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Lake Windemere
Save £200pp
2026SepOct
5 days from
£699 pp £499 pp
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Isle of Man
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4.7 stars(666 reviews)
2026SepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
6 days from
£649 pp £449 pp
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Corfe Castle
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4.2 stars(77 reviews)
2026SepOct
5 days from
£649 pp £449 pp
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ClassicClassic
Conway Castle
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4.5 stars(642 reviews)
2026AugSepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
6 days from
£899 pp £699 pp
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Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man
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4.7 stars(814 reviews)
2026AugSepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
6 days from
£899 pp £699 pp
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
North Yorkshire Moors
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4.2 stars(801 reviews)
2026AugSepOct
5 days from
£479 pp £279 pp
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ClassicClassic
The Rheilfford Talyllyn Railway
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4.4 stars(247 reviews)
2026SepOct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...
5 days from
£699 pp £499 pp
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ClassicClassic
Norwich & the Norfolk Broads
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4.3 stars(190 reviews)
2026SepOct
2027AprMayJunSepOct
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(666 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
£649 pp £449 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(814 reviews)
2026AugSepOct
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
£899 pp £699 pp
per person
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Conway CastleConway CastleConway CastleConway CastleConway Castle
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4.5 stars(642 reviews)
2026AugSepOct
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)
2026AugSepOct

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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Save £200pp
5 days from
£479 pp £279 pp
per person
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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
£699 pp £499 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
North Yorkshire MoorsNorth Yorkshire MoorsNorth Yorkshire MoorsNorth Yorkshire MoorsNorth Yorkshire Moors
Save £200pp
4.2 stars(801 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
£479 pp £279 pp
per person
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Yorkshire & NorthumberlandYorkshire & NorthumberlandYorkshire & NorthumberlandYorkshire & NorthumberlandYorkshire & Northumberland
4.3 stars(248 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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Scottish HighlandsScottish HighlandsScottish HighlandsScottish HighlandsScottish Highlands
Save £200pp
4.4 stars(1097 reviews)
2026AugSepOct
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...

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Save £200pp
9 days from
£3,249 pp £3,049 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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Edinburgh TattooEdinburgh TattooEdinburgh TattooEdinburgh TattooEdinburgh Tattoo
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4.5 stars(60 reviews)
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 the charming town of Dunblane, peacefully situated in the Perthshire countryside, this Scottish holiday also includes a visit to historic Stirling Castle and a journey...

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Save £200pp
4 days from
£749 pp £549 pp
per person
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Highland AdventureHighland AdventureHighland AdventureHighland AdventureHighland Adventure
Save £200pp
4.3 stars(421 reviews)
2026SepOct
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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Save £200pp
5 days from
£1,099 pp £899 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Save £200pp
4.4 stars(150 reviews)
2026AugSepOct

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 charming...

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Save £200pp
5 days from
£529 pp £329 pp
per person
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Our customers love our UK & Ireland tours
Railways & Castles of Wales
30/Jul
Dudley Mountney
5 stars
“Fantastic awesome
Collected by Trustpilot
Edinburgh, the Highlands & Islands
30/Jul
customer
5 stars
“Fabulous holiday. Well organised.
Collected by Trustpilot
Cotswolds & The Severn Valley
29/Jul
John
5 stars
“Very well organised all round
Collected by Trustpilot
Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man
28/Jul
Audrey
5 stars
“Enjoyed seeing the Island,unspoilt, lovely scenery and lots of history. The organised trips meant we were able to appreciate the whole of the island.
Collected by Trustpilot
Explore Yorkshire
15/Jul
ex-customer
5 stars
“Based in lovely Harrogate which is also home to the well known (in Yorkshire anyway) Betty's cafe which is well worth a visit. Good balance between trips out and time to explore locally.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo & the Highlands
31 Aug 2025
Christine Charie
5 stars
“Good show, well organized and we enjoyed it very much.
Collected by Trustpilot
Yorkshire & Northumberland
30/Jul
Eunice Allen
4 stars
“Well organised good tour manager
Collected by Trustpilot
The Isle of Man
29/Jul
carole stretch
4 stars
“Delightful
Collected by Trustpilot
Highland Adventure
24/Jul
Claire
4 stars
“Overall, we liked the the tour and thought that the guide, Ken, did a fantastic job. As did Gordon our driver. However, it was advertised as 5 days. In reality we only had 3 full days, 4 nights half board. It's a little bit cheeky to call it 5...
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