Welcome to Railtrail Tours
A family firm with an ethos of honesty and integrity. Our passion for delivering quality escorted holidays by rail at great value fares along with consistently excellent customer service has stood us in good stead for over 40 years.
Big on Quality, Small Enough to Care
01538 382323
Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm
Step into Christmas with our new festive tour exploring the history of Berkshire. Visit Oxford Castle and climb St Geroge's Tower, tour Windsor Castle in its spectacular winter glory, and soak in the festive atmosphere at Waddesdon Manor Christmas Markets. Cruise the River Thames, indulge in a festive afternoon tea, and enjoy free time in Oxford and Windsor to create Christmas memories.
View Dates & Book5 days from £1045
DEPARTS
Tuesday 2 December 2025
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Learn about the fascinating city of Oxford with a guided walking tour
Climb to the top of St George’s Tower at Oxford Castle
Explore Oxford prison and the 900-year-old crypt
Visit the wonderful Windsor Castle decorated for Christmas
Relax on a leisurely, round-trip cruise on the River Thames with a festive afternoon tea
Soak in the festive atmosphere at Waddesdon Manor Christmas Markets*
Enjoy free time to explore Oxford, Windsor, and Bicester
Also included in your Tour Fare:
4 nights’ bed & breakfast plus 2 evening meals and 1 light refreshment
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
DAY 1
Journey from your home station to Reading and, on arrival, we will make our way to the Malmaison, our hotel for the next four nights. We enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before meeting for our first evening meal together.
DDAY 2
After breakfast today, we take the train to Oxford where we are greeted by our knowledgeable guide for our walking tour of Oxford and a visit to Oxford Castle & Prison. Here, we will climb the 101 steps to the top of St George's Tower, one of the oldest buildings in Oxford with fantastic views over the city, and we will explore the prison and descend into the 900-year-old crypt. This afternoon is spent at leisure, you may wish to explore the architectural delights of the historical city, visit fascinating museums, or maybe indulge in some Christmas shopping.
BDAY 3
Today, after breakfast, we walk to the station and board our train to Windsor & Eton for our exciting tour of Windsor Castle. Built in the 11th century, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and has been associated with the British Royal family for centuries. In the afternoon, we take a short stroll to Windsor Promenade where we board our boat for a relaxing two-and-a-half-hour cruise down the River Thames enjoying a festive afternoon tea on board.
B, LRDAY 4
This morning, we take the train from Reading to Bicester where we enjoy some free time to explore this lovely market town before our coach transfers us to Waddesdon Manor. Here, we can explore the festively decorated interiors, admire the beautiful artwork collections, and soak in the festive atmosphere of their annual Christmas Market* strolling through the charming wooden chalets. Afterwards, we return to Reading in time for our final evening meal together.
B, DDAY 5
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Reading and make our way to the station for our homeward journeys.
*Important Note: Waddesdon Manor Christmas events have not been confirmed for 2025 at the time of tour compilation. We do reserve the right to make substitutions and changes to the itinerary should it be deemed necessary.
B=Breakfast, LR=Light Refreshments, D=Dinner
HOTEL
Malmaison, Reading
Ideally located opposite the railway station and within an historic station hotel, the Malmaison offers industrial chic style and a contemporary restaurant serving seasonal dishes. The stylish bedrooms provide an en-suite bathroom with a power shower and complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer, digital TV, ironing facilities, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.
FARES
| Fare Region | First* | Standard |
| London: Paddington | £1,129 | £1,099 |
| Greater London | £1,169 | £1,109 |
| South of England | £1,199 | £1,155 |
| East Anglia | £1,185 | £1,139 |
| South West | £1,289 | £1,215 |
| Heart of England | £1,195 | £1,135 |
| Midlands | £1,345 | £1,205 |
| Yorkshire | £1,325 | £1,205 |
| North East | £1,359 | £1,225 |
| North West | £1,345 | £1,205 |
| South Wales | £1,275 | £1,189 |
| North Wales | £1,395 | £1,235 |
| Scotland | £1,415 | £1,255 |
*Please Note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class seating only and First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of their journey.
£10 tour discount for holders of National Railcards
£15 tour discount for National Trust Members
Join & Leave at Hotel £1,070
Single Room Supplement £450
4 nights’ bed & breakfast plus 2 evening meals and 1 light refreshment
Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class)
Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described
All excursions & admissions as detailed
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
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