Top 15 Steam Trains in the UK

1.Jacobite Steam Train and Highlands Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 921 reviews · 12.5 hours · from $268Our pick

Spend 12.5 hours exploring Loch Ness and the Highlands by coach, then ride the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig. Guides such as Iain, Karen, Craig, Sonia, and Harrison are known for lively stories and Scottish history. Expect photo stops, free time in Mallaig, and a long but scenic day.

“Our guide, DumbleTorq, was amazing!!! He was very informative, yet funny at the same time. He even went out and bought so many bottled waters that it filled up an entire cooler. He knew it was going to be super hot on the train and prepared for it. (It is not a standard procedure.) He was very thoughtful- always checking to see if all of us were doing ok. We really appreciate his effort, kindness, and the wonderful experience he gave to us all! Thank you!!!”

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2.Magical Highlands Tour with Jacobite Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 726 reviews · 13 - 14 hours · from $80

Spend 13 to 14 hours traveling from Edinburgh into the Highlands, with stops in Glencoe, Mallaig, Glenfinnan, and Pitlochry. The optional Jacobite steam train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Your English-speaking driver-guide, such as Ian, Brendan, Brian, or Dougie, provides Scottish history, film facts, and practical help throughout the day.

“A nice trip and an unforgettable experience, although we didn't ride the train on the first try due to problems with the track, the agency allowed us to ride on the next trip. Many thanks to Ian, Danny, and especially Suzan.”

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3.Moors, Whitby & The Yorkshire Steam Railway Day Trip from York

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 366 reviews · 8 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $108Top rated

Travel from York in a 16-seat, air-conditioned minicoach through the North York Moors to Hutton-le-Hole, Whitby and Goathland. Add a 45-minute steam train ride from Whitby to the Harry Potter station at a local discount. Guides such as Mark and Chris provide history, photo stops, and practical help throughout the day.

“Mark our tour guide and driver was absolutely amazing. He did a wonderful job with telling us about all the history everywhere we visited. He stopped at some nice scenic views so we could take photos. He was extremely helpful. I have no hesitation in recommending this tour to anybody who would like to see the North Yorkshire Dales and Whitby.”

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4.Steam Trains, Whitby, and the North York Moors Full-Day Tour from York

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 320 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $137

Travel from York in a climate-controlled minivan with a local guide such as Chris or Pete. Visit Helmsley, Hutton-le-Hole, Whitby, and Goathland, then ride the North Yorkshire Moors Railway to Pickering. The group is capped at seven, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

“Best tour of our trip! Even despite poor weather we had a great time. We looked at other similar tours and are so glad we booked this one. Our guide really made our trip and the locations visited were well rounded, well timed, and comfortable. Thank you for a great day!”

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5.From York: Moors, Whitby, and the Yorkshire Steam Railway

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 306 reviews · 8 hours · from $79

Leave York in a small, air-conditioned minibus with an English-speaking guide such as Mark or Chris. Visit Hutton-le-Hole, Whitby, Goathland, and North York Moors viewpoints, with time for fish and chips, Captain Cook, Dracula, or a discounted steam train ride. The train costs extra locally.

“Mark our guide was brilliant, his knowledge was second to none, he took the scenic route gave us opportunities to take photographs at safe places, we were very well looked after. A highly recommended trip especially with Mark as your guide, train ride fabulous, our history talk was very informative and the cost of the ride great. First trip to Yorkshire was amazing.”

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6.Isle of Skye & Optional Jacobite Train 3-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 191 reviews · 2.5 days · from $473

Spend two nights in Portree while a local guide leads you from Edinburgh through Dunkeld, Loch Ness, Eilean Donan, Skye, Glen Coe, and Rannoch Moor. Choose the Jacobite Steam Train from Mallaig to Fort William between April and October. Expect Scottish stories, winding roads, short walks, ferry travel, and a tightly planned schedule.

“the guide Paul, was fantastic, completely engaged with whole group.”

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7.The Magical Highland Tour Including the Jacobite Steam Train Journey

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 179 reviews · 13 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $262

Travel from Edinburgh by coach to Fort William, then ride the Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig, with Harry Potter film locations, Glenfinnan Viaduct views, and a stop in Pitlochry. An English-speaking tour manager, packed breakfast, and round-trip transport are included. Expect a long day, up to 48 passengers, and plenty of time on the road.

“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.”

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8.3 Day Isle of Skye and Jacobite Steam Train Tour from Inverness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 161 reviews · 3 days (approx.)

Spend three days exploring Loch Ness, Skye and the Highlands in a small group of up to 16. You’ll ride the Jacobite Steam Train, visit the Fairy Pools, Quiraing, Eilean Donan Castle and Culloden, with two breakfasts included. Guides such as Torquil, Duffy and Harrison are known for adding local stories and extra photo stops.

“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!”

