Our UK holidays
Stick to the cities and it’s easy to feel that the UK is overcrowded, but in fact there are plenty of wild, open landscapes to explore in a range of ways across these four countries. Discover the wildlife and foodie culture of Scotland by rail, walking, self drive holidays and small ship cruises. Or spot seals off the magnificent Pembrokeshire Coast on an adventure holiday in Wales. Long-distance walking is a wonderful way to appreciate the scenery of England and Northern Ireland, and by staying in locally owned accommodations throughout you’ll always know where to find the best pub nearby.
Our top UK holidays
Scotland by railway holiday
From
£1345 to £1425
8 days
ex flights
Experience authentic Scotland independently and car-free
Tailor made
Devon eco lodge accommodation, England
From
£252 to £965
per accommodation per week
Quirky eco lodges, 1 with Hot Tub, on a Devon nature reserve
Accommodation
Orkney & Shetland self drive holiday, Scotland
From
£955 to £1045
7 days
ex flights
Island hop the wild Scottish Northern Isles on this week's holiday to Orkney and Shetland
Tailor made
Lake District family activity holiday
From
£1175
7 days
ex flights
Walk, climb, abseil and canoe around the Borrowdale Valley.
Small group
Skye and the Small Isles sailing holiday
From
£1520 to £2880
9 days
ex flights
Sail Scotland's Small Isles and visit spectacular Skye
Small group2024: 16 Apr, 21 Apr, 10 May, 14 May, 3 Aug, 22 Aug, 7 Sep, 9 Sep, 2025: 30 Apr, 4 May, 10 May, 20 May, 15 Jun, 31 Jul, 18 Aug, 19 Aug, 22 Aug, 5 Sep, 7 Sep, 9 Sep
St Kilda, Outer Hebrides Cruise, Scotland
From
£2400 to £3600
12 days
ex flights
Cruise to St Kilda, Monachs, Outer Hebrides and Small Isles
Small group2024: 24 May, 13 Jun, 25 Jun, 27 Jun, 15 Jul, 27 Jul, 29 Jul, 2025: 20 May, 22 May, 24 May, 23 Jun, 25 Jun, 27 Jun, 7 Jul, 25 Jul, 27 Jul, 29 Jul
Winchester to Canterbury Pilgrims way
From
£1875
15 days
ex flights
Walk the Pilgrims Way from Winchester to Canterbury
Tailor made
Scotland luxury rail holiday
From
£3285 to £3385
8 days
ex flights
Experience Scotland in luxury and independently by train
Tailor made
Family adventure holiday in Wales
From
£455 to £795
6 days
ex flights
Discover, Explore and Adventure on the Pembrokeshire Coast
Small group
About our UK holidays
Walking holidays in the UK
Walking holidays in the UK take you through landscapes that have inspired poets, writers and painters for centuries, from the Scottish Highlands right down to sand-skimmed Devon. Expertly crafted self guided tours help you explore long-distance trails like the Causeway Coast and Pilgrims’ Way independently, connecting you with histories, wildlife and some great characters along the way. Small group tours, meanwhile, join you up with like-minded hiking companions. Our UK walking holidays guide elaborates on the joys of getting out and about – and how easy it is to get from one place to another with pre-booked accommodations and luggage transferred ahead.
Rail holidays in the UK
Train travel is the most convenient, enjoyable and unarguably romantic way to get around the UK. On popular routes – including the Lake District and the Caledonian colossus, the West Highland Line – some of the UK’s most wildly beautiful scenery unfolds before you like a film. Punctuate your journey with stop-offs to explore castles, walk around a loch, or sample a pint (or two). And if you’ve got time on your side, consider an epic two-week border-hopping tour. Find out more in our UK railway holidays guide.
UK family adventure holidays
Rather than dragging the kids between museums, art galleries and restaurants with suspiciously expensive tourist menus, family adventure holidays in the UK put smiles on faces and keep them there without resorting to ice-cream bribery. Professional instructors keep a watchful eye on kids running wild (within limits) in the Lake District: think rock climbing, orienteering, sailing and gorge walking. In Wales everyone will relish well-organised itineraries of mountain biking and stand-up paddleboarding on the north coast, or kayaking, coasteering and surfing in Pembrokeshire, where you’ll retreat to an eco-friendly lodge for hearty meals in the evenings.
Small ship cruising in the UK
Although small ship cruising is possible all around the UK, Scotland is practically nirvana for small ship cruising holidays. The Caledonian Canal links Neptune's Staircase with Loch Ness (no introductions necessary) and the Moray Firth, and then the Inner and Outer Hebrides, which teem with wildlife. Expect fellow passengers to number between six and 12, and captains to set the schedule by what the weather's doing every morning. Weather-wise, you’re pretty much guaranteed four seasons in a day. However, most cruises operate between the calmer months of April and October, with wildlife watching at its finest in summer. Find out more in our Scotland small ship cruising holidays guide.
Where to go on a UK holiday
About the only things the four countries that make up the UK have in common are a largely shared first language and reliably unreliable weather. England holidays focus on London or other busy market towns such as Stratford-upon-Avon. You’ll have a far more relaxing time exploring the countryside. Over the border, a sleeper train ride from London takes outdoor activity enthusiasts to Scotland’s wild beauty. Wales is Blue Flag beaches, ancient castles and a rugged coastline that demands that you put on a wetsuit. Over the Irish Sea, meanwhile, you’ll find tumultuous recent history, staggering natural landscapes, and a real sense of community in Northern Ireland.
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about UK or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
01273 823 700
Call us after 10am
Calling from outside the UK
[Walking in England: Ted and Jen]
[Rail holidays in Scotland: Jack Anstey]
[Family adventure holidays: Anne Burgess]
[Small ship cruising in Scotland: kris1138]
[Where to go in the UK : Preseli Venture]
