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The Royal Scotsman is Scotland's luxury cruise train, offering 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 night tours of the Scottish Highlands.  Run by Belmond who also run the famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and equally luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express , the Belmond Royal Scotsman sets the same top-end standards of service & cuisine.  They aim to create the atmosphere of a Scottish 5-star country house hotel and they succeed.  The 9-coach train carries a just 36 passengers maximum with a passenger to staff ratio of 3:1.  I've experienced the Royal Scotsman and it feels very exclusive, an unbeatable combination of superb scenery on Britain's most scenic train routes, country-house all-inclusive luxury with great food, wine & service and some very well-chosen off-train excursions.  A trip on the Royal Scotsman isn't cheap, but if it's a special occasion or a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a lot of Scotland in a very short time, you really won't be disappointed.  This page gives you the low-down on the Belmond Royal Scotsman experience.

The Belmond Royal Scotsman operates from April to October, offering 2, 3, 4 , 5 or 7 night itineraries.

All Belmond Royal Scotsman tours start & finish at Edinburgh Waverley station.

Some itineraries head over the famous West Highland Line , others the Highland Main Line, some the Kyle line and some a combination of these.  The tours beautifully showcase the history, culture & scenery of the Scottish Highlands.  Which tour should you choose?

Prices start from around £4,500 per person for 2 nights rising to over £13,000 for 7 nights.

The price includes all meals, alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks, on-board accommodation & off-train excursions such as (depending on the tour) a guided tour of a whisky distillery, clay pigeon shooting on a Scottish laird's estate, a visit to a highland woollen mill.

You can check itineraries, prices & departure dates at www.belmond.com/.../belmond-royal-scotsman .

Buy tickets online at www.belmond.com/.../belmond-royal-scotsman but also call Railbookers ( see here for phone numbers ) as they can sometimes offer better rates and can also sort hotels & connecting trains.

How to book a trip on the Royal Scotsman    Recommended hotels in Edinburgh    Travel to Edinburgh by train

Boarding the Belmond Royal Scotsman in Edinburgh

The lounge-observation car.

This is the social hub of the train, located either at the rear or (for some parts of the trip) immediately behind the locomotive.  The lounge has armchairs, sofas, coffee tables, a bar serving tea & coffee, alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks (all included in the price, just ask), and best of all there's an open-air observation platform, great for photography.  The day's activities, timetable & menus are posted in the carriage vestibule.  The bar carries some 30 different types of Scottish whisky, from the stronger west coast whiskies like Lagavulin, Talisker or Oban to the smoother eastern malts like Dalwhinnie.  You might not get through all 30, but with some suitable suggestions and guidance from the train manager and you may well find yourself doing some... er... interesting research...

Your private stateroom

Your wood-panelled stateroom includes two single beds (there are a few single rooms with one bed) and all the facilities of a good (though compact) hotel room:  Small en suite shower & toilet, desk, table, wardrobe, tissues, mineral water, bathrobe & slippers, writing paper, soap, fluffy towels, shampoo & shower gel.  The train is always stabled in a siding or quiet platform for the night, so you don't have to sleep on the move.  The cars were specially rebuilt as 'hotel cars' for the Belmond Royal Scotsman from 1960s Pullman seating cars.  You can find more about the history of the Belmond Royal Scotsman train here .

The dining experience

The Belmond Royal Scotsman has two dining cars, Raven with a long central table & 16 seats, and Victory with conventional restaurant car tables offering 20 seats.  Victory dates from 1945 making it the oldest car on the train.  The meals and well-chosen wines are all included in the price.  The food is cooked on board in the train's tiny kitchen, and it's excellent.  At least one dinner on each tour is 'formal', so remember to bring your dinner jacket!

Off-train excursions

Each Belmond Royal Scotsman tour includes several well-chosen off-train excursions, which vary depending on which tour you choose.  Be warned, the clay pigeon shooting is addictive.  Tea & coffee followed afterwards at the big house, where you may even get to meet the Laird.  In the evening over after-dinner drinks in the lounge car, you may be privileged to listen to Highlander Ray Owens talk about 17th century Highland Life, which he can bring alive like no-one else.

The scenery

If you drive around the Highlands, the winding single-track roads of childhood memory have sadly been replaced across much of the countryside by wide straight 60mph concrete highways blasted thoughtlessly through the landscape.  The good news is that you can still see unspoilt Highland countryside from Scotland's railways, and the train takes you through some of the best scenery in Scotland (or indeed, in Britain).  The most scenic route of all is probably the West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William & Mallaig , so for sheer remote Highland beauty take one of the itineraries heading up this route.  But the Highland Line is also beautiful as the photos below try to show, and itineraries that travel over the Highland Line usually return via the famous Tay & Forth Bridges between Dundee & Edinburgh.

The Tay & Forth Bridges

The Belmond's Royal Scotsman 2-night Taste of the Highlands, 4-night Scotland's Classic Splendours, 5-night Grand Taste of the Highlands & 7-night Grand Western Scenic Wonders tours usually take you over the famous Tay Bridge & Forth Bridge between Dundee & Edinburgh, and these deserve a special mention.  Once the longest & largest bridges in the world, it's a real privilege to cross them standing on the Belmond Royal Scotsman's open-air viewing platform, as you get views and a photo opportunity that you simply don't get from any regular sealed-in train.  As you can see in the photo below, the stumps of the piers from the first (1878) Tay Bridge remain visible in the water next to the current (1887) Tay Bridge, a macabre reminder of the first Tay Bridge which collapsed under a train in a storm in 1879 with the loss of all 72 passengers on board.  The Tay Bridge Disaster was immortalised in a poem by William McGonagall , allegedly Scotland's worst poet.  The train was found on the sea bed, still encased in the bridge girders.  The locomotive was found relatively undamaged and was raised and returned to service.  Nicknamed 'The Diver' (it sank twice whilst being salvaged and brought ashore) it was only scrapped in 1937, but for years no driver would dare take it over the Tay Bridge...

Which tour to choose ?

You may find this map of the British train network useful .  The West Highland Line is the route from Glasgow to Fort William & Mallaig.  The Highland Line is the one from Perth to Inverness,  The Kyle Line is the one from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh.  The Tay bridge is just south of Dundee on the line to Edinburgh, the Forth Bridge is on that same line just north of Edinburgh.

If it's wild, remote Highland scenery you're after, the West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William is considered the most scenic route in Britain ( see the West Highland Line page ) so choose any of the tours that take in that route. 

If you're a Harry Potter fan, you'll also want a West Highland itinerary as these include crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct as featured in the Harry Potter films.

If you can only spare 2 nights (3 days), then take the 2-night Taste of the Highlands tour, as the Highland Line from Edinburgh via Perth to Inverness is also beautiful, if not quite a wild or remote as the West Highland Line, and you normally cross the infamous Tay Bridge & awe-inspiring Forth Bridge on the way back to Edinburgh. 

The Kyle Line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, just across the water from the Isle of Skye, is another candidate for most scenic route in Britain.  If you can't decide and just want to see everything, the 5- or 7-night itineraries cover all or almost all of the others in one trip.

How to buy tickets

Book it with Railbookers :  Call train specialist Railbookers who can book the Belmond Royal Scotsman and sometimes offer special rates.  Railbookers can also arrange hotels & scheduled train travel (such London-Edinburgh) to connect with the Royal Scotsman.

Book it with Tailor Made Rail can also organise a Royal Scotsman trip.  Call their dedicated seat61 phone line 020 3778 1461 and quote seat 61 when booking.  From outside the UK call +44 20 3778 1461.  Lines open 09:00-17:30 Monday-Friday.  See www.tailormaderail.com/trains/belmond-royal-scotsman .

Or see www.belmond.com/.../belmond-royal-scotsman .

Hotels in Edinburgh :  A tale of two rivals

Consider these two historic rival hotels before or after your Royal Scotsman tour, both luxurious hotels in prime locations, both originally built by railway companies:

The Balmoral Hotel , an excellent 5-star hotel now run by Rocco Forte.  Built in 1902 as the North British Hotel and known locally as the 'NB', this was the North British Railway's prestigious Edinburgh Hotel, located on Edinburgh's famous Princes Street right next to Waverley station where the Royal Scotsman departs and where trains from London & the south arrive.  In the 19th & early 20th centuries, the North British Railway was one of two competing railways linking Scotland with the south, handling trains to and from London's Kings Cross station via the East Coast Route via York & Newcastle.

The Caledonian Hotel , 5-star.  The Caledonian Railway was the North British Railway's arch rival, which handled trains via the West Coast Route to and from London's Euston station via Carlisle and Crewe.  In 1903, the Caledonian Railway built their own imposing railway hotel at the opposite end of Princes street, next to their own Princes Street station.  The hotel is now all that's left of Princes Street station, which was closed in 1965, all trains now use the North British Railway's Edinburgh's Waverley station.  This hotel underwent a £14m refurbishment in 2012 became The Caledonian, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

Train travel to Edinburgh

London to Edinburgh takes only 4h20 by train, city centre to city centre stress-free, trains run every hour or better and cost from just £14.90 one-way if you book in advance.  The journey takes you via York, so why not stop in York for a day on the way?  See the guide to the London to Edinburgh train journey .

History of the Royal Scotsman train

The Belmond Royal Scotsman has been running since 1985, when it was started by two entrepreneurs using an assortment of leased coaches.  It was a success, and this enabled a new purpose built (or rather, purpose rebuilt) set of Royal Scotsman carriages to be introduced in 1990.  Six of the nine coaches including most of the sleeping-cars, dining-car 'Raven' and the lounge-observation car, were rebuilt from Pullman seating cars originally built by Metro-Cammell in Birmingham in 1960 and used on prestige trains on the East Coast route between London Kings Cross, Leeds, York, Newcastle & Edinburgh.  The coaches' interiors are radically different from their original 1960 interiors, with new Edwardian-style interior wood panelling provided by a specialist firm in Bournemouth.  Dining-car number 2 'Victory' was built in 1945 as an LNER (London & North Eastern Railway) first class carriage, used for much of its life as a inspection saloon for railway officials.  The last two vehicles (one service & generator car, one crew/sleeper) were built in the early 1980s as British Rail Mark 3 sleeping-cars.  The Royal Scotsman was acquired by Orient Express Trains Ltd in 2005, and it's now part of their portfolio of world-class luxury trains.  More details about the Royal Scotsman carriages .  The locomotive that hauls the Royal Scotsman train is contracted from the West Coast Railway Co. Ltd, and it's usually a ex-British Rail class 47.  Dating from the 50s & 60s, class 47s were once the most common mainline diesel in Britain but are now a rarity.

