This summer, Uber is uncorking The Grape British Railway experience. Departing from Kingscote Station this August, Uber invites passengers to escape the city on a classic Pullman train, explore an award-winning vineyard, and sip their way through the English countryside, all bookable for £10 per person exclusively with Uber.
While enjoying a three-course dining experience, The Grape British Railway takes passengers on a curated journey through the stunning English countryside to visit the award-winning Highweald vineyard. Guests will sample homegrown wines and enjoy vineyard tours. Passengers will travel aboard the iconic Golden Arrow Pullman, featured in productions such as Downton Abbey and Poirot, adding a cinematic touch to the countryside adventure.
The experience blends the charm of nostalgic rail travel with the modern convenience of seamless booking of train tickets on Uber, reflecting the app’s growing role in unlocking unique, homegrown adventures. The experience was created following research showing that over half (57%) of Brits opt for shorter but more frequent trips in the UK than long-haul holidays. Gen Z came in as the generation favouring shorter staycations rather than going abroad, with 66% opting for staycations over trips abroad.
Gen Z are shunning party scenes abroad, with 64% claiming that they prefer wholesome UK-based experiences as opposed to party destinations like Magaluf, with a mere 22% admitting to preferring a party holiday.
The research also unveiled that Gen Z are leading the charge on the trend for more unique, memorable activities while on holiday, with 42% admitting they seek unique travel experiences that offer something memorable. Other key priorities for Gen Z include budget (49%) and opportunity to relax (48%), with these two factors revealed as the most important when booking a trip.
This is in line with wider UK trends, with data revealing that almost 60% of Brits admit to having returned from a holiday feeling more tired than before they left, coinciding with changing travel behaviours and trends towards prioritising rest and relaxation.
The English wine industry is booming as the weather in Sussex and Kent matches the temperatures of Champagne 30 years ago. Data from Wine GB shows that there are now 300+ UK vineyards participating in wine tourism. As a result, vineyards have seen a 55% increase in visitor numbers between 2022 and 2023, equating to 1.5 million visits total. Wine tourism is a vital income stream for the wider industry and accounts for 25% of total winery income on average.
Onboard, passengers can enjoy live string performances from professional violinists, offering fresh takes on popular hits from artists including Sabrina Carpenter, Dojo Cat and Lil Nas X. The Grape British Railway lunch menu promises an elegant journey through British flavours, featuring an artisan cheese board, a trio of hand-carved meats, and a vibrant selection of seasonal salads and sides. Lunch is accompanied by a sommelier-led wine pairing, showcasing unique blends from the local area. For those who prefer not to drink alcohol, thoughtfully crafted 0% alternatives will also be served.
Train bookings on Uber have seen 80% year-on-year, as more travellers choose to explore the UK by rail, with the most popular weekend escapes outside of London in summer 2025 being Brighton and Cambridge. For staycations, Friday is revealed as the most popular day for Brits to set off via rail, with over a quarter of day or weekend trips (26%) booked on this day. The Grape British Railway builds on this momentum, a next-level weekend escape that celebrates both British wine and the English countryside.
Andrew Brem, General Manager at Uber UK, said: “We’re incredibly excited to launch The Grape British Railway, a beautiful blend of British style, scenery, and sommelier-selected wines. With English vineyards on the rise and more people discovering the joy of exploring the UK by train, it’s the perfect summer escape. Whether you’re a wine lover or simply after a unique weekend experience, it’s all bookable at the tap of a button via the Uber app.”
Colm Evans, Winemaker at Highweald Vineyard, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Uber to bring The Grape British Railway to life. There’s never been a more exciting time for English wine, and this unique experience gives guests the chance to see – and taste – what makes our vineyards so special. From the first glass to the last view of the countryside, it celebrates everything we love about our homegrown wine culture.”
Uber’s Grape British Railway will run exclusively on the 23rd and 30th of August and is bookable via The Grape British Railway website: https://ubergrapebritishrailway.co.uk/
