Highlights
Palaces
Mountains
Lakes
UNESCO Heritage Sites
Castles
Distilleries
Boat Cruises
Places you explore
Ullswater – The second largest lake in the English Lake District is famous for its sublime, tranquil beauty.
Aira Force Waterfall – A lovely stone bridge crosses the fabulously flowing waterfalls.
Lake Windermere – You can choose to wander the shores or put on your sailing hat and go for a cruise.
Edinburgh – So much to see and do in Scotland’s capital city, probably the most dramatic cityscape in the world.
Falkland Palace – The palace was the countryside home for many of the Stuart royalty. They would make use of the woodland areas in the vicinity to hunt.
Brodie Castle & Culloden – A 16th-century mansion that belonged to the Brodie Clan until 1980. And Culloden Moor is the resting place of those lost in the final land battle to have taken place in Great Britain.
Dunnottar Castle – This is the archetypical Scottish castle. Mysterious, ruined, and beautiful.
Loch Leven & Castle – Lochleven Castle is the famous prison fort to Mary Queen of Scots.
Your journey
A home can mean different things to different people.
In the Lake District, they can be cottages lined up along little lanes, surrounded by beautiful mountains, and never too far from a swim in a lake.
Whereas in Scotland, castles were some people’s homes. These stone fortifications could contain dozens of families and pose as both a war weapon and a wedding venue.
On this trip, we take you exploring through quintessential British landscapes to some of these unique buildings.
You see the town halls and squares by the Lake District’s famous waters. You see Gothic spires overlooking the cobbled lanes of Edinburgh. And you see castles clinging to dramatic cliffs by the sea.
And maybe by the end of the tour, you’ll have found that little place you’d dream of calling ‘home’ one day.
Check-in closes at 09:15 (tour departs at 09:30) – London Euston Station Pick Up, London Euston Train Station, Kings Cross, London, NW1 2DU
*Train times may vary a little. We’ll email you your exact departure time before your tour.
18:30 – Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
You’re restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.
- Children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don’t carry children under 5 years old).
- Students, seniors over 60
- Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
- After booking your tour, we’ll contact you about your train journey
- This tour combines two of our trips and a free day in Edinburgh. This means you swap your bus and guide during the journey.
- Accommodation in Edinburgh sells out fast. But don’t worry; when you book your tour, you can ask us to reserve everything for you.
- Attraction tickets may need to be purchased in advance. More information is provided in your booking confirmation e-mail
- Transportation by a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- A one-way train ticket from London to Penrith
- Entry fees to visitor attractions
- Tour accommodation
What are the overnight locations on this journey?
Our Rail & Trail journeys are a combination of two our tours. You have a break between the trips where you spend free time in Edinburgh.
You stay two nights in Keswick*, two nights in Edinburgh, two nights in Aberdeen, one night in Forres.
*Please be aware that Keswick is busy. You may need to be flexible with rooms we’re able to reserve for you here. If you’d prefer to find your own accommodation for this location, please choose the ‘book your own accommodation’ option when you book your tour.
* Please note all tours that depart between 18th July and 4th August 2022 stay in Bowness-on-Windermere instead of Keswick.
How does the accommodation work in Edinburgh?
When you book online, there’s no option to select Edinburgh accommodation preferences.
But don’t worry, we’ll contact you once you’ve made your booking and give you an option to book Edinburgh hotel rooms with us. You’re welcome to book the accommodation we suggest or arrange your own Edinburgh overnights.
How does the accommodation work on tour?
When you book online, we’ll ask you for your accommodation preferences and get to work making reservations on your behalf. You’ll pay your accommodation directly to hosts on tour (excluding Edinburgh). Most don’t accept credit cards, so be prepared to pay cash.
What if I want to change my accommodation booking
Plans can change, so we let you alter your accommodation choices for free within the first 48 hours of booking. After this time, amendments aren’t guaranteed and carry a surcharge.
I booked my own accommodation is there anything I need to do?
You’ll need to contact us with your accommodation details. Please only reserve accommodation within the overnight towns that your tour stops in. Your driver will drop you off at your chosen accommodation as long as it’s relatively central (excluding Edinburgh).
What if I cancel my tour at short notice?
You may be liable for the cost of your first nights’ accommodation for each separate accommodation booked. If you cancel less than three days before departure, you may be liable for all your accommodation costs.
