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Discover the breathtaking landscapes and heritage rail of the British Isles

Experience the charms of the British Isles

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The Highlands by Steam
Edinburgh & the Highlands by Steam
6 days from £1,099 pp £999 pp
  • Enjoy Edinburgh before exploring Scotland's lochs, mountains and glens
  • Travel the West Highland Line on the world famous Jacobite Steam Train
  • Spend 5 nights in 3-star hotels in Edinburgh and Blair Atholl
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North Yorkshire Moors
Explore Yorkshire
5 days from £429 pp £379 pp
  • Discover Yorkshire's delightful towns, rural landscapes, and heritage railways
  • Journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, and visit the coastal town of Whitby
  • Enjoy 4-Star hotel accommodation in the elegant spa town of Harrogate
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Lake Windemere
Lakes & Dales by Rail
5 days from £679 pp £579 pp
  • Discover the panoramas of northern England, journeying on heritage railways
  • Take a cruise across Lake Windermere to Bowness and picturesque Grasmere
  • Enjoy 4 nights’ 4-star accommodation in the beautiful village of Wetheral
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British Isles holidays

As the days grow longer and colourful blooms blanket our islands, spring is the perfect time to explore the British Isles. From the glens of the Scottish Highlands to the subtropical gardens of the Isle of Scilly, witness the changing of the seasons in beautiful surroundings.

Our escorted tours reveal many treasures of the UK and Ireland. Wherever you wish to explore, from the remote Outer Hebrides or Yorkshire and Northumberland to Dublin & the Enchanting Emerald Isle, we have a tour to match.

Our escorted tours reveal Discover unique sites such as Stonehenge, the charm of the Isle of Man or the castles of Wales on our award-wining holidays.

Find out more with a free brochure and enjoy weekly travel inspiration and offers in our e-newsletter.

Experience breathtaking landscapes and heritage railways

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Conway Castle
Save up to £100pp
4.5 stars(572 reviews)
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct
6 days from
£849 pp £749 pp
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ClassicClassic
Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man
Save up to £100pp
4.7 stars(759 reviews)
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct
6 days from
£799 pp £699 pp
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ClassicClassic
Highland Adventure
Save up to £100pp
4.3 stars(368 reviews)
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct
5 days from
£1,049 pp £949 pp
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Isle of Man
Save up to £100pp
4.7 stars(596 reviews)
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct
6 days from
£729 pp £629 pp
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Tresco Abbey Gardens
Save up to £100pp
4.5 stars(204 reviews)
2026MayJunJulAugSep
9 days from
£2,399 pp £2,299 pp
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ClassicClassic
Scottish Highlands
Save up to £100pp
4.3 stars(554 reviews)
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct
2027MarAprMayJunJul...
9 days from
£2,499 pp £2,399 pp
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Lake Windemere
Save up to £100pp
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct
5 days from
£679 pp £579 pp
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Skye, Orkney and the Wild North
Save up to £100pp
4.4 stars(88 reviews)
2026MayJunAugSepOct
8 days from
£2,099 pp £1,999 pp
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40 results matching: UK & Ireland

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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
The Highlands by SteamThe Highlands by SteamThe Highlands by SteamThe Highlands by SteamThe Highlands by Steam
Save up to £100pp
4.2 stars(308 reviews)
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct

On a captivating holiday through Scotland, uncover the best of Edinburgh and the Highlands in a perfect blend of iconic railways, grand castles and breathtaking scenery. Take in the historic sights of Edinburgh and enjoy a nostalgic trip on the Jacobite steam train, widely considered to be one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. ...

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Save up to £100pp
6 days from
£1,099 pp £999 pp
per person
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Corfe Castle Corfe Castle Corfe Castle Corfe Castle Corfe Castle
Save up to £100pp
4.0 stars(63 reviews)
2026MayJunJulSepOct

Uncover the gems of Dorset and Hampshire by steam train and heritage railway. Based in Bournemouth, cruise past Old Harry Rocks to Swanage and experience the incredible Jurassic Coast - England's only natural UNESCO World Heritage site. Travel on the nostalgic Swanage Railway through idyllic scenery to ancient Corfe Castle and explore this...

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Save up to £100pp
5 days from
£629 pp £529 pp
per person
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EdinburghEdinburghEdinburghEdinburghEdinburgh
Save up to £100pp
4.2 stars(25 reviews)
2026JunSepOct

Experience the beauty of Scotland and its culture at every turn on a week-long adventure. See the contrasts between city and countryside while exploring Edinburgh and travelling aboard the scenic West Highland Line and famous Jacobite Steam Train into sensational Scottish landscapes. Staying in historic Fort William, wander the rainbow streets of...

