Trains in the U.K. have long been a favored mode of travel for tourists. In recent years, the rise of low-cost airlines has prompted many to reconsider rail travel. Other budget travelers like the convenience of renting a car and seeing the countryside according to their preferences rather than where the rails lead.

But there are reasons to revisit rail options.

Gasoline prices have soared in recent years.

In fact, when this itinerary was taken in March 2011, prices were £1.35/liter, which equates to $8.38 USD/gallon in the U.S. At the time, Americans were complaining about the possibility of $4/gallon gas.

Likewise, security issues have delayed passengers in airports. Airlines have added fees for checked baggage and other previously free services.

Rail passengers generally have a smoother time boarding than their counterparts in the airport, and once in their seats they enjoy more legroom. Trains deliver passengers to central locations in destination cities, whereas air passengers might spend time in traffic commuting from an outlying airport.

So I agreed to take a media tour with Rail Europe and survey destinations on a one-week trip you can accomplish in second-class for less than $300 USD.

You might recognize Rail Europe as a company that sells rail passes you must buy before leaving home. But the company now offers North American travelers access to the British domestic fare range for point-to-point tickets.

As to the itinerary: Rail Europe chose it as but one example of what you can do with a week in the U.K. But this is an excellent slate of cities, especially for the first-time visitor.

The Wales leg of the trip could involve some added expense, because some of the attractions are far-removed from the train stations. If that would severely disrupt your budget, skip the Wales leg of this trip and add more time at one of the other stops.

Take a look at budget tips for each leg of a train trip in the U.K.

Please note: As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary travel for the purpose of evaluating these services. While it has not influenced this article, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.