What are the accommodation types?
The prices below are for guidance only and exclude Edinburgh accommodation.
We try to reserve accommodation that’s no more than a 20-minute walk from the town centre. We regularly check our accommodation suppliers to ensure they reach a certain standard.
B&B (Bed and Breakfast) Standard
The toilet and showering facilities are shared with at least one other room in the house, and the price includes breakfast. The cost is £35 – £50 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single standard room is £40 – £70 per night.
B&B En suite
The showering and toilet facilities are private, and breakfast is included in the price. The cost is £45 – £65 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single en suite is £75 – £90 per night.
Hotels
Hotels have a bar or restaurant and provide evening meals. Breakfast is included in the price. The cost is £75 – £90 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single is £90 – £150 per night.
Hostels
Please note, we’re unable to book hostels for this tour at the moment. You may still be able to book hostel accommodation yourself if you choose to the option to book your own accommodation for your tour.
A hostel consists of dormitory rooms with 4 to 16 bunk beds. The bathroom facilities are a short distance from the dorm room. Kitchen facilities are equipped so you can make your own meals. The cost based on dorm beds is £19 – £30 per person per night.
Please note that SYHA hostels only offer same gender dorms. Some independent hostels will offer mixed rooms (males and females together).
Where does the tour depart from?
Unlike our other London departures, you depart from London’s Euston Station. You’re then met by a driver-guide and tour bus at Penrith Station.
How do I get to London’s Euston Station?
Depending on where your London accommodation is located, there are several ways to get the station. You can easily access the station using the underground network, local buses, or a taxi.
What time does the train depart?
The departure time of your train will vary depending on availability and season. We will email you with details of the exact train departure and arrival times prior to your tour. We recommend that you plan to arrive at the train station at least forty minutes before your train departs. This will allow for travel delays should they occur on the way to the station and give you enough time to collect your tickets, locate your platform and purchase refreshments. It’s important for you to arrive early because if you miss your train, you will be responsible for purchasing new tickets for the next departure.
- Take as many photographs as you can at ‘England’s most beautiful lake’, Ullswater
- Relax in the market town of Keswick
You collect your train ticket at the London Euston Station and head north to the historic Cumbrian market town of Penrith. The town’s uniquely coloured castle played a key role in defending the border from its invading Scottish neighbours.
After arriving in Penrith and meeting your Guide, you enter the Lake District National Park and travel along the northern shores of Ullswater. This lake is often described as England’s most beautiful lake, and it’s here we give you the chance to take a forest walk and see the mighty Aira Force waterfall.
You then travel towards Keswick, stopping outside the town to visit the mysterious Castlerigg standing stones, thought to have been built over 5,000 years ago and a hub of ancient pagan rituals.
You have a short journey into the lively market town of Keswick* where you’re dropped off at your accommodation and free to explore the charming town.
*Please note all tours that depart between 18th July and 4th August 2022 stay in Bowness-on-Windermere instead of Keswick.
- Stare in wonder at the views on an optional boat trip, Lake Windermere
- Wander around the cosy village of Hawkshead
After breakfast, you take in views of Ullswater as we head along country roads to its southern shores.
You continue further south and travel over the narrow and winding Kirkstone Pass towards the wonderful Windermere. Here you have the option to take a leisurely cruise on the Lake or eat lunch while enjoying sublime views of the surrounding scenery.
After lunch you travel around the southern tip of Windermere and on towards Coniston Water. Your next stop is the picturesque conservation village of Hawkshead, where the poet William Wordsworth attended Grammar School.
After exploring the cosy village, you take the narrow country lanes north towards Grasmere, which Wordsworth described as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”.
There’s free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, taste the legendary gingerbread, or enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy.
In the late afternoon, you return to Keswick*.
*Please note all tours that depart between 18th July and 4th August 2022 stay in Bowness-on-Windermere instead of Keswick.
- Set your sights on sweeping views from atop the Whinlatter Pass
- Learn about the slate mines at the Honister Mountain Pass
We pick you up from your accommodation and head for the Whinlatter Forest Park and over the Whinlatter Pass into the most dramatic landscapes the Lake District has to offer.
You journey along winding lanes, past the shores of Crummock Water and Buttermere, and towards the Honister Mountain Pass.
