Richard Keenan-Heard

UK & Europe train travel champion

Richard joined the Trainline team in 2017, and for the last 7 years has been focused on making rail simple across Europe. He's an avid train traveler, from day trips from his home in Essex to touring around Europe with a backpack and a good pair of boots. A little closer to home Devon in the summer is his go-to staycation spot by train, or a jaunt up the east coast to Edinburgh

Based in Essex, outside of work you can find Richard renovating the family's new home, enjoying a tot of rum from Jamaica, and playing trains with his two little ones. 

Favorite train trip

Just one?! I've enjoyed so many heritage railway journeys over the years as well, but forced to pick one, I'd have to go for Paddington to Torquay for the sea views alone - although the stretch from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Edinburgh isn't far behind! 

Richard's latest train trips

Richard is one of our trusted, hand-picked travel writers. The information for these reviews was recorded first-hand, based on his own genuine experience of the journey.

A long weekend in Liverpool by train

June 2023

"When we were looking for a short city break from London, we were surprised to see Liverpool was just over two hours away by train, and on the bucket list, it went!"

Check out Richard's trip from London to Liverpool.

Manchester to London, a First-Class experience by train

June 2023

"After a few days in Manchester for work, it was time for the return south and home via London Euston. I always look forward to the train journey, one time I even saw Jimmy Carr onboard!"

Check out Richard's trip from Manchester to London.

Another train trip ticked off the bucket list – Glasgow to London on the WCML

June 2023

"Travelling the length of the West Coast Main Line (WCML) has been on my must-take train journeys for a long time, and it does not disappoint! As a child, I’d grown up on Ivor the Engine and Thomas the Tank Engine. I love the history of steam and the stories evoked by the mere mention of the ‘Big Four’ and the race been London and Scotland."

Check out Richard's trip from Glasgow to London.

Travelling by train from London to Amsterdam Centraal

May 2023

"Our journey began at London St. Pancras International, a large and impressive station adjacent to King’s Cross with excellent connections to the UK’s rail network and London Underground."

Check out Richard's trip from London to Amsterdam.

Beautiful Bruges by train

May 2023

"I was surprised for my birthday with a trip to Bruges and the very next day headed to London St. Pancras International from Chelmsford. Our tickets were for the 8.55 am Eurostar train to Brussels-Midi where you make a simple change to a local SNCB train to Bruges."

Check out Richard's trip from London to Bruges.

Escaping to the English Riviera

May 2023

"Every year I make the trip to Devon by train for a holiday, booking tickets in advance to ensure I get the cheapest fare available. Whilst you can travel from London Waterloo with South Western Railway, I travelled from the city via London Paddington with GWR all the way to Torquay."

Check out Richard's trip from London to Torquay.

From the Venice of the North to the City of Love

March 2022

"We found that Europe is extremely well connected by train and moving around was very easy and convenient. As a result, visiting several cities during our holiday was straightforward and we maximized the amount of time we had in each."

Check out Richard's trip from Amsterdam to Paris.