This Scenic Train Ride Through The English Countryside Boasts Gorgeous Fall Foliage

There's something timeless about traveling by train through autumn landscapes. As the gold-tinged world glides by, accompanied by the rhythmic clatter of tracks and the occasional whistle of steam, it's easy to feel as though you've been transported to another era. That's exactly what awaits aboard the historic Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, a beautifully preserved line in West Yorkshire that offers one of England's most scenic fall journeys.

Running from the town of Keighley, England, to the picture-perfect village of Oxenhope, England, the line once served the woollen mills that dotted this valley. Now, its vintage steam trains pass stone cottages, grazing sheep, and the moors that inspired the Brontë sisters, as it rides along the River Worth. From August through September, the moorland blooms with pink and purple heather before fading to a rich russet that seems to blaze in the setting sun. The woodlands burst into hues of amber and gold, providing the perfect fall backdrop.

There's much to see along the 5-mile stretch of track, especially for fans of the Brontë sisters or "The Railway Children," which was filmed along the line. The area is also perfect for anyone who wants to experience the traditional English countryside and explore one of the country's most beloved regions without the crowds. A Day Rover ticket, allowing you to hop on and off the train at will, costs $28 per adult when bought in advance. Steam trains mainly run on weekends, except during the holiday periods when they appear more often.

Setting off from Keighley, you'll pass through a couple of smaller stations before reaching Oakworth, a lovingly preserved station perfect for your first break. It's instantly recognizable to fans of "The Railway Children," which was filmed here. First opened in 1867, the station's neat stone buildings, open fires, real gas lamps, and vintage advertisements evoke the golden age of steam travel.

The next stop is Haworth, one of England's most charming villages. The cobbled (and steep!) Main Street is lined with stone houses, home to independent stores and cozy cafés. Stop by the atmospheric Haworth Old Post Office, where autumn-themed drinks include a decadent, caramel pumpkin-spiced rum hot chocolate.

Haworth is true Brontë country; the sisters lived in the Parsonage here, now a museum, and were inspired by the surrounding landscapes. A walk across Haworth Moor, its wild heather burning off to a deep orange in the fall, follows in the real-life footsteps of Emily Brontë and the fictional ones of Cathy and Heathcliffe. You'll discover the pretty Brontë Waterfall and several locations thought to have inspired Wuthering Heights. If you're around in October, seek a ghost walk to get an insight into Haworth's spooky past.

Riding the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway makes for an excellent day out, and the surrounding county of Yorkshire is perfect to extend your U.K. vacation. Keighley can be reached by ordinary train from Leeds in 25 minutes. Leeds itself is a little over two hours from London by train. If you want to explore more of Yorkshire, consider hiring a car.

Keighley sits just outside the Yorkshire Dales National Park, which is spectacular in the autumn. Consider heading to Bolton Priory, less than a 30-minute drive from Keighley, where a ghost is said to wander the ruins of this 12th-century monastery. Nearby, you can also visit The Strid, a narrow stretch of river that is said to be one of the deadliest bodies of water in the world.

You won't want to miss York, a place that Rick Steves says highlights everything great about Britain. Beneath its medieval walls and cobbled lanes lie 2,000 years of history and countless ghost stories. From Roman soldiers said to march through the cellars of the Treasurer's House to the restless spirits haunting the ancient pubs, York has earned its title as one of the most haunted cities in Europe. Follow the self-guided Ghosts in the Gardens trail, featuring 60 wire-mesh sculptures of eerie figures like a plague doctor and a Tudor executioner. Come for the steam trains, stay for the stories, and make the most of fall in Yorkshire.