Rail Travel - England, Scotland and Wales By Train - British train travel


Britain has one of the most efficient train systems in the world. With the ease of a rail pass and our hotel program, you can go as you please, making your train reservations along the way. Our independent program gives you the freedom to explore history-steeped market towns, idyllic villages, and the glorious gardens of England, Scotland and Wales.
Britain by britrail

Scotland By Train Travel Price Includes:
Scotland by Train

  • 8 day Spirit of Scotland pass with train travel
  • 7 nights accommodations at hotels all with private bath in Scotland.
  • Full hearty breakfast is served each day. This may include home-baked breads, farm-fresh eggs, cereal, sausage and bacon. (Continental in Edinburgh.)
  • Value-Added Tax (V.A.T.) and service charges.
  • Two day tours by bus.

Here is a Scotland train itinerary that leans hard into scenery, history, and legendary landscapes, with a calm, immersive tone that suits travelers who want views with context (not just ticking boxes).



Pub Menu England

Scotland map

Scenic & Historic Scotland by Rail

Suggested Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Edinburgh

Arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland’s majestic capital, where medieval lanes and Georgian elegance sit side by side. Enjoy a free day to explore at your own pace—walk the Royal Mile, visit Edinburgh Castle, or simply soak up the atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage city.
Overnight: Edinburgh


From Edinburgh – Optional Day Tour

St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife

Travel through the Kingdom of Fife to the medieval seaside town of St Andrews, world-famous as the Home of Golf and home to Scotland’s oldest university. With ample free time, explore the cathedral ruins, stroll golden beaches, and discover centuries of royal and academic history. Continue through the East Neuk of Fife, a collection of beautifully preserved fishing villages that offer classic coastal scenery and timeless charm.
Recommended for travelers who love coastal landscapes, royal history, and picturesque villages.


Day 2 – Perth & Pitlochry

This morning, travel north by rail across the Forth Estuary, crossing the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in Perth, once the ancient capital of Scotland, and enjoy time to explore its historic streets and riverside setting.

Continue by train to Pitlochry, a charming Highland town and traditional gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Whisky enthusiasts may wish to visit Blair Athol Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries, located within walking distance of the town center.
Overnight: Pitlochry
Train time: approx. 1 hr 45 min


Day 3 – Inverness & Loch Ness

Travel by morning train to Inverness, the cultural heart of the Highlands. Spend the afternoon exploring the city, including a scenic riverside walk from Inverness Castle through the peaceful Ness Islands.

If time allows, take a shuttle to Loch Ness, whose dramatic beauty and legendary depths have captured imaginations for centuries.

Optional Day Tour: The Complete Loch Ness Experience
Journey the full length of Loch Ness, visit cascading waterfalls, explore historic villages, and cruise the loch itself. Discover the ruins of Urquhart Castle and hear captivating stories that bring Highland history and folklore vividly to life.
Overnight: Inverness
Train time: approx. 1 hr 35 min


Day 4 – Highland Scenery & the Isle of Skye

Today enjoy one of the world’s great rail journeys as you travel west to Kyle of Lochalsh, passing lochs, mountains, and remote Highland landscapes. On arrival, transfer by local bus across the Skye Bridge to the legendary Isle of Skye, often called the Misty Isle.
Overnight: Isle of Skye area
Train time: approx. 2 hrs 40 min


Day 5 – Isle of Skye Exploration

A full day to explore the dramatic landscapes of the Isle of Skye. Options include a guided coach tour of the island’s iconic scenery, visiting the Clan Donald Centre at Armadale to learn about the Lords of the Isles and the Scottish clan system, or independent exploration by bicycle.
Overnight: Isle of Skye area


Day 6 – Mallaig & the Glenfinnan Viaduct

Travel by ferry from Armadale to Mallaig, returning to the mainland. This afternoon board the train to Fort William on what is often described as one of the greatest rail journeys in the world. En route, cross the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, set against sweeping Highland scenery and made iconic by its appearance in the Harry Potter films.
Overnight: Fort William area
Train time: approx. 1 hr 20 min


Day 7 – Glasgow Sightseeing

Depart by train for Glasgow, traveling across the wild expanse of Rannoch Moor and along the shores of Loch Lomond, one of Scotland’s most beautiful lochs.

