Classic
(858 reviews)Classic
(284 reviews)England has a rich and proud heritage, dating back thousands of years. London, the capital city, boasts some spectacular sights, including iconic Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and the brooding and imposing Tower of London. Travelling out of the hustle and bustle of London, you see some more of what truly makes England great.
From ancient Stonehenge and Viking York, to the wild, desolate beauty of the Yorkshire Moors and the colourful houses and sandy beaches of the Cornish coast, there is a lot to see and do, much of it accessible from the comfort of England's fantastic railway network.
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Home to charming towns, historic sites and dramatic landscapes, Yorkshire is full of character. Explore the spa town of Harrogate, marvel at the ruins of Whitby's iconic abbey, or enjoy a journey on the scenic North York Moors Railway.
Uncover some of rural England's most scenic landscapes in Derbyshire and the Peak District. Explore Bakewell's historic buildings, visit the magnificent Chatsworth House and experience golden age of rail on a Peak Rail journey through the beautiful Derwent Valley.
Discover the amazing Channel Islands, a group of isles brimming with natural beauty and fascinating heritage. Visit Guernsey, Jersey and Sark to explore the dramatic coastlines, historic sites and unspoilt landscapes that make these islands feel a world away.
Uncover historic towns and picture-perfect ports on the Isle of Man Steam Railway or soak up panoramic views of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland after ascending 2,037 feet to the summit of Snaefell on the British Isles' only electric mountain railway.
Classic
(284 reviews)Escape to the picturesque Isles of Scilly and enter an unspoilt world with a gentle climate, heavenly beaches and a relaxed pace of life. Based on the main island of St Mary's, spend your days uncovering local treasures, admiring Tresco Abbey's sub-tropical gardens, and visiting the beautiful islands of St Agnes and St Martin's. ...
Classic
(858 reviews)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 by riding vintage railways and exploring historic towns. Each day is an adventure of picturesque landscapes and captivating history as we journey down Douglas...
Classic
(262 reviews)Encounter the untamed North York Moors and rolling Yorkshire Dales aboard the nostalgic North Yorkshire Moors Railway and famed Settle-Carlisle line, before discovering the gems of Northumberland on a tour which blends dramatic landscapes with fascinating history and culture. In Yorkshire, wander among the spectacular gardens of RHS Harlow ...
Classic
(85 reviews)On a captivating holiday in north Devon and Somerset, uncover the best of the West Country in a blend of scenic railways, idyllic harbour towns and expansive national parks. Visit the bustling market town of Tavistock, home of the famous cream tea, and experience the enchanting RHS Garden Rosemoor, an inspiring 65-acre garden waiting to be...
Classic
(103 reviews)Discover incredible coastlines and historic sites, visiting Jersey's endless scenic bays and Neolithic La Hougue Bie, and admiring the magical Little Chapel and the crystal-clear waters of Cobo Bay on Guernsey. Experience nature's wonders on trips to Sark and Herm, with no cars and unspoilt landscapes - enjoy a tranquil horse-drawn ...
Classic
(38 reviews)Discover the ancient stones and monuments of Wiltshire on a tour that takes in the breadth of British history. Explore Stonehenge on an exclusive experience inside the stone circle when the site is closed, marvel at the Neolithic wonders of Avebury and uncover the many treasures of Salisbury, spanning the Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman ...
Discoveries
(713 reviews)Delve into Celtic legacy as you explore the Isle of Man, travelling on vintage railways, discovering ancient towns and embracing the relaxed lifestyle. Staying in the picturesque capital of Douglas, each day brings something new - from wild landscapes to fascinating history - as you tour famous sights including The Old House of Keys,...
Classic
Enjoy a perfect blend of history, natural beauty and Yorkshire charm on this six-day getaway through one of England's most captivating regions. From the ancient city walls of York to the rolling landscapes of the North York Moors, explore the heritage of God's own county on a journey through some of its most iconic sights. Wander through...
Classic
(196 reviews)Discover timeless seaside towns, experience wonderful wildlife, and explore Sandringham - one of the best-loved stately homes of the British royal family - on this holiday to Norfolk. Staying in an elegant and historic hotel, reputed to be the oldest in the UK, we delve into this scenic region from the charming city of Norwich. Sail...
