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.
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UK & Ireland
Railtrail Tours - A selection of our best selling Classic rail holidays in the UK & Ireland. Explore some of the very best attractions and see the most extraordinary landscapes and scenery.
North Norfolk offers a wealth of nostalgia. From unspoilt beaches to timeless villages, proudly preserved steam railways to majestic broads. Enjoy a great rail holiday that offers the best of the areas stunning coast, broads and steam..
Duration: 5 Days
South Wales is a beautiful part of the UK awaiting exploration. With our great value tour, based in the heart of the Welsh capital, visitors can experience every unique feature it has to offer from rides on the Brecon Mountain Railway and Forest of Dean Railways, to sightseeing at the Royal Mint and Rhondda Heritage Park, or even a visit to an award-winning Welsh distillery.
Duration: 5 Days27/08/2024
Build up a head of steam, uncovering Scotland’s heritage from a different angle. Enjoy the Bo’ness & Kinneil Steam Railway, soar above the canals by boat on the remarkable Falkirk Wheel, cruise Loch Katrine, and steam through the Highlands on the Strathspey Railway. This great railway holiday also features The Kelpies, a distillery tour, and a brewery visit.
Duration: 5 Days
Experience a delightful Cornish rail holiday as we meander along scenic branch lines, capturing the cream of the coastal and countryside views, to visit charming ports and seaside resorts, an award-winning vineyard, and the world-renowned Eden Project.
Duration: 5 Days
An exciting new tour showcasing the very best the Isle of Man has to offer! Stay at a luxurious hotel set beside a stunning lake and overlooking the sea to Cumbria. Enjoy horse drawn trams, steam railways, heritage electric trams, a mountain railway, exciting history, and superb scenery.
Duration: 8 Days05/09/2024
Explore dramatic landscapes, enjoy spectacular rail journeys over peaks and along stunning coastlines, and experience great history and nostalgic charm on this wonderful Lakes & Mountains rail tour.
Duration: 6 Days21/09/2024
Featuring two of the 'Seven Wonders of the Canals', this active tour based in historic Chester offers exciting heritage from Roman times to the golden industrial age of waterways and railways.
Duration: 5 Days
We thought we would celebrate the steam and rail heritage of the north country with our own 'battle of the roses' tour, including Yorkshire and Lancashire steam and heritage railways every day from our base at an iconic railway hotel. With Railtrail escorting this great railway holiday you are sure to come up smelling of roses!
Duration: 8 Days
Discover the peace, tranquility, and rich heritage of the beautiful islands of Orkney & Shetland on our mini cruise to the northernmost reaches of the UK, part of a wider grand tour visiting John O’Groats, historic Stirling, and Edinburgh, Scotland’s proud capital.
Duration: 7 Days
Explore Bristol's fascinating industrial and maritime past on a great Railtrail tour. Join us as we discover iconic modes of transport that have influenced global passenger travel over hundreds of years from Brunel's SS Great Britain, the ship that changed maritime voyaging, to the world's fastest passenger jet, supersonic Concorde. During our transport themed tour, we also enjoy a fascinating harbour boat trip and nostalgic steam train journey on the Avon Valley Railway.
Duration: 5 Days05/09/2024
A unique and comprehensive tour of the Channel Islands, from Jersey's beautiful bays and traditional towns to Guernsey's lovely beaches, not forgetting Herm and Sark, where there are no cars. Explore, relax, and unwind in the mild climates of the charming Channel Islands.
Duration: 9 Days
Experience Railtrail's newest steam tour to fantastic Newcastle. Explore the home of five steam railways, some in their historic original industrial setting plus enjoy a scenic ride along the beautiful coast for another spectacular steam rail journey. Enjoy free time in the delightful and diverse Scottish city of Edinburgh to explore and create amazing memories.
Duration: 6 Days
The Highlands of Scotland are a joy to behold and our adventure filled short break combines the glorious West Highland rail route with the fabulous "Harry Potter" Jacobite Steam Train, steaming over Glenfinnan Viaduct to Mallaig, plus a relaxing Loch Linnhe cruise, a scenic mountain gondola, and a ‘wee dram’ at the Ben Nevis Distillery!
