How much does it cost?

From £2,059 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $2,781 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is the train travel included?

Yes. Rail travel and seat reservations from your home station to Bournemouth, the tour base, are included in Standard or First Class.

Is this an escorted tour?

Yes, an experienced Railtrail Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout.

Which hotels are used?

The Queens Hotel & Spa in Bournemouth (split across the start and end of the trip), the Merton Hotel in Jersey for three nights, and the Peninsula Hotel in Guernsey for three nights.

Which islands does the tour visit?

Jersey, Guernsey, Herm and Sark, reached from a base in Bournemouth.

When does this tour run?

Two departures are listed for 2026, in July and September.

Railtrail Tours · Escorted tour

Jersey, Guernsey, Herm & Sark 2026

Escorted Channel Islands tour by rail and ferry from Bournemouth

Railtrail Tours runs this 9-day escorted tour of the Channel Islands, starting and ending in Bournemouth. Travelers take the train from their home station to Bournemouth on Day 1 for a night at the Queens Hotel & Spa, then cross the English Channel to Jersey for three nights at the Merton Hotel. Jersey days include a full 'Round Island' excursion to St Brelade's Bay, St Ouen's Bay and the Corbiere Lighthouse, plus a leisure day with options such as the Durrell Wildlife Park or the Jersey War Tunnels. The tour then crosses to Guernsey for three nights at the Peninsula Hotel, with day trips to the car-free islands of Herm, reachable only by boat, and Sark, toured by horse and carriage. A Railtrail Tour Manager travels with the group throughout, and the trip returns to Bournemouth before the homeward rail journey. The operator rates the activity level as Moderate, and the trip suits travelers who want a guided introduction to the islands with some independent time built in.

What to know before you look closer

Day 4 in Jersey is unguided leisure time; options such as St Helier shopping, the Durrell Wildlife Park, or the Jersey War Tunnels are not part of the guided program.
The Sark cream tea on Day 7 is offered as an option, so it is not confirmed as included in the tour price.

Day by day

Day 1overnight: Queens Hotel & Spa, Bournemouth
Bournemouth
Journey from your home station to Bournemouth and, on arrival, we will make our way to the Queens Hotel for our overnight stay. We enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before meeting for our first evening meal together.
Day 2overnight: Merton Hotel, Jersey
Cross to Jersey
After an early breakfast this morning, we cross the English Channel to Jersey. We transfer to the Merton Hotel for our three-night stay and enjoy our evening meal together.
Day 3overnight: Merton Hotel, Jersey
Jersey Round Island Excursion
Full day 'Round Island' excursion including St Brelade's Bay, St Ouen's Bay, St Aubin's, Jersey Pearl, and the Corbiere Lighthouse.
Day 4overnight: Merton Hotel, Jersey
Jersey at Leisure
A leisurely day in Jersey with options including central St Helier shopping, the Durrell Wildlife Park, or the Jersey War Tunnels.
Day 5overnight: Peninsula Hotel, Guernsey
Cross to Guernsey
Leisurely breakfast and free time before the ferry crossing to Guernsey. Transfer to the Peninsula Hotel for a three-night stay.
Day 6overnight: Peninsula Hotel, Guernsey
Herm Island
Journey to the tranquil, car-free Herm Island, reachable only by boat, before returning to Guernsey.
Day 7overnight: Peninsula Hotel, Guernsey
Isle of Sark
Cruise to the car-free Isle of Sark and tour by horse and carriage, with the option of a Sark cream tea.
Day 8overnight: Queens Hotel & Spa, Bournemouth
Return to Bournemouth
Depart for Poole and, on arrival, return to the Queens Hotel in Bournemouth for free time ahead of the final evening meal.
Day 9
Homeward Journey
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Bournemouth and make our way to the station for our homeward journeys.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2Cross the English Channel to Jersey and transfer to the Merton Hotel for a three-night stay.
Day 3Full-day 'Round Island' excursion of Jersey, including St Brelade's Bay, St Ouen's Bay, St Aubin's, Jersey Pearl, and the Corbiere Lighthouse.
Day 6Journey to the tranquil, car-free Herm Island, reachable only by boat.
Day 7Cruise to the car-free Isle of Sark and tour by horse and carriage.

Included

8 nights bed, breakfast & evening meal
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class)
Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described
All excursions & admissions as detailed

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From £2,059 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $2,781 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is the train travel included?: Yes. Rail travel and seat reservations from your home station to Bournemouth, the tour base, are included in Standard or First Class.
Is this an escorted tour?: Yes, an experienced Railtrail Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout.
Which hotels are used?: The Queens Hotel & Spa in Bournemouth (split across the start and end of the trip), the Merton Hotel in Jersey for three nights, and the Peninsula Hotel in Guernsey for three nights.
Which islands does the tour visit?: Jersey, Guernsey, Herm and Sark, reached from a base in Bournemouth.
When does this tour run?: Two departures are listed for 2026, in July and September.