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Experience the Magic of a Scotland Train Holiday on The Royal Scotsman Train Tour

Train tours of Scotland, simply put, don’t come any more baronial or monumental by nature than onboard the spectacular Royal Scotsman. You can journey aboard this wonderful transportable traditional country house and experience the quite remarkable grandeur of the country’s Highlands on this extraordinary luxurious Scotland train tour.

View all the Royal Scotsman tours we offer to get your trip going.

Cabin Classes

Full details on the cabin classes available on the Royal Scotsman.

Life On Board

Learn about life on board the Royal Scotsman Luxury Train.

Frequently asked questions about the Royal Scotsman luxury train.

Royal Scotsman Luxury Train Tours

Below are the rail tours we offer that use the Royal Scotsman. Just click on any tour to open a PDF containing all you need to know about the trip including a detailed itinerary, dates and prices.

● Please remember that booking as far ahead as you can in advance is essential for these trains ●

2 Nights From UK £ 4,400 per person

Contact us for quotes in other currencies

Travel straight into the heart of the Scottish Highlands, visiting enchanting sites of natural beauty and making the most of the thrilling outdoor activities

3 Nights From UK £ 6,400 per person

Explore the rugged landscapes of the West coast of Scotland

Embark on a captivating journey through Scotland’s untamed beauty.

4 Nights From UK £ 8,300 per person

Discover the wild wonders and picturesque scenery that Scotland has to offer

4 Nights From UK £ 8,900 per person

Dive into Scotland’s finest estates with untold stories and guided tours

Embark on an adventure with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, our partner for this unique journey through Scotland

5 Nights From UK £11,200 per person

Discover Scotland through the ages with unique sceneries and intriguing experiences

5 Nights From UK £ 10,400 per person

Be spirited away as you retrace part of the famed West Highland Line

A combination of the traditional Highland and scenic Western journeys

7 Nights From UK £ 14,700 per person

Explore the many wonders of the Scottish Highlands at a leisurely pace

Head West and explore the many wonders of the Scottish Highlands at a leisurely pace

Royal Scotsman Luxury train Gallery

A selection of photos below give a flavour of life on board the Royal scotsman Luxury Train.

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How can we help, which royal scotsman trips are you interested in, how did you hear about us, discover scotland train tours: unveil the spirit of scotland with our inspired itineraries..

It’s fair to say that the country has rather the reputation for being home to some truly breathtaking scenery, of which you’ll be immersed fully during a Royal Scotsman train holiday in Scotland. You are promised a captivating and awe-inspiring adventure when you depart Waverley Station in Edinburgh at the opening of the Royal Scotsman trips with beautifully curated itineraries that will generate an abundance of memories that will stay with you evermore.

The Royal Scotsman tour itineraries have been designed to provide the most meaningful on-route exploits. Each of our Scotland rail tours will deliver exceptional experiences that other rail holidays in Europe or farther afield can’t offer. You get to visit the country’s most spectacular country houses, National Parks, the finest distilleries, partake in the odd dram of malt whiskey, and many more unforgettable gems that are yours to enjoy as part of the Scotsman train journey.

The Royal Scotsman Journey: From Breathtaking Landscapes to Gourmet Delights, Embark on a Cinematic Train Tour.

If there is one thing Scotland has, and has it in abundance, it’s spectacular and breathtaking landscapes. Trips on the Royal Scotsman set off from Edinburgh, the country’s capital city, and treat its passengers to some of the most wondrous panoramas anywhere in Europe. Enjoy the stunning vistas from the open observation deck along the Royal Scotsman train route or from the luxurious dining car as you are treated to the finest Scottish produce as you indulge in a magical, fine dining experience on the Royal Scotsman train journey.

Train Holidays in Scotland: Step into Luxury with the Belmond Royal Scotsman’s Grand Suites

While it can be claimed, quite rightfully, that all accommodations onboard for the Royal Scotsman train holidays are luxurious, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to state that the edition of the Grand Suites has taken luxury train travel to the next level. Scotland rail tours enjoyed from these stunning suites would undoubtedly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most passengers looking to procure the Royal Scotsman tickets that come with a promise of complete luxury.

The tone of each Grand Suite is set using elaborate Edwardian wood marquetry and traditional tartan expressions to capture the mood for an incredible Scotland train tour. Inspired by conventional Highlands furniture and integrating deep blues, greens, and amber hues, these unique Grand Suites are to be savoured on the Royal Scotsman train journey as they blend into the natural landscapes of this extraordinary country as you relax on the Royal Scotsman tour.

The Royal Scotsman Route: Explore Iconic Destinations Like Kyle of Lochalsh, Fort William, and Rothiemurchus.

Train holidays in Scotland offer something distinct from other European adventures, and holidays on the Royal Scotsman train must be considered the pinnacle of luxury rail journeys. Those fortunate enough to experience the Royal Scotsman railway will be treated to a showcase of inspiring, spellbinding, and iconic destinations as part of a tour. The Royal Scotsman train price guarantees a matchless exploration of this exhilarating country.

One quintessential destination accessible through trips on the Royal Scotsman is the Rothiemurchus Estate at the centre of the Cairngorms National Park, where you could savour clay pigeon shooting or a fishing tour. The Scotsman train journey you take could also seize the incredible views of Ben Nevis as you wind your way through Fort William or experience arguably the most scenic route in Great Britain as you make your way to Kyle of Lochalsh on these prodigious Scotland train tours.

Exclusive Scotland Rail Tour Experiences: From the Dior Spa to Whisky Odysseys, Indulge in Unique Offerings.

Whichever one of the Belmond Royal Scotsman tour itineraries you choose to escape on, you’ll be spoilt for choice regarding how to spend your time, both on and off the train. While travelling along the Royal Scotsman railway, you can indulge by relaxing in your opulent cabin, taking in the stunning scenery, or enjoying the views from the open-air observation deck. And train tours of Scotland wouldn’t be complete without trying some of the 60 varieties of whiskey held on board included in the Royal Scotsman price.

The exceptional Dior Spa is a firm favourite among the Belmond Royal Scotsman passengers. As if journeying along the Royal Scotsman train route wasn’t luxurious enough, you can head to the Dior Spa Royal Scotsman and indulge and relax to your heart’s content. A shield of tranquillity awaits you at the spa as your train holiday in Scotland melts away the stresses and strains of everyday life, and you can just be at peace.

The Royal Scotsman Prices: Tailored Packages for an Unforgettable Train Holiday in Scotland.

If you have previously taken or know someone who has taken holidays on the Royal Scotsman train, you’ll unquestionably appreciate the variety of world-class experiences and luxury that await when you board the Royal Scotsman. Cost and value are different, and when you arrange tailored packages for the Royal Scotsman trips, you know you are getting incredible value for money by exploring a stunning country from the luxury of one of the world’s most joyful forms of transport.

Interested in the Royal Scotsman Tours for 2024? Speak To Our Experts Today!

The Royal Scotsman train holidays for 2024 from The Luxury Train Travel Company provide you with the perfect escape where you can luxuriate and relax. If you want to learn more about our beautifully crafted Scotland train tours and the Royal Scotsman prices, please contact us today and speak with an expert who will gladly answer any questions and guide you in arranging a dream adventure on the Belmond Royal Scotsman train.

THE MOST POPULAR QUESTIONS

The royal scotsman train holidays faqs, what makes the royal scotsman train tours unique.

There are many things that make the Royal Scotsman unique as a leading luxury train and assist in its operating along some of Europe’s most scenic routes. The train itself was first introduced in 1985, and thanks to its incredible country house-like interior and unrivalled amenities, these Scotland train tours are booked by people from all walks of life and from countries around the world. With sumptuous cabins and two incredible fine dining cars, the world’s finest whiskey, and impeccable staffing, and then you have the stunning Scottish landscape and tour destinations. It’s little wonder why these train tours in Scotland are so loved.

How does the Belmond Royal Scotsman ensure a luxurious experience?

From the second you arrive at Waverley Station in Edinburgh to board the Belmond Royal Scotsman, you’ll be welcomed by the crew and made to feel comfortable. On the train, the ambience is set. You’ll enjoy top-quality accommodation, fine dining in the two restaurant cars, where you’ll be served incredible meals using fresh local Scottish ingredients, and the most luxurious Christian Dior Spa. To the fantastic crew of 20 who care for your every wish, world-class panoramic views, tour destinations, and experiences. The Royal Scotsman tour itineraries were curated to provide passengers with the best of everything, so the Royal Scotsman train journey provided the height of luxury and indulgence.

Can you provide more details about the Royal Scotsman Train Route?

There are several Scotland rail tours aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman. Each tour will begin in Edinburgh at Waverley Station. There is a 2-night Taste of The Highlands tour, which journeys straight into the heart of the Scottish Highlands, visiting Rothiemurchus, Boat of Garten, Culloden, Keith, and Dundee before heading back to Edinburgh. If you want something longer, you could book the northbound 7-night Grand Western Scenic Wonders adventure. Again, departing Edinburgh on day 1, these train tours of Scotland take you to Kilmarnock, Isle of Bute, Bridge of Orchy, Spean Bridge, Dundee, Boat of Garten, Kyle of Lochalsh, Keith, and finally back to Edinburgh. Ten different routes are on offer from the Royal Scotsman railway, including 2,3,4,5, and 7-night tours.

Are there different packages available for the Royal Scotsman Tours?

The Royal Scotsman train price list isn’t necessarily cast in stone. The train tours have set routes, but if you want to add an off-train excursion that fits in with the train’s scheduled stops, feel free to speak to one of our team members, who will help arrange it. Train holidays in Scotland provide a special way of viewing some of Great Britain’s most spectacular scenery and destinations. With ten unique Scotland rail tours available through us, you’ll no doubt find one that fits your schedule and budget.