Stopping amongst the mountains you have the opportunity to enjoy the views of the old slate workings, where a small number of Cumbrians continue to make their living.
After refreshments, you continue through the forests of Borrowdale, passing Derwent Water, where there’s free time for lunch and shopping.
Once you’ve eaten lunch, you begin your return journey, heading towards Penrith and north towards the border. After crossing into Scotland, you take a stop in the town of Biggar, a royal burgh since 1415. From here, it’s a leisurely drive through the rolling border hills to Edinburgh.
- Wander over cobbled lanes past medieval window panes and under Gothic spires in Scotland’s stunning capital city, Edinburgh
Today is a free day to explore Edinburgh.
You can venture deep under the city on ghost tours, hike to the lofty heights of Arthur’s Seat, or even just rest in the many beautiful gardens.
Just ensure you relax and prepare for your next part of your adventure.
Overnight again in Edinburgh.
- Take a self-guided tour of the majestic Falkland Palace
- Explore the winding streets of the ‘home of golf’, St Andrews
Today you join a new bus for the continuation of your tour to the Highlands. With your new companions you head north, and cross the Queensferry Crossing into the ancient Kingdom of Fife. Your first visit of the day is Falkland Palace. This palace was built in the 16th century and is set in the medieval village of Falkland, which features in the television show, Outlander.
You continue to St Andrews where you have a chance to get lunch and discover the beauty of the cobbled lanes and ancient university buildings.
Travelling north towards Aberdeen, you have a chance to admire the House of Dun, a beautiful Georgian mansion located within a woodland estate.
In the afternoon, you visit Dunnottar castle. This ruined cliff top fortress is one of Scotland’s megastars and adorns the front covers of travel magazines everywhere. So, it’s a great spot to take in the view and test your photo skills.
- Wander through the beautiful gardens of Castle Fraser
- Relive the mysterious tales of Crathes Castle
Today is spent in the Royal Deeside area, famous for its many castles.
Your first visit is Castle Fraser, one of the grandest of the Scottish baronial tower houses. You can round the visit off with a walk through the beautiful 18th-century walled garden. Later on, you can have an opportunity to visit Banchory where you might be able to see salmon jumping at the Falls of Feugh.
Lunch is at Ballater, before continuing with your afternoon programme. Crathes Castle provides the highlight for the afternoon. Turrets, gargoyles, and the ancient Horn of Leys are just a few of the features of this historic castle.
You’re free to explore the house and stunning gardens at your own pace. Wandering through the outstanding, world-renowned June Borders, beautiful vistas of the castle can be seen through the fusion of colourful flowers.
You return back to Aberdeen for another overnight.
- Admire the ancient tapestries at Fyvie Castle
- Learn about Britain’s last land fought battle at Culloden
Your tour heads further north and starts the day with a visit to Fyvie Castle. Fyvie Castle dates back to the 13th century and has a fine collection of arms and armour as well as 17th-century tapestries.
You continue, travelling through beautiful scenery and on to Nairn, where lunch will be taken at nearby Brodie Castle. You have time to explore this imposing castle’s unusual plasterwork and art collection.
In the afternoon, you can take the Clan Walk at the Culloden Visitor Centre. The Clan Stone Walkway is designed to commemorate the Scottish Clans and their clansmen who fought at the battle of Culloden.
After the visit, you continue to Forres for your overnight stay.
- Sample whisky in the area it’s casked at the Dalwhinnie Distillery
- Travel by boat to visit the imposing Lochleven Castle
You travel south through some of the most stunning scenery Scotland has to offer.
You pass Kingussie where you may have an opportunity for a quick photo stop at the Ruthven Barracks. From here, you continue to Dalwhinnie Distillery where you have the chance to taste the ‘Water of Life’. Dalwhinnie is the highest Distillery in Scotland and takes its waters right from the source of the River Spey.
After a lunch stop in Pitlochry, you head to Loch Leven. In the middle of the Loch you find Lochleven Castle, a late 14th-century tower, which was the setting for the most traumatic year in the life of Mary Queen of Scots.
You can enjoy a boat ride over to the island and explore at your own leisure before we return back over the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh.
Once you’ve booked your tour, let us know if you want us to book this evening’s Edinburgh accommodation.
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