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Euroventure · Self-guided rail tour

England & Scotland

Self-guided rail loop from London through Bath, Liverpool, York, Inverness to Edinburgh

Illustration of England & Scotland

Euroventure's England and Scotland is a 15-day self-guided rail tour that departs London, loops through six cities across England and Scotland, and ends in Edinburgh. You travel independently on scheduled trains between Bath, Liverpool, York, Inverness, and Edinburgh, spending two to three nights in each location. The operator includes all rail tickets, seat reservations, accommodation in centrally located hotels and hostels, walking directions to each property, and a personalised travel booklet with maps and local tips. On Day 1, you explore London's Buckingham Palace and River Thames before boarding a 1.5-hour train to Bath, where you visit the Roman Baths and Royal Crescent. From Bath, trains carry you north through Liverpool (home of the Beatles Story Museum and Albert Dock), medieval York (with its city walls and minster), and Inverness (gateway to Loch Ness and the Highlands), before arriving in Edinburgh for the Royal Mile and Arthur's Seat. This tour suits independent travellers new to rail travel, history lovers, and budget-conscious explorers who want flexibility to set their own daily schedule.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a self-guided tour; there are no tour leaders or group activities included (walking tours and pub crawls are optional add-ons available at partner hostels).
  • Hotels are described as 'top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels' but the evidence does not specify which properties are booked or the standard of each.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: London

    London (3 nights)

    Begin your adventure in London, where regal palaces meet modern skyscrapers. Highlights: visit Buckingham Palace and the historic banks of the River Thames; explore London's world-class museums, galleries and theatres; sample traditional afternoon tea or fish and chips. Train to Bath - 1.5 hours.

  2. Day 4overnight: Bath

    Bath (2 nights)

    Bath is renowned for its Roman Baths, Georgian architecture and rich cultural heritage. Highlights: visit the Roman Baths; stroll the Royal Crescent; relax at the Thermae Bath Spa. Trains to Liverpool - 4 hours.

  3. Day 6railovernight: Liverpool

    Liverpool (2 nights)

    Liverpool is known for its rich musical legacy as the birthplace of The Beatles, and its iconic waterfront. Highlights: visit the Albert Dock; explore the Beatles Story Museum; discover Liverpool Cathedral. Train to York - 2.5 hours.

  4. Day 8overnight: York

    York (2 nights)

    York is renowned for its well-preserved medieval charm; also one of the most haunted cities in England. Highlights: walk the York City Walls; visit York Minster; wander the Shambles. Trains to Inverness - 7 hours.

  5. Day 10railovernight: Inverness

    Inverness (2 nights)

    Inverness, the heart of the Highlands, is steeped in history and mystery, with nearby Loch Ness. Highlights: visit Inverness Castle; explore Loch Ness; stroll the Ness Islands. Train to Edinburgh - 3.5 hours.

  6. Day 12railovernight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh (2 nights)

    Edinburgh blends ancient history with vibrant culture, a dramatic skyline and world-famous festivals. Highlights: walk the Royal Mile; hike Arthur's Seat; enjoy views from Calton Hill. Train to London - 4 hours.

  7. Day 14overnight: London

    London (1 night)

    End your adventure back in London; rest for a night or continue to explore the museums and parks that make London unique.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrive in London and visit Buckingham Palace and the banks of the River Thames.
  • Day 4Explore the Roman Baths and stroll the Royal Crescent in Bath.
  • Day 6Visit the Beatles Story Museum at Liverpool's Albert Dock.

Included

  • All overland transport tickets from the first to the last city, as shown in the map
  • Any Interrail or Eurail passes if required, based on the best value for you
  • All possible seat reservations on high-speed rail, night trains or ferries
  • Accommodation in top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels - tested by us
  • Walking directions between the stations and your booked accommodation
  • Travel Disruption Protection - alternative travel included if there is a strike or similar disruption
  • Access to our 24hr emergency phone number while you're away
  • A personalised travel booklet with maps, language guides, top tips, and more
  • Exclusive discounts on attractions across Europe
  • 1GB of Free Data, with the option to add more anytime with eSIM

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included?
Yes. Euroventure includes all overland transport tickets from London to Edinburgh, any required Interrail or Eurail passes, and all seat reservations on high-speed rail or ferries.
Is this a guided tour or independent?
It is a self-guided rail tour. You travel at your own pace. Walking tours and pub crawls are optional paid activities available at partner hostels.
What is included in the accommodation?
All 14 nights in top-rated, centrally located hostels or hotels. Euroventure provides walking directions between stations and your booked accommodation.
How many nights do you spend in each city?
London 3 nights (Days 1-3), Bath 2 nights (Days 4-5), Liverpool 2 nights (Days 6-7), York 2 nights (Days 8-9), Inverness 2 nights (Days 10-11), Edinburgh 2 nights (Days 12-13), and London 1 night (Day 14).
What is not included?
Flights to London, optional gateway transport from a UK home station, meals and attractions (though exclusive discounts on attractions are provided), and optional activities at hostels.
What happens if there is a train strike?
Euroventure's Travel Disruption Protection includes alternative travel at no extra cost if there is a strike or similar disruption.

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