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9.Cardiff: Welsh Castles, Mountains & Steam Railway Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 110 reviews · 8 hours · from $148

Travel from Cardiff with a small group of up to 15 people, visiting Caerphilly Castle, Brecon, Cyfarthfa Castle, and the Bannau Brycheiniog mountains. The Brecon Mountain Railway fare is included. Guides such as Chris, Federico, Jim, and Lisa add local stories, practical tips, and plenty of flexibility along the way.

“We really enjoyed the trip! The guide was very knowledgeable and nice! The driver was also a sweetheart. We learned so much about Wales and the castles. And the trip didn't feel rushed! Would recommend!”

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10.4-Day Isle of Skye & Jacobite Steam Train (train ride included)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 82 reviews · 4 days (approx.) · from $1,096

Spend four days touring Scotland’s Highlands in a small group of up to 16, with three nights’ lodging, breakfast, a local guide, and a summer ride on the Jacobite Steam Train. You’ll visit Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Fort Augustus, Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Mallaig, and Pitlochry.

“John is professional, nice and helpful. He told us history of Scotland and brought us to additional secret spots. Under his proper arrangement, everything went smooth and all of us enjoyed. We would love to meet with John again if we visited Highland in the future.”

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11.Cardiff: Welsh Castles, Mountains & Steam Railway Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 25 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $149

Travel from Cardiff with a driver-guide such as Chris or Jim to see Cardiff Castle, Castell Coch, Caerphilly Castle, Cyfarthfa Castle, and Bannau Brycheiniog scenery. The day includes a Brecon Mountain Railway ride, a maximum of 15 people, and pay-as-you-go entry at selected castles.

“Had a fantastic day out with Jim - he was very knowledgeable and fun to talk to about local customs and Wales today. The allotted times per stop (we did Castell Coch, Caerphilly, and Brecon Beacon visitor center public field) were well planned and sufficient to explore. Beautiful drive and really magical sights. Highly recommend and will definitely consider these guys for a future tour of Wales!”

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12.3-Day Isle of Skye & Optional Steam Train

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · 3 days · from $403

Travel from Inverness to Skye in a Mercedes mini-coach with an English-speaking guide and up to 16 people. See Loch Ness, Fairy Pools, Quiraing, Kilt Rock, Eilean Donan, Culloden, and Clava Cairns. Two B&B nights and Scottish breakfasts are included. Add the Jacobite Steam Train or Glen Ord whisky tasting if available.

“Our tour was amazing. Our tour guide and dinner date Amber Kenny was exceptionally kind and very knowledgeable. Her astonishing folklore stories were very enchanting and inspiring! We had the best time on our 3 day tour it was so sad to say goodbye. Amber went above and beyond making our trip a life full of memories. 5 stars all the way from Australia.”

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13.Isle of Skye, Highlands & Jacobite Steam Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 15 reviews · from $504

Travel from Edinburgh through Glen Coe, Rannoch Moor, Fort William and the Isle of Skye on a fast-paced three-day tour. You’ll ride the Jacobite Steam Train, stay two nights in a mixed dorm in Portree, visit Dunvegan Castle and hunt for Nessie. Guides such as Tiegan and Connor have been praised for lively stories, music and personal attention.

“This trip will always remain a special memory for me. We visited many stunning places, but what truly made the experience fantastic was our guide and driver, Tiegan. Their energy and passion really added to the journey. We covered a total of 18 locations, some in detail and others as quick photo stops. Isle of Skye is beautiful. Tiegan shared numerous facts and stories throughout, and their storytelling kept everyone engaged for all three days. The trip is definitely worth the price, though it’s worth noting we opted for the hostel, which factored into our evaluation of the cost. It was an incredible experience with a great group, and Tiegan…”

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14.From Glasgow: Jacobite Steam Train & The Highlands Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 10 reviews · from $254

Spend 13 hours touring Scotland by road and rail, with a two-hour Jacobite Train ride from Fort William to Mallaig. Your English-speaking guide, such as Heather, Nicky, or Erin, leads you through Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, and Inveraray. Expect big views, limited free time, and a possible non-steam train service during fire restrictions.

“We enjoyed everything especially our driver heather. Very informative. Love the music she played in the minivan. Enjoyed the trip and the train, I would highly recommend it. i would highly recommend heather. Only two suggestions for improvement: 1. i think there should have been small bottles of chilled water on the mini bus. 2. The last stop was beautiful, but nothing was open. Maybe you can work with the board or council of that town and have at least one store open that can sell souvenirs, drinks, maybe some small salads or prepared sandwiches. I don't know if that particular castle is open to the public.But I certainly would…”

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15.The North York Moors with Steam Train to Whitby

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 6 reviews · 13.5 hours · from $308

Leave King’s Cross at 6:15 AM for an unescorted train to York, then join a guide and 16-seat minibus through Byland Abbey, Helmsley, and Goathland. Ride the North York Moors Railway to Whitby, with two hours to explore before returning to London around 8:33 PM. Ben A is a particularly strong guide when available.

“Our trip was wonderful. Ben A was great, funny and knowledgeable about every places we passed. Exceeded expectations.”

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