Duration: 4 Days
The mighty River Tyne is bordered by the unspoilt beauty, history, and heritage of Northumberland & Durham. This attraction packed short break time-travels from the Romans of Hadrian’s Wall and Vindolanda, through historic Anglo-Saxon Bamburgh, to the Victorian ‘living history’ of Beamish plus a boat trip to view the stunning wildlife of the Farne Islands.
Duration: 5 Days
Our summertime tour based in historic Chester includes visits to some of the finest gardens in Cheshire, The Wirral, and the Welsh Borders. Bursting with an abundance of colourful floral displays and impressive historic houses plus a relaxing river cruise and nostalgic steam train journey.
Duration: 5 Days05/08/2024
A beautiful rail holiday along one of Britain's most iconic routes to the English Riviera, with opportunity to explore the beauty and charm of Devon's magnificent coastline by boat as well as travelling on two of Devon's finest steam railways.
Duration: 5 Days
Treat yourself to this Railtrail tour offering the ultimate island-hopping experience in the Outer Hebrides and visiting an impressive eight islands. Discover an area of unspoilt natural beauty offering spectacular scenery, impressive mountain ranges, and miles of golden beaches.
Duration: 8 Days
A truly magical circular tour of the Highlands of Scotland, also taking in the magnificent Isles of Mull and Iona, along with spectacular rail journeys, sensational scenery, and steam train nostalgia. With time in Edinburgh at the start of your tour.
Duration: 9 Days
Explore delightful Dorset by steam train and marvel at the Jurassic Coast from our boat trip along the shoreline. Travel through the picturesque New Forest to Beaulieu with its National Motor Museum depicting the story of motoring in the UK and visit wonderful Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway. Round off your holiday in great style with a day's adventure on the Isle of Wight and a trip on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
Duration: 5 Days16/09/2024
From our hotel in the beautiful Forest of Dean we explore the magical region between the Welsh borderland and the River Severn including three heritage steam railways and a boat trip on one of the country's most scenic river landscapes. We also visit some of the areas many charming towns and villages including Broadway 'Jewel of the Cotswolds', picturesque Ross-on-Wye, and the historic market town of Abergavenny.
Duration: 5 Days09/09/2024
Introducing four great preserved steam railways and a scenic mainline on one great rail holiday based in the Heart of Wales spa town of Llandrindod Wells. View coastlines, valleys, reservoirs, and mountains from your window on the Vale of Rheidol Railway, the Heart of Wales Line, the Brecon Mountain Railway and, last but not least, the Talyllyn, the world’s first ever preserved railway.
Duration: 5 Days
Enjoy a summer circular tour of the spectacular ‘Great Railway Journey of the Scottish Highlands’. You may have seen them on TV and now you too can experience some of the most stunningly beautiful scenery in the UK. This superb summer rail holiday offers a wealth of wonderful landscapes from the comfort of your seat and includes two of the world’s greatest railway journeys - the Kyle Line and the West Highland Line with the fabulous Jacobite Steam Train.
Duration: 5 Days
A delightful Railtrail tour inspired by the original BBC "Great Railway Journeys of the World" TV series which saw Sir Michael Palin travelling through the spectacular Scottish Highlands to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Our popular Romantic Highlander tour is based at one of Railtrail's best loved hotels and includes the fabulous Jacobite Steam Train.
Duration: 5 Days24/09/2024
Steaming through Snowdonia on the new 'wonder of the world' - the Welsh Highland line is just one of many great rail journeys taking you from glorious sea at Llandudno to the peak of Mount Snowdon.
Duration: 6 Days09/09/2024
This tour celebrates the diversity of the east coast of Scotland from royal life at stunning castle retreats to iconic waterfronts, from wildlife cruises to heritage transport, this nostalgic tour has something for everyone and is perfectly combined with a couple of wee drams!
Duration: 8 Days
Experience the character and charm of the Isles of Scilly on our exciting new tour. Journey along the English Riviera, discover Cornwall's cathedral city of Truro, admire the iconic Cornish coastline, and stay in the beautiful Star Castle Hotel. Enjoy commanding views of the archipelago, immerse yourself into island life, and marvel at the natural beauty of these isles plus partake in a vineyard tour and tasting, and sample some of the best seafood caught on the hotel's very own fishing boat.
Duration: 8 Days A unique and comprehensive tour of the Channel Islands, from Jersey's beautiful bays and traditional towns to Guernsey's lovely beaches, not forgetting Herm and Sark, where there are no cars. Explore, relax, and unwind in the mild climates of the charming Channel Islands.