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• - Service on Board
• - Grand Suites
• - General Information
• - Edinburgh Hotels
• - Taste of the Highlands 2 Night Tour
• - Taste of the Highlands with Tom Kitchin 2 Night Tour
• - Western Scenic Wonders 3 Night Tour
• - Essence of Scotland 3 Night Tour
• - An Epicurean Highland Adventure 3 Night Tour
• - Wild Scotland 3 Night Tour
• - Scotlands Classic Splendours 4 Night Tour
• - Scotch Malt Whisky Trail 4 Night Tour
• - Heritage Homes & Gardens 4 Night Tour
• - Grand Taste of the Highlands - Westbound 5 Night Tour
• - Grand Taste of the Highlands - Northbound 5 Night Tour
• - Clans, Castles & Isles 5 Night Tour
• - Grand Western Scenic Wonders - Westbound 7 Night Tour
• - Grand Western Scenic Wonders - Northbound 7 Night Tour
• Special Offers

Belmond Royal Scotsman

Welcome aboard the belmond royal scotsman, a luxury train in scotland that is your impeccable host for a spectacular journey into the beautiful scottish highlands. this is travel the way it was meant to be: luxurious, leisurely and full of discovery., video: belmond royal scotsman.

A journey on Belmond Royal Scotsman (sister train of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express) is regarded as one of the great travel experiences. You'll be taken into the heart of Scottish history on an exclusive round trip where you'll enjoy exquisite hospitality in castles, distilleries and great country houses. So sit back, relax and let the staff of the Belmond Royal Scotsman look after your every need.

Your journey on board this luxury Scottish train offers exclusive visits to romantic castles, distilleries and private homes. Feast on gastronomic delights, prepared on board using the freshest local ingredients and accompanied by fine wines, served in one of the two Dining Cars.

Considered to be the world's most luxurious train, you will be joined by a maximum of just 35 other guests as you explore the magnificent scenery in Scotland, visiting places unseen by most visitors.

Unwind in one of the most unique spas that Scotland has to offer, on board Belmond Royal Scotsman. Two serene treatment rooms provide a haven of peace, while an exceptional menu of all-natural therapies work to rejuvenate body and mind. Simply sit back, relax and let the therapists indulge you as the beautiful scenery glides by.

Fine Dining

Dining on board this luxury train in Scotland is an exquisite experience. The fixed menus reflect the seasonal changes and are consistently regarded as the best in any hotel in the world. The extensive cellar provides a range of fine wines to accompany lunch and dinners, and a fine range of liqueurs and malt whiskies are offered. The choice of a full Scottish cooked breakfast or a Continental breakfast is available every morning.

Both Dining Cars are beautifully decorated with rich mahogany panelling and luxurious fabrics. Victory provides 16 elegant settings grouped in twos and fours, while Raven has larger tables for six or eight. This offers you the chance to make new friends with your fellow guests or simply enjoy the company of the one you're with.

After dinner, relax with a rare scotch malt whisky in the stunning Edwardian Observation Car as a local Highlander regales you with stories of life in Scotland in centuries gone by. Then, retire to your mahogany-adorned State Cabin, with private facilities, for a peaceful night's sleep as the train slips quietly into a siding where it stables for the night.

You'll taste some great whiskys on board

Drinks await as you re-board the train

A local Highlander regales stories in the Bar Car

There are a variety of rail journeys available on the Belmond Royal Scotsman, from one to seven nights in duration. You'll travel through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Europe. Travelling at a leisurely pace, so you miss none of the splendour outside your window, you'll wind your way through beautiful glens, around stunning lochs and along mile after mile of unspoilt coastline. Of course, there are stops along the way; a chance to experience Scotland at first hand, with hospitality at a number of exclusive destinations.

"When it comes to sheer glamour, no ride on rails compares with a trip on the Belmond Royal Scotsman"

This luxurious Scottish train is exclusive and intimate accommodating a maximum of only 36 guests in wonderful State Cabins, all with private facilities. Once on board, you'll find a level of hospitality and personal service that's all too rare in the modern world. From the moment you arrive, to the time when you, sadly, have to leave, you'll want for nothing. Except, perhaps, a chance to do it all again.

All prices are per person and are fully inclusive of accommodation, meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, entertainment and off-train visits, as well as the services of your on board host; there solely to make your journey more enjoyable.

Treat yourself to a memorable luxury train journey in Scotland aboard The Belmond Royal Scotsman and experience the very best of this wonderful country in world-class luxury.

Cuisine On Board Belmond Royal Scotsman

The belmond royal scotsman's restaurant has gained rightful acclaim as one of the finest in britain - moving or still. here, the fruits of scotland's famous natural larder - salmon, shellfish, game and aberdeen angus beef - are all used with verve and imagination by our award winning chef..

Dining on the Belmond Royal Scotsman is an exquisite experience. Our fixed menus reflect the many seasonal changes and are consistently regarded as amongst the very finest in Britain.

The train's chefs create dishes to exacting standards despite the restricted space. Dining on board the beautifully decorated, mahogany-panelled dining room is an experience to savour with meals prepared with local ingredients, such as Scottish smoked salmon, and served with wine for all tastes.

Our extensive cellar provides a range of fine wines to accompany lunch and dinner, and we offer a fine range of liqueurs and malt whiskies. The choice of a full Scottish cooked breakfast or a continental breakfast is available every morning.

Both Dining Cars are beautifully decorated with rich mahogany panelling and luxurious fabrics. Victory provides sixteen elegant settings grouped in twos and fours, while Raven has larger tables for six or eight. This offers you the chance to make new friends with your fellow guests or simply enjoy the company of the one you're with.

Superb dining on board

Max, the Head Steward

Great local produce served

Formal and informal dinners.

There are formal and informal dinners aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, usually on alternate nights. For the formal dinners we encourage a tuxedo or kilt for gentleman and a cocktail dress or similar evening wear for ladies. For the informal dinners a jacket and tie is the norm for gentlemen, except at times of unusually hot weather.

With its game-rich glens, lush pastures cropped by Aberdeen Angus cattle and rivers home to wild salmon, it's not surprising that Scotland is known for flavoursome, quality cuisine. Not only is the country's beef exceptional, but the choice of other tasty meats includes grouse, pheasant and venison, all of which speak of mountains and forests where creatures roam free. The jagged coastline, with its islands and inlets, shelters a wealth of seafood including scallops, oysters, crabs and other shellfish, while further inland are the lochs and burns where trout and other freshwater fish swim. All of these are brought to table with local specialities from the fields – oatcakes, neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes) – and followed up with delectable desserts that include delicious Dundee fruit cake and melt-in-the-mouth shortbreads.

There's nothing quite like a hearty Highland breakfast, especially when it's served aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman train. Succulent kippers, potato scones and a steaming bowl of porridge get the day off to a warming start. Admire the picturesque surroundings as you take lunch. A bowl of lightly steamed mussels by a romantic harbour or vegetable-rich Scotch broth in a cosy inn are the perfect preparation for a whisky-tasting session or exploring an ancient castle with the laird. Aboard the train, a lunch might start with lightly seared salmon, in preparation for the wicked sticky toffee pudding to come. Dishes are served as the train passes the dramatic landscapes that supply them: fields of barley, open seas with fishing boats, streams tumbling down from misty mountains.

As evening falls, the train's grand formal dinner is a highlight of any journey. Guests are invited to dress the part and are welcomed to the bar and dining cars where they can enjoy an aperitif. Once seated at softly lit tables, the menu might begin with a warm pigeon salad accompanied by blackcurrant dressing, continue with spiced roast halibut and conclude with vanilla apple mousse. For while the ingredients of Scottish cooking are wholesome, fresh-from-the-fields produce, the ways in which they are prepared are as innovative as one would expect of a nation long accustomed to welcoming visitors to its shores.

Sample Menus

Chicken and langoustines salad with baby squash and queen scallops ~~~~ bitter chocolate tart with kumquat marmalade, seared scallops with sauce vierge ~~~~ roast loin of lamb with wild mushrooms and truffle risotto ~~~~ iced hazelnut parfait with raspberry coulis ~~~~.

There is a fixed menu for each meal, but do request an alternative if the posted menu does not suit you. Special diets can be arranged with the Chef on board - just advise us in advance.

Belmond Royal Scotsman - General Information

Check-in procedure.

All tours depart from Edinburgh Waverley Station. Check-in is at least 40 minutes prior to departure at The Balmoral Hotel , after which your Host and Crew members will escort you and your luggage onto the train.

All Inclusive Prices

These offer outstanding value and include luxury twin or single state cabin accommodation with en suite bathroom, all meals, wines, all alcoholic and other beverages, visits and entertainment.

Special Diets

These can be arranged with the Chef on board - just advise us in advance. There is a fixed menu for each meal, but do request an alternative if the posted menu does not suit you. Please advise us at the time of booking of any allergies which we need to be aware of.

For daytime excursions and relaxing on board, we recommend casual, comfortable clothing. In the evening we recommend a jacket and tie for informal dinners and black tie/tuxedo or kilt for formal dinners (see journey itinerary for details).

Cabins on the train have limited space, therefore we recommend each guest travels with one suitcase and one carry-on bag. Twin State Cabins have storage space under each bed measuring 71cm x 23cm. If necessary, facilities are available at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh for luggage storage during your journey. If you are staying at another hotel, please ask the Hotel Manager. Prior to boarding, please attach a Belmond Royal Scotsman luggage label to each piece of your luggage.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement that all clients read the Booking Conditions . Travel insurance is essential for ensuring peace of mind. You can arrange travel insurance online here .

Children and Pets

For safety reasons, pets are not permitted on the train. Children under 12 years of age may be permitted on the train - please contact us for details.

Electricity

There are electrical outlets in all cabins. Electricity in the UK runs on 220/240 volts. You may wish to bring an adapter for electrical appliances.

Wheelchair Access

Guests with restricted mobility, or those confined to a wheelchair are asked to contact us to discuss the suitability of a journey aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman.

In accordance with Scottish Law, smoking is not permitted on board the train at any time.

Service On Board the Belmond Royal Scotsman

The secret of the belmond royal scotsman's success is the service guests receive. so attentive is it that all you have to do is simply arrive, unpack and relax. everything else is taken care of. you can even leave your wallet or purse tucked safely away, as all meals, drinks, entertainment and excursions are included., pure relaxation; natural splendour.

