The railway, canals and historic houses of Warwickshire have joined forces to reward green travel with a free cup of tea.
Network Rail’s Central route has teamed up with the National Trust, Chiltern Railways, West Midlands Railway and waterways charity Canal & River Trust to offer visitors that travel by train from Birmingham Moor Street to Baddesley Clinton and Packwood House a free regular hot drink*. Visitors choosing to swap tyres for tracks and boots can show their same-day train ticket at the on-site café at either property for a free tea or coffee in a partnership designed to encourage choosing green travel to two of the country’s beautiful historic properties.
The National Trust locations are both within a two-mile radius of Lapworth station, on the Chiltern main line, which can be easily reached directly from Birmingham Moor Street station. Visitors can then get their steps in whilst reducing their carbon footprint further, by taking a leisurely stroll to either destination with walking routes provided to and from Lapworth station.
Visitors can also easily access two of England's outstanding canals from Lapworth station and see for themselves the interesting sights of the Lapworth Flight of locks on the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal and Kingswood Junction where this waterway joins together with the Grand Union Canal. The partnership comes at the start of 2025’s Railway 200 celebrations, a year-long programme of activities and events to celebrate 200 years of the modern railway.
Patrick Power, head of stations and passenger experience for Network Rail Central route, said: “As we start a year-long celebration of the railway and the important role it plays in all walks of life, it’s great to be working with the National Trust and Canal & River Trust to encourage train travel to these fantastic properties.
“What better way to start 2025 than by hopping on the train, getting some fresh air and enjoying some of the country’s finest historic buildings with a free hot drink.” Gurminder Kenth, general manager at National Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be working together with Network Rail to offer a free regular hot drink to rail passengers at Packwood House and Baddesley Clinton.
"Lapworth station is less than two miles from both Packwood and Baddesley and the perfect way to fit in a country walk when visiting some of the special places we help to care for in Warwickshire. At National Trust we’re always on the look-out for meaningful ways to address the impacts of climate change and even the smallest changes can make the biggest of differences for nature and the climate.
“Finding greener, car-free travel on foot or rail can be a great way of getting active and doing your bit for the environment.” Michael Stewart, commercial and customer strategy director at Chiltern Railways, said: “Travelling by rail is a great way to make journeys greener and we are proud to work together with National Trust so that our customers from Birmingham Moor Street can receive a free hot drink at these two historic locations.
“This sustainable initiative aligns perfectly with our aim to provide an easier, greener, and better railway for our customers in the future.” Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director at West Midlands Railway, said: “We’re pleased to be working with National Trust to offer this promotion to our passengers.
"Travelling from Moor Street to Lapworth takes less than half an hour and allows you to sit back and watch the world go by through the window, without the stress of driving. We hope this offer will inspire people to put away their car keys and try the slower, greener route, with the promise of a free hot drink at their destination.”
Ian Lane, head of operational partnerships and funding, Canal & River Trust (West Midlands), said: "We're proud to join forces with our partners to encourage sustainable travel while showcasing the incredible waterways around Lapworth.
"The canals at Kingswood Junction offer a rich tapestry of heritage and natural beauty, with highlights like the Lapworth Flight of locks providing an idyllic backdrop for walkers and history enthusiasts alike. By pairing rail travel with canal-side strolls, this initiative inspires people to explore and enjoy the peaceful charm of our waterways while reducing their environmental impact."
2025 is the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway. Railway 200 will be a year-long nationwide partnership-led campaign to celebrate rail’s remarkable past, its role today and its importance to a sustainable future. Passengers should check www.nationalrail.co.uk for the latest journey information and travel advice.
