Guided tours to extraordinary places, closer than you think
Spring and Summer 2026 dates filling up fast!
As more of us appreciate the opportunity to travel closer to home, there’s never been a better time to discover just how much there is to explore right on your doorstep.
See more with expert guides
Our guided tours across the UK and Ireland are designed to bring each destination to life. Led by expert guides with deep local knowledge, you won’t just see the highlights, you’ll hear the stories, uncover hidden corners and experience each place in a way that feels immersive, effortless and reassuringly within reach.
Carefully curated journeys
From the dramatic landscapes of the West Highlands on our West Highlands, Iona & The Jacobite Guided Rail Tour, to the wild beauty and rich history of our Orkney & Shetland Guided Small Group Tour, and the sweeping coastal routes of our North Highlands & Orkney Guided Rail Tour, every journey is carefully curated by a team who know these places inside out.
Everything taken care of
Travelling as part of a small group, everything is taken care of for you. With no hidden costs and everything included, from handpicked accommodation to expertly planned itineraries, you can relax knowing every detail has been thoughtfully arranged. It’s a seamless way to explore, where all you need to do is enjoy the experience.
Support you can rely on
When you book with us, you’re supported every step of the way. With a knowledgeable guide alongside you, a highly experienced team behind the scenes, and over 20 years of expertise, you’ll always have someone to rely on. With 24/7 support throughout your journey, you can book with complete confidence.
Start planning your 2026 escape
Explore our most popular self-guided holidays for 2026 below and start your enquiry today. With demand for travel closer to home continuing to grow, Explore our most popular guided tours for 2026 below and start your enquiry today. With demand for travel closer to home continuing to grow, departures are filling quickly, so if something’s caught your eye, we’d recommend securing your place now.
Explore Our Top 2026 Guided Small Group Tours
West Highlands, Iona & The Jacobite Guided Rail Tour
- Embark on scenic rail journeys on the world-renowned West Highland Line
- Discover Kilmartin Glen, an area that spans 5,000 years and is home to a multitude of cairns, standing stones, forts, and castle
- Explore Iona, the spiritual island that has been a beacon of Christian worship since St Columba’s arrival in AD 563
Orkney & Shetland Guided Small Group Tour
- Discover Orkney’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Ring of Brodgar, Maeshowe and Skara Brae.
- Visit the ancient settlement of Jarlsof, home to buildings dating from 2,500 BC through to the 17th century.
- Venture to Eshaness and witness the dramatic sea-carved cliffs and stacks of the long-extinct volcano.
North Highlands & Orkney Guided Rail Tour
- Visit and even stay on the estate of the Queen Mother’s Castle.
- Experience a journey on the single track of the Far North Line that meanders through Sutherland’s Flow Country.
- Discover Orcadian wonders, including 5000-year-old Maeshowe, Skara Brae Neolithic village and prehistoric Ring of Brodgar.
What Do Our Customers say?
Our guide was personable, knowledgeable, attentive to everyone…more than just an excellent guide, he is a truly nice guy.
– Allan & Victoria, Canada
We had such a lovely week… our guide was fantastic and everything had been planned so well. So nice to just relax and let the guide take the strain.
– June & David, United Kingdom
We had a good time and the group was just the right size. A relaxed, informative whizz around the Islands, good grub, wonderful scenery.
– Shan & Phil, United Kingdom
Good balance of free time & organised activities. The right formula to really get to know the area. Holidays made differently is a good slogan
– Angie, United Kingdom
I can not think of any way it could be bettered – the organisation was faultless. Superb – could not be faulted from start of booking to end of tour.
– Ron, United Kingdom
Our trip was more than we could have hoped for. Our very friendly guides handled it professionally, and the hotels and food were spectacular.
– Lynn & Steve, USA
The tour was most enjoyable from every aspect – itinerary, accommodation, tour leader, food. Five gold stars
– Elizabeth, Australia
It was a wonderful tour! There were some interesting outings that enabled us to really learn about Ireland.
– Diane & Nancy, Ontario, Canada
Why McKinlay Kidd?
- Everything we recommend has been tried and tested by us
- Itineraries designed to help you explore beyond the tourist spots
- Hand-picked guides, for stories and insights that only locals would know
- Stay in carefully-selected, family-owned accommodation
- Meet and engage with local people
- Your trip planned exactly how you want it
- Personal - human - point of contact from start to finish
- Specialists on hand to help plan the finer details
- Ask us anything you want to, any time you want to
- We're contactable 24/7 throughout your trip
- Create your perfect trip, individually designed and booked for you
- It's fully flexible - want to add extra nights, activities or tours? No problem
- Let us know about any specific requirements and we'll do our utmost to accommodation
- Personalised recommendations, created for you and your trip
Other Ways To Travel This Spring/Summer
Self-guided Holidays
Tailor-made Holidays