Duration: 9 Days
A truly magical circular tour of the Highlands of Scotland in 2024, also taking in the magnificent Isles of Mull and Iona, along with spectacular rail journeys, sensational scenery, and steam train nostalgia.
Duration: 8 Days30/08/2024
The fantastic Isle of Man at its very best! A wonderful sea-front hotel on a traditional promenade, horse drawn trams, steam railways, heritage electric trams, a mountain railway, and superb scenery.
Duration: 5 Days26/09/2024
Treat yourself to a Railtrail tour offering the ultimate island-hopping experience in the Outer Hebrides and visiting an impressive eight islands. Discover an area of unspoilt natural beauty offering spectacular scenery, impressive mountain ranges, and miles of golden beaches.
Duration: 8 Days
Discover four delightful and diverse Scottish cities on our all-rail holiday to Stirling, Perth, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. The tour visits fascinating attractions in each city including the Riverside Transport Museum, Stirling Castle, Black Watch Museum and Royal Yacht Britannia.
Duration: 5 Days
Discover the delights of England's most diverse county with our Yorkshire Gold tour staying in superb hotels in the spa town of Harrogate and coastal resort of Scarborough. Enjoy steam nostalgia in the magnificent Dales, explore historic houses & gardens, stroll York's medieval streets, sail the Leeds & Liverpool canal, and steam across brooding moors to charming Whitby.
Duration: 8 Days.jpeg "Dunvegan Castle")
Escape from it all as you island hop from Arran to Skye on this magical Railtrail tour of the West Coast islands. Every day is different as each sublime, rugged, and breathtaking landscape unfolds before you. This superb rail holiday takes you from the stunning architecture of Glasgow through magical landscapes, across to the beautiful Isle of Arran. Journey on the famous West Highland Line and cross to the stunning Isle of Skye to discover ancient and fascinating history.
Duration: 8 Days
A wonderful tour that combines Scotland's Far North and the beauty of the Shetland and Orkney Isles. From the dramatic rugged coastlines and fascinating wildlife to the ancient history and unique blend of Scottish and Scandinavian culture.
Duration: 6 Days
A leisurely Lake District tour staying on the Cumbrian Coast in a picturesque setting overlooking Morecambe Bay. Nostalgic steam railway journeys through spectacular scenery, a relaxing cruise on Windermere, a visit to the Lakeland Motor Museum, and afternoon tea at stately Leighton Hall.
Duration: 5 Days
The Highlands of Scotland are arguably at their most glorious during the golden weeks of Autumn. This superb rail holiday offers a wealth of spectacular autumnal scenery out of your window, including two of the world's greatest railway journeys - the Kyle Line and the West Highland Line with the fabulous Jacobite Steam Train.
Duration: 5 Days15/10/2024
Based in picture-postcard Pitlochry, in the beautiful Perthshire Highlands our rail holiday includes a variety of wonderful attractions combined with outstanding Scottish scenery, painted in glorious colours. The tour includes visits to The Enchanted Forest, a royal retreat, an iconic expedition ship, and Britain's first military airfield. Enjoy a wee dram at one of Scotland's oldest distilleries plus steam on the Strathspey Railway, this nostalgic tour has something for everyone!
Duration: 5 Days
This great value short break is a wonderful introduction to ‘Bonnie Scotland’. Roam the glorious Highlands and discover one of the "Great Railway Journeys of the World". Relax as magnificent vistas glide past your window and the sensational views unfold. Enjoy free time to explore Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands, and discover all the fascinating attractions this ancient city has to offer.
Duration: 4 Days
Our Harrogate winter break visits Castle Howard to see the wonderful festive decorations and iconic 25-foot Christmas tree in the Great Hall adorned with over 3,000 baubles. We explore York's famous St Nicholas Fayre with over one-hundred traditional stalls scattered throughout the atmospheric streets. We enjoy festive afternoon tea as we steam through the Dales on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway and visit the RHS Harlow Carr Gardens as dusk falls to view the beautifully illuminated trees.
Duration: 4 Days
Rail holidays by train to Bath and the surrounding area. New festive tour including Festive Light Trail at Blenheim, visit Roman Baths and Christmas Market in Bath, and explore Gloucester visiting the Cathedral and Christmas Market.
