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A view of white cliffs and the sea in Cornwall, the south of England

The UK by train, bus and ferry

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Top UK spa stays

  • The spa of the historically acclaimed Grand is housed in the hotel’s former vaults. Surrounded by original brickwork, guests can indulge in facilities from the whirlpool to the Nordic sauna.

  • The wild landscapes of the Scottish Highlands make a striking backdrop for the spa treatments at Kingsmills, ranging from reflexology to couples massage in the duo suite.

  • A modern take on the city's thermal water heritage, the Gainsborough spa taps into Bath’s original thermal springs, set beneath a lofty glass atrium.

Top rural escapes

  • Snowdonia

    Betws-y-Coed

    Base yourself in the heart of Snowdonia, surrounded by ancient woodland, lakes and mountains, blanketed by wildflowers in spring and snow in winter.

  • Jurassic Coast

    Corfe Castle, Swanage

    Uncover the ancient formations along the UNESCO Jurassic Coast, a coastline that tells a story spanning 185 million years, with landmarks like Durdle Door and Old Harry Rocks.

  • The Cairngorms National Park

    Inverness, Kingussie, Aviemore

    Scotland’s Cairngorms are home to some of the UK’s biggest granite mountains, shrouded in pines and brooding moorland. Keep a look out for rare wildlife like red deer and golden eagles.

  • South West Coastal Path

    St Ives, Falmouth, Penzance, Looe

    A pilgrimage by rail along the South West Coastal Path. Surprise vistas await at every turn of the coastline, from the rugged cliffs of Tintagel to the tranquil beaches of Exmouth.

  • Yorkshire Dales

    York, Skipton

    The patchwork of fields, dry stone walls, and wildflower meadows of the Yorkshire Dales are best accessed from Skipton's charming stone market town.

  • Explore southern England’s chalk downland from the genteel East Sussex market town of Lewes: a medley of pubs, cafes and artisan shops nestled within the heart of the South Downs.

Multi-stop UK adventures by rail

  • Ireland by rail

    Killarney, Belfast, Cork, Dublin, Portrush, Galway

    Ireland, over land. The sailing from Holyhead to Dublin is the gateway to Ireland’s wild and urban landscapes, from the rugged Causeway Coast to the riverside city of Cork.

  • UK cityhopper

    York, Bristol, Edinburgh, Bath, Norwich

    Five major cities complete this itinerary that weaves through the varied historic and cultural tapestry of the UK, from Bristol’s maritime legacy to York’s ancient walls.

  • Highlands and Islands adventure

    Inverness, Portree, Isle of Skye, Fort William, Edinburgh

    Sleeper trains, scenic day trains, and a bus that heads over the Skye bridge will see you on a multi-stop adventure through the rugged Highlands and onward to Scotland’s serene Isle of Skye.

UK city breaks by train

  • Glasgow

    Glasgow

    Scotland’s largest city houses some of the UK’s most prestigious cultural institutions, from the historic to the contemporary, all topped off with world-class nightlife.

  • Brighton

    Brighton

    The UK’s gay capital is green, bohemian and energetic. Hit the beach, window-shop in the Lanes, or dip a toe in one of the city’s many events from the Fringe to the Great Escape Festival.

  • Bristol

    Bristol

    From the street art of Stokes Croft to the Georgian terraces of Clifton, the buzzing harbourside to the old Norman city, Bristol houses a smorgasbord of neighbourhoods to explore.

British island holidays

  • Guernsey

    Poole, Saint Peter Port

    Guernsey has become a coveted spot for swimmers, hikers and twitchers. Don't miss hopping across the smaller islands of Alderney, Sark, Herm, Jethou, Brecqhou and Lihou.

  • Anglesey

    Beaumaris

    After crossing the Menai Strait, get familiar with the Welsh island on the Coastal Path that passes South Stack Lighthouse, Aberffraw dunes and ruins steeped in Celtic folklore.

  • Isle of Skye

    Portree, Isle of Skye, Fort William

    There's a quiet drama to the Hebridean Islands. For those who'd pick Munros and glens over tropical clichés, the Isle of Skye offers a different kind of peace.

Best for history

  • Renowned for its Roman Baths and Georgian architecture, Bath has been a spa destination since ancient times, with iconic landmarks like the Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge.

  • The royal port town of Caernarfon is steeped in rich Welsh history, and famed for its formidable Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by Edward I.

  • Overlooked by the towers of one of the UK’s most magnificent Cathedrals, York is best explored along the city’s Roman Walls, before taking a wander through the labyrinthine Shambles.

  • Beneath the shadow of Castle Rock, Edinburgh remains one of the UK’s most historic cities, with both its old and new towns declared UNESCO heritage sites in 1995.

  • Although best known for its Cathedral and Castle, Norwich has also been a key trading hub since medieval times, which can be seen today in its winding streets and medieval marketplaces.

  • Cradled in a valley of the River Arun, Arundel boasts impressive historical architecture for its modest size, including the medieval Arundel Castle and fortress, and the Arundel Gothic Cathedral.

How long does it take?

Here’s the minimum time you’ll need for a relaxed round trip starting from London. We do other departure stations, too!

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