UNITED KINGDOM · TRAIN EXPERIENCES
14 reviewed
Here are the 14 best train experiences, with what each one costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is at the top for a reason, but read past it: the second or third often fits a tighter day better.
A 9.5-hour South Downs day trip from London to the White Cliffs, including Devil’s Dyke, Beachy Head, Seven Sisters, and train tickets.
“Was very nice. Clear explanation. Nice guide and people”
Guided Highlands and Isle of Skye trip from Edinburgh, with Portree stays and the Jacobite Hogwarts Express steam train.
“One of the best tours I've ever been one. You get to experience a lot of Scotland in a short amount of time. Dusty was definitely the best tour guide we've ever had.”
Inverness to Loch Ness and the Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig, with Urquhart Castle stops and guided Highland storytelling on one long day.
“I loved the friendly, knowledgeable driver. The train ride was so fun and there’s so much beautiful scenery. Our tour included many stops and opportunities to take memorable photos.”
Jacobite steam train, Glenfinnan Viaduct photos, and Harry Potter filming spots on a 13-14 hour Highlands day trip from Edinburgh.
“I can’t believe how complete and nice this trip was. The guide is an amazing guy with a good sense of humor, respectful and very helpful!! As a Harry Potter fan I’m truly grateful and happy with this tour, also I’ve been to more than 4 tours in Scotland and so far this one was the most detailed and well explained one, the coach was very clean and comfortable with some snacks and water for the costumers. I’d say it’s a 1000/10 tour!!! ✨⚡️🚂”
Small-group day trip from London to the chalk cliffs of Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters, with trains, transfers, and guide-led stops.
“We had wonderful luck with weather. We got to experience the beautiful cliffs without the usual peak season crowds. Our guide Kevin was super nice and knowledgeable about the area and kept us informed. We appreciated the comfortable van and all the viewpoints.”
Edinburgh to Skye in 5 days with Loch Ness, Culloden, Eilean Donan, and the Jacobite steam train from Fort William.
“The whole trip was very interesting and informative. Dusty is a wonderful and entertaining guide. The 5-day tour covers a lot of territory in a short time. If we tried to do it ourselves we could never have had such a good trip.”
York to North York Moors, Whitby, and Yorkshire Steam Railway: small-group day trip with film sites, Dracula lore, and an optional train.
“Many of us struggled with the van’s🚐 seat belts. Apart from that, it was great. The medieval 🏰 museum & country village stop was a nice, unexpected 🛑 The moors were great as well as the seaside city of Whitby & of course, the climax of the day; the steam train 🚂 trip :)”
A small-group day trip from Manchester to the Lake District, with a Windermere cruise, Hawkshead village time, and a seasonal cream tea.
“Fantastic day with a small group and a great guide. Our guide Tom made all the difference making this trip unforgettable!”
A small-group Lake District day from Liverpool with a Windermere cruise, Tarn Hows photos, Hawkshead time, and cream tea.
“We had a wonderful time. David our guide couldn’t have been more helpful and friendly. Also, very knowledgeable about the area.”
Edinburgh coach to Fort William, ride the Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig, spot Harry Potter film sites, with breakfast included.
“The highlands where amazing and the scenery breathtaking, especially for Harry Potter fans. The train ride was an ordinary ride, we expected it to be a bit more magical, however an overall enjoyable day.”
A smooth morning train ride plus a Warner Bros. Studio Tour ticket to see Harry Potter sets in Leavesden, with flexible return timing.
“Easy transport. Spent as much time as we liked touring the studio. Would recommend for any Harry Potter fan. Well worth it.”
3 days from Inverness to Skye and the Jacobite steam train, with Loch Ness, fairy pools, castles, whisky, and Culloden.
“Torquil was a phenomenal guide through the highlands providing anecdotes and additional details from growing up in the highlands! He added so many additional details and stops throughout of fun things to look at that are easy to miss when you’re driving through. Would absolutely book again, Torquil made the trip!”
4 days from Edinburgh to Skye, castles, and the summer Jacobite Steam Train. Local guide, small group, hotels and breakfast included.
“Fantastic 4 days enjoying Isle of Skye and surroundings. Cameron is a great driver and expert tour guide, full of energy, information, stories. Our days were filled with amazing sights and adventures, never a boring minute. We had a chance to go to Glenfinnan viaduct but missed the train by two minutes. Is doable and proper planning would have given us the opportunity to see the train go by. Clarification of the end point would be helpful. We were dropped off on the other side of Waverly station and all of us had a long walk to the hotels near Royal Mile where the tour started.”
A one-day Lake District rail tour from London with Lake Windermere cruise, Hawkshead, Tarn Hows, Beatrix Potter stops, and cream tea.
“I travelled to Lake District on the 29th July. Someone from the agency waited for me in the train station and handed me the train tickets to and from Oxenholme. There, a very friendly guide was waiting for me in the station. She drove to other locations to gather everyone from the group, which had 10 people. We covered everything listed in the trip details, and the guide was amazing, she had impressive knowledge on the area and the people. The landscapes were breathtaking, so I would strongly encourage you to take this tour.”
