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Rail Escape

British Isles Tour From London to Lochs

Nine-day rail journey from London through Newcastle, Edinburgh to Scottish Highlands

Illustration of British Isles Tour From London to Lochs

Rail Escape's British Isles Tour From London to Lochs is a 9-day journey through four of Britain's most significant cities and landscapes. The tour departs London, traveling by first-class rail north through Newcastle and into Scotland, reaching Edinburgh and culminating in Inverness at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Days one and two are spent in London exploring royal parks, the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, and major landmarks via hop-on, hop-off buses. Day three brings a train journey to Newcastle, where you visit the Castle Keep and Grainger Town historic area. Days four and five center on Edinburgh's UNESCO World Heritage Old and New Towns, featuring the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument, and Princes Street Gardens. Day six begins with a train ride into the Highlands to Inverness, home to Inverness Castle and St Andrew's Cathedral. Day seven offers a full day to explore Highland landscapes, including optional visits to Loch Ness and Culloden. The itinerary suits first-time rail travelers, history enthusiasts, and couples seeking a blend of guided orientation and independent exploration with solid 4-star accommodations and daily breakfast throughout.

What to know before you look closer

  • Excursions, activities, and entrance fees beyond the itinerary are not included; visits to Edinburgh Castle, Loch Ness tours, and Culloden require separate payment
  • Lunch, dinner, and meals beyond daily breakfast are not included and are your responsibility
  • Local transportation within cities (taxis, buses, subways) is not included; you arrange and pay for your own city travel
  • Some regional trains may offer only second-class seating despite the package promise of first-class rail travel

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: London

    Arrive in London

    Welcome to England's iconic capital! After checking into your hotel for two nights, get oriented by taking a walk through one of London's beautiful royal parks like Hyde Park or St. James's Park. In the evening, explore the bustling Covent Garden area with its street performers, restaurants, and pubs. [Night in London]

  2. Day 2overnight: London

    Sights of Central London

    Use a hop-on, hop-off bus tour to see London's top attractions at your own pace. Be sure to hop off at Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the guard ceremony. Other highlights could include the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and Trafalgar Square. [Night in London]

  3. Day 3railovernight: Newcastle

    Travel to Newcastle

    After breakfast, depart London and take the train north to Newcastle upon Tyne. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring this vibrant city on the River Tyne. Visit the Castle Keep, one of Newcastle's most iconic landmarks, and stroll through the Grainger Town historical area. [Night in Newcastle]

  4. Day 4railovernight: Edinburgh

    Journey to Edinburgh

    Leave Newcastle after breakfast and continue by train into Scotland to the capital city of Edinburgh. After checking into your hotel for two nights, get your first taste of this historic city by strolling along the iconic Royal Mile and seeing Edinburgh Castle towering above. [Night in Edinburgh]

  5. Day 5overnight: Edinburgh

    Exploring Edinburgh

    Today, experience the highlights of Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit iconic sights like the Scott Monument, Princes Street Gardens, and the gothic cathedral of St Giles' on the Royal Mile. You may also want to tour the intriguing Edinburgh Castle. [Night in Edinburgh]

  6. Day 6railovernight: Inverness

    Travel to Inverness

    Depart Edinburgh after breakfast and take the train into the Scottish Highlands to Inverness. After checking into your hotel for two nights, spend the afternoon getting acquainted with Inverness by walking along the River Ness and seeing Inverness Castle and St Andrew's Cathedral. [Night in Inverness]

  7. Day 7overnight: Inverness

    Discover the Highlands

    Use this full day to explore the natural beauty of the Highlands. Consider taking a tour to iconic Loch Ness, visiting the battlefield of Culloden, or exploring the picturesque villages and landscapes of the surrounding area. [Night in Inverness]

  8. Day 8railovernight: London

    Return to London

    After breakfast, take a train back to London. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for your final night. Use this afternoon to visit any London attractions you missed at the start of your trip or do some last-minute shopping. [Night in London]

  9. Day 9

    Depart London

    On your final morning, enjoy any last sights or activities in London before departing home. You might want to visit a museum you missed earlier or simply relax in one of London's charming neighborhoods before saying goodbye to the UK.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace during a hop-on, hop-off bus tour of London's central attractions
  • Day 4Take the train north into Scotland and arrive in Edinburgh, with Edinburgh Castle visible above the Royal Mile on your first walk through the city
  • Day 5Explore Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Scott Monument, Princes Street Gardens, and St Giles' Cathedral
  • Day 6Travel by train into the Scottish Highlands and arrive in Inverness, then walk along the River Ness past Inverness Castle
  • Day 7Full day exploring the Highlands, with options to visit Loch Ness, Culloden battlefield, or picturesque village landscapes

Included

  • Welcome Package: Receive a personalized welcome package upon arrival, including travel essentials and detailed itinerary information to ensure a seamless start to your journey.
  • First-Class Rail Travel: Experience the ultimate in comfort and style with first-class rail travel throughout your itinerary. Please note that some regional trains may only offer second-class seating.
  • 4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy luxurious 4-star-plus accommodations in all cities, conveniently located near train stations for easy access and maximum convenience.
  • Daily Breakfast: Start each day with a delicious full breakfast, provided at all hotel accommodations, offering a variety of local and international options.
  • Airport Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Not included

  • International Airfare: Flights to and from Europe are not included in the package price. Rail Escape can offer an additional reservation of flights.
  • Excursions Activities and Entrance Fees: Any tours, excursions, or activities are not included and may incur additional costs.
  • Meals Beyond Breakfast: While a full breakfast is provided daily, lunch, dinner, and any additional meals or snacks are not included and are the guest’s responsibility.
  • Local taxes or fees: The packages do not include additional local taxes or fees, such as hotel tourism taxes.
  • Personal Expenses: Personal shopping, souvenirs, and additional hotel services (e.g., minibar, laundry, room service) are not covered.
  • Tips and Gratuities: Gratuities for hotel staff, guides, and drivers are not included and are at the guest’s discretion.
  • Local Transportation: Transportation within cities, such as taxis, buses, and subways, is not included.

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included in the package price?
Yes, first-class rail travel is included throughout the itinerary from London to Newcastle, Newcastle to Edinburgh, Edinburgh to Inverness, and the return to London. Rail Escape notes that some regional trains may only offer second-class seating.
What meals are included?
Daily full breakfast is provided at all hotels. Lunch, dinner, and other meals are not included and are your responsibility.
Is the tour escorted or self-guided?
The tour is largely self-guided. You receive a welcome package and itinerary details. In London and Edinburgh, you use hop-on, hop-off bus tours and walk freely through cities. In the Highlands, suggested activities are optional and not included.
What hotels are included?
The package includes 4-star hotels: Hilton London Euston (3 nights), Crowne Plaza Newcastle (1 night), Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh (2 nights), and River Ness Hotel Inverness (2 nights). All are located near train stations.
Are airport transfers included?
Yes, airport transfers for arrival and departure are included in the package.
What is not included in the price?
International airfare, excursions and entrance fees, meals beyond breakfast, local taxes or fees, personal expenses, tips and gratuities, and local transportation within cities (taxis, buses, subways) are not included.

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