On the Belmond Royal Scotsman, you'll find total relaxation is achieved with remarkable ease. The Observation Car is an Edwardian masterpiece of refined, relaxed elegance. Here, you can relax on a large sofa or comfortable armchair, and take in the ever-changing scenery outside your window.

If you'd like to get even closer to Scotland's natural beauty, the verandah at the rear of the train is an exhilarating spot to catch the air as it swishes gently past.

The Spa Car adds another unexpected level of extravagance. Unwind in one of the most unique spas that Scotland has to offer, where two serene treatment rooms provide a haven of peace. Relax with an indulgent massage, facial or manicure as the Scottish Highlands' rugged scenery passes gently by.

Your Own Haven of Luxury

The Belmond Royal Scotsman is often described as the finest country house hotel, on wheels. It's an accolade that you'll happily agree with as you turn in for the night.

The Sleeping Cars provide fourteen twin, two double and four single State Cabins, beautifully fitted out in rich marquetry, each providing a comfortable and intimate area to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery of Scotland.

Each cabin has its own private bathroom with shower, wash-basin and toilet, constant hot water, high quality toiletries and fresh fluffy white towels every day. Other facilities include:

• Dressing table
• Full-length wardrobe
• Individually controlled heating
• Cooling ceiling fans
• Opening windows
• Cabin service call button

Each bed is furnished with a foam pillow, a hypoallergenic duvet and quilted cotton bed covers.

With the train stabled at night in a quiet siding or station, you are assured a good night's sleep.

"Plush beds and opulent bathrooms are the order of the day"

From the moment the piper welcomes you aboard in Edinburgh, to the moment you return to this historic city, you'll be in the very best of hands, on the very best of trains. With a variety of individual tours to enjoy, it won't be long before you're planning your next trip aboard the most luxurious train in the world.

Royal Scotsman Grand Suite

Grand Suite Bathroom

Royal Scotsman Twin Cabin

Grand suites.

Joining the rake from May 2024, two exceptional new Grand Suites will complement the existing Twin and Double cabins.

The Grand Suites aboard Royal Scotsman signal the start of a new age of indulgent Highland adventure. The spacious interiors are rich in references to Scottish culture and reflect the passing landscapes. Patterns echo Edwardian elegance as Pictish stones, dark woods and local stones sit side by side with rich and sophisticated tweeds. Decorative elements in carved pewter adorn the lamps and tables. The design of the furniture and lighting is directly inspired by the Scottish islands. Together, the design elements conjure a sense of enrapturing myth and cinematic drama, while fostering the feel of a private club where members join together in a convivial spirit.

Download Grand Suites Brochure

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5 Scenic Trains for Exploring Scotland's Dramatic Highlands, Sparkling Lochs, and Coastal Towns

The best train rides in Scotland will have you witnessing the drama of the Scottish Highlands, exploring charming castles, and chasing some of the world's best whisky. You’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United Kingdom. Imagine chugging past glittering lochs, breathtaking glens, and vast moors, all while enjoying a meal in a stately dining car or relaxing in a plush cabin. 

Around the world, train journeys are experiencing a great revival , with travelers realizing they’re a scenic, eco-friendly, and affordable mode of transportation. In Scotland, riders can also snag a  discounted rail pass from  ScotRail , which can save a third off the price of an already inexpensive journey. 

And if you would rather have your train tour planned for you, there are a growing number of companies that will book and curate a rail-based adventure in Scotland for you or a group, like  Vacations by Rail .

The most difficult part of your Scottish train travels will be selecting which of these spectacular lines you want to take. Here are five of the best train rides in Scotland—plus, where to stay and what to do along the way.

The West Highland Line takes passengers from Glasgow to either Oban or Mallaig, both picturesque coastal towns in Scotland.

The West Highland Line

Arguably one of the most visually stunning  parts of Scotland , the Highlands are filled with dramatic peaks and valleys, craggy hilltops, and glassy lochs. The West Highland Line starts in Glasgow and runs more than 180 miles to either Oban or Mallaig, two tiny picturesque fishing ports that are resort towns in their own right, as well as departure points for travel onward to the surrounding Scottish Isles. 

Along the way, you’ll cruise by charming towns and villages until the line splits at Crianlarich: One branch of the route heads by Loch Awe to Oban, the other towards the coastline through Highland forest and onto Fort William to the train route's final stop: the petite bustling port town of Mallaig.

Many travelers consider the Fort William to Mallaig portion as the nicest section of The West Highland route. The hills of Fort William, a town in Lochaber, set the scene for many iconic films and shows like Starz’s  Outlander . On this leg of the route, travelers can spot the ruins of Old Inverlochy Castle on the right just before crossing the River Lochy, the Glenfinnan Viaduct as seen in the ‘Harry Potter’ movies. Halfway between Tyndrum and Bridge of Orchy stops, there is another famous looped viaduct known as the Horseshoe Curve. On the northbound routes, sit on the left-hand side of the train for the best views and on the right side on southbound trains.

For a taste of Highland hospitality, spend a night or two at the charming  Ballachulish Hotel in Glencoe along the way from Glasgow to Fort William. Pop into the Ben Nevis Distillery for a quick whisky tasting and tour. (Fort William station is only 10 minutes walk from the bottom of the tourist track up Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest peak).

Tickets for the West Highland Line start around $30.87 (£25.40) from Glasgow to Mallaig on  ScotRail for a single fare in a standard cabin but vary depending on how far they are booked in advance and length of the trip.  

The Kyle Line runs through mountain ranges and past tranquil lochs

Kyle Line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh

The most distinctive mountain ranges in Scotland, the Torridon Peaks, loom north along the Kyle Line to Kyle of Lochalsh. Depart from Inverness to take on even more breathtaking scenery of the Highlands. Passengers glide past sleepy coastal villages and hulking mountains towering over tranquil lochs. The Kyle line draws a wide curve from Inverness along the coast south to the shores of Loch Alsh, with views of the Isle of Skye at the line's end. 

On the less than three-hour journey to Kyle of Lochalsh from Inverness, keep an eye out for the snow-capped Ben Nevis mountain, the country's tallest mountain that sits 4,411 feet above sea level, between Muir of Ord and Dingwall stops. Then glimpse the rolling Torridon Hills to the west before the Achnashellach Forest stop. Ride the line along Loch Carron to the Plockton stop, a charming town dotted with palm trees that was used for BBC series  Hamish Macbeth and  The Wicker Man .

At the end of the line at Kyle of Lochalsh, catch a quick cab ride to tour the spectacular 13th-century Eilean Donnan castle, one of Scotland’s most widely recognizable castles that sits on a small island where three sea lochs converge. 

If returning to Inverness, travelers can stay at the 19th century  Ness Walk , a five-star property on the banks of the River Ness or  Kingsmills Hotel , a four-star luxury spa hotel that mixes contemporary design with historic period features. Make sure to grab a wee dram at  The Malt Room , Inverness’ first whisky bar, followed by  Hootananny , a ceilidh cafe for live traditional Scottish folk music (even Mumford and Sons have played here). 

Kyle Line fares start around $18.48 (£15.20) from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh on  ScotRail for a single fare in a standard cabin but vary depending on how far they are booked in advance and length of the trip. 

The Royal Scotsman is a luxurious journey that begins in Edinburgh and takes passengers up into the Scottish Highlands.

The Royal Scotsman, a Belmond Train

The only true luxury train on the list, the Royal Scotsman is a sleek nine coaches, clad in Burgundy and operated by Belmond. First launched in 1985, the all-inclusive train offers exquisite accommodations reminiscent of an Edwardian country house and fine-dining cuisine. Each of the train cars are refurbished 1960s Pullman coaches. 

Tours start at the Edinburgh Waverley station, where ticket holders follow a bagpiper dressed in traditional Scottish garb from the first class lounge to the platform. Once on board, passengers can settle into plush armchairs in the observation car lounge—complete with coffee tables and a bar that serves a wide assortment of Scottish whisky —while enjoying the gorgeous scenery of the Highlands. 

Meals are cooked on board and served in mahogany-walled dining cars that feature Scottish produce, meats, and seasonal fish alongside wines, liqueurs, and malt whiskies. Private wood-paneled cabins feature beds fitted with soft Scottish wools and tartans and also include an en suite shower, toilet, desk, table, wardrobe, toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers. The train also includes two spa cabins.

Itineraries range from two to seven days long and include sightseeing stopovers and overnight hotel stays. New routes are scheduled to start from April 2023 onwards, but bookings are selling out fast. Tickets start at $4,789 (£4,000) for single occupancy on Belmond’s  site or through  Vacations by Rail.  

The Far North Line connects Inverness with the northern reaches of the Highlands

The Far North Line

Take a four-hour journey on Britain’s most rural railway through hundreds of miles of peatland bogs, tiny hamlets, golf courses, quaint train stops, and salmon rivers. The single track Far North Line connects Inverness with destinations Thurso and Wick at the northern limits of the Highlands. It’s remote, rugged, and spectacularly wild.

The route is the same as the Kyle of Lochalsh line up until Dingwall, where the lines split. Passengers shimmy up the coast until the Tain stop, where the line then plunges into the lands of Sutherland and Caithness, across peat bogs and Flow Country, whilst crossing salmon fishing rivers. Flow Country is a vast wetland blanket bog and peat habitat, an important environmental landscape for preventing climate change and a proposed UNESCO  World Heritage site . 

Passengers can spot a few castles from the train route after departing Inverness: Just after the Tain stop is the glorious and exclusive Skibo Castle (formerly frequented by Andrew Carnegie) across the sea inlet Dornoch Firth, followed by the hilltop (and supposedly haunted) Carbisdale Castle after the Culrain stop. Then cruise past the thick and mysterious Balblair Wood, midway between the Rogart and Golspie stops on the shores of Loch Fleet. And if you fancy one more castle, the train will take you to the Dunrobin Castle station, where you can stop off and show your train ticket for discounted entry to the gigantic “home” (with more than 189 rooms, this castle is one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses).

For a stay along the way, the  Glenmorangie House off the Tain stop is a boutique hotel set amongst breathtaking Highland scenery, near the  Glenmorangie Distillery . The award-winning  Mackays Hotel in Wick is just a three-minute walk from Wick stop, run by the same family for over 60 years. It’s welcoming, warm, and cozy.

