UK Train Journeys: The 15 Best Rides

1.3-Day Isle of Skye, ‘Hogwarts Express’ Train and Highlands Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 972 reviews · from $926Our pick

Review of a 3-day Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh with the Jacobite steam train, Portree stays, Highland scenery, castles, and Loch Ness.

“The scenery was spectacular, but it was our driver/host Mark who made the trip especially enjoyable. He had the best mixture of storytelling, interesting facts and activities and challenges that kept all of us engaged and connected to the experience while spending so much time on a bus. And he managed to do all of this while navigating narrow roads and passing lanes to keep us all safe. Bravo!”

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2.From Inverness: Jacobite Steam Train and Highlands Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 921 reviews · 12.5 hours · from $268

Review of the Jacobite Steam Train and Highlands Tour from Inverness, with Loch Ness, Mallaig, scenic stops, price advice, and practical tips.

“Exceptional, the Highlands, the Lochs, the Hogwarts Express and of course the secret stop. Tabby and Donny were great guides.”

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3.Magical Highlands Tour with Jacobite Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 726 reviews · 13 - 14 hours · from $80

Ride the Jacobite steam train through the Highlands, see Harry Potter film sites, and weigh the long day, costs, and practical details.

“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! 😁”

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4.Moors, Whitby & The Yorkshire Steam Railway Day Trip from York

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 366 reviews · 8 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $108

Review of the York to Whitby and North York Moors day trip, with steam railway option, scenic stops, practical tips, and value advice.

“Mark was an incredible guide and driver for our tour today. Extremely passionate in delivering the historical, social and economical information of the area. He also made sure we were in the right spot at the right time (train ride) and had gear choices for food and drinks. Highly recommended”

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5.Postal Museum Entry Ticket and Underground Rail Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 363 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $24Best value

Explore 500 years of postal history, see the Penny Black, and ride London’s hidden Mail Rail at the Postal Museum.

“Amazing history of the Post Office, thoroughly enjoyed the whole day!”

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6.Scotland in 5 Days Including Jacobite Steam Train from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 341 reviews · from $1,330

Review of Scotland in 5 Days from Edinburgh, including Skye, Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle and the Jacobite Steam Train.

“Our host Caroline was amazing! Totally exceeded my expectations! Definitely worth every penny! You will not regret such a wonderful experience!”

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7.Steam Trains, Whitby, and the North York Moors Full-Day Tour from York

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 320 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $137

Review of the 9-hour York tour to Whitby and the North York Moors, with a small group, local guide, scenic stops, and steam train ride.

“I have always had great experiences with Viator and today was even better. We were scheduled to go to the North York Moors but there have been wild fires spreading there for the last 2 weeks. We received several emails about how Viator wouldn't place us in danger and several options were provided should travel through the Moors not work out. We discussed the options once everyone on our tour (7 people max, as promised) was together. Ultimately, there was a slight change to our train but everything else went on as planned. We felt safe and had a great time.”

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8.From York: Moors, Whitby, and the Yorkshire Steam Railway

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 306 reviews · 8 hours · from $79

Explore the North York Moors, Whitby, Goathland, film sites, and an optional steam train ride on this full-day trip from York.

“mark, our guide was fabulous, he always makesure we are safe and explain the details very clearly. As a non-English native, I can fully understand all his introduction. Also, the organisation of the trip was great, we have ample time in each location. Priase to our tour members too, who are always on time and made the trip a wonderful one.”

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9.Manchester: Lake District Tour with Lake Cruise & Train Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 304 reviews · from $92

Review of Manchester’s Lake District day trip, with Windermere cruise, Hawkshead, Tarn Hows, seasonal steam train or cream tea.

“It was an absolutely unforgettable day - my first introduction to the Lake District, and I couldn’t have asked for a better guide than Jean for it! She is not only an inexhaustible source of knowledge about the culture and history of the region, but also a great driver, amazing storyteller and overall lovely person. I loved the day and will be back to explore more. The tour is warmly recommended to everyone who has a day in the area - it will give you a great first impression and provide you with plenty of ideas and inspiration for longer stays.”

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10.Edinburgh Rail Trip from London with Castle entry and Hop-on Hop-off bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 227 reviews · 16 hours (approx.) · from $329

Review of the Edinburgh rail day trip from London, with reserved trains, Castle entry, and hop-on hop-off sightseeing.

“The trip was one of the most memorable ones. My parents were with us and I was so happy to have given them this holiday opportunity. The train service was excellent and the weather just right!”

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11.Isle of Skye & Optional Jacobite Train 3-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 191 reviews · 2.5 days · from $473

Review of Edinburgh’s 3-day Isle of Skye tour, with Loch Ness, Eilean Donan, Portree, and optional Jacobite Steam Train.

“We can't control the weather but otherwise it was lovely.”

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12.Liverpool: Lake District Tour with Lake Cruise & Train Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 191 reviews · from $106

Review of Mountain Goat Tours’ Lake District day trip from Liverpool, with Windermere cruise, Tarn Hows, Hawkshead and seasonal train or cream tea.

“I had booked this trip for my parents who are senior citizens. They were well cared for & they enjoyed every bit of the trip!”

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13.The Magical Highland Tour Including the Jacobite Steam Train Journey

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 179 reviews · 13 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $262

Review of Edinburgh’s 13.5-hour Highland tour with the Jacobite Steam Train, Harry Potter scenery, costs, stops, value, and practical tips.

“Super fun. Especially if you’re a Harry Potter fan. You see lots of the film locations and we saw the train in famous spots as well as getting to ride it.”

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14.3 Day Isle of Skye and Jacobite Steam Train Tour from Inverness

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 161 reviews · 3 days (approx.)

Review of the 3-day Isle of Skye and Jacobite Steam Train tour from Inverness, with castles, fairy pools, whisky, and practical tips.

“Excellent guide, Torquil, who was friendly and helpful and went out of his way to keep us safe and happy. The accommodation at The Skye Inn was comfortable and the staff friendly and happy to help in any way.”

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15.Paris Explorer Rail Tour from London with Paris Sightseeing Bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 111 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $353

Review of the Paris Explorer Rail Tour from London, with Eurostar seats, a hop-on hop-off bus, practical tips, costs, and drawbacks.

“This was my first visit to Paris. I found it really very interesting as I had to plan everything. I spent one whole day in Paris. I started by visiting La Tour Eiffel and bought a ticket on Batobus to visit the other very interesting sites through La Seine river. I visited Notre Dame, Le grand Palais, Champ Elysée, L' Arc de Triomphe and many other places. Paris is really very impressive with the many architectural buildings. Very nice day!”

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