UK Rail Vacations R/T from London?

[KIRK1950]

My wife and I live in the states and have traveled to the UK on numerous occasions over the last 40 years. My wife's family came from Weston super Mare and my mom's family is from Cork, Ireland.

We are in our late 60's and are looking for a nice, 5-10 day rail vacation R/T from London. If possible, we would like the trip to include a journey on the Jacobite steam train in Scotland, and would prefer the trip be fully escorted so that all of the travel arrangements are taken care of. Quality-wise, I guess we are looking for something from the middle to middle-upper range.

Does anyone there know of a rail vacation in this category?

Thanks for your assistance!

Kirk & Linda

 

[telstarbox]

Welcome Kirk and Linda.

There are a few companies which do escorted trips in Scotland. This is one example which includes the Jacobite, and has an add-on option from London (although it's not clear if that part is escorted).

Railtrail Tours | Quality escorted rail holidays by train

Railtrail Tours - Quality escorted rail holidays by train. Experience great train tours to wonderful destinations throughout the UK, Europe and worldwide.in 2024

www.railtrail.co.uk

If you do need to travel up from London independently, the trains from London to Edinburgh or Glasgow Central are good quality and both stations are located right in the city centres.

Obviously check the coronavirus situation before you book.

 

[SeanG]

There is the Royal Scotsman railtour - extremely expensive I believe.

If you were inclined to sort something yourself and DIY, the UK has an "All Line Rover" which allows travel on all lines (with a few time restrictions around peak hours). however this would not include teh Jacobite

 

[30907]

You could try (the same company?)

Scotland Rail Holidays - Escorted Tours & Trips | Great Rail Journeys

Embark on an unforgettable Scottish adventure with Great Rail Journeys. Book now to explore breathtaking landscapes, historic castles, and vibrant cities.

www.greatrail.com

Train Tours & Holidays in Scotland | Rail Discoveries

Explore Scotland's famous lochs, highlands and cities with our wide range of comprehensive escorted rail tours.

www.raildiscoveries.com

Or

Rail Holidays of the World - Ffestiniog Travel

Rail holiday & rail journey experts. Choose from escorted rail tours, tailor made train travel, specialist steam tours and heritage railway holidays.

www.ffestiniogtravel.com

(Which doesn't like my tablet, so I can't be specific).

 

[the sniper]

If you were inclined to sort something yourself and DIY, the UK has an "All Line Rover" which allows travel on all lines (with a few time restrictions around peak hours). however this would not include teh Jacobite

Foreigners shouldn't use an All Line Rover, a BritRail Pass is cheaper and doesn't have the restrictions.

 

[KIRK1950]

Many thanks to everyone...this will keep us occupied for a while!

Kirk

 

[railfan99]

Many thanks to everyone...this will keep us occupied for a while!

Kirk

As an Australian, I like BritRail passes because in most if not all cases, trains are unbooked so one can turn up, and if the mood takes one, travel on another line from what was originally planned.

It's worked very well for me, and provided I don't travel at the peak of your summer in mid to late August, accommodation outside London seems relatively painless to book close to date or even turn up on the day (though I do the latter less than when I was younger).