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Save up to £100pp
7 days from
£1,699 pp £1,599 pp
per person
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The Enchanting Emerald IsleThe Enchanting Emerald IsleThe Enchanting Emerald IsleThe Enchanting Emerald IsleThe Enchanting Emerald Isle
Save up to £100pp
4.2 stars(52 reviews)
2026JunSep

Boasting rugged coastlines, rolling hills, dramatic castles and a culture rich in mythology; the Emerald Isle is as beautiful as it is fascinating. Travel around this captivating country, seeing the iconic Blarney Stone and admiring the natural beauty of the Ring of Kerry and dramatic Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy the scenery during trips in a Jaunting...

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Save up to £100pp
9 days from
£2,799 pp £2,699 pp
per person
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Scottish HighlandsScottish HighlandsScottish HighlandsScottish HighlandsScottish Highlands
Save up to £100pp
4.3 stars(554 reviews)
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct

Majestic lochs, glorious glens and a rich tapestry of history await as we explore Edinburgh and cross the Highlands. Travelling on the scenic West Highland and Kyle railway lines, we discover ancient castles, sail across glimmering lochs, and stay in historic cities. Wander the fascinating streets of Edinburgh, stand at the foot of Neptune's...

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Save up to £100pp
9 days from
£2,499 pp £2,399 pp
per person
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The Paignton & Dartmouth Steam RailwayThe Paignton & Dartmouth Steam RailwayThe Paignton & Dartmouth Steam RailwayThe Paignton & Dartmouth Steam RailwayThe Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway
Save up to £100pp
4.1 stars(94 reviews)
2026MayJunSepOct

Experience the timeless charm of the stunning English Riviera on a journey filled with nostalgic railway journeys and coastal delights. Take in the scenery aboard the Dartmouth Steam Railway and South Devon Railway, enjoy a traditional Devonshire cream tea in Dawlish, visit the tranquil Buckfast Abbey and unwind on a picturesque boat cruise. ...

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Save up to £100pp
5 days from
£729 pp £629 pp
per person
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Pembrokeshire Coast WalesPembrokeshire Coast WalesPembrokeshire Coast WalesPembrokeshire Coast WalesPembrokeshire Coast Wales
Save up to £100pp
4.0 stars(147 reviews)
2026MayJunJulAugSep

Join us on this delightful getaway to discover the unspoilt rural beauty and hidden treasures of South Wales - with trips aboard nostalgic steam trains into scenic, rugged landscapes, and exploring charming towns. From our base in Swansea, we journey on the Brecon Mountain Railway through the wonderful landscapes of the Brecon Beacons, delve into...

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Save up to £100pp
6 days from
£649 pp £549 pp
per person
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The Peak DistrictThe Peak DistrictThe Peak DistrictThe Peak DistrictThe Peak District
Save up to £100pp
4.1 stars(180 reviews)
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct

Uncover some of rural England's most picturesque landscapes on a scenic journey through Derbyshire and the Peak District. Visit the elegant spa town of Buxton with a local guide and learn about its Roman origins. Explore Bakewell's historic buildings and perhaps sample one of its famous desserts, before visiting the magnificent Chatsworth House...

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Save up to £100pp
5 days from
£449 pp £399 pp
per person
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Isle of ManIsle of ManIsle of ManIsle of ManIsle of Man
Save up to £100pp
4.7 stars(596 reviews)
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct

Delve into Celtic legacy as you explore the Isle of Man, travelling on vintage railways, discovering ancient towns and embracing the relaxed lifestyle. Staying in the picturesque capital of Douglas, each day brings something new - from wild landscapes to fascinating history - as you tour famous sights including The Old House of Keys, historic...

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Save up to £100pp
6 days from
£729 pp £629 pp
per person
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Tresco Abbey GardensTresco Abbey GardensTresco Abbey GardensTresco Abbey GardensTresco Abbey Gardens
Save up to £100pp
4.5 stars(204 reviews)
2026MayJunJulAugSep

Escape to the picturesque Isles of Scilly and enter an unspoilt world with a gentle climate, heavenly beaches and a relaxed pace of life. Based on the main island of St Mary's, spend your days uncovering local treasures, admiring Tresco Abbey's sub-tropical gardens, and visiting the beautiful islands of St Agnes and St Martin's. While exploring...

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Save up to £100pp
9 days from
£2,399 pp £2,299 pp
per person
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Stonehenge at SunsetStonehenge at SunsetStonehenge at SunsetStonehenge at SunsetStonehenge at Sunset
Save up to £100pp
4.7 stars(21 reviews)
2026MayJunJulAugSep

Discover the ancient stones and monuments of Wiltshire on a tour that takes in the breadth of British history. Explore Stonehenge on an exclusive sunset experience inside the stone circle, marvel at the Neolithic wonders of Avebury and uncover the many treasures of Salisbury, spanning the Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman periods. Based in...