Spend the afternoon discovering Glasgow’s vibrant blend of Victorian architecture, world-class museums, galleries, and stylish shopping districts. An open-top bus tour is a great way to see the city’s highlights.
Overnight: Glasgow
Train time: approx. 4 hrs


Day 8 – Departure

Depart from Glasgow Airport, or travel by train back to Edinburgh for onward flights from Edinburgh Airport.



Shopfront YorkRail England, Scotland, Wales
  • 8 day Britrail consecutive pass with unlimited train travel for 8 days. Map
  • 8 nights accommodations at hotels all with private bath in England, Scotland & Wales.List
  • We reserve all nights for you in advance. Stay for any number of nights at any property.
  • Full hearty breakfast is served each day. This may include home-baked breads, farm-fresh eggs, cereal, sausage and bacon.
  • Value-Added Tax (V.A.T.) and service charges.

Here’s a 7-Day BritRail Pass itinerary starting in London, written for U.S. travelers in mind: culture-forward, comfortable pace, great food, and zero “backpack-only” energy. We'll book your hotels, too.

7-Day BritRail Pass Itinerary from London

A Smart, Stylish UK Rail Journey for Travelers

Day 1: London → Bath

Travel Time: ~1.5 hours

Start your BritRail adventure with a smooth, first-class-worthy ride from London Paddington to Bath, one of England’s most elegant small cities. Wander the Roman Baths, admire Bath Abbey, and stroll the Georgian crescents made famous by Jane Austen. Evening tip: enjoy a relaxed dinner at a historic pub or a modern bistro—Bath does refined without being stuffy.

Why it works: Walkable, beautiful, cultured, and great wine lists.


Day 2: Bath → Cardiff (Optional) or Cotswolds Day Trip

Travel Time: ~1 hour to Cardiff

Use your BritRail Pass for a flexible day. History lovers can pop over to Cardiff to tour Cardiff Castle right in the city center. Prefer countryside charm? Stay based in Bath and explore the Cotswolds via rail and short taxi hops.

Highlight: Zero driving stress—just scenic rail views and relaxed pacing.


Day 3: Bath → York

Travel Time: ~3.5 hours

Head north to York, one of England’s most atmospheric cities. Walk the medieval city walls, visit York Minster, and explore The Shambles, a narrow street that feels straight out of a period drama.

Evening: Cozy up in a historic inn or enjoy a refined tasting menu—York punches above its weight for food.


Day 4: York → Edinburgh

Travel Time: ~2.5 hours

This is one of the UK’s most scenic rail routes. Arrive in Edinburgh, where history, culture, and excellent dining collide. Walk the Royal Mile, tour Edinburgh Castle, and enjoy a whisky tasting that feels educational, not frat-party-ish.

Why you'll love it: Sophisticated nightlife, rich history, and incredible walkability.


Day 5: Edinburgh

Spend a full day soaking it in. Choose between:

  • Holyrood Palace

  • Arthur’s Seat (light hike, big payoff)

  • Museums, galleries, and shopping in New Town

Dinner tip: Edinburgh’s restaurant scene is tailor-made for travelers who appreciate quality over quantity.


Day 6: Edinburgh → Manchester or Liverpool

Travel Time: ~3–3.5 hours

Travel south to Manchester (culture, music, dining) or Liverpool (Beatles history, waterfront walks, UNESCO heritage vibes). Both cities are lively without being overwhelming.

Perfect for : Energy without chaos, culture without crowds.


Day 7: Manchester/Liverpool → London

Travel Time: ~2–2.5 hours

Return to London using your BritRail Pass. Spend your final evening in the West End, enjoy a Thames dinner cruise, or revisit a favorite neighborhood.

:

Why a BritRail Pass Is A Perfect Trip

  • No car rentals or left-side driving

  • Comfortable seating & scenic routes

  • Flexibility to change plans without penalties

  • City-center to city-center convenience

This itinerary balances culture, comfort, and freedom—exactly what seasoned travelers appreciate most.

