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Explore the timeless British Isles
Discover breathtaking landscapes and heritage rail

Discover the magic of the British Isles

ClassicClassic
York
Glorious Yorkshire
6 days from £799 pp
  • Explore the historic city of York from York Minster to the ancient city walls
  • Ride the North Yorkshire Moors Railway through God's own country
  • Discover Whitby's Gothic Abbey and enjoy a guided tour of Castle Howard
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Norwich & Norfolk
Norwich & Norfolk
5 days from £549 pp
  • Explore historic Norwich and cruise the Norfolk Broads on a Mississippi Riverboat
  • Experience two heritage railways, including the North Norfolk Railway
  • Enjoy 4 nights’ 3-Star accommodation in a central hotel in Norwich
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ClassicClassic
Highland Adventure
Highland Adventure
5 days from £1,099 pp
  • Explore the beautiful Scottish Highlands, staying in luxurious 4-Star hotels
  • Board the famous Jacobite Steam Train for a scenic journey to Mallaig
  • Enjoy a trip along the stunning Kyle Line to view Eilean Donan Castle
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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 the wonders on your doorstep with our bestselling tours

ClassicClassic
Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man
4.7 stars(799 reviews)
2026JulAugSepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
6 days from
£949 pp
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Lake Windemere
2026JulAugSepOct
5 days from
£629 pp
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Corfe Castle
4.1 stars(77 reviews)
2026JulSepOct
5 days from
£649 pp
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Isle of Man
4.7 stars(645 reviews)
2026JulAugSepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
6 days from
£699 pp
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ClassicClassic
Tresco Abbey Gardens
4.5 stars(227 reviews)
2026JulAugSep
2027AprMayJunJulAugSep
9 days from
£2,799 pp
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The Callanish Stones
4.3 stars(59 reviews)
2026JulSep
2027AprMayJunSep
8 days from
£2,049 pp
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The Highlands by Steam
4.1 stars(326 reviews)
2026JulAugSepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
6 days from
£1,479 pp
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ClassicClassic
Ring of Brodgar
4.1 stars(90 reviews)
2026JulAugSepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAugSep
8 days from
£3,299 pp
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42 results matching: UK & Ireland

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LuxuryLuxury

Journey into the wild and beautiful Scottish Highlands, soaking up the rugged beauty of Cairngorms National Park aboard the famous Royal Scotsman train. Leaving Edinburgh, relish breathtaking panoramas as you travel into the Cairngorms to visit a country house, a historic battlefield and a timeless whisky distillery.

4 days from
£6,195 pp
per person
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LuxuryLuxury
Glenfinnan MounmentGlenfinnan MounmentGlenfinnan MounmentGlenfinnan MounmentGlenfinnan Mounment

Embark on a leisurely exploration of the Scottish Highlands, departing from the historic city of Edinburgh. Journey west towards the charming Craigendoran, your gateway to the renowned West Highland Line. As you travel, gaze out at the stunning vistas of Ben Nevis and immerse yourself in the dramatic landscapes that unfold. Relish the enchanting...

10 days from
£19,995 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Conway CastleConway CastleConway CastleConway CastleConway Castle
4.5 stars(609 reviews)
2026JulAugSepOct
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 design was...

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6 days from
£899 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Isle of ManIsle of ManIsle of ManIsle of ManIsle of Man
4.7 stars(645 reviews)
2026JulAugSepOct
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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6 days from
£699 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
4.7 stars(799 reviews)
2026JulAugSepOct
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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6 days from
£949 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Highland AdventureHighland AdventureHighland AdventureHighland AdventureHighland Adventure
4.3 stars(386 reviews)
2026AugSepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...

Discover the very best of the Scottish Highlands while soaking up breathtaking scenery aboard the legendary West Highland Line and Strathspey Steam Railway. Along the way, marvel at the towering mountains, shimmering lochs and emerald forests that make up the Scottish landscape. Delve into Scotland's fascinating heritage and rich history with a...

