England and Scotland by Rail

After arriving in to Heathrow or Gatwick, validate your BritRail Passes and travel by rail to the historic university city of Oxford, your base for the next two nights. Here you can soak up the unique academic ambience and explore the lawns, quads and spires of renowned Oxford University which once inspired the likes of J.R.R. Tolkien and Oscar Wilde. Perhaps visit one or more of the famous colleges such as Magdalene and Christchurch or the Bodleian Library and New College Hall which were used as parts of Hogwarts in the "Harry Potter" movies.

Overnight: Oxford

Journey details: 20 minutes to London (via Gatwick/ Heathrow Express) followed by 1 hour to Oxford (approx.)*

Today is dedicated to exploring the quintessential English landscapes and villages of the Cotswolds – take a short rail ride from Oxford to the market town of Moreton-on Marsh. Meet your local driver to begin your scenic journey through the country lanes and rolling hills of the heart of England – your day will be packed with rustic Cotswold views and we’ll pause regularly to enjoy some of England’s prettiest settlements. Visit eccentrically named villages such as Upper Slaughter, Stow-on-the-Wold and Broadway each bustling with local markets, honey-coloured homes and thatch cottages.

Overnight: Oxford

Meals: Breakfast included

This morning board the train for a journey to the North of England and the rustic landscapes of Cumbria. Arriving in the beautiful market town of Windermere on the shores of the famous Lake Windermere make your way to your hotel to drop your bags. Spend the afternoon exploring this charming lakeside town – wander the local boutiques, visit The World of Beatrix Potter exhibition, hike along the shores of the lake or take a private boat or leisurely cruise along on the tranquil waters of Lake Windermere.

Overnight: Bowness-on-Windermere

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 4 hours 40 minutes (approx.)*

Today is dedicated to exploring the rugged landscapes of the Lake District with a local guide on a small-group tour of this spectacular region. Your journey will take you off the beaten track over mountain passes, through deep valleys and passing sparkling lakes. Along the way you’ll stop at one or more the traditional Lakeland towns or villages such as Grasmere or Keswick and take in some of the region’s most iconic spots such as Borrowdale Valley, Thirlmere and Castlerigg Stone Circle. The highlight will be an included boat trip on one of the lakes itself.

Overnight: Bowness-on-Windermere

Meals: Breakfast included

Board the train once more and head north through the rolling hills of the Scottish Lowlands on route to Scotland's largest city, Glasgow and your base for the next two nights. By contrast to the lakes, Glasgow is a vibrant city; explore the Victorian monuments of George Square, the bustling Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow Cathedral and necropolis, Kelvingrove Park and Museum before enjoying a vibrant Scottish nightlife around the fashionable bars of the Merchant City or the West End.

Overnight: Glasgow

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)*

Today enjoy a small-group excursion to for a taste of Scotland’s dramatic Highlands. Meet your driver and group in the heart of Glasgow then head north passing the historic town of Inveraray and its white-washed castle on route to Scotland’s scenic West Coast. Pause in Oban “Gateway-to-the-Isles” for lunch before continuing deep in to Glencoe Valley; one of the most eerily beautiful areas of Scotland and home to a tragic history of clan battles. By afternoon you’ll return south over the barren Rannoch Moor and along the banks of Scotland’s largest Loch, Loch Lomond.

Overnight: Glasgow

Meals: Breakfast included

Today make the short journey east to the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh. Explore this magnificent city from the winding streets of the cobbled Old Town to the wide avenues of the opulent Georgian New Town. Stroll past the Gothic Burns Monument and through Princes Street Gardens before climbing the Royal Mile to the city's centrepiece at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and St Margaret's Chapel.

Overnight: Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 40 minutes (approx.)*

Today explore Edinburgh in more depth; perhaps enjoy a spot shopping along Princes Street, visit Scotland’s national museums and galleries or discover Royal Edinburgh with visits to the Palace of Holyrood House, the Queens Edinburgh residence, or the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith Docks, the official royal yacht for over forty years. By afternoon, take a short rail journey from Edinburgh to the historic town of Stirling, whose impressive castle was once the royal seat of Scotland. Alternatively, you could take an optional small group tour to St Andrews and the Fishing Villages of Fife.

Overnight: Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast included

Hop on the train and head south through the rolling hills of the Scottish Lowlands and rugged landscapes of Northumberland to York. This historic city is home to a wealth of historic and cultural sites to explore; wander the city from the cobbles of the famous Shambles (Britain’s first shopping street) to the medieval city walls, gates and towers. The highlight of course will be exploring the Gothic masterpiece at the iconic York Minster which dominates the city and marks York as the ecclesiastical capital of the North of England.

Overnight: York

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)*

Today you’ll be whisked south to London on the high-speed line; this will be your base for your final two nights offering you time to explore the stunning English Capital. London is a thriving metropolis with a vibrant modern culture and rich history and heritage. Explore world renowned sights including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. In the east of the city you’ll find the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral. By evening why not take a flight on the London Eye for spectacular views of the city skyline.

Overnight: London

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 2 hours (approx.)*

Today explore London in more depth; culture vultures will delight in some of the world’s most prestigious museums and galleries including the Tate Modern, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum and the Imperial War Museum. You may choose to stroll through Hyde Park to the elegant Kensington Palace or simply enjoy the abundance of shopping opportunities the city has to offer; from the department stores of Oxford Street to the host of traditional street markets such as the one in Covent Garden.

Overnight: London

Meals: Breakfast included

Today bid farewell to the UK as you board the Heathrow or Gatwick Express rail links to take you back to your departure airport.

Meals: Breakfast included