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UK Short Breaks by Escorted Rail

With so many ideal holiday destinations on your doorstep, the United Kingdom is a fantastic place for a short break by rail. After all, the British Isles are packed with exciting towns and cities, a wealth of outstanding scenery and a rich cultural heritage. From the Cornish coast to the Shetland Islands, and from the Scottish Highlands to the Isle of Man and the Norfolk Broads, our UK short breaks are filled with places you "always wanted to visit" but never got around to.

Whether you'd like a brief getaway in the old-world city of Canterbury, or would prefer a short break amongst the rugged mountains of the Lake District, all of our UK short breaks all begin in towns and cities that are easily accessible by rail. So, you can leave the car behind and let the train take the strain, meaning that your holiday begins at your local station.

We explore every corner of the British Isles on our UK short breaks, and each individual place is filled with local myths, legends and attractions for you to explore. Naturally the included excursions differ according to the region visited, but they all give a wonderful insight into the area and cover the most famous sights - whether this is the magnificent York Minster, the fantastic castles along the North Wales coastline or the impressive SS Great Britain in Bristol Harbour.

Of course, our UK short breaks also all include some fantastic railway journeys. As well as some of the world's most scenic routes such as the West Highland Line, on our UK short breaks we also feature a number of classic heritage railways. We are proud to support these lines, most of which use restored steam engines and vintage rolling stock - allowing you to take a nostalgic trip back in time to relive the bygone age of the railway. Often these lines pass through some magnificent scenery and connect idyllic countryside villages along the way, which we take the time to visit.

Our UK short breaks by rail are simple, stress-free holidays, which represent superb value for money. With such a comprehensive and varied range of tours to choose from, you are bound to be drawn to our collection of UK short breaks by rail.

If you want to learn more about the stunning railways of the UK, discover Coastal Railways with Julie Walters. More information can be found here.

14 results matching: UK Short Breaks by Escorted Rail

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ClassicClassic
Highland AdventureHighland AdventureHighland AdventureHighland AdventureHighland Adventure
Double Discount
Highland Adventure
4.3 stars(310 reviews)
2025JunJulAugSepOct

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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Double Discount
5 days from
£1,199 pp £1,049 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
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Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man
4.7 stars(663 reviews)
2025JunJulAugSepOct
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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Double Discount
6 days from
£949 pp £799 pp
per person
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Norwich & NorfolkNorwich & NorfolkNorwich & NorfolkNorwich & NorfolkNorwich & Norfolk
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Norwich & Norfolk
4.3 stars(336 reviews)
2025MayJunJulAugSepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

Discover the great city of Norwich on a guided tour, and explore the meandering waterways and famous heritage railways of Norfolk. From our base in historic Norwich, we enjoy a guided tour of this culture-rich city before scenic journeys on the Mid and North Norfolk railways, a cruise through the Norfolk Broads on a Mississippi paddle boat, and a...

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5 days from
£549 pp £449 pp
per person
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The Highlands by SteamThe Highlands by SteamThe Highlands by SteamThe Highlands by SteamThe Highlands by Steam
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Edinburgh & the Highlands by Steam
4.2 stars(248 reviews)
2025JunJulAugSepOct
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

Journey through the iconic landscapes and culture of Scotland aboard the country's spectacular railways. From the city of Edinburgh to the Cairngorm Mountain, every day is a new experience on this five-day tour. Explore towering sculptures, discover towns and castles, journey on the world-famous Jacobite Steam Train, and experience the...

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6 days from
£1,049 pp £899 pp
per person
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Cotswolds & The Severn Valley
4.4 stars(114 reviews)
2025JunAugSepOct
2026MayJunJulAugSepOct

From picture-postcard villages and lush rolling meadows to gentle waterways and historic steam railways, discover quintessential English charm and beauty in abundance on this superb holiday to one of the most scenic parts of the UK. Explore timber-framed Tudor buildings and the stunning cathedral in Worcester, discover the charming Cotswold...

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5 days from
£549 pp £449 pp
per person
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Lighthouse at the NeedlesLighthouse at the NeedlesLighthouse at the NeedlesLighthouse at the NeedlesLighthouse at the Needles
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Isle of Wight
4.2 stars(94 reviews)
2025JunJulAugSep

Experience a five-day holiday to the lovely Isle of Wight. With half of the island designated an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty', this tour takes in the best of its scenic gems. From the iconic Needles to historic Carisbrooke Castle, embrace the diverse delights of this timeless island. With beautiful beach views from our base in the seaside...

