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Last chance for 2026! Discover breathtaking landscapes and heritage rail

Experience the wonders on your doorstep with our bestselling tours

DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Lake Windemere
Save £200pp
2026SepOct
5 days from
£749 pp £549 pp
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ClassicClassic
Highland Adventure
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4.3 stars(421 reviews)
2026SepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
5 days from
£1,149 pp £949 pp
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Isle of Man
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4.7 stars(676 reviews)
2026SepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
6 days from
£799 pp £599 pp
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Corfe Castle
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4.2 stars(77 reviews)
2026SepOct
5 days from
£749 pp £549 pp
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ClassicClassic
Conway Castle
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4.5 stars(646 reviews)
2026SepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
6 days from
£899 pp £699 pp
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ClassicClassic
Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man
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4.7 stars(824 reviews)
2026SepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
6 days from
£999 pp £799 pp
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
North Yorkshire Moors
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4.2 stars(802 reviews)
2026AugSepOct
5 days from
£599 pp £399 pp
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ClassicClassic
The Rheilfford Talyllyn Railway
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4.4 stars(252 reviews)
2026SepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
5 days from
£799 pp £599 pp
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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.

42 results matching: UK & Ireland

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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Isle of ManIsle of ManIsle of ManIsle of ManIsle of Man
Save £200pp
4.7 stars(676 reviews)
2026SepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...

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 £200pp
6 days from
£799 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 £200pp
4.7 stars(824 reviews)
2026SepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...

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 by riding vintage railways and exploring historic towns. Each day is an adventure of picturesque landscapes and captivating history as we journey down Douglas...

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Save £200pp
6 days from
£999 pp £799 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Conway CastleConway CastleConway CastleConway CastleConway Castle
Save £200pp
4.5 stars(646 reviews)
2026SepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...

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...

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Save £200pp
6 days from
£899 pp £699 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
The Peak DistrictThe Peak DistrictThe Peak DistrictThe Peak DistrictThe Peak District
Save £200pp
4.2 stars(200 reviews)
2026SepOct

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...

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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Lake WindemereLake WindemereLake WindemereLake WindemereLake Windemere
Save £200pp
2026SepOct

Experience picturesque journeys and leisurely moments in the stunning landscapes of the Lake District. Based in Wetheral, travel on heritage railways, enjoy the striking countryside of the north and delight in the natural beauty of this region. Sail across Windermere to scenic Bowness and the pretty village of Grasmere, once home to William...

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Save £200pp
5 days from
£749 pp £549 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
North Yorkshire MoorsNorth Yorkshire MoorsNorth Yorkshire MoorsNorth Yorkshire MoorsNorth Yorkshire Moors
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4.2 stars(802 reviews)
2026AugSepOct

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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Save £200pp
5 days from
£599 pp £399 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Yorkshire & NorthumberlandYorkshire & NorthumberlandYorkshire & NorthumberlandYorkshire & NorthumberlandYorkshire & Northumberland
4.3 stars(249 reviews)
2026SepOct
2027AprMayJulAugSepOct

Encounter the untamed North York Moors and rolling Yorkshire Dales aboard the nostalgic North Yorkshire Moors Railway and famed Settle-Carlisle line, before discovering the gems of Northumberland on a tour which blends dramatic landscapes with fascinating history and culture. In Yorkshire, wander among the spectacular gardens of RHS Harlow Carr,...

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7 days from
£1,299 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Fermain Bay GuernseyFermain Bay GuernseyFermain Bay GuernseyFermain Bay GuernseyFermain Bay Guernsey
4.6 stars(93 reviews)
2026Sep
2027AprJunJulAugSep

Discover incredible coastlines and historic sites, visiting Jersey's endless scenic bays and Neolithic La Hougue Bie, and admiring the magical Little Chapel and the crystal-clear waters of Cobo Bay on Guernsey. Experience nature's wonders on trips to Sark and Herm, with no cars and unspoilt landscapes - enjoy a tranquil horse-drawn carriage ride...

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7 days from
£1,999 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Pembrokeshire Coast WalesPembrokeshire Coast WalesPembrokeshire Coast WalesPembrokeshire Coast WalesPembrokeshire Coast Wales
Save £200pp
2026Sep

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, ...

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Save £200pp
ClassicClassic
The Rheilfford Talyllyn RailwayThe Rheilfford Talyllyn RailwayThe Rheilfford Talyllyn RailwayThe Rheilfford Talyllyn RailwayThe Rheilfford Talyllyn Railway
Save £200pp
4.4 stars(252 reviews)
2026SepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...

From picturesque coastlines to rolling hills, explore the beautiful heart of Wales on classic heritage rail journeys from a base in a picturesque spa town, Llandrindod Wells. Journey on the nostalgic Vale of Rheidol, Talyllyn and Welsh & Llanfair railways and join a ranger on a private tour of the Elan Valley, also known as the 'Welsh Lake...

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Save £200pp
5 days from
£799 pp £599 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Corfe Castle Corfe Castle Corfe Castle Corfe Castle Corfe Castle
Save £200pp
4.2 stars(77 reviews)
2026SepOct

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 £200pp
5 days from
£749 pp £549 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
YorkYorkYorkYorkYork
Save £200pp
2026AugSep
2027AprJunAugSep

Enjoy a perfect blend of history, natural beauty and Yorkshire charm on this six-day getaway through one of England's most captivating regions. From the ancient city walls of York to the rolling landscapes of the North York Moors, explore the heritage of God's own county on a journey through some of its most iconic sights. Wander through elegant...

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Save £200pp
6 days from
£929 pp £729 pp
per person
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Our customers love our UK & Ireland tours
Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man
9/Aug
Mr David Kennedy
5 stars
“The whole Island was excellent and for a small island surprisingly well blessed with railways of all different kinds. GRJ and their Tour Manager made the holiday vey easy.
Collected by Trustpilot
Explore Yorkshire
7/Aug
Karen
5 stars
“Loved it. Yorkshire is a beautiful place. Made even better by out tour guide Ange.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Isle of Man
7/Aug
Jan Cox
5 stars
“Well organised trip easy booking, the information received before travelling was great. Our guide Deborah Moss kept us informed through out the trip she even helped with ideas on our free day!! Excellent knowledge that she shared with everyone. The Ascot Hotel staff were all very friendly and helpful, the good...
Collected by Trustpilot
Railways & Castles of Wales
6/Aug
Grethe Hansen
5 stars
“Very good holiday and very good tour manager I am very uncomfortable with the way the company encourages clients to tip the tour manager. I expect the company to pay the tour manager an appropriate salary and would be happy to pay an increased prize rather than the encouragement to...
Collected by Trustpilot
The Charms of the Channel Islands
5/Aug
Alan
5 stars
“Beautiful locations, excellent hotels and food, well organised holiday.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Jurassic Coast & New Forest
21/Jun
A Robinson
5 stars
“There were various activities, e.g. train journeys, visits to castles, motor museum. It was a great holiday. The hotel was lovely and the food was delicious.
Collected by Trustpilot
Valleys & Railways of Mid Wales
8/Aug
J Kinch
4 stars
“Great trip, excellent guide
Collected by Trustpilot
Yorkshire & Northumberland
5/Aug
Richard Harris
4 stars
“We would have given 5 stars but for the evening meals at the first hotel - delay and sometimes absence of what was ordered. Mr Harris being on a low fat diet, it was only the intervention of Heather who, by the way, was excellent, that they provided a...
Collected by Trustpilot
The Peak District
12/Jul
DAVID TAYLOR
4 stars
“excellent apart from poor menu choices available for dinner
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.

Latest articles from our journey blog