Of course, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are different – as different as pasties, haggis, colcannon and Welsh cakes. As for landscapes, contrast the Scottish Highlands and islands with the Welsh valleys and dramatic coastline. Natural wonders? How about the extraordinary Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland (that’s Game of Thrones country). And England’s variety astonishes visitors, from the romantic Lake District and Cornwall to castles, stately homes and elegant gardens. Follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare and Harry Potter; visit the free, world-class museums and galleries in cities, such as London, Manchester, Liverpool, Oxford and Bath, Glasgow and Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.
TIP: Herefordshire’s Golden Valley looks ‘forever England’. Stroll round picture-postcard villages, such as Peterchurch, Vowchurch and Turnastone. At the 800-year-old Pandy Inn in Dorstone, relax over pints of proper cider produced by Gwatkin’s, just down the valley in Abbey Dore.
McKinlay Kidd's "Journey Through the Western Isles " is ideal for those who want a relaxing self-drive tour of these truly captivating Scottish islands, taking you from Barra in the south through the Uists, to Harris, Lewis and finishing on Skye. Available as ferry-based holiday, or as fly-drive from Glasgow, with one way car hire on the islands.
A study of ten of Britain’s greatest buildings – their history, architecture, sculpture, stained glass and current life.
Wessex: close to our home base, and close to our hearts. We invite you to join us and see why - in this tour of a beautiful region of England, which perfectly encapsulates the history and culture of the country
A self-guided hike from the Cathedral city of Exeter, down to maritime Dartmouth, taking in the Teign Gorge, Chagford, infamous Dartmoor itself, the River Dart, Dartington Hall and Totnes.
Scottish Islands & Highlands from Rail Holidays of the World is an exhilarating holiday in United Kingdom. Available from 5 Sep 2025 to 5 Sep 2025 this 14 day trip costs from £3,495.
The finest country houses and gardens in northern England, from medieval to Victorian, with an emphasis on the eighteenth century.
All aspects of the country house are studied – architecture, furniture, decoration, works of art; gardens and parks; historical context and daily life; conservation and custodianship.
Unrushed: there is plenty of time.
Shetland & Orkney from Rail Holidays of the World is an exhilarating holiday in United Kingdom. Available from 27 May 2025 to 27 May 2025 this 15 day trip costs from £3,475.
Join us on an exploration of the raw beauty and richly-layered history of this most distinctive English region. Few areas so large come to be defined by a single work of man, but the Wall Country has had a special character since the Romans first set this great work in trail over field, hill, crag and river nearly two thousand years ago.
Fly into Glasgow or Edinburgh for a transfer, or make your own way to the Equestrian Centre by car. Each week will start with two nights in the on-site hotel . Once you are on the trail ride you will stay in a variety of Inns and Castles, most with spas so you can ease the aches of a long day in the saddle.
See Scotland's most distinctive lochs, mountains, moors and castles while touring on the world-renowned West Highland and Kyle Lines on a guided train tour.
