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Train Holidays in Scotland

Find your perfect Scottish rail holiday from our unique selection

Scotland Train Tours

No matter where you want to go, our Scottish rail holidays and tours can turn your trip into a very special one, without the need to drive yourself at all. Retain freedom and flexibility on a tailor-made self-guided trip. You can choose to cover the highlights in one Grand Tour of Scotland by Train, or perhaps pick a more specific area.  We have scoured the length and breadth of the country to find the perfect lodgings– perhaps add a touch of luxury to your trip by staying in our hand-selected premier accommodation, such as Inverlochy Castle and Fonab Castle on Premier Round Scotland by Train?

We have been designing Scotland train tours since 2003 so are experts in piecing it all together to take you beyond the end of the rails. Our favourite local guides will help you discover the unexpected gems in locations such as Skye, Orkney, Loch Ness and Perthshire. We always keep a close eye on the weather and anything which might lead to a slight change of plan – our 24/7 customer service and professional experience means you can carry on enjoying your holiday regardless.

As always, we will do all we can to tailor-make any itinerary to suit your exact requirements, so you have the flexibility to enjoy your own trip. If you like, we can even create a UK-wide rail holiday, including highlights such as Bath, Chester and York as well as the best of Scotland. Simply get in touch with our award-winning team and soon you can be sitting back, relaxing, and taking in Scotland’s superior scenery by rail.

“You could spend a month juggling maps, timetables and guidebooks without coming anywhere near the company’s expertise and astute choice of stopovers, hotels and guest housesIt has been a truly grand ‘grand tour'”.  Stephen McClarence, The Times, December 2016

West Highland Line Train Holidays

There is perhaps no more illustrious train journey in Scotland than that of the West Highland LineMade famous by the ever-popular ‘Harry Potter’ franchise, people flock from far and wide to take in the breath-taking scenery of the Scottish Highlands. Running between Fort William and Mallaig, the most memorable part of your trip will be the moment you cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct – renowned for its cinematic beauty.  We also provide the opportunity to add a stay on the picturesque Isle of Skye for those who want to experience a slice of island life to conclude their trip.

Far North Line Holidays

Take a rail journey north and you will discover a more remote, uninhabited Scotland. You will stop in isolated stations surrounded only by untamed scenery. Some of the country’s finest rivers, bog land and daunting mountains are nestled here. The locale is a little wilder than you may be used to – peer out the window and you might catch a glimpse of a scampering deer or a soaring eagle. Perhaps you will spend a couple of days on the mysterious island of Orkney – your journey doesn’t need to conclude at the end of the railway line, after all.

Tailormade Scotland Train Tours

If you are starting your UK travels from London, it takes just four hours to reach Edinburgh by train, and a little longer to Glasgow. Both are easy gateway cities for a Scottish rail tour. An alternative option is to journey overnight on the Caledonian Sleeper into the heart of the Highlands. Experience the romance of leaving the hustle and bustle of England’s capital behind to awake surrounded by Highland splendour.

We plan our rail holidays to ensure you can experience a rich variety of the landscapes that Scotland has to offer, including remote areas that could not be accessed otherwise, such as the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor.

Travel to the edge of the mainland, skirting a coastline shared with many of the country’s wild and enchanting islands. We include private taxi transfers and ferry tickets where necessary to join things up, just in case the train line doesn’t go as far as your dream destination.

Small Group Guided Rail Tours

Turn your tour of Scotland into an in-depth journey of discovery on one of our unique week-long guided rail tours. With group sizes limited to a maximum of 15 and the services of a knowledgeable, McKinlay Kidd tour leader throughout, you can be sure of personal attention. Explore legendary spots, including Skye & Glencoe, the North Highlands & Orkney and the Outer Hebrides. Absorb the spirituality of the Isle of Iona while also hearing tales of Scotland’s birth and ancient kings as you travel the West Highland Line. Unravel the mysteries of Loch Ness and take a trip on the Jacobite steam train.

With places strictly limited, early booking is strongly recommended.

We work hard to make sure the unexpected doesn’t affect your trip. On rare occasions, changes or cancellations may occur, affecting accommodation, transport or excursions, including the Jacobite Express Steam Train. We are committed to informing you of any such circumstances and will use our knowledge and resources to offer suitable alternatives wherever possible.

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Rail Touring in Scotland Guide

Download our handy guide with useful information and top tips on Rail Touring in Scotland.

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