 

LONDON & EDINBURGH
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
Combine two capital cities by rail – spend time in cosmopolitan London and historic Edinburgh, with day trips to experience even more.
Included in the package: •  4 nights accommodation in 3 / 4 star properties, in rooms with private bath •  Breakfast daily – English, Scottish or Continental - depending on accommodation provider (4 in total) •  A one way rail ticket from London to Edinburgh, in standard class •  VAT at the current rate of 20% •   Two day tours – one in London, and one in Edinburgh
Accommodation in: •  2 nights – London • 2 nights – Edinburgh

DAY 1 - ARRIVE INTO LONDON Arrive  at  a  London  airport  and  make  your  way  to  your  hotel  to  check in.  Depending  on  your  flight  arrival,  you  may  have  time  to  explore  the exciting capital city this afternoon. Overnight: London
DAY 2 - DAY TOUR (Pick one) Bath, Avebury & Lacock Village - 1 day tour: Discover the beauty of a vanished world at the standing stones of Avebury; and explore the classically elegant city of Bath, on this history packed journey.
OR
Shakespeare’s Stratford–upon–Avon - 1 day tour: Follow in the footsteps of England’s favourite playwright on this trip to inspirational Stratford-upon-Avon.

DAY 3 - TRAIN TO EDINBURGH Catch  a  train  from  London  to  Edinburgh  and  enjoy  the  scenic  journey across  the  border  to  Scotland to discover  Edinburgh  on arrival. Overnight: Edinburgh Train journey time: appr. 4 hours and 20 minutes  

 DAY 4 - DAY TOUR (choose 1) St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife - 1 day tour: An ancient university, breathtaking medieval ruins, and quaint coastal villages, all rolled into one great adventure through the ancient kingdom of Fife.
OR
Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands - 1 day tour
Myths, monsters, and mountains: this tour is the best way to see ‘Scotland in a day’.
DAY 5 - DEPART EDINBURGH Tour ends in Edinburgh.



Train Travel in Wales
Rail Wales

  • 8 day Britrail consecutive pass with unlimited train travel for 8 days. Wales Rail Map
  • 8 nights accommodations at hotels all with private bath in Wales.
  • Vouchers are provided for each night of your stay. We reserve all nights for you in advance. Stay for any number of nights at any property. We have suggested itineraries for north Wales and south Wales.
  • Full hearty breakfast is served each day. This may include home-baked breads, farm-fresh eggs, cereal, sausage and bacon.
  • Value-Added Tax (V.A.T.) and service charges.
  • Suggested itineraries:
    South Wales

    NEWPORT/CARDIFF/SWANSEA/ CARMARTHEN/TENBY/LLANELI/ LLANDRIDOD You can visit all of these areas by train: Caerleon Roman Museum and Fort – Newport Tredegar House and Park Newport Cyfarthfa Castle – Merthyr Tydfil 3 miles Museum of Welsh Life (St Fagans) – Cardiff Central 3 miles National Museum of Wales (Cathays) – Cardiff Central Gower – Swansea Caerphilly Tenby

    Day 1 – LONDON/CARDIFF Train from London Paddington to Cardiff (2 hours). Head for the art collection at the National Museum & Gallery, including one of Europe’s best collections of Impressionist works. Explore Caerphilly Castle, the second largest castle in Britain. Built in the late 13th century, the fortress is a supreme example of the concentric “walls within walls” system of defense. The castle’s only sign of weakness is its famous leaning tower (which out-leans the tower at Pisa). Overnight at Park Inn Cardiff or Hilton.

    Day 2 – SWANSEA Many different experiences are available. The city of Swansea is the birthplace of movie star Catherine Zeta Jones and poet Dylan Thomas. The nearby Gower Peninsula has some spectacular coastal scenery including the view from the village of Rhossili, with its fabulous sunsets. Overnight at Park Inn Cardiff or Aberavon Beach Hotel .

