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Discover the delights of the British Isles

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Lake Windemere
Lakes & Dales by Rail
5 days from £649 pp £549 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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Conway Castle
Railways & Castles of Wales
6 days from £849 pp
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Isle of Man
The Isle of Man
6 days from £699 pp £599 pp
  • Travel on vintage railways and discover ancient Celtic towns
  • Stay in the picturesque capital of Douglas in a historic 3-star hotel
  • Enjoy stunning views from the iconic Snaefell Mountain Railway
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Dreaming of a British Isles holiday in 2026?

Plan ahead with our most popular tours

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British Isles Escorted Rail Holidays

From the Scottish Highlands to the Isles of Scilly, the British Isles has centuries of history, culture and stunning landscapes to uncover. Explore historic cities, journey on celebrated heritage railways across ancient landscapes and sail to untouched islands such as Skye, Orkney, or the Isle of Wight.

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

Discover unique sites such as the Ancient Stones & Treasures of Wiltshire and other inspiring destinations in England, Scotland and Wales all year round, or consider one of our ever-popular seasonal Christmas tours for a truly memorable festive season.

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

Best Selling Holidays in the British Isles

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Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man
Save £100pp
4.7 stars(722 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
6 days from
£849 pp £749 pp
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The Peak District
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4.1 stars(162 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
5 days from
£549 pp £449 pp
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ClassicClassic
Highland Adventure
Save £100pp
4.3 stars(342 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
5 days from
£1,099 pp £999 pp
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Scottish Highlands
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4.1 stars(130 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026MayJunSep
6 days from
£999 pp £899 pp
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Walworth Castle
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4.5 stars(111 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026MayJunSep
6 days from
£749 pp £649 pp
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ClassicClassic
Norwich & the Norfolk Broads
4.2 stars(161 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
5 days from
£799 pp
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Pembrokeshire Coast Wales
4.0 stars(144 reviews)
2025Sep
2026MayJunJulAugSep
6 days from
£599 pp
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Corfe Castle
Save £100pp
4.0 stars(51 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunJulSepOct
5 days from
£649 pp £549 pp
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49 results matching: UK & Ireland

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Isle of ManIsle of ManIsle of ManIsle of ManIsle of Man
Save £100pp
4.7 stars(542 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

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 £100pp
6 days from
£699 pp £599 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Vintage Railways of the Isle of ManVintage Railways of the Isle of ManVintage Railways of the Isle of ManVintage Railways of the Isle of ManVintage Railways of the Isle of Man
Save £100pp
4.7 stars(722 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

The Isle of Man is a unique blend of unspoiled coastal landscapes, sandy beaches, and stunning scenery. The rich Celtic heritage is evident all over the island, and we experience it as we ride vintage railways, explore historic towns, and enjoy the relaxed pace of life. Each day is an adventure of picturesque landscapes and captivating history as...

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Save £100pp
6 days from
£849 pp £749 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Tresco Abbey GardensTresco Abbey GardensTresco Abbey GardensTresco Abbey GardensTresco Abbey Gardens
4.5 stars(175 reviews)
2025Sep
2026AprMayJunJulAugSep

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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9 days from
£2,699 pp
per person
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The Peak DistrictThe Peak DistrictThe Peak DistrictThe Peak DistrictThe Peak District
Save £100pp
4.1 stars(162 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

Uncover some of the best landscapes that rural England has to offer in Derbyshire and the Peak District. Visit the pretty town of Buxton and discover its Roman origins with a local guide, explore Bakewell's historic buildings and maybe try its famous tasty treats, before visiting the majestic Chatsworth House, and travelling back in time on a...

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Save £100pp
5 days from
£549 pp £449 pp
per person
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Conway CastleConway CastleConway CastleConway CastleConway Castle
4.5 stars(550 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

On this nostalgic escape, ride on celebrated railways, visit ancient castles and discover the beautiful gardens of north Wales. Journey through stunning scenery on the Ffestiniog Railway, the world's oldest independent line, and ascend Snowdon's summit on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Step into the unique village of Portmeirion, whose design was...