Tickets for the Far North Line start around $14 (£17.02) from Inverness to Thurso and Wick on  ScotRail for a single fare in a standard cabin but vary depending on how far they are booked in advance and length of the trip. 

The Borders Railway Line whisks passengers from Edinburgh to Tweedbank

The Borders Railway

Explore the “land of Sir Walter Scott” on The Borders Railway line, through former mining towns, wide open farmland, and lush valleys.

Departing from Edinburgh , take in the breathtaking landscapes of the rocky slopes and cliffs of Salisbury Crags in Holyrood Park. You can’t miss Arthur’s Seat, a massive, grass-covered hill that is the remains of an ancient extinct volcano jutting out from the crags. Then pass through the Midlothian. Time it right and you can catch beautiful sunsets between the Gorebridge and Stow stops. Then onto the hills, lochs, farmlands, and cairns (manmade stone piles) of the Scottish Borders to Tweedbank. Tweedbank is also the stop of Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott, and the historic market town of Melrose that includes the famous abbey ruins—a quick taxi or bus ride from the station. 

Despite being the longest new domestic railway to be built in over 100 years, the line only takes an hour from Edinburgh to Tweedbank.

Start or end your journey in Edinburgh with a stay at the incredible new  Virgin Hotel Edinburgh , on colorful and curved Victoria Street in the Old Town, one of the most photographed locations in the city. If looking for something along the Borders Railway line, try the  Schloss Roxburghe at Kelso, off the Galashiels stop, the penultimate station on the route. This elegant hotel is part of a historic estate in the Scottish Borders, with a championship golf course, spas, heated swimming pool, and restaurant that offers “Scottish bistronomy.”

Fares for the Borders Railway start around $14.46 (£11.90) from Edinburgh to Tweedbank on  ScotRail for a single fare in a standard cabin but vary depending on how far they are booked in advance and length of the trip.

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The Edinburgh Pullman

Thursday 11 march 2021, peterborough to edinburgh, departing: peterborough, grantham, newark northgate, retford, doncaster, please note: this trip is hauled by vintage diesel aboard our beautifully restored land cruise train 'spirit of the lakes'.

Our second tour to Edinburgh starts from Peterborough and offers passengers along the East Coast Main Line the chance to travel north of the border in style to enjoy all the attractions of Scotland's beautiful capital city aboard our luxurious Pullman train 'The Spirit of the Lakes'. Edinburgh is one of our most popular destinations and there is no wonder. First there is the journey north with the stunning scenery of the east coast to admire as the train rushes along the cliff tops giving spectacular sea views from the train. Then there are the attractions of Edinburgh which include the famous castle, numerous museums, galleries and the shops of Princess Street, Holyrood Palace and the Royal Mile. Add to all this the lights and decorations that you would expect of a capital city at this time of year and you have the perfect combination for a great day out. Departure from Peterborough should be at around 0630 with a break in Edinburgh of around three hours. Arrival back into Peterborough should be approximately 2230

Pullman Dining: Passengers will be served a full English breakfast with complementary Bucks Fizz plus elevenses or light lunch (depending on finalised timings) on the outward journey. A delicious four course evening meal preceded by canapés and Champagne will be served on the return journey. Dinner will be accompanied with a half bottle of wine per person. We kindly ask that passengers do not consume their own alcoholic drinks in Premier Dining Class.

We are able to offer a vegetarian menu with 7 days advance notification but regretfully we are unable to offer any other special dietary requirements (i.e. nut allergy, vegan, gluten free diets etc).

Pullman First Class: Passengers will be served a breakfast roll on the outward journey and sandwiches and scone on the return run, this will be accompanied by a service of tea or coffee.

First Class: The carriage is traditional First Class seating with more legroom and width than standard class. The seating is six seats across each row set out as a table for two and a table of four. Although food and beverages are not included in this class of travel, First Class passengers will have access to the buffet carriage for the purchase of light refreshments. You are also welcome to bring your own refreshments or indeed a tasty picnic to enjoy as the countryside passes by!

Standard:  Our Standard Class carriages offer the same train experience at exceptional value for money. All our standard class passengers travel in refurbished vintage Mark I or Mark II coaches and will have access to the buffet carriage for the purchase of teas, coffees and light snacks.

Supplement for a private table for two in first class and dining £20.00 per passenger. Fares are subject to a £3.75 booking fee.

0800 122 33 64

Belmond British Pullman

Luxury rail uk day trips take a uk day trip on the belmond british pullman and experience a taste of life aboard the iconic venice simplon-orient-express. there is simply no better way to celebrate a special birthday or anniversary in style. from the moment you join us, you are transported to a world of pure indulgence. take a seat in the vintage carriages that once ran on legendary 1920s services such as the brighton belle and the golden arrow. glide through stunning scenery to destinations all over britain as champagne flows and gourmet cuisine is served. expect glamour, fun and a dash of adventure on all of our uk day trips and weekend excursions to cities, country houses and sporting events. details unique experiences day trips steam hauled trips fine dining short break to cornwall prices from £350 per person, available journeys on board the belmond british pullman luxury train..

CHAMPAGNE AFTERNOON TEA

THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND

MURDER MYSTERY LUNCH

HISTORIC BATH

THE CARRIAGE CLUB

LE MANOIR AUX QUAT’SAISONS

HISTORIC OXFORD

HISTORIC WINCHESTER

BLENHEIM PALACE

CHATSWORTH HOUSE

WADDESON MANOR

HIGHCLERE CASTLE

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE DISTILLERY

MOTHER’S DAY AFTERNOON TEA

ENGLISH WINERY

STEAM HAULED JOURNEYS

GRAND NATIONAL

ROYAL ASCOT

EPSOM DERBY

GLORIOUS GOODWOOD

GOODWOOD REVIVAL

CHRISTMAS LUNCH

CANTERBURY CHRISTMAS CAROLS

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER

CORNWALL SHORT BREAK

2024 DEPARTURE DATES

more info…

Belmond British Pullman Train Information

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Dining on board the Belmond British Pullman

Fine Dining Experiences

British pullman menus, dom pérignon dinner.

TRAVEL TIPS

Useful information including what to wear

Useful Information for your trip on board the Belmond British Pullman

Routes and timings, what to wear, mobile phones and handheld devices, disabled passengers.

LARGE GROUPS

Charter a carriage or the entire Train.

Groups & Train Charter

Reserve A Carriage Or Charter The Train

Call our groups team for a quotation 0800 122 33 64.

STEP BACK IN TIME

Find out more about the origins of this train.

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Privacy Overview

Posted 4 weeks ago

Susan Verrall

Great service, very helpful. Lee went to all the lengths to give us the Orient Express package that we wanted. Polite and knowledgeable. We will be using them again.

Posted 7 months ago

Neil Dowlman

A very efficient, helpful and professional service. Particularly from Sasha who made our 25th Wedding Anniversary holiday very special with the care and attention to arranging excellent accommodation right down to logistics and some lovely touches on making it a holiday to remember - thank you

William Young

It is the first time we have used a travel agent to book a package holiday which included the travel, hotel and event as one booking so quite rightly your a little apprehensive that everything goes smoothly. We were kept informed regularly before leaving and laterly presented with a very good presentation pack which included the itinerary in date order so we got off to a very good start. The seating arrangements that were pre booked were in a prime position along with the quality of our hotel which Mulberry Travel recommended and could not be faulted due to its uninterrupted views overlooking the coast. All in all this break represented very good value for money and took away a lot of the stress to organize something special whilst using the knowledge of Mulberry travel to good effect. So 5 stars for value and quality from me.

Posted 9 months ago

Andrea Bocelli was absolutely sensational!! Probably the best experience of my life thus far! I'll definitely go again next year & the year after. Mulberry Travel did it all so well... every aspect, the hotel in the best location right by the Ponte Vecchio, the pick up from the airport, dinner before the concert was out of a dream... an absolute perfect dream plucked out of my mind 🥰 Thanks a million Lee at Mulberry Travel.... it was all perfectly seamless 😊😊

Posted 10 months ago

Thank you to Lee and staff for a magical Trip to see Andrea Bocelli. The casa Del Nero was an amazing experience as well. We will definitely be working with you in the future. All the best.

Paul Lavelle

Mulberry Travel delivered an incredible bespoke travel experience, making all the arrangements for our trip to Florence combined with attending the Andrea Bocelli concert held in his home village in Tuscany. All the travel arrangements were perfect, transfers etc were all on time and so professional. The hotel in Florence was fantastic, no complaints at all. The concert was fantastic and the location for the pre-concert dinner was stunning. An experience my wife and I will never forget! A big thanks to Sasha for making all the arrangements, first class customer service throughout.

We paid for five, star, we expected 5 star, and that's what we got! Superbly arranged by Mulberry travel, and I have no hesitation in recommending their services.

Really grateful to Sasha at Mulberry Travel for arranging our trip to Tuscany to see Andrea Boccelli. Sasha arranged everything on my behalf and was an amazing experience. We arrived at Pisa Airport where we we were collected by our own driver and taken to our hotel in Florence, a beautiful hotel that was ideally located. The day of the concert we were driven through the Tuscan countryside for an alfresco 5 course meal......was something of a film set, afterwards we we were dropped off at the entrance to the venue. Thanks to Mulberry Travel and Sasha for arranging everything on my behalf for an amazing experience. We'll definitely be booking this trip again......thank you.

Angela Gledhill

Extremely well organised from start to finish. Had a wonderful trip!

Posted 1 year ago

A fantastic experience on the Belmond Pullman from London Victoria to Liverpool taking in the Grand National. The food on board the train was sublime, I can say no more. Service from Tim, Andrew and Nigel was perfect within carriage Perseus. The train was lovely and each carriage different. Overall my party of four have applied for next year, hopefully we will be successful.

