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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Royal Tour of Britain

London, York, and Edinburgh rail tour of royal Britain

Illustration of Royal Tour of Britain

Railbookers operates this 10-day independent rail vacation through England and Scotland, running from London to Edinburgh by way of York. Four nights in London open the trip with a small-group city tour, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, and afternoon tea on day 2, followed by a private guided tour of Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle on day 4. First-class trains carry the trip north: two nights in York include independent sightseeing at the National Railway Museum and York Minster on day 6, and three nights in Edinburgh close the trip with the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and Edinburgh Castle. The hotel options lean upscale, including the InterContinental London Park Lane and the Conrad London St. James. This trip suits travelers drawn to British royal history who want private and small-group guided access to major sites, balanced with unscheduled time such as day 3's own-pace exploring in London.

What to know before you look closer

  • The private guided tour of Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle on day 4 runs Thursday to Sunday only, per the included list.
  • The hotel list is 18 accommodation OPTIONS across tiers and cities, so the actual hotel depends on the tier and city you choose.
  • No departure dates are listed in this evidence pack; confirm current availability with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: London

    Your Journey Begins in London

    Welcome to London! You will be met on arrival at the airport and driven to your city center hotel where you can check in for a four-night stay. The remainder of the day is yours to explore.

  2. Day 2overnight: London

    London

    Enjoy a fabulous introduction to London this morning with a panoramic tour, then a quintessentially British afternoon tour. Watch The Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace, then enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at the Rubens at the Palace Hotel.

  3. Day 3overnight: London

    London

    Continue exploring the city at your own pace, then enjoy an unforgettable ride on the iconic London Eye. Step into your glass capsule and take in unobstructed, panoramic views of London's most famous landmarks.

  4. Day 4overnight: London

    Hampton Court and Windsor Castle

    This morning you will be met by a qualified driver and guide leading you around two of the world's most important historical buildings: Windsor Castle, including St Georges Chapel, and Hampton Court Palace, the former residence of Henry VIII.

  5. Day 5railovernight: York

    London to York

    Following breakfast head up to Kings Cross for your first-class rail journey to York. In just over two hours you will be checking in at your hotel for a two-night stay.

  6. Day 6railovernight: York

    York

    A full day of independent sightseeing lies ahead today, with the use of your all inclusive pass. Visit the impressive National Railway Museum and see the royal carriages, then visit the glorious York Minster.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Edinburgh

    York to Edinburgh

    Make your way to the station for your first-class train to the Scottish capital Edinburgh. The journey is under three hours. Once you've arrived make your way to your hotel for a three-night stay.

  8. Day 8overnight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    Enjoy a good Scottish breakfast at your hotel this morning, then it's off to enjoy the day. Take a sightseeing bus out towards the port of Leith, where you can hop onboard The Royal Yacht Britannia.

  9. Day 9overnight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    A final day of sightseeing ahead: first the Royal family's official residence in Scotland, The Palace of Holyroodhouse, then walk up to Edinburgh Castle, home to St Margaret's Chapel and the Stone of Destiny.

  10. Day 10rail

    Your Journey Ends in Edinburgh

    Be it a transfer to the airport, train back to London, or onwards travel let any of our Rail Experts know what you need, and we can make it happen.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace, followed by afternoon tea at the Rubens at the Palace Hotel.
  • Day 3A ride on the London Eye with panoramic views over the city's landmarks.
  • Day 4A private guided tour of Windsor Castle, including St George's Chapel, and Hampton Court Palace, the former residence of Henry VIII.
  • Day 8A visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia at the port of Leith.
  • Day 9Visits to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle, home to St Margaret's Chapel and the Stone of Destiny.

Included

  • First Class Rail travel from London to York, and York to Edinburgh
  • 4 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in London
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in York
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Edinburgh
  • Small group city tour of London with afternoon tea at the Rubens at the Palace hotel
  • London Eye Skip the Line Tickets
  • A private guided tour of Hampton Court Palace, and Windsor Castle (Thurs-Sun only)
  • York Sightseeing Pass including optional activities and entrances: York Minster, York Mansion House, The National Railway Museum, Much, much, more!
  • Fast track entrance to Edinburgh Castle, The Palace of Holyroodhouse, and The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh
  • Hop-on Hop-off pass in Edinburgh
  • Private transfer from airport to hotel in London

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included on this trip?
Yes, first-class rail travel is included from London to York and from York to Edinburgh.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It's an independent rail vacation with small-group and private guided tours included, such as the Hampton Court and Windsor Castle tour on day 4, alongside independent sightseeing days like day 6 in York.
Which hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 18 accommodation options across London, York, and Edinburgh, including the InterContinental London Park Lane and the Conrad London St. James in London and The Grand York in York; the final hotel depends on the tier and city selected.
How many nights are spent in each city?
Four nights in London, two nights in York, and three nights in Edinburgh.
Is there anything to know about the Hampton Court and Windsor Castle tour?
It runs Thursday to Sunday only, per the included list.

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