Six families to explore seaside destinations on the West Coast Mainline courtesy of summer rail travel trial

In a first-of-its-kind partnership for the rail industry, Family Holiday Charity has teamed up with Avanti West Coast for a pilot project which will see the train operator provide travel for six families we are supporting with a break this summer.

Rob Parkinson, Chief Executive of the Family Holiday Charity, said: “While many of the families we support have not been on a holiday before, it will also be the case that some have never travelled together by rail. Providing new experiences and opportunities to make enduring memories is central to what we do as a charity, and so we’re very excited to be working with Avanti West Coast on this summer pilot project.

“We’re really grateful for the collaboration which will provide travel for several groups this summer. We are also really looking forward to hearing how the families enjoy exploring and discovering some of the holiday hotspots on the Avanti rail network.”

Throughout this year’s school summer holidays, the partnership will help unlock travel for families travelling to seaside destinations along the West Coast Mainline.

Kathryn O’Brien, Customer Experience Director at Avanti West Coast, said: “We’re really proud to be partnering with the Family Holiday Charity this summer to offer families, who may otherwise not have the chance, the opportunity to go on holiday.

“We serve many picturesque towns and seaside destinations along the West Coast Main Line that will be the perfect destination for the families to enjoy new experiences and escapism from their day-to-day reality. The trips will offer something that many could take for granted – the opportunity to nurture relationships, create memories and reconnect with one another.”