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6 days from
£849 pp
per person
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The Highlands by SteamThe Highlands by SteamThe Highlands by SteamThe Highlands by SteamThe Highlands by Steam
4.2 stars(283 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

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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6 days from
£949 pp
per person
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Corfe Castle Corfe Castle Corfe Castle Corfe Castle Corfe Castle
Save £100pp
4.0 stars(51 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunJulSepOct

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

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Save £100pp
5 days from
£649 pp £549 pp
per person
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Yorkshire & NorthumberlandYorkshire & NorthumberlandYorkshire & NorthumberlandYorkshire & NorthumberlandYorkshire & Northumberland
Save £100pp
4.2 stars(216 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

Encounter the untamed Yorkshire Moors and rolling Yorkshire Dales aboard heritage trains on the North Yorkshire Moors and Settle-Carlisle railways, before discovering the unspoiled gems of Northumberland on a tour which blends dramatic landscapes with fascinating history and culture. In Yorkshire, wander among the spectacular gardens of RHS...

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Save £100pp
7 days from
£1,349 pp £1,249 pp
per person
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Norwich & NorfolkNorwich & NorfolkNorwich & NorfolkNorwich & NorfolkNorwich & Norfolk
4.3 stars(374 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

Discover the rich heritage and natural beauty of Norfolk and Norwich on a journey filled with historic railways, waterways and royal charm. Explore the medieval city of Norwich on a guided tour, cruise along the Norfolk Broads on a Mississippi paddle boat and step back in time on scenic journeys with the Mid and North Norfolk railways. We also...

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5 days from
£529 pp
per person
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North Yorkshire MoorsNorth Yorkshire MoorsNorth Yorkshire MoorsNorth Yorkshire MoorsNorth Yorkshire Moors
4.1 stars(748 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

Discover the beauty of Yorkshire on this picturesque rail getaway. Home to timeless towns, sweeping rural landscapes and rich architectural heritage, this is a region full of character and charm just waiting to be explored. Stay in the elegant spa town of Harrogate and visit the coastal resort of Whitby, before enjoying a nostalgic journey on the...

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5 days from
£449 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Highland AdventureHighland AdventureHighland AdventureHighland AdventureHighland Adventure
Save £100pp
4.3 stars(342 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

From Inverness, the gateway to our Highland adventure, we discover the very best of northern Scotland. Soak up breathtaking scenery as we travel aboard magnificent mainline and steam railways, including the legendary Jacobite Steam Train and charming Strathspey Steam Railway. Along the way, we marvel at the towering mountains, shimmering lochs,...

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Save £100pp
5 days from
£1,099 pp £999 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Lake WindemereLake WindemereLake WindemereLake WindemereLake Windemere
Save £100pp
4.1 stars(349 reviews)
2025SepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

From your base in Wetheral, travel on heritage railways, enjoy the striking countryside of the north and delight in the natural beauty of England's Lake District. Sail across Lake Windermere to inspirational Bowness and the pretty village of Grasmere, once home to William Wordsworth. Enjoy a journey on the Settle to Carlisle Line to Skipton...

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Save £100pp
5 days from
£649 pp £549 pp
per person
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Our customers love our UK & Ireland tours
Railways & Castles of Wales
18/Aug
Celia Edwards
5 stars
“Well organised. Good.mix of people. Very good Rep who gave good information always
Collected by Trustpilot
Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man
18/Aug
Richard Swan
5 stars
“Well organised and culturally interesting holiday.
Collected by Trustpilot
Explore Yorkshire
18/Aug
Elizabeth Allen
5 stars
“My family and I had the most fantastic holiday. Excursions to various places were most enjoyable. 2 guys was extremely helpful. We’re looking forward to our next holiday in January 2026 to Switzerland, Juungfrau.
Collected by Trustpilot
Norwich & Norfolk
17/Aug
Carole Mansell
5 stars
“Varied itinerary, excellent tour manager and coach service in a lovely part of England.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Isle of Man
16/Aug
Keith
5 stars
“Great holiday
Collected by Trustpilot
Edinburgh & the Highlands by Steam
13/Aug
Bradbury
5 stars
“I thought I had done this already. It was brilliant!
Collected by Trustpilot
Yorkshire & Northumberland
12/Aug
Sylvia
5 stars
“An excellent trip, with interesting & varied places & a great tour manager!
Collected by Trustpilot
Lakes & Dales by Rail
31/Jul
Graham
5 stars
“Lovely area and wonderful tour guide.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Peak District
19/Aug
Angela
4 stars
“Hotel was great. Tour manager was brilliant as was the bus driver. I was just a little disappointed at the need to stop to visit shops when more historical places deserved a visit to soak up the atmosphere of bygone days. Eyam deserved better than just a drive through.The Peak...
Collected by Trustpilot

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.

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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.

Latest articles from our journey blog