Glyn Farrar

As I had hoped it was a fabulous and unique experience from stepping out from the Clermont onto the concourse of Victoria Station and almost straight away being approached by Belmond staff to escort us to check in. The ratio of staff to guest on the whole journey was so high to ensure attentive service. I know the British Pullman is denoted as the hors d’oeuvre with the VSOE the main positive course! For us however the Pullman was the ultimate experience. We feel it is our country Britain at its very best! Everything about it is so British with real quality and indulgence. I’m so so sorry and disappointed to hear that the British Pullman service is no longer going to be a feature of Orient Express journeys! I even took photos of the toilets with the mosaic tiles! On the actual Orient Exoress, even though I had done all the research I thought I needed, we weren’t clear that certain wines and champagnes were complimentary Ian’s eyes popped out at the prices of some of the bottles! We enjoyed all our meals though the drinks for breakfast were served in cups and therefore were not hot The transfer to the Ca Sagredo was really well organised and efficient. Though they didn’t say at reception as we checked in, it was clear on entering the room that it was not the Grand Canal Double and that we had been upgraded! We were shown to the Library Suite with balcony onto Grand Canal. Maybe it was through the membership of that hotel group that I have The break in Florence was also lovely with attentive service and friendliness from staff at The Lungarno. That hotel has the best location in terms of proximity to Ponte Vecchio Sasha we were also pleased with the efficiency of the agents you use for the transfers. The timings were so accurate and agsin service very attentive The only slight snag we had was as we got off the water taxi at Venice Santa Lucia. We know now it was separate from that service. A porter was waiting with a barrow and started to load our luggage! It was a short distance to the station concourse yet we were charged 20 Euros as an official transaction with a machine issuing a receipt Apart from that we enjoyed a truely memorable holiday which I can recommend as a unique treat for a special celebration.

Jeremy Willson

Our trip on the Orient Express can only be described as amazing. From meeting the Pullman at Victoria and travelling through the English countryside the level of Service was impeccable. Meeting the Orient Express in Calais was one of those Wow moments. We were met by the VSOE staff and escorted on to the train the champagne was opened and the Golden age of travel was revived. Lakes and mountains as you travel through the countryside are simply breathtaking. The cuisine on the train was amazing as was our steward that looked after us through out our trip. Arriving in Venice the boat transfers were seamless, and another great experience arriving at our hotel. We stayed at the Liassidi palace hotel, perfectly situated in the city. Venice is just amazing. Wonderful, faultless, brilliantly organised holiday.

My husband and I have recently returned from a trip on the Orient Express to Venice which was organised for us by Sasha at Mulberry Travel. The holiday was fabulous and went perfectly due to Sasha's excellent organisation. We were glad to have found Mulberry Travel as they made everything very efficient and easy. We would highly recommend them. Vivien

Paul Gayford

So where do I begin? Firstly thanks to Sasha for arranging an amazing trip for us on the Orient Express and our stay in Venice. Also for holding the trip over from when we originally booked, pre-pandemic. The trip and hotel exceeded our expectations. Attention to detail and seamless transfers throughout were without fault. Many Thanks to Mulberry. We wil certainly approach them again for future trips.

Excellent travel company. Very professional from booking our holiday all the way through to the end, very well organised. I would not hesitate to use Mulberry Travel in the future.

David Barker

Can't thank Sasha enough for organizing a fantastic trip to Venice for us. The highlight was an amazing Andrea Boccelli concert, but the L'Oroglio hotel was great, with really friendly and helpful staff. All our transfers worked like clockwork from the speedboat from the airport to the hotel and back, and the limousine to and from the concert. Overall a wonderful few days and we won't hesitate to use Mulberry again.

Susan Liston

We would like to thank Sasha for all her help in organising our recent trip to Florence and our wonderful evening at the Andrea Bocelli concert in Lajatico. The attention to detail from our first contact through to our detailed Itinerary package was second to none. We hope to use Mulberry Travel again in the future and will certainly recommend them to our friends.

Robert Walters

Three years ago, pre -Covid we booked a package to see Andrea Bocelli in concert in Lajatico,Tuscany through Mulberry Travel. We returned yesterday from that trip having witnessed the Maestro singing at the Theatre of Silence, with the finale Nessum Dorma ringing in our ears and etched in our memories. This was achieved by the patience and persistence of the team at Mulberry Travel, who were faced with changes of travel dates, cancelled flights, and different airports whilst bombarded by the twists and turns of Covid 19. As a result of their fortitude and determination and our patience, we eventually savoured 3 wonderful nights and days exploring Florence, followed by an equally captivating 4 days on a vineyard in the Chianti region, eating Italian food and drinking home-grown wines whilst relaxing in the sun. Sincere thanks to you all Rob,Lee and Sasha and the team at Mulberry. Bravissimo!!!

Thankyou sasha an mulberryvtravel amazing trip to Florence to see Andrea bochelli

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Luxury Midland Pullman train set for weekend trips to the Scottish Highlands

Midland Pullman has released details of a new range of tours, taking passengers from the hustle and bustle of the cities to the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands .

The train trip will allow passengers to have a three-day weekend break in Scotland , with the Friday a travel day to Scotland, Sunday being a return trip back home and the Saturday being a trip between Fort William and Mallaig on the Jacobite line.

First-Class tickets for the tours cost £350, whilst Pullman Dining will cost £700 per person – though the extra cost does get you a range of on train meals.

The train will utilise the fleet of Midland Pullman HST trains, with two power cars and 2 Pullman Dining Carriages, two First Class carriages and a kitchen car.

The trains will be departing from Chelmsford, Stowmarket, Cardiff Central, Slough , Watford Junction and lots more places. To book, please visit their website at MidlandPullman.com

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The UK has never been very good a exploiting the wonderful British scenic routes the way the Swiss do! Breathtaking routes and stunning destinations all over Scotland, England & Wales could be enjoyed. Generate jobs, being enjoyment.

Are singles catered for?.

Why is the HST not used on the southern region for three day trips?. this would allow people to book weekend breaks during the height of the summer months from the capital. Does the HST run on the GWR metals I am not sure myself.?

Nice one Midland Pullman, last year we booked on your one day trip to Oban. It was a wonderful experience booking first class and the full dining option. Able to book this because you picked up in the North East. We have already booked up your August trip to Oban. I assume your latest 3 day offering will allow passengers to stay 2 nights in Ft. WILLIAM. No mention of your hotel, but I’m sure it will be first class. Like the rest of your planned trip.

Why doesn’t something similar happen on the The Heart of Wales line ? Why not attach a dining car to existing trains ? The Heart of Wales line is a lightly used line through beautiful countryside. With a little bit of imagination Transport for Wales could turn this into a major tourist attraction.

I think you will find that the HST set is not passed to run on the Heart of Wales line.

I wonder why not? How short-sighted. This could open up Wales to more tourism too.

Not as easy as you might think. There may well be several places on the route where expensive engineering works are required to allow the longer items of rolling stock to pass. Not viable for just the occasional tourist train to run over. I would prefer to see sidings restored at certain popular resorts where extra services could be accommodated for relatively little expense.

Very good point. Imagination is in short supply these days. Such railway trips could generate investment, local employment and provide enjoyment to many.

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13 Must-Read Scotland Travel Tips for First-Timers

Posted on Last updated: July 1, 2024

Home » Destinations » Europe » Scotland » 13 Must-Read Scotland Travel Tips for First-Timers

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Are you visiting Scotland for the first time? Check out these amazing Scotland travel tips for first-timers that will save you stress!

This list of scotland travel tips was written by family travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

We just got back from a trip to Scotland with kids and we had a blast!

Scotland is a great place for anyone to visit, but especially European travel newbies, families, and solo travelers. It’s a welcoming, English-speaking country, with a small population and lots to see!

City lovers will adore Edinburgh’s medieval charm. Fans of the outdoors won’t be able to get enough of the Highland glens and glistening lochs.

But if you’ve never been to Scotland, it can be an overwhelming trip to plan! 

These Scotland travel tips for first-timers will help you navigate the best way to travel to Scotland. It covers top attractions, activities, destinations, and lots of Scotland travel advice that you didn’t know that you needed.

Dive into these travel tips for Scotland so that you have the most amazing vacation in this magical country!

Super Scotland Travel Tips for First-Timers

Planning a scotland trip.

Scotland is not a large country and it can be split up into four parts: the Scottish Borders in the south, the Central Belt in the middle (where Edinburgh and Glasgow are), the Highlands to the north, and the Islands mostly to the northwest.

Edinburgh is a must-do in Scotland, especially if you’re traveling to Scotland for the first time. You’ll probably land in Edinburgh Airport anyway, so take a day or two to explore. Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill, the Royal Mile, and Princes Street Gardens are can’t-misses.

Other cities to consider visiting are Glasgow for music lovers and foodies, Stirling for Scottish history lovers, and Inverness for Loch Ness Monster hunters.

Want to plan a trip to Scotland for the countryside? Fort William and Glen Coe are top hiking destinations. Scotland has two national parks, the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond & the Trossachs , which also offer outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and even skiing.

Many of the top things to see in Scotland are on its scenic drives. The North Coast 500 is a popular choice, but the Southwest Coast 300 and North East 250 are off-the-beaten-path options.

Of course, the best part of Scotland to visit for magical adventures is the Isle of Skye . It’s a popular and accessible option thanks to its bridge. If you want to know what to see in Scotland that the locals like to visit, check out the Isle of Mull and the Isle of Arran .

How Many Days in Scotland?

If you’re only traveling in Scotland for a short time, three to four days is enough for a city break. Base yourself in Edinburgh and take a day trip to Loch Ness or Glasgow . We recently spent 5 days in Edinburgh including some day trips and it was lovely.

This is fine if you’re working out how to get to Scotland and explore as part of an extended European vacation. But if you’re flying in from North America, it’s a long way to go for a short time!

Seven days is enough time for a small group tour to visit Edinburgh and one area of the Highlands, such as Fort William or the Isle of Skye .

Ten days is better if you’re renting a car, and two weeks in Scotland is the perfect amount of time to see all the highlights. We spent 10 days in Scotland just relying on trains and tours since we didn’t rent a car.

Accommodation in Scotland

Currently, there is no tourist tax on accommodation in Scotland. However, there is a ‘Visitor Levy’ bill in progress, so there may be an overnight tax by the time you are traveling in Scotland!

Cities and towns in Scotland have lots of great boutique and chain hotels. Here are some of our favorite Edinburgh hotels for families .

Short-term rentals are usually better when staying in more rural areas, although don’t skip staying in guesthouses. There’s nothing better than waking up to a huge Scottish fry up in a bed and breakfast!

