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UK Short Breaks by Escorted Rail

With so many ideal holiday destinations on your doorstep, the United Kingdom is a fantastic place for a short break by rail. After all, the British Isles are packed with exciting towns and cities, a wealth of outstanding scenery and a rich cultural heritage. From the Cornish coast to the Shetland Islands, and from the Scottish Highlands to the Isle of Man and the Norfolk Broads, our UK short breaks are filled with places you "always wanted to visit" but never got around to.

Whether you'd like a brief getaway in the old-world city of Canterbury, or would prefer a short break amongst the rugged mountains of the Lake District, all of our UK short breaks all begin in towns and cities that are easily accessible by rail. So, you can leave the car behind and let the train take the strain, meaning that your holiday begins at your local station.

We explore every corner of the British Isles on our UK short breaks, and each individual place is filled with local myths, legends and attractions for you to explore. Naturally the included excursions differ according to the region visited, but they all give a wonderful insight into the area and cover the most famous sights - whether this is the magnificent York Minster, the fantastic castles along the North Wales coastline or the impressive SS Great Britain in Bristol Harbour.

Of course, our UK short breaks also all include some fantastic railway journeys. As well as some of the world's most scenic routes such as the West Highland Line, on our UK short breaks we also feature a number of classic heritage railways. We are proud to support these lines, most of which use restored steam engines and vintage rolling stock - allowing you to take a nostalgic trip back in time to relive the bygone age of the railway. Often these lines pass through some magnificent scenery and connect idyllic countryside villages along the way, which we take the time to visit.

Our UK short breaks by rail are simple, stress-free holidays, which represent superb value for money. With such a comprehensive and varied range of tours to choose from, you are bound to be drawn to our collection of UK short breaks by rail.

If you want to learn more about the stunning railways of the UK, discover Coastal Railways with Julie Walters. More information can be found here.

14 results matching: UK Short Breaks by Escorted Rail

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ClassicClassic
Highland AdventureHighland AdventureHighland AdventureHighland AdventureHighland Adventure
Save up to £200pp
Highland Adventure
4.3 stars(319 reviews)
2025MarAprMayJunJul...

From Inverness, the gateway to our Highland adventure, we discover the very best of northern Scotland. Soak up breathtaking scenery as we travel aboard magnificent mainline and steam railways, including the legendary Jacobite Steam Train and charming Strathspey Steam Railway. Along the way, we marvel at the towering mountains, shimmering lochs,...

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5 days from
£899 pp £799 pp
per person
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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
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Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man
4.7 stars(650 reviews)
2025AprMayJunJulAug...

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 as we ride vintage railways, explore historic towns, and enjoy the relaxed pace of life. Each day is an adventure of picturesque landscapes and captivating history as...

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6 days from
£799 pp £699 pp
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Stonehenge at SunsetStonehenge at SunsetStonehenge at SunsetStonehenge at SunsetStonehenge at Sunset
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Ancient Stones & Treasures of Wiltshire
2025MayJunJulAugSep

Discover the ancient stones and monuments of Wiltshire, on a tour which takes in the breadth of British history, from prehistoric Stonehenge and Avebury to the many treasures of Salisbury, which span the Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman periods. Based in the cathedral city of Salisbury, surrounded by centuries of history, this holiday includes...

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7 days from
£1,499 pp £1,299 pp
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
The Highlands by SteamThe Highlands by SteamThe Highlands by SteamThe Highlands by SteamThe Highlands by Steam
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Edinburgh & the Highlands by Steam
4.2 stars(248 reviews)
2025AprMayJunJulAug...

Journey through the iconic landscapes and culture of Scotland aboard the country's spectacular railways. From the city of Edinburgh to the Cairngorm Mountain, every day is a new experience on this five-day tour. Explore towering sculptures, discover towns and castles, journey on the world-famous Jacobite Steam Train, and experience the...

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6 days from
£899 pp £799 pp
per person
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Edinburgh TattooEdinburgh TattooEdinburgh TattooEdinburgh TattooEdinburgh Tattoo
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Edinburgh Tattoo and the Highlands
4.5 stars(41 reviews)
2025Aug

A fantastic short break culminating in the iconic extravaganza of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, with pipes and drums resonating from the castle's elevated setting. Based in charming Dunblane, peacefully situated in the Perthshire countryside, this wonderful Scottish holiday also includes a heritage steam train journey through the Cairngorms, a...

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4 days from
£799 pp £699 pp
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Lighthouse at the NeedlesLighthouse at the NeedlesLighthouse at the NeedlesLighthouse at the NeedlesLighthouse at the Needles
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Isle of Wight
4.2 stars(94 reviews)
2025AprJunJulAugSep

Experience a five-day holiday to the lovely Isle of Wight. With half of the island designated an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty', this tour takes in the best of its scenic gems. From the iconic Needles to historic Carisbrooke Castle, embrace the diverse delights of this timeless island. With beautiful beach views from our base in the seaside...

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5 days from
£599 pp £549 pp
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Norwich & NorfolkNorwich & NorfolkNorwich & NorfolkNorwich & NorfolkNorwich & Norfolk
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Norwich & Norfolk
4.3 stars(333 reviews)
2025AprMayJunJulAug...