Duration: 5 Days
Our great value pre-Christmas Scottish tour stays at the Alexandra Hotel in Fort William and is packed with fantastic attractions and stunning scenery. This winter warmer in the western Highlands includes excellent excursions, great rail journeys on the West Highland and Kyle Lines, Half board at the hotel, a bubbly drinks reception on arrival along with Scottish themed singing and dancing entertainment.
Duration: 5 Days
Experience the magic of Christmas on our new festive tour to Manchester and Liverpool. Explore these vibrant cities with free time to visit their famous Christmas markets, stroll through the stalls and complete your last-minute Christmas shopping with the variety of unique gifts and decorations on offer. Dine with distinction aboard East Lancashire Railway enjoying a delightful, festive lunch plus experience an enchanting and dazzling light trail.
Duration: 5 Days
The West Highland Line, the Kyle Line & the Cairngorms Line - experience a truly magical pre-Christmas circular rail tour of the Scottish Highlands in all their wintry glory, followed by a relaxing and homely Christmas in Stirling with all the trimmings and an excursion to the Royal Yacht Britannia and Edinburgh.
Duration: 8 Days
Enjoy a relaxing Christmas in beautiful Harrogate. This Christmas you can unwind and let someone else do the cooking. Our tour includes a traditional Christmas Day lunch with all the trimmings, a light Boxing Day lunch, and entertainment on 3 nights plus a visit to historic York on Christmas Eve and a Boxing Day steam journey on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.
Duration: 5 Days
A relaxing New Year short break in the beautiful Victorian spa town of Harrogate. Our tour includes an afternoon tea, New Year's Eve gala dinner with entertainment and a steam journey on the Embsay and Bolton Railway as well as a trip to the historic city of York.
Duration: 4 Days
Experience a magical Scottish rail adventure on this fantastic short break in Fort William combining the glorious West Highland Line with the magnificent Jacobite Steam Train. Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Highlands on the Nevis Range Gondola, cruise across Loch Linnhe, and indulge in a tour and tasting at the Ben Nevis Distillery.
Duration: 4 Days
Enjoy a beautiful rail holiday along one of Britain's most iconic routes to the English Riviera with the opportunity to explore the beauty and charm of Devon's magnificent coastline by boat as well as travelling on two of Devon's finest steam railways. Stay in a picturesque seafront location with sea view rooms included plus enjoy free time in Torquay and Dartmouth to discover these vibrant and historic towns.
Duration: 5 Days
Build up a head of steam and uncover Scotland's heritage from a different angle. Steam through the Highlands on the nostalgic Strathspey Railway, experience the scenic Bo'ness & Kinneil Steam Railway, sail through the sky on the remarkable Falkirk Wheel, and enjoy a cruise on Loch Katrine. Visit the magnificent equine sculptures of The Kelpies and the fantastic Stirling Castle plus indulge in a whisky distillery tour and a brewery tasting.
Duration: 6 Days
Experience a relaxing circular tour of the spectacular Scottish Highlands. Discover some of the most stunning scenery and landscapes from the comfort of your seat, steam on the magnificent Jacobite Steam Train across the fantastic Glenfinnan Viaduct, journey on Scotland's "Great Railway Journey of the World" plus enjoy free time to explore the picturesque city of Inverness.
Duration: 5 Days
Discover the diversity of Scotland on this fantastic tour in Aberdeen and Dundee. From royal life at stunning castles to iconic waterfronts, from wildlife cruises to heritage transport, this nostalgic tour has something for everyone. Explore the rich history and beauty of two wonderful coastal Scottish cities perfectly combined with a couple of wee drams!
Duration: 8 Days01/07/2025
Experience the fantastic Isle of Man at its very best! Discover the heritage of this independent isle and enjoy fantastic steam journeys, unique electric trams, mountain railways, horse drawn trams, and spectacular views at the summit of Snaefell. Visit the medieval Castle Rushen and the fascinating Old House of Keys plus free time to explore the harbourside town of Ramsey all from a wonderful seafront hotel.
Duration: 5 Days
Experience a joyful Cornish holiday visiting some of the most enchanting gardens in Cornwall from great grandeur to hidden sanctuaries. Discover the Lost Gardens of Heligan, relax in the tranquillity of Pinetum Gardens, learn the history and secrets of Pencarrow House, and visit the world-renowned Eden Project plus enjoy a nostalgic steam journey.