If you’re super outdoorsy or planning a trip to Scotland on a budget, wild camping is legal in Scotland. As long as you take your trash and put out fires, no one will bother you!

Public Transport in Scotland

Scotland’s primary rail network is called ScotRail, although different rail companies travel between Scotland and England. You can get trains between most major cities and towns in the Central Belt and parts of the Highlands . 

Download the Omio or Trainline app to buy tickets and get updates on your journey. Trains in the UK are frequently delayed and more expensive than elsewhere in Europe. 

Scotland’s islands and more mountainous regions in the north are only accessible by bus, not train. CityLink runs these buses, and they might be more expensive than you think. Traveling from Glasgow to the Isle of Skye , for example, is around £50 a ticket.

For local buses (like Lothain buses in Edinburgh) you won’t need to buy tickets before hopping on. Just use a contactless card to pay the driver!

Taxi and Ride Shares

One of the best travel to Scotland tips for new visitors is to use Uber to get around Edinburgh or Glasgow. It’s not available elsewhere, but it’s the easiest and most affordable taxi option in those cities.

In more remote areas, it’s more unlikely that taxi companies will be available to order via an app. Your best bet is the FreeNow app, which connects many taxi companies. Ask your hotel or short-term rental host to recommend a service.

Expect a basic fee of around £2 with £1.20 added for every km traveled.

Renting a Car and Driving in Scotland

Planning to visit lots of remote places? Despite the narrow, winding roads, the best way to travel around Scotland is by car! 

Rent a car at the airport, but only if you’re leaving the city immediately. Edinburgh is a super walkable place, as is Glasgow . 

One of the top Scotland travel tips for first-timers is to take note that drivers in the UK drive on the left-hand side of the road. And familiarize yourself with the road signs, as a lot of them are symbols unfamiliar to U.S. drivers.

Manual transmission is also the norm. You’ll need to request an automatic vehicle (and probably pay extra) for getting around in Scotland if that’s what you’re used to.

Money in Scotland

As part of the UK, Scotland uses the GBP (£) currency. 

One of the smartest traveling to Scotland tips is to carry a little bit of cash as well as a travel-friendly credit card. Some businesses often don’t like to accept card payments for small purchases, but everywhere else will gladly accept card payments.

If American Express is your preferred credit card, bring a Visa or Mastercard backup. Many establishments won’t take AMEX cards.

Keep in mind that Scottish pound notes look very different from English pound notes! They’re all valid GBP currency. 

Avoid using ATMs in souvenir shops or ones that require payment. Bank of Scotland, Lloyds TSB, and Barclays Bank offer free cash withdrawals. Supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s do too!

Dining in Scotland

Scotland is famous for its hearty, eclectic cuisine. Haggis (liver, heart, and lungs of a sheep cooked in a sheep’s stomach or sausage casing) is a traditional dish. Cullen Skink (haddock and potato soup), porridge (oatmeal), neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes) are also staples.

Scotland is one of the few countries where Coca-Cola is not the most popular soft drink. Irn-Bru is an orange, citrus drink that you have to try at least once! We found that the 1901 version is far superior to the regular and sugar-free versions.

When dining in Edinburgh or Glasgow , make dinner reservations if there is a restaurant you don’t want to miss. Especially on a weekend! 

Tipping is expected in Scotland but don’t leave more than 10-15% unless it’s a big holiday (like New Year’s Eve) or you’re part of a large group. Sometimes there is a service charge already on your bill, in which case you don’t need to add more.

Adding a pound coin or rounding up your bill in a café is nice but not expected.

Consider the Scotland Heritage Passes

Most of Scotland’s top historic sites belong to one organization. For example, Edinburgh Castle is a Historic Environment Scotland building. 

The pass costs around £60 for one year. It sounds expensive, but one ticket to Edinburgh Castle costs over £22 so it could be worthwhile!

National Trust Scotland membership is another to consider.

Take Advantage of Free Museums

One of the best things about visiting the UK is that most of its museums and galleries are free to visit!

The National Museum of Scotland , The Writer’s Museum , and the National Portrait Gallery are just some of the best free museums to visit in Edinburgh. There are plenty more in Glasgow, Inverness, and elsewhere too.

Learn the Scottish Lingo and Customs

Scotland’s official language isn’t just English. Scots and Scottish Gaelic are also listed! 

There are lots of fun slang words and customs to learn before visiting Scotland for the first time which will score you points with (or at least not offend) the locals.

Most Scottish people prefer to be called Scottish, not British. Definitely don’t call them English!

When drinking whisky in Scotland, it’s spelled without an ‘e’ and it’s not called scotch. It’s sold in a unit of measurement called a ‘dram’, not a ‘shot’. 

You can say ‘cheers’ when drinking in Scotland but ‘slàinte mhath’ is more traditional. It’s pronounced slan-ja-var , which is very different from how it is spelled!

Get a Travel Adapter

Like Malta, Hong Kong, and the rest of the UK, Scotland uses the Type G electrical socket. It has three rectangular prongs and a 230V supply voltage, which is more than the US.

Invest in a travel adapter with USB ports so you only need to travel with one. Choose one with a surge protector if you’re worried about damaging your electronics.

Don’t bother packing your regular hairstyling tools – they won’t work! Instead, make sure to pack dual voltage ones.

Safety and Awareness in Scotland

Scotland is a very safe country and it’s statistically safer than England. Violent and dangerous crimes are rare (especially involving tourists) and the climate is generally mild.

However, it can be dangerous to hike in certain areas during wet and windy weather. Always check the forecast before heading out.

Drinking culture can be a problem in bigger cities like Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Inverness and Scotland has introduced laws to crack down. Drinking before driving is extremely strict and buying alcohol outside the hours of 10 am to 10 pm isn’t allowed either.

While petty crime like pickpocketing might be more prevalent in busy, touristed areas, it’s not common in Scotland.

Tips for Traveling in Scotland FAQs

Is scotland safe.

Yes, Scotland is a very safe country! 

Dangerous crime levels are very low and the weather is generally mild year-round. Some of the only things to be aware of are petty crimes and disorderly behavior in city pubs, but that’s rare.

How do you dress like a local in Scotland?

If you’re from North America, you can probably wear what you usually wear every day at home and look like a local in Scotland! Opt for ‘smarter’ casual clothes like jeans, knitted sweaters, and leather boots over sweatpants and hoodies.

Bring a good waterproof jacket and hiking boots if you’re visiting the countryside. All the locals will have them and you’ll need them!

When is the best time to visit Scotland?

Planning a visit to Scotland in June, May, and September are the best times. These months are in the shoulder season. They have mild weather (you can never guarantee sun and warmth in Scotland!) without the crowds of summer. 

August is festival season in Edinburgh which is great fun (the Fringe Festival is the biggest arts festival in the world), but accommodation prices can be astronomical.

Scotland Travel Tips for First-Timers Wrap-Up

Those are all the Scotland travel tips for first-timers that you need before you go.

You’ll know to avoid visiting Edinburgh in August unless you like festivals, and to visit museums if you’re on a budget. And to rent a small car for the narrow roads!

Focus on taking 1,000 photos of Glen Coe, working out what Irn Bru tastes like, and enjoying your incredible trip to Scotland!

Looking for more Scotland travel resources? Check out 13 Best Day Trips From Glasgow by Train , 13 Best Day Trips From Edinburgh by Train , Planning a Trip to Scotland: Step-by-Step Guide , How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Photo Shoot in Edinburgh, Scotland , and 9 Best Edinburgh Hotels for Families Worth Booking !

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3 (More) Best Scenic UK Train Journeys Every Traveler Should Take

O ne of the most relaxing and stress-free ways to travel is by rail. Consider that the journey on a train can be as special as the destination, especially when traveling through the United Kingdom. Skip the stress of airports, TSA, and delays. Undoubtedly, sitting comfortably in a cushy chair is a simpler way to travel, forcing you to slow down. 

Imagine sipping your favorite hot tea gazing at the UK’s diverse and extraordinary topography. See the low-lying flat countryside that butts up to rolling hills and rugged, harsh, remote mountains. Travel from Britain to Scotland and witness the beautiful windswept seagrass, pastures, hills, castles, and quaint towns that glide by just outside your window. 

Travel by train across the rural countryside of Ireland from busy, modern, and trendy Dublin to the quaint Gaelic historic town of Galway. Escape the congestion of London for a simpler, slower pace of life in Edinburgh, Scotland. Explore this noble land while giving a nod to a truly romantic homage by rail travel. 

Our favorite scenic train routes offer beautiful unspoiled views along the way. Hop aboard these “no-stress-express” trains and see the UK all from the comfort of your seat.

1. London, Britain

The British Pullman train is by far the most luxurious and iconic train ride in Britain. Catch the Pullman and enjoy day trips from Victoria Station in London. This luxury rail line operates year-round in a variety of destinations. The Pullman is a restored 1920s-era train that has carried royalty and has been on the silver screen. Expect luxury, glamor, and adventure. Each rail car has an iconic history with a name to match. Feel like royalty as you start and end your day in style. 

Schedule a themed train ride — such as a murder mystery, special afternoon tea, or a festive Christmas-themed journey — while enjoying a fabulous meal. Enjoy a round-trip scenic ride through the Kentish countryside. Take the historic route to Chatsworth House and Highclere Castle of Downton Abbey fame, or select a day trip to the seaside town of Hastings. Enjoy a wonderful experience, all with a glass of champagne and a superb meal served by your steward while you depart from the congestion of downtown London and pass by rolling hills, towns, and villages. It’s a true smorgasbord of views!

2. Edinburgh, Scotland

Forget about flying from London to Scotland. Hop aboard a train and enjoy the picturesque views on the 4- to 5-hour rail ride to the most prestigious city in Scotland — Edinburgh. For train enthusiasts, there is nothing quite like a train ride between London and Edinburgh. Two trains operate daily and each offers a slightly different experience. 

The Avanti West Coast train is a bit slower at 5.5 hours vs. the faster LNER train , which shaves off an hour and can reach speeds of up to 125 miles per hour. Both trains leave Kings Cross station in London and arrive at Waverly , the central station in Edinburgh. The views from the large train windows are memorable. While your train races through the countryside, you pass the boroughs of London, witnessing historic castles, cathedrals, grassy hills, and loads of golf courses. 

