UK · TRAIN EXPERIENCES
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 15 train experiences worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Guided South Downs day trip from London: Devil’s Dyke, Beachy Head, Seven Sisters and Longman of Wilmington, with round-trip trains.
“Was very nice. Clear explanation. Nice guide and people”
From Inverness, ride the Jacobite Steam Train one-way to Mallaig, with Loch Ness stops, quick castle views, and local guide stories.
“Great day out, Craig did a great job, plenty of Scottish humour, very informative”
A 13-14 hour Highlands day trip from Edinburgh with Harry Potter filming sites and the Jacobite steam train, plus Glenfinnan views.
“God bless Ian! He made a very long day so much more enjoyable! Great stories while driving through the highlands. Amazing view of the viaduct at Glennfinnian, once in a lifetime experience! Unfortunately the train from Mallaig was late returning so it put us behind, but Ian went above and beyond to get us all back in a timely manner! 😁”
From York, ride through the North York Moors to Whitby, Goathland, and film locations, with optional steam rail and spooky Dracula links.
“the experience was excellent and the driver very knowledgable”
Drive Scotland’s Highlands and explore Isle of Skye with Loch Ness, Eilean Donan, and optional Jacobite steam train from Edinburgh.
“I was a solo traveler, so was forced to pay double as a penalty. That was the ONLY negative aspect of the experience”
See Cardiff and Caerphilly Castles, ride the Brecon Mountain Railway, stroll Brecon canal and visit Cyfarthfa Museum on a full day trip.
“It was great. Only four of us so that made it more personal. Fed was an awesome driver/guide. He taught us a lot about Wales. Would definitely book again.”
Three days across Scotland from Inverness to Skye, with a ferry, B&B breakfasts, and optional Jacobite steam train and whisky.
“Harrison was an excellent guide, and the trip was well planned and fun. I would recommend him for anybody that wants to have a good time and be with a personable, informative and flexible guide. He was fun to be with for three days and came up with a lot of extra activities that weren’t listed online. Overall an experience that was definitely worth the price.”
Ride the Hogwarts Express through Glenfinnan, explore Glen Coe, Inveraray, and Loch Awe, then return from Glasgow on a 13-hour tour.
“We enjoyed everything especially our driver heather. Very informative. Love the music she played in the minivan. Enjoyed the trip and the train, I would highly recommend it. i would highly recommend heather. Only two suggestions for improvement: 1. i think there should have been small bottles of chilled water on the mini bus. 2. The last stop was beautiful, but nothing was open. Maybe you can work with the board or council of that town and have at least one store open that can sell souvenirs, drinks, maybe some small salads or prepared sandwiches. I don't know if that particular castle is open to the public.But I certainly would…”
Vintage Routemaster + return train to Sussex vineyards for guided tours, tutored tastings, and a Sussex picnic lunch hamper.
“A wonderful day was spent at two very contrasting vineyards. Friendly attentive guides who made sure we have a safe and comfortable journey.”
Glenfinnan boat cruise with Loch Shiel Cruises. See the Jacobite Express at Glenfinnan Viaduct and spot white-tailed eagles over Loch Shiel.
“Thoroughly enjoyed the cruise, we were well looked after by the Captain and his crew, would recommend it.”
North York Moors day tour from London with a guided moorland bus ride, Goathland Hogsmeade stop, and a steam train to Whitby.
“Our trip was wonderful. Ben A was great, funny and knowledgeable about every places we passed. Exceeded expectations.”
Small-group guided day trip by train from London to Windsor Castle and Eton, with skip-the-line entry and time for the changing of the guard.
Direct train from London to York, then hop-on hop-off bus with 9-language audio and stops at Minster, Shambles and more.
Ride a vintage steam train through the Chiltern Hills in a relaxed 1-hour outing with big countryside views and nostalgic charm.
A one-hour First Class steam train round trip from Embsay, with Afternoon Tea and Yorkshire Dales views, plus time at Bolton Abbey.
“As soon as we arrived we were shown kindness one of our group not walking well (no blue badge) we were immediately shown to an appropriate parking spec . The station staff were chatty and friendly and the coal fire was lovely then onto the train our Friend was offered every assistance getting on to the train but managed to get on the train with the handrails afternoon tea was lovely finger sandwiches were a great variety tuna egg mayo cheese and ham a delight were the cakes and scones macarons and trifle everything was presented beautifully by the most lovely servers who were friendly chatty and generally good fun…”
Four nations, and the best of what each one puts on.