Discover the great city of Norwich on a guided tour, and explore the meandering waterways and famous heritage railways of Norfolk. From our base in historic Norwich, we enjoy a guided tour of this culture-rich city before scenic journeys on the Mid and North Norfolk railways, a cruise through the Norfolk Broads on a Mississippi paddle boat, and a...

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5 days from
£499 pp £449 pp
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The Paignton & Dartmouth Steam RailwayThe Paignton & Dartmouth Steam RailwayThe Paignton & Dartmouth Steam RailwayThe Paignton & Dartmouth Steam RailwayThe Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway
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South Devon, Dartmouth, and The English Riviera
4.1 stars(87 reviews)
2025AprMayJunJulSep

Experience the relaxed charm of the English Riviera on a holiday which features nostalgic journeys aboard heritage railways and a traditional boat cruise. Staying in Paignton, a jewel in the crown of the English Riviera, this traditional seaside town creates the perfect base, with beautiful views across the seafront.

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5 days from
£599 pp £499 pp
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The Peak DistrictThe Peak DistrictThe Peak DistrictThe Peak DistrictThe Peak District
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The Peak District
4.1 stars(127 reviews)
2025AprMayJunJulAug...

Uncover some of the best landscapes that rural England has to offer in Derbyshire and the Peak District. Visit the pretty town of Buxton and discover its Roman origins with a local guide, explore Bakewell's historic buildings and maybe try its famous tasty treats, before visiting the majestic Chatsworth House, and travelling back in time on a...

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5 days from
£429 pp £379 pp
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Castle HowardCastle HowardCastle HowardCastle HowardCastle Howard
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Yorkshire Dales and Moors
4.0 stars(47 reviews)
2025AprMayJunAugSepOct

Relax in 'God's Own Country', discovering the wonders of Yorkshire's beloved countryside from a luxurious country house hotel on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. Explore the glorious Yorkshire Moors and Yorkshire Dales, taking a guided tour of the quirky fishing village, Robin Hood's Bay, sampling traditional local cuisine,...

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5 days from
£899 pp £799 pp
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Cotswolds & The Severn Valley
4.4 stars(114 reviews)
2025MayJunAugSepOct

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 superb holiday to one of the most scenic parts of the UK. Explore timber-framed Tudor buildings and the stunning cathedral in Worcester, discover the charming Cotswold...

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Save up to £200pp
5 days from
£479 pp £429 pp
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Edinburgh TattooEdinburgh TattooEdinburgh TattooEdinburgh TattooEdinburgh Tattoo
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Edinburgh Tattoo & Floors Castle
4.4 stars(72 reviews)
2025Aug

Attend the sensational Edinburgh Tattoo display, with pipes and drums resonating from the castle's elevated setting. From our base in Peebles, enjoy a heritage journey on the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway, visit Floors Castle for a traditional afternoon tea, and see the Kelpies. Each moment on this Edinburgh Tattoo holiday is designed to leave you...

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4 days from
£699 pp £649 pp
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Show all 14 tours
Our customers love our UK Short Breaks tours
Norwich & Norfolk
11 Nov 2024
Roy
5 stars
“Excellent trip. Good use of trains and a very pleasant tour guide. Thank you.
Collected by Trustpilot
Highland Adventure
28 Oct 2024
Wendy Langley
5 stars
“An excellent tour that was well planned with a great itinerary. Our tour guide Garth had a lot of knowledge that he passed on, giving us lots of information and history. He was great.
Collected by Trustpilot
Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man
27 Oct 2024
John Thwaites
5 stars
“Nothing went wrong but we would have preferred not having to walk to the hotel when we arrived.
Collected by Trustpilot
Yorkshire Dales and Moors
15 Oct 2024
Lesley
5 stars
“Enjoyable and interesting tour, especially the last day in the dales . The hotel was very good , with excellent breakfasts and h er loful staff .
Collected by Trustpilot
Royal Deeside and Glamis Castle
16 Sep 2024
Doreen Guest
5 stars
“The tour was very well organised and ran very smoothly, helped by an extremely good friendly guide who engaged fully with all the group. The visits were very good particularly Glamis Castle and also the Highland cow farm and the gin distillery. The only disappointment was the failure of Tornado...
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Edinburgh Tattoo & Floors Castle
06 Sep 2024
Gordon Howat
5 stars
“Very good trip
Collected by Trustpilot
Cotswolds & The Severn Valley
29 Oct 2024
Nancy
4 stars
“The time in Bridgenorth and Broadway were most enjoyable, however,after the view of the Neptune fountain and a pleasant stroll along the promanade, we found the Sunday afternoon visit to Chelthenham just another town of similar shops.
Collected by Trustpilot
South Devon, Dartmouth, and The English Riviera
24 Oct 2024
J Staveley
4 stars
“We found the whole programme provided an interesting tour of the area. However on such a short duration holiday having a full day free seemed excessive having travelled so far to attend. The hotel Mercure that we stayed was 5 stars as was the tour guide. Ken Cumbria
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Isle of Wight
15 Oct 2024
Elizabeth Capper
4 stars
“Excellent trip. Although it was disappointing that the railway did not run from Hyde Harbour to Sandown but considering the age and mobility of most of the guests it was better to be coached to places. Wide variety of experiences, good hotel
Collected by Trustpilot