the Southwest

New Class 175 trains are now on the way to key routes across the southwest, and they are set to bring more visitors and better links to some of the UK’s loveliest and most historic spots. The strong partnership of GWR and Alstom means these trains will stay dependable and eco-friendly, making them the perfect choice for anyone wanting to see the southwest in comfort and style.

With easier rail travel across the region, GWR is helping Southwest England keep its crown as a top tourist spot. Whether people want to reach famous landmarks or discover quieter treasures, the trains will be ready. Service kicks off in late 2025, and anyone heading to the region will enjoy quicker, cosier, and greener journeys—making the whole trip more enjoyable in one of the UK’s most wonderful places.

Conclusion

Great Western Railway’s Class 175 trains are a game-changer for tourism in Southwest England. Better links, quicker journeys, and green technology are making travel smoother for visitors while boosting the area’s growing tourism market. As travellers increasingly prefer eco-friendly travel, GWR’s commitment to modern trains makes Southwest England both easy to reach and a pleasure to explore, now and in the future.