The 15 Best Train Journeys in the UK

1.3-Day Isle of Skye, ‘Hogwarts Express’ Train and Highlands Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 972 reviews · from $926Our pick

Travel from Edinburgh to Portree with an English-speaking guide, two nights in a 3-star hotel or B&B, daily breakfast, and transport by midi-coach. You’ll ride the Jacobite Steam Train across Glenfinnan Viaduct, visit Skye’s Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock, and see Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, and Dunkeld.

“Belated review from June 2023: Amazing tour that I would recommend to anyone. Scotland was beautiful (as always), and surprisingly sunny/ dry for almost all of our trip! Our wonderful guide/ driver Paul made this tour even more enjoyable. He made stops to points of inteRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Jacobite Steam Train and Highlands Tour

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

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!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Postal Museum Entry Ticket and Underground Rail Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 363 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $24Best value

Visit London’s Postal Museum for interactive galleries, historic postal objects, and a 15-minute ride through the former underground Mail Rail tunnels. See the Penny Black, handle hands-on sorting activities, inspect mail-defending flintlock pistols, and learn how communication changed across five centuries. Allow more than 90 minutes if you want time for every display.

“Amazing history of the Post Office, thoroughly enjoyed the whole day!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Manchester: Lake District Tour with Lake Cruise & Train Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 304 reviews · from $92

Spend 10 hours exploring the Lake District from Manchester in a small group of up to six. Cruise Lake Windermere, visit Bowness, Tarn Hows, and Hawkshead, then enjoy either a seasonal Haverthwaite Railway ride or cream tea at Lindeth Howe. Guides such as Jean, Tom, Scott, and Paul add local stories along the way.

“Amazing day and Joan the guide was more than great”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Edinburgh Rail Trip from London with Castle entry and Hop-on Hop-off bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 227 reviews · 16 hours (approx.) · from $329

Take the 07:02 train from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh, arriving at 11:02. Use your hop-on hop-off ticket to see the Old Town, Princes Street, Holyroodhouse, and more, then enter Edinburgh Castle before returning at 17:13. This unescorted trip suits independent visitors who value convenience over a long stay.

“The train rides from London to Edinburgh were way too long and tiresome. My family and I were a bit lost at first with the directions. However we really enjoyed the trip and the scenery in Edinburgh is breathtaking. The hop on hop off rides were great though the timings were too short to cover all the places as we have to rush back to the station for our train ride back to London. Overall, we love it. There was a slight delay with our return train ride.”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Liverpool: Lake District Tour with Lake Cruise & Train Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 191 reviews · from $106

Travel from Liverpool to the Lake District in a 16-seat minibus with an English-speaking driver-guide. Cruise Lake Windermere, explore Bowness and Hawkshead, stop at Tarn Hows, and enjoy either the seasonal Haverthwaite Railway or a cream tea at Lindeth Howe, depending on the date.

“Dave was helpful throughout the tour..he was a good guide & driver 🙂”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.3 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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.Paris Explorer Rail Tour from London with Paris Sightseeing Bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 111 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $353

Travel independently from London to Paris on reserved Eurostar seats, then use a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus to reach sights such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Sacré-Cœur. You receive train tickets, bus access, WiFi, and practical instructions, but no guide, metro ticket, or attraction admission. Return to London late the same evening.

“We chose to see Paris without a tour guide because we wanted to roam around at leisure. It was so easy!!! Firstly, by joining a group to meet at Eurostar London we were guaranteed seats with like-minded travellers. The train was SO comfortable. We arrived at Gare du Nord and jumped on a hop on hop off bus there are 3 different routes immediately outside the station on arrival. Throughout the day we saw all the main sights for 33 euro bus ticket. It was WONDERFUL and stress free and we spent as long as we liked looking at the sights we chose not ones we didn't. Remember to take…”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.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!”

Check availability →Read our full review