There is more to the British railroad scene than highspeed trains. The British are conscious of railroad antiquity, and you'll find pockets of preservation here and there plus museum railroads and railroad museums of every description.

You, the traveller, will have an easy time of it because the language in Britain and Ireland is English (it compensates for the confusion you'll feel when you cross a street).

Britain is also where the United States and Canada began, for the most part. Our history up to 1776 is part of British history. Britain is also the source of our culture. Even though you are travelling principally to see the rail system, every couple of hours you'll run across something that will elicit an "Oh, my gosh!" or a "How about that?" or even a lump in your throat and a tear in your eye.

This book will help you decide not only what trains to see and ride but also where to stay and what to eat.