Stunning landscapes, VIP entry to grand estates, and first-class service throughout—taking a rail holiday in the UK is an extraordinary adventure that everyone should experience. Imagine a lavish cruise on land, where every desire is catered to and luxury surrounds you; this is precisely what a UK rail holiday offers.
With beautiful carriages, experienced stewards, and everything included in the ticket price, many travellers are choosing to skip the sea and enjoy their next cruise on solid ground.
If you've ever dreamt of riding the Orient Express, a rail holiday in the UK is the next best thing. It provides a glimpse into the Golden Age of travel at a fraction of the cost. However, if you're eager to explore the sights of Europe, be sure to check out our European train holiday options.
A train holiday is more than just a destination, it’s about the journey. Much like a cruise at sea, a rail holiday takes you across vast distances in unrivalled levels of comfort. Every ticket guarantees you a sea... a big, plush armchair to be more precise. Should you choose a sleeper journey, then you’ll be treated to a surprisingly roomy and comfortable cabin.
All cabins on our UK sleeper trains include an en-suite bathroom and a generous amount of space. Less cupboard and more five-star hotel room. All these trains also include a dining car and usually a bar car or some sort of lounge as well. During your time on board, you are free to roam and explore the train as you wish. If your train offers it, you could always treat yourself to a massage in the spa car.
The best thing about a train holiday is the price. Everything in your itinerary is included in the price of your ticket, including the meals that are prepared fresh on board by chefs. Many trips include visits to places of interest such as stately homes, gardens or distilleries, usually with VIP access.
The best way to experience luxury travel at its finest while taking in the glorious British countryside is a rail holiday in the UK. With a generous range of journeys on offer, with four exceptional trains to choose from, there’s plenty of choice without travelling too far.
A rail holiday in the UK offers the option of either a day trip or a sleeper experience. Day trips are ideal for sampling the luxury of rail travel, providing all the expected amenities without the need for a cabin or sleeping arrangements.
On the other hand, a sleeper train holiday typically spans three to seven nights, covering extensive distances. As you indulge in the onboard luxury, you'll be travelling to your next destination, allowing you to explore much more of the country than you could through other modes of transportation.
The brand new Britannic Explorer offers 3-night trips from London Victoria to either the Lake District, Wales or Cornwall, and 6-night trips that combine multiple destinations. This train is a contemporary locomotive, allowing you to experience the natural beauty and endless charm of England and Wales. The Britannic Explorer embraces the art of slow travel, preserving the nation's illustrious rail history while heralding a vibrant era of culture, creativity, gastronomy, and elegance.
The Royal Scotsman departs from Edinburgh Waverley Station and travels to the Scottish Highlands. There are many different itineraries to choose from, and whether you're the outdoor type, a history buff, or a whisky connoisseur, there's something to suit everyone. The shortest journey is 2 nights in duration, and the longest is 7. Ranking as one of the most luxurious trains in the world, the Belmond Royal Scotsman is up there with the very finest. Both leisurely and luxurious, riding the Royal Scotsman is one of those ‘pinch-me’ moments with ten incredibly detailed mahogany-clad carriages filled with Edwardian elegance inside and the breathtaking Scottish highlands outside. To round off this palace on wheels, the Bamford spa car offers passengers massages and treatments on the move.
With a wide range of journeys on offer running frequently throughout almost every month of the year, there is plenty to choose from, and you can even make a mini holiday of it by adding a hotel stay!
Whether you are looking to visit a place of interest in the UK, or just enjoy a fine-dining meal on board, a UK train holiday is a truly memorable experience.
You have two choices of train: the Belmond British Pullman, sister train to the famous Venice Simplon Orient Express or the Northern Belle, with beautifully restored 1920s carriages. Both offer a taste of luxury, and no matter what journey you choose, all include a multiple-course meal during your trip.
The Belmond British Pullman only departs from London Victoria where as the Northern Belle departs from stations all over the country. All journeys depart and return on the same day - there are no one-way trips available.
When booking the Northern Belle, you have the choice of tables: either sharing or private. A sharing table would mean you potentially would be sharing with another couple, whereas a private table guarantees a table for yourself. The British Pullman is made up of tables for 1, 2, 3 and 4, and every booking of two will automatically be assigned a private table for two.
Experience the Magic of a Train Holiday in Scotland
A train holiday in Scotland is truly a remarkable experience. Travelling on the Belmond Royal Scotsman, you will enjoy one of the world's most luxurious trains. With its opulent carriages, a selection of cabins, a well-stocked bar car, and even an onboard spa, the journeys are nothing less than extraordinary.
Comfort and Community on Board
As this is a sleeper train, you will have your own private cabin throughout the journey. Surprisingly spacious, you can utilise your cabin as you please or mingle with fellow travellers in the lounge.
Discover Unique Destinations
Every journey includes stops at several fascinating locations, such as grand estates, stunning gardens, and even a distillery. During your travels, you often benefit from private tours and VIP access to areas that are usually off-limits to the general public.
A Relaxing Journey with Breathtaking Views
A Scottish rail holiday is all about relaxation and spectacular scenery. As you traverse the highlands to your next destination, you can unwind at your own pace. Much like a cruise, the time is yours to enjoy as you wish.
All-Inclusive Luxury
Your rail holiday ticket includes everything you might need. Indulge in gourmet meals prepared by skilled chefs for each meal onboard. Entry to all attractions on your itinerary is covered, along with access to the bar.
While cruises in the traditional sense are grand and may take you to more countries, you have little time to really explore. A train holiday, even in the UK offers convenience, relaxation and exceptional sights, most you may never have otherwise seen. A rail holiday is as much about the journey as it is the destination!
In the early 1900s, a ride on the Orient Express was a grand occasion, with many of those returning with stories to tell. No wonder it’s the most famous train ever to exist. A train holiday offers the same levels of luxury, just more attainable than it was.
For something truly unique that requires minimal effort and offers a memorable occasion, a rail holiday is truly unbeatable. Pay the price of the ticket and you’ll enjoy a truly exquisite trip, whether it be just for a day or seven.
Here at LuxuryTrainTickets.com, we’re seeing more and more interest in rail holidays, which is why we’ve been adding more and more journeys. Travellers wish to explore countries at a slower pace and really take in the sights that many will never have the opportunity to see.