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5 days from
£1,099 pp
per person
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The Peak DistrictThe Peak DistrictThe Peak DistrictThe Peak DistrictThe Peak District
4.1 stars(195 reviews)
2026JulAugSepOct

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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5 days from
£449 pp
per person
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North Yorkshire MoorsNorth Yorkshire MoorsNorth Yorkshire MoorsNorth Yorkshire MoorsNorth Yorkshire Moors
4.2 stars(794 reviews)
2026JulAugSepOct

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
Yorkshire & NorthumberlandYorkshire & NorthumberlandYorkshire & NorthumberlandYorkshire & NorthumberlandYorkshire & Northumberland
4.2 stars(235 reviews)
2026AugSepOct
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
Scottish HighlandsScottish HighlandsScottish HighlandsScottish HighlandsScottish Highlands
4.3 stars(564 reviews)
2026JulAugSepOct
2027MarAprMayJunJul...

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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9 days from
£2,999 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
The Highlands by SteamThe Highlands by SteamThe Highlands by SteamThe Highlands by SteamThe Highlands by Steam
4.1 stars(326 reviews)
2026JulAugSepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...

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 soak up epic landscapes on the West Highland Line to Mallaig, widely considered to be one of the most scenic rail routes in the world...

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6 days from
£1,479 pp
per person
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Pembrokeshire Coast WalesPembrokeshire Coast WalesPembrokeshire Coast WalesPembrokeshire Coast WalesPembrokeshire Coast Wales
4.0 stars(155 reviews)
2026JulAugSep

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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6 days from
£599 pp
per person
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Our customers love our UK & Ireland tours
Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man
29/Jun
Christopher
5 stars
“Excellent in so many respects but in particular, our tour manager David Parmley who ensured that we had a really enjoyable time (despite two very wet days!)
Collected by Trustpilot
Railways & Castles of Wales
29/Jun
Shauna Kidd
5 stars
“This tour was a good combination of activities and free time. As a first time visitor to Wales, it was a good opportunity to see the beautiful countryside, ride in various trains, visit interesting castles, and eat delicious food.
Collected by Trustpilot
Explore Yorkshire
28/Jun
Lynn Cooper
5 stars
“Lovely tour , enjoyed it Excellent tour manager The hotel was a bit disorganised the first night as they appeared short staffed but big improvement the next day
Collected by Trustpilot
Edinburgh, the Highlands & Islands
24/Jun
Mrs Susan Bowers
5 stars
“Edinburgh the Highlands and Islands was my third trip with GRJ! And want to do more!! They never fail to give you the best experience and dinner and above always! Our Tour Manager Rosie was amazing and I would always recommend her! She did everything to make the...
Collected by Trustpilot
The Peak District
22/Jun
Susan Trigwell
5 stars
“Enjoyable trip and good courier
Collected by Trustpilot
Highland Adventure
29/Jun
JW
4 stars
“Very pleasant holiday for the 4 day trip. Hotel comfortable and clean. Staff at hotel helpful and polite. Tour guide always available to give times for.pick ups and made sure we were in the right place at right time.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Isle of Man
28/Jun
andy handley
4 stars
“A great island with some interesting trains. Our visit was a little spoiled by the weather with only one truly sunny and clear day which ment that our trip up to the islands highest point was a little disappointing as when we arrived you couldn't see a further than your...
Collected by Trustpilot
Yorkshire & Northumberland
22/Jun
ANNE WILLIAMS
4 stars
“The travelling was excellent, as was the Tour Guide. An excellent programme. The hotels, particularly Morpeth, had issues with regard to suitability for the age profile of the group, and the ability to provide the necessary flexibility when it came to deadlines. Neither hotel had working lifts - putting 80...
Collected by Trustpilot
South Wales by Steam
13/Jun
MRSCAROLEHENDERSON
4 stars
“My husband and I were a bit disappointed with the choice of railways to visit. Vale of Rheidol RailwayLocation: Park Avenue, Aberystwyth (SY23 1PG) - we would have liked to have visited this one. We were disappointed in the choice of location of our hotel. The hotel was fine but in...
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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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