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5 days from
£649 pp £549 pp
per person
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The Peak DistrictThe Peak DistrictThe Peak DistrictThe Peak DistrictThe Peak District
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The Peak District
4.1 stars(130 reviews)
2025JunJulAugSepOct
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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5 days from
£499 pp £399 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Edinburgh TattooEdinburgh TattooEdinburgh TattooEdinburgh TattooEdinburgh Tattoo
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The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo & the Highlands
4.5 stars(39 reviews)
2025Aug
2026Aug

A fantastic short break culminating in the iconic extravaganza of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, with pipes and drums resonating from the castle's elevated setting. Based in charming Dunblane, peacefully situated in the Perthshire countryside, this wonderful Scottish holiday also includes a heritage steam train journey through the...

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4 days from
£899 pp £749 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
YorkYorkYorkYorkYork
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Glorious Yorkshire
2025JunJulSepOct

History, natural beauty and Yorkshire charm come together on this six-day getaway. From the ancient city walls of York to the rolling landscapes of the North Yorkshire Moors, explore the heritage of God's own county. Explore grand gardens, historic abbeys, and seaside towns, while enjoying local delicacies. This expert itinerary is an ideal mix...

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6 days from
£899 pp £749 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
The Paignton & Dartmouth Steam RailwayThe Paignton & Dartmouth Steam RailwayThe Paignton & Dartmouth Steam RailwayThe Paignton & Dartmouth Steam RailwayThe Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway
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South Devon, Dartmouth, & The English Riviera
4.1 stars(87 reviews)
2025JunSep
2026AprMayJunSepOct

Experience the relaxed charm of the English Riviera on a holiday which features nostalgic journeys aboard heritage railways and a traditional boat cruise. Staying in Paignton, a jewel in the crown of the English Riviera, this traditional seaside town creates the perfect base, with beautiful views across the seafront.

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Double Discount
5 days from
£749 pp £599 pp
per person
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Edinburgh TattooEdinburgh TattooEdinburgh TattooEdinburgh TattooEdinburgh Tattoo
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The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo & Floors Castle
4.4 stars(72 reviews)
2025Aug

Attend the sensational Tattoo display, with pipes and drums resonating from the castle's elevated setting. From our base in Peebles, enjoy a heritage journey on the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway, visit Floors Castle for a traditional afternoon tea, and see the Kelpies. Each moment on this Edinburgh Tattoo holiday is designed to leave you with...

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Double Discount
4 days from
£799 pp £699 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Castle HowardCastle HowardCastle HowardCastle HowardCastle Howard
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Yorkshire Dales & Moors
4.0 stars(47 reviews)
2025JunAugSep

Relax in 'God's Own Country', discovering the wonders of Yorkshire's beloved countryside from a luxurious country house hotel on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. Explore the glorious Yorkshire Moors and Yorkshire Dales, taking a guided tour of the quirky fishing village, Robin Hood's Bay, sampling traditional local cuisine,...

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Double Discount
5 days from
£1,049 pp £899 pp
per person
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Show all 14 tours
Our customers love our UK Short Breaks tours
Norwich & Norfolk
29/Apr
john smith
5 stars
“Well organized, hotel very good and I saw the sights which interested me in Norfolk.
Collected by Trustpilot
Yorkshire Dales & Moors
29/Apr
B Tydeman
5 stars
“Small group, attentive and non- intrusive tour manager and very comfortable hotel. Carefully chosen local outings with informative and entertaining local guides who know their community well.
Collected by Trustpilot
Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man
26/Apr
A Clark
5 stars
“Excellent trip. Such an interesting island with much to see and enjoy.
Collected by Trustpilot
Royal Deeside & Glamis Castle
16 Sep 2024
Doreen Guest
5 stars
“The tour was very well organised and ran very smoothly, helped by an extremely good friendly guide who engaged fully with all the group. The visits were very good particularly Glamis Castle and also the Highland cow farm and the gin distillery. The only disappointment was the failure of Tornado...
Collected by Trustpilot
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo & Floors Castle
06 Sep 2024
Gordon Howat
5 stars
“Very good trip
Collected by Trustpilot
The Peak District
29/Apr
Barbara
4 stars
“Hotel clean and comfortable, parking just across the road. Trips well organised, guides very informative and knowledgeable.
Collected by Trustpilot
Highland Adventure
28/Apr
Mrs H Hammond
4 stars
“It was a great experience, however, it would have been nice to have been met at airpiort or station., or even having travel to venue included.
Collected by Trustpilot
Cotswolds & The Severn Valley
29 Oct 2024
Nancy
4 stars
“The time in Bridgenorth and Broadway were most enjoyable, however,after the view of the Neptune fountain and a pleasant stroll along the promanade, we found the Sunday afternoon visit to Chelthenham just another town of similar shops.
Collected by Trustpilot
South Devon, Dartmouth, & The English Riviera
24 Oct 2024
J Staveley
4 stars
“We found the whole programme provided an interesting tour of the area. However on such a short duration holiday having a full day free seemed excessive having travelled so far to attend. The hotel Mercure that we stayed was 5 stars as was the tour guide. Ken Cumbria
Collected by Trustpilot