An underrated seaside town has finally got a new, direct train to London for the first time.
Nestled between Sunderland and Hartlepool on the Durham coast in the North East, Seaham boasts sandy beaches, clifftop views and a harbour.
Previously, to access the capital from the peaceful town, locals would have to change services and face a train journey of up to four hours.
But now, Grand Central has launched four new services that can take passengers directly from Seaham to London in around three hours and 30 minutes.
The first trip set off on December 15 at 10.41am alongside a celebration event at the train station. It has been approved to run for a year.
Local MP Grahame Morris and other local councillors and businesses were in attendance to greet the new route that hopes to boost to the town’s regional connectivity.
Tickets start at £30.50 for an advanced single, and the service is available daily.
Chris Brandon, Director at Grand Central, descirbed the new route as a ‘milestone’ for the local area.
Nestled between Sunderland and Hartlepool on the Durham coast in the North East, Seaham boasts sandy beaches, clifftop views and a harbour
Grand Central has launched four new services that can take passengers directly from Seaham to London in around three hours and 30 minutes
He said: ‘Today is a milestone not just for Grand Central, but for Seaham. For the first time in history, residents here have a direct, reliable connection to London – a connection that reflects the town’s growing ambition and needs.
‘This launch reflects our mission to continue investing in the North East: through our £300 million order of new trains, and through seeking increased track access rights, which will allow us to provide more services in the region for years to come.
‘Our focus remains on delivering the essential services that communities need, at no cost to the taxpayer, while supporting regional economic growth.’
While local MP Grahame Morris, who rode the first service to London on his way to Parliament, described how the route would be ‘invaluable’.
He added: ‘This service will be invaluable for my constituents, whether travelling for work or leisure, providing direct connections to both York and London.
‘The East Durham Coastline has been underused for decades, and I’m delighted that Grand Central has recognised the enormous potential of this route and worked hard to make it a reality.
‘This is a major step forward for our constituency’s connectivity and local economy, opening up new opportunities for jobs, tourism, and investment.
‘I will continue to work closely with Grand Central to ensure these services continue well beyond the initial one-year approval period.’
The first trip set off on December 15 at 10.41am alongside a celebration event at the train station
Elsewhere, Glasgow is expected to get driverless trains on its subway system in 2026.
The renovations have continued and now, the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) has announced Unattended Train Operation will be introduced to Glasgow.
The modernisation project is in its ‘final stages,’ Time Out reports, and the driverless subway trains are expected to be brought in next year.
It’s excepted the new transport will be in action towards the last half of 2026, but will be gradually introduced and has been described as ‘the most complex phase of delivery’.