Duration: 5 Days07/08/2025
Delve into the history of Wessex, once the capital of England, and go beyond the surface at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard stepping aboard iconic warships including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and Mary Rose. Explore the stunning Cathedrals of Winchester and Chichester, uncover the legendary Arthurian Round Table at Winchester Castle, stroll through the charming Queen Eleanor's Garden, visit the home of renowned author, Jane Austen, plus take a ride on the nearby heritage railway 'Watercress Line'.
Duration: 6 Days
The mighty River Tyne is bordered by the unspoilt beauty, history, and heritage of Northumberland & Durham. This attraction packed short break time-travels from the Romans of Hadrian's Wall and Vindolanda, through historic Anglo-Saxon Bamburgh, to the Victorian 'living history' of Beamish plus a boat trip to view the stunning wildlife of the Farne Islands and two excursions on the South Tynedale Railway and Heatherslaw Light Railway.
Duration: 6 Days
Explore Bristol's fascinating past and join us as we discover iconic modes of transport from Brunel's SS Great Britain, the ship that changed maritime voyaging, to the world's fastest passenger jet, supersonic Concorde. Enjoy a harbour boat trip and a nostalgic train journey on the Avon Valley Railway plus a visit to the pre-historic Cheddar Gorge caves tasting the world-famous Cheddar Cheese, a tour and tasting at Thatcher's Cider Farm, and discover the history of the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Duration: 5 Days
Experience a delightful Cornish rail holiday as we meander along scenic branch lines, capturing the cream of the coastal and countryside views, visiting charming ports, seaside resorts, an award-winning vineyard, and the world-renowned Eden Project plus time to explore Padstow, Looe, Penzance & St. Ives.
Duration: 5 Days
Celebrate the steam and rail heritage of the north country with our very own 'Battle of the Roses' tour based at an iconic railway hotel. Journey on the fabulous Settle & Carlisle Line, experience steam nostalgia with fantastic Yorkshire and Lancashire steam and heritage railways every day, visit the fascinating Bury Transport Museum, and indulge in a distillery tour and tasting. You are sure to come up smelling of roses!
Duration: 8 Days
Steam through Snowdonia on this fantastic tour in wonderful Wales. Experience nostalgic steam journeys including the spectacular Snowdon Mountain Railway, journey on the beautiful Conwy Valley Line, enjoy a magnificent tram ride, and visit the beautiful Bodnant Garden. Discover the heritage, history, and beauty of Wales.
Duration: 6 Days
Explore the industrial age of waterways and railways on this fantastic tour based in historic Chester featuring two of the 'Seven Wonders of the Canals'. Discover the world of canals at Ellesmere Port, cruise across the fantastic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, marvel at the Anderton Boat Lift, and enjoy a nostalgic journey on the Llangollen Railway.
Duration: 5 Days
Explore the magical region between the Welsh borderland and the River Severn in the beautiful Forest of Dean including three heritage railways, a cruise along one of the country's most scenic river landscapes, and visits to fascinating museums. Enjoy time to explore some of the many charming towns and villages including Broadway (Jewel of the Cotswolds), picturesque Ross-on-Wye, and the historic market town of Abergavenny.
Duration: 5 Days08/09/2025
Experience nostalgic railway journeys through spectacular scenery and along stunning coastlines in the Lake District enjoying vintage train rides including the world-famous Settle & Carlisle line across the fabulous Ribblehead Viaduct. Visit fascinating railway museums, relax on leisurely cruises across beautiful lakes, indulge in afternoon tea at the stately Leighton Hall, enjoy a distillery tour and tasting plus free time to explore the beautiful market town of Kendal.
Duration: 8 Days15/09/2025
Discover Wales on this great value tour based in the fantastic city of Cardiff. Enjoy nostalgic steam journeys on the Brecon Mountain Railway and Forest of Dean Railway, experience fascinating guided tours at the Royal Mint Experience and Rhondda Heritage Park, and visit St Fagans Museum. Indulge in a whisky tasting at an award-winning Welsh distillery plus enjoy free time to explore Cardiff and Chepstow.
Duration: 6 Days11/08/2025
UK, Euro & Worldwide 2024
Award Winning rail holidays in the UK, Europe & Worldwide, departing in 2024
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21 The Smithfield Centre, Leek
Staffordshire Moorlands, ST13 5JW
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