You won’t forget the views as you enter Scotland with its green rolling hills speckled with grazing sheep! Scotland’s own author, Robert Louis Stevenson, once said, “The most beautiful adventures are not those we go to seek.”

3. Dublin, Galway Ireland

Travelers who are interested in discovering the scenic landscape of Ireland might find that a shorter trip on a train crossing the country from coast to coast is the best option. The journey on the Galway-Dublin train , about 3 hours, is one of the most picturesque routes in the country. 

The countryside of Ireland is so different as you cross from coast to coast. Ireland is called the “Emerald Isle” for a reason. The landscape is vast, green, crisp, and clean. To say the hills are rolling and bucolic doesn’t give justice to the true beauty of this place. Enjoy this cross-county train and see the topography of rolling hills with many gradations of green. Farms are separated by volcanic rock walls and sheep wander while they freely graze. Galway is a festive and lively waterfront village with the Cliffs of Moher nearby. Hop on this train, grab a Guiness, and see the best of Ireland — the countryside, cities, towns, and oceans. Dublin offers a vibrant city, culture, history, and great pubs. Whichever city you start or finish in, this train ride is worth it!

One of the most relaxing forms of travel is viewing the world through a carriage window. The UK has hundreds of beautiful railway lines offering a chance to see unspoiled, rugged, and scenic beauty. Whether you travel by train to skip the hustle and bustle of busy airports, or ease your travel stress by not driving in a foreign country, train travel in these beautiful UK cities can be the highlight of your journey. All aboard!

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits

The 8 Coolest Train Trips You Can Take

All aboard!

Whatever your preferred journey may be, these eight train trips are definitely bucket list-worthy.

Gornergrat-Bahn

Switzerland is synonymous with train travel, thanks in part to the impeccably clean coaches, reliably accurate timetables, and striking landscapes found in every region. Visit Zermatt, a car-free village at the base of the Matterhorn. While the city itself offers an impressive view of the mountain, a ride aboard the Gornergrat-Bahn climbs more than 10,000 feet into the Alps for an even better view. From here, you can view glaciers, ski runs, and the amazing Alps as far as the eye can see, plus enjoy immersive experiences, an onsite restaurant, and more.

British Pullman

Belmond trains are in a class of luxury all their own, and while any route is sure to memorable, this England-based journey transports passengers back to the 1950s. While sipping champagne and enjoying a five-course meal, things begin to seem amiss as costumed actors wander the cars adding to the mystery. Spend your time both enjoying the Kent countryside and helping solve a murder in this clever immersive experience.

The Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West

The Rocky Mountaineer operates luxury train routes throughout the Rocky Mountains in both the United States and Canada. You can’t go wrong with any journey, but the “ First Passage to the West ” is extra special. Beginning in Vancouver, passengers can see snow-capped mountains and glistening waters before routing through the lakes in Kamloops. Ultimately, passengers arrive in Banff National Park and the beautiful Lake Louise.

GoldenPass Express

Switzerland has no shortage of stunning routes, but the brand new GoldenPass Express journey shouldn’t be missed. Connecting the Interlaken region (which is largely German) to Montreux (which is more French), the train introduces innovation in both technology and design, as well as a new passenger class. The Prestige Class includes seats that heat, recline, and even swivel so passengers can change their view. The route is included with the popular Swiss Travel Pass.

Napa Valley Wine Train

You’ll need to leave the keys behind during a visit to Napa Valley’s historic vineyards, so the Wine Train has your transportation covered. Board a 100 year old train car for a six-hour journey through the valley, stopping at a handful of prominent vineyards for tastings along the way. While on board, enjoy a welcome glass of bubbles, a four-course meal, and plush interiors while cruising through stunning landscapes.

Eurostar from London to Paris

The innovation of this trip alone earns it a spot on the list. While the interiors may be comparable to a commuter airplane, the high-speed journey connects two bustling cities in a trip that takes just over two hours. The journey is possible thanks to the Channel Tunnel, which opened in 1994 and burrows 75 meters underneath the English Channel. At 31.5 miles long, it’s the world’s longest undersea tunnel.

The Orient Express La Dolce Vita

A tale as old as time, the Orient Express began operation in 1883, charming travelers with its unparalleled decor and quality dining options. While a replicated experience won’t be available until 2025, climb aboard the La Dolce Vita journey through Italy operated by the same company. Destination options include stops in Venice, Rome, Siena, Portofino, Montalcino, and more.

Hiram Bingham

The Hiram Bingham train from Belmond is an ultra-lux way to travel to the Lost City of the Incas. Beginning in Cusco, Peru, traveling through the Sacred Valley, this roundtrip adventure ultimately arrives at the entrance of Machu Picchu. You'll also enjoy a cocktail, brunch and gourmet Peruvian lunch, as well as stunning views both in the early morning and evening.

Kellie Walton is a freelance writer based in Nashville, Tennessee. When she’s not eating and adventuring her way around the world, she’s busy telling stories related to all things travel – including city guides, hotel and restaurant recommendations, travel hacks and tales of her own adventures (and misadventures).

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The British Pullman journey to Royal Ascot

The thrill of Royal Ascot by luxury train

Two great British traditions combine with luxury train travel and one of the greatest horse racing meetings on the calendar.

This fabulous day out commences at London Victoria Station, where you will board the vintage carriages of the British Pullman luxury train. A plush armchair awaits you as, does an immaculately set table, and a sparkling Bellini cocktail will be served to you by your steward. Absorb and admire the gorgeous art deco finery of your carriage, and enjoy a delightful brunch as the British Pullman heads to the Royal County of Berkshire.

You will arrive at Ascot Station by about mid-day, and from there, you only have to take a short walk to Ascot Racecourse. With an entrance badge for the Queen Anne Enclosure, you will have spectacular views across the race course as well as the Parade Ring. Your race day badge also entitles you to a buffet lunch in the Garden Club. During a thrilling afternoon at Ascot, you will be able to enjoy some world-class racing, cheer on your favourite horses and jockeys from around the world, take in the exuberant atmosphere and place a bet or two.

Upon rejoining the British Pullman luxury train, take to your comfortable armchair and sip your glass of Champagne. You will be served a delicious light supper on your journey back to Victoria, which will be accompanied by our sommelier’s choice of wines, to round off a thrilling day at the races.

Included in the Royal Ascot British Pullman luxury train journey

• Round-trip travel aboard the British Pullman luxury train
• Brunch with a Bellini on the outward journey
• Fine-dining silver service
• Entrance ticket to the Queen Anne Enclosure at Ascot Racecourse
• Welcome drink and buffet lunch in the Garden Club
• Light a two-course supper on the return journey with Champagne and wine
• Teas, coffees and petits fours

Dress Code for the British Pullman Journey to Royal Ascot

Royal Ascot is the perfect race meeting to dress to impress, it's one of the main elements of the day. The dress code requirements for Royal Ascot are noted below.

‍ Gentlemen:

Please wear a full-length suit with a collared shirt and tie, bow ties and cravats are not permitted.

Please ensure your jacket and trousers are of matching pattern and colour.

Socks must be worn with the ankle always covered.

Please do not wear jeans, chinos or trainers.

Ladies are required to wear a headpiece, hat or fascinator at all times.

Should you decide to wear a trouser suit, please note that it must be full-length, and jumpsuits should fall below the knee.

Strapless necklines—including off-the-shoulder, Bardot and one-shoulder—are not permitted.

Sheer dresses and shorts are not permitted, and midriffs must not be on show.

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Telephone: 020 3640 8887

Please note: Tables for three and tables for one are quite limited on the British Pullman so please ask us before booking.

Your booking will not be confirmed until you receive official confirmation and an itinerary from our concierge team

Choose your date & book:

Book with a 25% deposit*, welcome aboard.

The Belmond British Pullman at a glance

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This is a brief overview of our booking terms and conditions. Please note each individual operator has their own terms and conditions and by booking with LuxuryTrainTickets.com you are also accepting the operator's terms. For more information regarding operator terms and conditions please contact us or the operator directly. PLEASE NOTE: Receiving receipt of payment is not confirmation that your booking has been successful. We will contact you one to 10 working days after you have paid to confirm your booking, take further details of those travelling and send your itinerary. In the rare instance your booking cannot be fulfilled for any reason, such as the operator cancelling a journey or anything else beyond our control, we will be in touch with alternative options or will refund your payment. All prices shown are for one adult ticket. Sleeper journeys are based on two adults sharing accommodation. Single occupancy of cabins may incur additional charge. Prices are set by the operator and may change at short notice. We endeavour to ensure prices are always accurate and update our own website as soon as possible. All timings and details of included tours and activities are for guidance only and will only be confirmed in your travel documents that will be emailed to you 7 days before departure. For any questions including discounts, offers or group pricing, please contact [email protected]. As an authorised ticketing agent of luxury train journeys, we may need to pass some of your details (such as your name and dietary requirements) on to the train operators in order to complete your booking. This is done so the operators can add you to their guest list, send you your tickets and ensure the meals served to you onboard meet your dietary requirements. By booking with LuxuryTrainTickets.com, you are agreeing that you allow such necessary details to be shared with the operators under the cause of legitimate interest. If you have any questions, please contact us by phone or email [email protected]. There are a limited number of private tables and cabin types onboard. While we keep our website updated regularly, there may be occasions when private tables or cabin types become fully booked meaning we are unable to fulfil your booking requirements. Should this be the case, we will contact you to discuss alternative options and refund any payments made. We have the right to refuse the request of a deposit when a journey is scheduled to depart in less than 16 weeks. If you choose to book with a deposit you must pay the remaining balance in full 15 weeks before departure at the latest. Should you fail to pay the remaining balance 15 weeks prior to departure, you will forfeit your deposit and your booking. Deposits are accepted by request. Most journeys require a 25% deposit to secure a booking however some specialist journeys do require a 50% deposit. Please contact us for confirmation. Tickets are sent electronically around 5 days before departure. You will not receive tickets or any form of 'gift pack' in the post. This is in an attempt to reduce paper use and do our part for the environment. By booking a journey you agree to these terms, the terms set out by each individual operator and our cancellation policy . Please contact LuxuryTrainTickets.com for further terms or for clarification.

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