adeo Travel · Independent Rail Tour

England and Scotland by Rail

Independent 12-day England and Scotland rail tour on BritRail passes

England and Scotland by Rail, a rail journey with adeo Travel

adeo Travel runs this 12-day independent rail tour that starts in Oxford and finishes in London, crossing England and Scotland by train. An 8-day BritRail Flexi Pass covers the rail legs between six base cities: Oxford, Windermere in the Lake District, Glasgow, Edinburgh, York and London, with most stops lasting two nights before the next journey. Three small-group day excursions are included, led by local guides and drivers: a drive through Cotswold villages from Moreton-in-Marsh, a tour of the Lake District's mountain passes and valleys, and a Highlands excursion to Glencoe and Rannoch Moor from Glasgow. On the other days, travelers plan their own sightseeing, whether that means Oxford University's colleges, the Royal Mile up to Edinburgh Castle, or York Minster. It suits couples and independent-minded travelers who want a pre-booked rail pass and hotels but prefer to set their own pace between the three organized excursions.

What to know before you look closer

  • All six representative hotels in the itinerary are listed as '(or similar)', so the exact property can change before travel.
  • This is a self-guided independent tour. Outside the three included small-group day excursions (Cotswolds, Lake District, Highlands) and the Edinburgh Castle visit, travelers plan their own sightseeing and get themselves from each station to their hotel.
  • The evidence lists no current departure dates. Pricing shown is representative, based on shoulder-season (April or October) travel with two people sharing a twin/double room and standard-class rail.
  • Travelers must validate their BritRail Flexi Passes on day 1 before the first rail journey.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Oxford

    Arrival and Rail to Oxford

    After arriving in to Heathrow or Gatwick, validate your BritRail Passes and travel by rail to the historic university city of Oxford, your base for the next two nights. Here you can soak up the unique academic ambience and explore the lawns, quads and spires of renowned Oxford University which once inspired the likes of J.R.R. Tolkien and Oscar Wilde. Perhaps visit one or more of the famous colleges such as Magdalene and Christchurch or the Bodleian Library and New College Hall which were used as parts of Hogwarts in the "Harry Potter" movies.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Oxford

    Cotswolds Excursion

    Today is dedicated to exploring the quintessential English landscapes and villages of the Cotswolds – take a short rail ride from Oxford to the market town of Moreton-on Marsh. Meet your local driver to begin your scenic journey through the country lanes and rolling hills of the heart of England. Visit eccentrically named villages such as Upper Slaughter, Stow-on-the-Wold and Broadway each bustling with local markets, honey-coloured homes and thatch cottages.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Bowness-on-Windermere

    Rail to Lake Windermere

    This morning board the train for a journey to the North of England and the rustic landscapes of Cumbria. Arriving in the beautiful market town of Windermere on the shores of the famous Lake Windermere make your way to your hotel to drop your bags. Spend the afternoon exploring this charming lakeside town – wander the local boutiques, visit The World of Beatrix Potter exhibition, hike along the shores of the lake or take a private boat or leisurely cruise along on the tranquil waters of Lake Windermere.

  4. Day 4overnight: Bowness-on-Windermere

    Lake District Excursion

    Today is dedicated to exploring the rugged landscapes of the Lake District with a local guide on a small-group tour of this spectacular region. Your journey will take you off the beaten track over mountain passes, through deep valleys and passing sparkling lakes, stopping at towns or villages such as Grasmere or Keswick and taking in iconic spots such as Borrowdale Valley, Thirlmere and Castlerigg Stone Circle. The highlight will be an included boat trip on one of the lakes itself.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Glasgow

    Glasgow City

    Board the train once more and head north through the rolling hills of the Scottish Lowlands on route to Scotland's largest city, Glasgow and your base for the next two nights. Explore the Victorian monuments of George Square, the bustling Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow Cathedral and necropolis, Kelvingrove Park and Museum before enjoying a vibrant Scottish nightlife around the fashionable bars of the Merchant City or the West End.

  6. Day 6overnight: Glasgow

    Glencoe, Highlands and Lochs Excursion

    Today enjoy a small-group excursion for a taste of Scotland's dramatic Highlands. Meet your driver and group in the heart of Glasgow then head north passing the historic town of Inveraray and its white-washed castle on route to Scotland's scenic West Coast. Pause in Oban for lunch before continuing deep into Glencoe Valley. By afternoon you'll return south over the barren Rannoch Moor and along the banks of Loch Lomond.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Edinburgh

    Rail to Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle

    Today make the short journey east to the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh. Explore this magnificent city from the winding streets of the cobbled Old Town to the wide avenues of the opulent Georgian New Town. Stroll past the Gothic Burns Monument and through Princes Street Gardens before climbing the Royal Mile to the city's centrepiece at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and St Margaret's Chapel.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Edinburgh

    Explore Edinburgh City and Stirling Castle

    Today explore Edinburgh in more depth; perhaps enjoy shopping along Princes Street, visit Scotland's national museums and galleries or discover Royal Edinburgh with visits to the Palace of Holyrood House or the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith Docks. By afternoon, take a short rail journey from Edinburgh to the historic town of Stirling, whose impressive castle was once the royal seat of Scotland. Alternatively, take an optional small group tour to St Andrews and the Fishing Villages of Fife.

