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Explore the timeless British Isles
Discover the breathtaking landscapes of the British Isles
Europe

Experience the charms of the British Isles

ClassicClassic
Highland Adventure
Highland Adventure
4.3 stars(364 reviews)
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
5 days from
£1,049 pp
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Isle of Man
The Isle of Man
4.7 stars(594 reviews)
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
6 days from
£729 pp
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ClassicClassic
Conway Castle
Railways & Castles of Wales
4.5 stars(572 reviews)
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
6 days from
£899 pp
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
The Callanish Stones
Lewis, Skye & the Highlands of Scotland
4.2 stars(53 reviews)
2026AprJulSep
8 days from
£2,099 pp
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ClassicClassic
Fermain Bay Guernsey
The Charms of the Channel Islands
4.6 stars(80 reviews)
2026AprMayJunJulAugSep
7 days from
£1,799 pp
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
North Yorkshire Moors
Explore Yorkshire
4.1 stars(776 reviews)
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
5 days from
£479 pp
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Corfe Castle
The Jurassic Coast & New Forest
4.0 stars(63 reviews)
2026AprMayJunJulSepOct
5 days from
£579 pp
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ClassicClassic
Yorkshire & Northumberland
Yorkshire & Northumberland
4.2 stars(226 reviews)
2026AprMayJunJulAug...
7 days from
£1,399 pp
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British Isles holidays

British Isles 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.

Excellent5 stars19,283 reviews on

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44 results matching: UK & Ireland

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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
Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man
4.7 stars(756 reviews)
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 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
£899 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Conway CastleConway CastleConway CastleConway CastleConway Castle
Railways & Castles of Wales
4.5 stars(572 reviews)
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
£899 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Highland AdventureHighland AdventureHighland AdventureHighland AdventureHighland Adventure
Highland Adventure
4.3 stars(364 reviews)
2026AprMayJunJulAug...

From our base in Carrbridge, we discover the very best of northern Scotland. Soak up breathtaking scenery as we travel aboard the legendary Jacobite steam train and the charming Strathspey Steam Railway. Along the way, we marvel at the towering mountains, shimmering lochs, and emerald forests that make up the Scottish landscape. Step back...

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5 days from
£1,049 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Tresco Abbey GardensTresco Abbey GardensTresco Abbey GardensTresco Abbey GardensTresco Abbey Gardens
The Sensational Isles of Scilly
4.5 stars(204 reviews)
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...

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9 days from
£2,899 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Scottish HighlandsScottish HighlandsScottish HighlandsScottish HighlandsScottish Highlands
Edinburgh, the Highlands & Islands
4.3 stars(553 reviews)
2026MarAprMayJunJul...
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
£2,099 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Norwich & NorfolkNorwich & NorfolkNorwich & NorfolkNorwich & NorfolkNorwich & Norfolk
Norwich & Norfolk
4.3 stars(396 reviews)
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...

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5 days from
£579 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
South Devon, Dartmouth & the English Riviera
4.1 stars(94 reviews)
2026AprMayJunSepOct

Experience the timeless charm of the stunning English Riviera on a journey filled with nostalgic railway journeys and coastal delights. Take in the scenery aboard the Dartmouth Steam Railway and South Devon Railway, enjoy a traditional Devonshire cream tea in Dawlish, visit the tranquil Buckfast Abbey and unwind on a picturesque boat cruise. ...

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5 days from
£699 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
EdinburghEdinburghEdinburghEdinburghEdinburgh
Edinburgh, Fort William & the West Highlands
4.2 stars(25 reviews)
2026MayJunSepOct

Experience the beauty of Scotland and its culture at every turn on a week-long adventure. See the contrasts between city and countryside while exploring Edinburgh and travelling aboard the scenic West Highland Line and famous Jacobite Steam Train into sensational Scottish landscapes. Staying in historic Fort William, wander the rainbow...

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7 days from
£1,899 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Cotswolds & The Severn Valley
4.4 stars(136 reviews)
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 holiday to one of the most scenic parts of the UK, the Cotswolds. Explore timber-framed Tudor buildings and the stunning cathedral in Worcester, and discover the...

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5 days from
£549 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Walworth CastleWalworth CastleWalworth CastleWalworth CastleWalworth Castle
Walworth Castle & Durham
4.4 stars(123 reviews)
2026MayJunSep

Experience the historic cathedral city of Durham on this five-night break, based at the majestic 12th-century Walworth Castle in the heart of County Durham. Discover some of the region's most famous landmarks, such as Chesters Roman Fort and Hadrian's Wall, and step back in time to other historic periods during visits to the captivating...

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6 days from
£849 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Skye, Orkney and the Wild NorthSkye, Orkney and the Wild NorthSkye, Orkney and the Wild NorthSkye, Orkney and the Wild NorthSkye, Orkney and the Wild North
Skye, Orkney & the Wild North
4.4 stars(88 reviews)
2026AprMayJunAugSepOct

Let the rugged beauty of Scotland capture your heart on this seven-night holiday. Starting in Glasgow, journey through stunning landscapes to Scotland's mystic north. Tour the Orkney Islands and discover ancient Neolithic sites including Skara Brae and marvel at the beauty of the great houses of the northern Highlands, Dunrobin and Dunvegan. ...

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8 days from
£2,099 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Pembrokeshire Coast WalesPembrokeshire Coast WalesPembrokeshire Coast WalesPembrokeshire Coast WalesPembrokeshire Coast Wales
South Wales by Steam
4.0 stars(147 reviews)
2026MayJunJulAugSep

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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6 days from
£649 pp
per person
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Show all 44 tours

Our customers love our UK & Ireland tours
Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man
28 Oct 2025
N Morgan
5 stars
“We had a great time !
Collected by Trustpilot
Norwich & Norfolk
24 Oct 2025
T James
5 stars
“Very positive opportunity to find out more about Norwich and parts of Norfolk previously unfamiliar to us.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Sensational Isles of Scilly
23 Oct 2025
Michael Anthony
5 stars
“Lovely trip to the Isles of Scilly. Excellent tour manager who coped brilliantly after a return flight delay.
Collected by Trustpilot
Railways & Castles of Wales
23 Oct 2025
JanetJones
5 stars
“Brilliant holiday and the tour manager was excellent
Collected by Trustpilot
Highland Adventure
21 Oct 2025
Customer
5 stars
“All went well.
Collected by Trustpilot
Edinburgh, the Highlands & Islands
18 Oct 2025
Ci
5 stars
“Lovely trip Lisa was a great guide Bus driver in Glencoe was amazing
Collected by Trustpilot
Cotswolds & The Severn Valley
14 Oct 2025
Stuart Davis
5 stars
“Nice holiday,the railway trips were the highlight,felt disappointed with seven valley where they weren’t running any steam engines at all just diesels! Hotel was nice except for swimming pool and sauna refurbishment works as we swim every day to be told they were out of action three days before.Our guide...
Collected by Trustpilot
South Devon, Dartmouth & the English Riviera
03 Oct 2025
Miss Carolyn Jones
5 stars
“Lovely trip and hotel on seafront. Added two days to see Greenways, Agatha Christie’s house and the art deco house owned by D’Oyly Carte Family. Train rides and visit to Dart and Dartmouth very enjoyable.
Collected by Trustpilot
Skye, Orkney & the Wild North
02 Oct 2025
Cynthia Dalsing
5 stars
“A grand trip! Les was a fun guide and really relaxed into the trip. I loved his expertise and wit he had, helped us all relax. Although the schedule was full I didn’t mind it. I would skip stopping at Brogdar and put time into skara brae, even if the...
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.

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