Classic
Celebrate Christmas in the charming rural county of Wiltshire, with everything taken care of as you settle into a welcoming traditional hotel in the historic cathedral city of Salisbury. Enjoy a nostalgic journey in decorated carriages aboard the Swindon & Cricklade Railway with a festive afternoon tea, along with atmospheric visits to the...
Luxury
Embrace the coastal wonders of Cornwall on an exquisite three-night luxury journey. Aboard a private cabin, depart on a train journey like no other from London Victoria to discover southwest England's historic and picturesque sights. From rugged shorelines to cosy villages, there's something to see for every kind of traveller on this...
Luxury
Immerse yourself in the great outdoors on an exquisite holiday to the Lake District, a land revered for its unparalleled beauty. Aboard the Britannic Explorer, savour meticulously crafted, sustainable cuisine in our refined dining cars and unwind in the luxury of your private suite, pausing only to step into the warmth, heritage and quiet...
Great Rail Journeys offers customers a range of exciting, enjoyable and memorable rail holidays in England. Whether marvelling at the breath-taking scenery of the Lake District, discovering the beautiful landscapes and charming villages of Yorkshire, or sampling the coastal highlights of the English Riviera in Devon and Cornwall, every itinerary we create is designed to offer the most enjoyable experiences at the best value for money.
All transport, quality accommodation, an itinerary of entertaining excursions and activities and, depending upon the tour, selected meals are included in the cost of our rail tours of England. Our customers also benefit from the services of an experienced, friendly and knowledgeable Tour Manager who will provide assistance, answer questions and ensure that you get the maximum enjoyment from your trip.
We hand-pick our overnight accommodation, ensuring that it is conveniently located and offers the high standards of comfort, service, quality and value that our customers expect. Often these will be family-owned or run establishments which offer customers a more personal service and relaxed environment.
England manages to cram an incredible historical, cultural and natural legacy into a compact geographical space. Diverse and cosmopolitan, England has something to surprise and delight everyone. London, the capital city, is the country's political and economic hub, home to the Queen and Royal Family and offers a wealth of historic and modern attractions, famous landmarks, museums, galleries and world-class shopping and dining opportunities. England's other great cities - including Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham, Bath, York and Newcastle - are similarly compelling.
Rural England, meanwhile, is renowned for the natural beauty of locations such as the Lake District, Salisbury Plain, Dorset's Jurassic Coast and Derbyshire's Peak District. England's unique and entertaining coastal resorts, many of them established in Victorian times, are equally unmissable in summer.
The English are slightly reserved by nature and their social culture rests upon politeness, good manners and a sense of fair play. Mentioning anything about the weather is a good way to spark a conversation, but the English also have an excellent sense of humour. Despite strong competition from coffee, tea remains the national drink and popular English dishes include fish and chips, roast dinners, meat pies - particularly steak and kidney, and sausages and mashed potato (a.k.a. 'bangers and mash'). A thoroughly multi-racial society means that England has wholeheartedly embraced international cuisine, with Indian, Chinese and Asian food enjoying particular popularity. England is renowned for its beer which is deeply-rooted in the country's culture and history and is available in many different styles and strengths.
England enjoys a temperate climate, which means that summers are generally warm, winters mild and extreme temperatures rare. Rainfall can and does occur at any time of year in England although autumn is typically the wettest season. Generally the south of the country enjoys slightly more warmth and sunshine than the north, but the English are philosophical about the weather and rarely let it spoil their enjoyment of outdoor activities.
In addition to its national rail network, England also boasts a collection of around seventy heritage railways. Located throughout the country, typically in areas of historic interest or outstanding natural beauty, our guided tours on England's heritage railways recreate a golden era of train travel and offer an unforgettable railway experience.
29/12/2025 · By Ian Holt
To inspire your travels for 2026, Great Rail Journeys reveals our Top 10 best holiday destinations and expert tips, from bucket list sights to hidden gems.
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17/06/2025 · By Ian Holt
Explore ancient Wiltshire with Great Rail Journeys, with an exclusive sunset experience in the Inner Circle at Stonehenge and lunch in Avebury stone circle.
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09/06/2025 · By Karen Overend
Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2026, the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway is a charming way of exploring the Isle of Man’s capital with Great Rail Journeys.
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26/12/2024 · By Ian Holt
To inspire your travels, Great Rail Journeys reveals our Top 10 best holiday destinations and expert tips for 2025, from luxury trains to hidden gems.
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