With a storied history stretching back to the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the East Lancashire Railway is the steam-powered heart of the Irwell Valley, pumping goods and people around the region for nearly 200 years! The line runs for 12 miles through scenic Lancastrian Landscapes, from beautiful rural panoramas and postcard pretty villages to bustling Victorian towns and cotton mill-dotted horizons. Each station offers something unique, from historical Heywood to relaxing Rawtenstall, scenic Summerseat, and bustling Bury. Make the trip from Grandparent to Grandchild on a journey that spans generations on this heritage railway.

Jim Thompson was an American entrepreneur who helped revive Thailand’s silk industry in the 1950s and 60s. His home, a cluster of traditional teak houses moved from around the country and reassembled here, is now a museum filled with his collection of Asian art, antiques, and textiles. The guided tour is the only way to see inside, and it’s worth it for the stories about Thompson’s life and mysterious disappearance in 1967, which still hasn’t been solved. The garden café and small silk shop round out your visit.

Shiojiri Garden is a peaceful spot that highlights Mishawaka’s connection to its sister city, Shiojiri, Japan. Designed by Shoji Kanaoka—the same landscape architect behind parts of Epcot at Disney World—it’s a great place for a quiet walk. You’ll find traditional Japanese elements like bridges, lanterns, and a tea house, making it a unique stop along the Riverwalk.

About 80 km north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya was once the capital of Siam. Today, the Historical Park is full of temple ruins, giant Buddha statues, and prang (reliquary towers). Wat Mahathat is famous for the Buddha head caught in tree roots, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the royal temple of the old city. Most travellers do a day trip from Bangkok by train, bus, or river cruise, though staying overnight gives you a quieter look at the ruins.