  9. Day 9railovernight: York

    Rail to York and York Minster

    Hop on the train and head south through the rolling hills of the Scottish Lowlands and rugged landscapes of Northumberland to York. Wander the city from the cobbles of the famous Shambles to the medieval city walls, gates and towers. The highlight will be exploring the Gothic masterpiece at the iconic York Minster.

  10. Day 10railovernight: London

    Rail to London and Icons of London

    Today you'll be whisked south to London on the high-speed line; this will be your base for your final two nights. Explore world renowned sights including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. In the east of the city you'll find the Tower of London and St Paul's Cathedral. By evening why not take a flight on the London Eye for spectacular views of the city skyline.

  11. Day 11overnight: London

    London City and Museums

    Today explore London in more depth; culture vultures will delight in some of the world's most prestigious museums and galleries including the Tate Modern, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum and the Imperial War Museum. You may choose to stroll through Hyde Park to Kensington Palace or enjoy the abundance of shopping opportunities from Oxford Street to Covent Garden.

  12. Day 12rail

    Return Home

    Today bid farewell to the UK as you board the Heathrow or Gatwick Express rail links to take you back to your departure airport.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrival at Heathrow or Gatwick, validating BritRail Flexi Passes before the rail journey to Oxford, home to the historic colleges of Oxford University.
  • Day 4A small-group Lake District excursion crosses mountain passes and deep valleys, stopping at towns such as Grasmere or Keswick and passing Borrowdale Valley, Thirlmere and Castlerigg Stone Circle.
  • Day 6A small-group excursion from Glasgow passes Inveraray and its castle, stops in Oban for lunch, continues into Glencoe Valley, then returns over Rannoch Moor.
  • Day 7The Royal Mile leads up from Edinburgh's Old Town to Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels.
  • Day 9The train south from Edinburgh crosses the Scottish Lowlands and Northumberland to York, where the day's highlight is the Gothic York Minster.

Included

  • 11 nights accommodation (suggested accommodations listed below)
  • Full cooked regional breakfast each morning
  • BritRail Flexi Passes (8 day) – 8 separate days of travel on the British National Rail Network within a one-month period, fully flexible and unlimited on each day of use, covering all outlined rail journeys including transit on the Heathrow or Gatwick Express rail links
  • Hand-picked small-group day-tour: Famous Cotswolds or Cotswold Highlights tour from Moreton-in-Marsh
  • Hand-picked small-group day-tour: Ten Lakes Spectacular Tour from Windermere, Lake District
  • Hand-picked small-group day-tour: Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs and Castles tour from Glasgow
  • Admission to Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh
  • London hop-on-hop-off bus tour to explore the city
  • Adeo travel documents pack and suggested rail schedule information for each point-to-point journey including journey durations, departure stations and travel departure times
  • Toll-free calls (from USA and Canada) to your Britain vacation specialist whilst planning your trip
  • Expert assistance during the planning of your trip and local out-of-hours number for use during travel

Not included

  • Travel on the London Underground and the Glasgow Subway rail networks (separate to the national rail network; BritRail Passes not valid)
  • Taxis / transfers from train stations to your hotels
  • Trip Insurance
  • Flights
  • Meals and/or sightseeing other than that outlined above

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. An 8-day BritRail Flexi Pass covering all the outlined rail journeys, including the Heathrow or Gatwick Express, is included in the price.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
It is a self-guided independent rail tour. adeo Travel includes three small-group day excursions (Cotswolds, Lake District, Highlands) led by local guides and drivers, but the rest of the sightseeing and travel is on your own.
What hotels are used?
The representative itinerary lists six hotels marked 'or similar': The Randolph in Oxford, Lindeth Howe in Windermere, Hotel Indigo in Glasgow, the Bonham Hotel in Edinburgh, The Grand in York and The Kensington in London.
What is not included?
The London Underground and Glasgow Subway are not covered by the BritRail Pass. Taxis or transfers between train stations and hotels, trip insurance, flights, and meals or sightseeing beyond what is listed are also not included.
How much walking is involved?
Days include city walking tours and self-managed station-to-hotel transfers with luggage. The Lake District day also offers an optional lakeside hike.

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