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Save up to £100pp
7 days from
£1,199 pp £1,099 pp
per person
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A Wonderful Wiltshire ChristmasA Wonderful Wiltshire ChristmasA Wonderful Wiltshire ChristmasA Wonderful Wiltshire ChristmasA Wonderful Wiltshire Christmas
Free overnight stay
2026Dec

Celebrate Christmas in the charming rural county of Wiltshire, with everything taken care of as you settle into a welcoming traditional hotel in the historic cathedral city of Salisbury. Enjoy a nostalgic journey in decorated carriages aboard the Swindon & Cricklade Railway with a festive afternoon tea, along with atmospheric visits to the...

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Free overnight stay
7 days from
£1,799 pp
per person
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Our customers love our UK & Ireland email lander tours
The Isle of Man
19/Apr
michael barbour
5 stars
“Excellent from start to finish! Great tour manager, coach driver, organised trips, hotel, hotel staff and food. A good group of people on our tour which helped it go even better. Don't usually do organised trips but looking forward to the next one!
Collected by Trustpilot
Edinburgh, the Highlands & Islands
30/Mar
Suzanne Skippage
5 stars
“Excellent customer service pre trip - always kept updated. Brilliant Tour Manager who took care of every detail including alternative when weather ruled out a boat trip due to high winds. Wonderful speakers who really made the history of this glorious land live. I can’t speak highly enough of the...
Collected by Trustpilot
Edinburgh & the Highlands by Steam
03 Nov 2025
Philip
5 stars
“To add the Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies to the program widened the scope of it in a good way. The variety of activity was also a plus. And the tour leader, Liz, was excellent. I felt the attempt to introduce us to Scottish food did not hit the mark,...
Collected by Trustpilot
The Jurassic Coast & New Forest
24 Oct 2025
Pauline Sandeman
5 stars
“The tour was well organised and the tour guide, Lorraine, was helpful and gave interesting information.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Sensational Isles of Scilly
23 Oct 2025
Michael Anthony
5 stars
“Lovely trip to the Isles of Scilly. Excellent tour manager who coped brilliantly after a return flight delay.
Collected by Trustpilot
South Devon, Dartmouth & the English Riviera
03 Oct 2025
Miss Carolyn Jones
5 stars
“Lovely trip and hotel on seafront. Added two days to see Greenways, Agatha Christie’s house and the art deco house owned by D’Oyly Carte Family. Train rides and visit to Dart and Dartmouth very enjoyable.
Collected by Trustpilot
Ancient Stones & Treasures of Wiltshire
27 Sep 2025
Sharon
5 stars
“I've given this holiday a 5?rating as we very much enjoyed it, but it wasn't without the occasional problem. As a new holiday for this year, it clearly needs a little tweaking. Despite the bad weather, with a lot of rain, I think we were lucky to dodge...
Collected by Trustpilot
Dublin & the Enchanting Emerald Isle
23 Sep 2025
Donaldson
5 stars
“Full on, busy, holiday visiting many wonderful places in Southern Ireland.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Peak District
18 Oct 2025
Hij
4 stars
“Overall it was an enjoyable holiday with mostly interesting visits, but the guide spent too much time telling us her personal experiences and not giving enough information about what we were seeing. The coach driver gave us more! The hotel was good average but the fact that no rooms, other...
Collected by Trustpilot

Our Guide to the British Isles

Where to go and what to see

Top 5 destinations

York Minster

 

  • York
  • Edinburgh
  • Isle of Man
  • Scilly Isles
  • Dublin

Find out more

Top 5 sights

Stonehenge

 

  • Portmerion Village
  • Elien Donan Castle
  • Stonehenge
  • York Shambles
  • Conwy Castle

Find out more

Top 5 train experiences

North York Moors railway

 

  • The Jacobite Steam Train
  • The Ffestiniog Railway & Welsh Highland Line
  • The North Yorkshire Moors
  • Snaefell Mountain Railway
  • The Isle of Man Steam Railway

Find out more

Expert opinions & guides

Snowdon Railway

Should I stay or should I go

Vacation v Staycation - With so many incredible landscapes and pieces of architecture to discover right here on your doorstep in the UK, you needn't miss out with these perfect vacation vs. staycation swaps!

Read more

Bamburgh Castle

A five-stop guided tour of Great Britain

Re-discover your own lands - We've rounded up our favourites places in the UK to inspire you.

Read more

West Highland Line

Top 5 Scottish Rail Journeys

The Scottish Selection - 5 scenic Scottish rail journeys worth sampling.

Read more

Scotland in the Wild

Live life in the Slow lane and take in the natural beauty of Scotland.

Read more

How many people go on one of your holidays?

Great Rail Journeys is a market leader when it comes to small group tours. We're proud of being pioneers in our approach to group sizes and have become the leading operator for escorted holidays. Our group sizes vary between tours, but are our ranges are usually a good indicator of what to expect.

For our Discoveries range, you'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. If opting for our Classic collection, you'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. Our Landmark holidays are where you'll find our smallest group sizes, starting from as low as 16 travellers and an average of 22, to a maximum of 30.

*Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

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