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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.

13 results matching: UK Short Breaks by Escorted Rail

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Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man
Save £50pp
4.7 stars(577 reviews)
2024SepOct
2025AprMayJunJulAug...
6 days from
£745 pp £695 pp
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6 days from
£745
£695
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  • DestinationEngland
  • Starts / EndsHeysham
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Highland Adventure
Save £50pp
4.3 stars(274 reviews)
2024SepOct
2025MarAprMayJunJul...
5 days from
£945 pp £895 pp
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5 days from
£945
£895
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  • DestinationScotland
  • Starts / EndsInverness
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Edinburgh Tattoo
4.7 stars(6 reviews)
2024Aug
2025Aug
4 days from
£795 pp
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4 days from
£795
per person
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  • DestinationScotland
  • Starts / EndsDunblane
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
Edinburgh Tattoo
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4.2 stars(40 reviews)
Rail Discoveries
2024Aug
2025Aug
Rail Discoveries
4 days from
£599 pp £549 pp
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4 days from
£599
£549
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  • DestinationScotland
  • Starts / EndsEdinburgh
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
The Aberdonian Steam Train - © Alan Weaver
3.7 stars(38 reviews)
2024Sep
2025JulSep
5 days from
£1,195 pp
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5 days from
£1,195
per person
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  • DestinationScotland
  • Starts / EndsEdinburgh / Edinburgh, Edinburgh Waverley
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
The Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway
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4.1 stars(79 reviews)
2024Oct
2025AprMayJunJulSep
5 days from
£595 pp £545 pp
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  • DestinationEngland
  • Starts / EndsPaignton
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
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Castle Howard
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4.1 stars(37 reviews)
2024AugSepOct
2025AprMayJunAugSepOct
5 days from
£795 pp £745 pp
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  • DestinationEngland
  • Starts / EndsGuisborough, Gisborough
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
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Stonehenge
New Tour
2025MayJunJulAugSep
7 days from
£1,395 pp
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7 days from
£1,395
per person
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  • DestinationEngland
  • Starts / EndsSalisbury
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail
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Worcester Cathedral
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Rail Discoveries
2024AugOct
2025MayJunAugSepOct
Rail Discoveries
5 days from
£449 pp £399 pp
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£449
£399
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  • DestinationEngland
  • Starts / EndsWorcester
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
Map and accommodation
The Highlands by Steam
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Rail Discoveries
2024Sep
2025AprMayJunJulAug...
Rail Discoveries
6 days from
£899 pp £849 pp
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6 days from
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£849
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  • DestinationScotland
  • Starts / EndsEdinburgh / Edinburgh, Edinburgh Waverley
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
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Lighthouse at the Needles
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Rail Discoveries
2024Sep
2025AprJunJulAugSep
Rail Discoveries
5 days from
£599 pp £549 pp
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  • DestinationEngland
  • Starts / EndsPortsmouth, Sandown / Portsmouth
  • AccommodationHotel
  • TransportRail, Coach
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Norwich & Norfolk
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Rail Discoveries
2024AugSepOct
2025AprMayJunJulAug...
Rail Discoveries
5 days from
£449 pp £399 pp
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5 days from
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  • DestinationEngland
  • Starts / EndsNorwich
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Our customers love our UK Short Breaks tours
Highland Adventure
22/Jul
M Holgate
5 stars
“The organisation was spot on. Sanjay was an excellent guide. The trip was made better by thevfact there was no rain!
Collected by Trustpilot
Peebles, the Edinburgh Tattoo and Floors Castle
09 Sep 2023
J Urbanowski
5 stars
“Our trip with GRJ was excellent in every respect from dealing with the office staff, accommodation, meals provided, coach transport and the service of our Tour Manager.
Collected by Trustpilot
Edinburgh Tattoo and the Highlands
29 Aug 2023
B Derbyshire
5 stars
“First time on a trip like this, very well organised and very friendly
Collected by Trustpilot
Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man
23/Jul
JGW
4 stars
“Very good holiday, interesting sightseeing with occasional hiccups (ie not 100% perfect).
Collected by Trustpilot
Yorkshire Dales and Moors
26/Jun
Richard Castle
4 stars
“Great holiday but a little tiring
Collected by Trustpilot
South Devon, Dartmouth, and The English Riviera
16/Jun
K Wilson
4 stars
“Excellent itinerary and nothing was too much trouble at any hour for our tour guide, Colin. Well done, Colin
Collected by Trustpilot
Royal Deeside and Glamis Castle
07 Aug 2023
Diana Clarke
4 stars
“Enjoyable trip Not impressed with not getting final holiday details until a week before going Great tour manager David Indge who was very kind and helpful Loved the Highland cattle visit
Collected by Trustpilot