    Day 3 – TENBY Tenby, a town in Pembrokeshire lying on Carmarthen Bay, probably originated as a Viking settlement. Attractions include the 13th-century town walls, the Five Arches barbican, the 15th-century St. Mary’s Church, and the Tudor Merchant’s House. Boats sail from Tenby’s harbor to Caldey Island, where perfumes are made. Another option: Visit the open-air Museum of Welsh Life at St. Fagans, with its carefully restored buildings and exhibits on Welsh culture. Overnight at Park Inn Cardiff or Hilton .

    Day 4 – CAERLON ROMAN CAMP Follow the path of Romans, Normans and Cistercian monks along the border of Wales – fought over by the Celts and Anglo-Saxons and romanticized by Turner and Wordsworth. Visit Caerleon Roman fort, with its baths and amphitheater – believed to have become one of legendary King Arthur’s courts. Take the train back to London.


Train Tickets in Britain
We sell train tickets only in conjunction with other arrangements. Choose your route here: BritRail Map The fares shown below offer the luxury of unrestricted travel to allow for stopovers en route, and are available only outside of the United Kingdom. Prices in US Dollars, one way.


Rates depend upon how far in advance you book. This are the rates for booking more than 3 months in advance
Lake DistrictNorth Country England's North Country is a secret well kept with an abundance of wonderful scenery. Enjoy one of these journeys:
Settle and Carlisle Line The 72 mile route from Settle to Carlisle takes you on a journey through the magnificent Yorkshire Dales, over the 24 arches of the Ribblehead Viaduct before plunging in to the longest tunnel on the line at Blea Moor. Emerging onto the side of Dentdale, the line leaves the Dales at Garsdale and makes it way through the gentle, lush rolling hills of the Eden Valley, with rural villages and market towns before arriving at the great border city of Carlisle.

Stained glass YorkMiddlesborough to Whitby
Manchester to Sheffield Newcastle to Carlisle
Preston to Carlisle
Leeds to York via Harrogate



BathBristol, Bath, & Beyond Stay Some suggested days out from Bristol, which can be taken by train. Day 1 Spend the day in Bristol today visiting the sites and soaking up the atmosphere in some of the many cafes, bars, and restaurants. Day 2 Visit another country today - Wales! Head north west to cross the Severn Bridge into Wales and to the capital, Cardiff, steeped in history and a vibrant developing city. Day 3 Head north into the Cotswolds today to visit the elegant spa town of Cheltenham (just 40 mins. by train), renowned for its Regency architecture, stylish shopping, colourful parks, music and literature festivals. Day 4 Today, it's a day in the Roman city of Bath. Drive or take the train (only 10 mins.). Visit the Roman Baths which are over 2000 years old, Bath Abbey, the Pump Rooms, and indulge at the new Thermae Bath Spa (state of the art treatment facilities isituated in the old Bath buildings with open air heated rooftop pool overlooking this gorgeous city.Visit Bath's numerous antique shops, boutiques, and stop for lunch and/or tea at one of the city's cafes or restaurants.

London, York, Scotland ITINERARY 1 week

  • London Kings Cross to
  • to York (2hr)
  • to Edinburgh (2hr 30min)
  • to Glasgow (1hr)
  • to LondonEuston (5hr 45min).

England & Scotland 2 week ITINERARY

  • London to York (2 hr)
  • to Edinburgh (2hr 30min)
  • to Inverness (3hr 30min)
  • to Glasgow (3hr 30min)
  • to Windermere (2hr 30min)
  • to Birmingham(3hr)
  • to Bath (2hr)
  • to Penzance (4hr 30min)
  • to Exeter (3hr 30min)
  • to Salisbury (1hr 45min)
  • to London (1hr 30min).

England & Wales 1 week ITINERARY

  • London to Bath (1hr 30min)
  • to Cardiff (1hr 15min)
  • to Chester (3hr 15min)
  • to Manchester (1hr)
  • to York (1hr 30min)
  • to London (2hr).

Questions? Call Lynott Tours at 1 (800) 221-2474 USA Canada; 01 516 248 2042 ELSEWHERE Please Email Us For Information 9AM-5PM Eastern

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