By rail · STEAM TRAIN RIDES IN THE UK
The 15 best steam train rides in the UK you can book today, with the fare, the running time and who each one suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Spend 12.5 hours exploring Loch Ness and the Highlands by coach, then ride the Jacobite Steam Train one way from Fort William to Mallaig. Guides such as Iain, Karen, Craig, Sonia, and Harrison are known for Scottish history, humor, music, and practical help along the route.
“I think we missed quarmquart castle??? In what town was that - or did I not find it today”
Travel from Edinburgh into the Highlands, passing Harry Potter filming sites, Loch Shiel, Glencoe, and Rannoch Moor. The optional Jacobite steam train runs between Fort William and Mallaig, crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct. Guides such as Ian, Brendan, Brian, and Willie add Scottish history, local stories, and plenty of humor.
“Absolutely amazing! It was the best part of my trip. We enjoyed every stop and fully saw all of the sights. The highlands are stunning! Our driver, Brenden, was outstanding and made this trip so much better. We learned so much about Scottish geography, history and culture. I would highly recommend this tour!”
Travel from York in a comfortable 16-seat minicoach with a local driver-guide such as Mark or Chris. Visit Hutton-le-Hole, Whitby, Goathland and the North York Moors, with an optional steam train ride to the Harry Potter film station.
“This is a great way to see parts of Yorkshire you would not find for yourself. Our tour guide Mark has some much knowledge and was very personable with all of us, his passion for travelling and history shone through and he shared his wealth of knowledge of the area and the national Park to enrich our day. We truly would not have managed this ourselves if we had tried to replicate. Mark was kind, caring and funny and put all the guests from age 10 -80 at ease. We would always recommend using a local firm to travel with.”
Travel from Edinburgh through Glencoe, Skye, Loch Ness, Culloden, and the Trossachs with a Scottish guide-driver. Your package includes four nights, breakfasts, the Jacobite Steam Train, ferry, Loch Ness cruise, whisky tasting, and a small-group coach journey.
“Our host Caroline was amazing! Totally exceeded my expectations! Definitely worth every penny! You will not regret such a wonderful experience!”
Travel from York in a climate-controlled minibus with a local guide, stopping in Helmsley, Hutton-le-Hole, the North York Moors, Whitby, and Goathland. You’ll hear local tales, visit the Harry Potter filming station, and ride the heritage steam train to Pickering.
“Friendly, knowledgeable guide good at looking after different types of audience. Choice of sights were really nice, and made the experience special”
Leave York in a small air-conditioned minibus with an English-speaking guide such as Mark or Chris. Visit Hutton-le-Hole, Whitby, Goathland, and North York Moors viewpoints, with time for fish and chips, Dracula lore, Harry Potter sites, and an optional steam train ride.
“Plenty of stops, very informed guide who made the whole day a pleasure.”
Travel from Edinburgh through Dunkeld, Loch Ness, Eilean Donan, Glen Coe, and Skye’s best-known sights. Stay two nights in Portree, hear Scottish myths from a local guide, and choose the Jacobite steam train from Mallaig to Fort William between April and October.
“This is a must! Our first visit to Scotland and the Isle of Skye - absolutely incredible!! Steve was a wonderful guide, well versed in both the spectacular countryside and in amazing stories, legends, yarns and tales! To be able to see and breathe this spectacular country in a comfortable bus and not have the stress of driving is priceless! We planned this for the beginning of our trip and it totally enriched the entire vacation. What a grand tour!!”
Travel from Edinburgh to Fort William by coach, then ride the Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig, crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct. Your guide, such as Brendan, provides commentary on Highland scenery and Harry Potter filming locations. Allow 13.5 hours, bring lunch, and expect a maximum group of 48.
“The highlands where amazing and the scenery breathtaking, especially for Harry Potter fans. The train ride was an ordinary ride, we expected it to be a bit more magical, however an overall enjoyable day.”
Travel from Inverness through Loch Ness country to Skye, ride the Jacobite steam train across Glenfinnan Viaduct, visit the Fairy Pools, Quiraing, Eilean Donan Castle, Culloden, and Clava Cairns. A driver-guide leads a maximum of 16 people, with two breakfasts included.
“Excellent guide, Torquil, who was friendly and helpful and went out of his way to keep us safe and happy. The accommodation at The Skye Inn was comfortable and the staff friendly and happy to help in any way.”
Set out from Cardiff with an English-speaking guide and a small group of up to 15. See Cardiff and Caerphilly castles, ride the Brecon Mountain Railway, explore Brecon, and visit Cyfarthfa Castle Museum. Guides such as Chris, Federico, Jim, and Lisa are praised for clear stories and friendly help.
“It was great. Only four of us so that made it more personal. Fed was an awesome driver/guide. He taught us a lot about Wales. Would definitely book again.”
Travel from Edinburgh through Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Fort Augustus, Eilean Donan Castle, and the Isle of Skye with a local guide. Spend two nights on Skye, then ride the Jacobite Steam Train from Mallaig. Guides may include Craig, John, Stefan, Cameron, or Rose.
“Very fun and off the beaten path tour. Lots of time in the van though. Our guide was so knowledgeable and unflappable, always considerate and a great driver.”
Travel from Cardiff with an English-speaking driver-guide to Caerphilly Castle, Brecon Mountain Railway, Brecon, Cyfarthfa Castle, and views of Cardiff Castle and Castell Coch. The group is capped at 15, railway fare is included, and castle entries are optional.
“Vi var en lille gruppe på fem mennesker ialt. Det var super hyggeligt og Jim var en god og charmerende tourguide og chauffør. Det var en interessant og alligevel afslappende dag.”
Travel from Inverness in a Mercedes mini-coach limited to 16 people. See Loch Ness, Skye’s Fairy Pools, Quiraing, Kilt Rock, Eilean Donan, Culloden, and Clava Cairns. Add the Jacobite Steam Train, enjoy two B&B nights with Scottish breakfasts, and hear stories from an English-speaking guide.
“this was definitely the highlight of our 15 day scotland vacation , our tour guide was excellent and engaged group throughout the trip , cant say enough on his positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond our expectations , kodo's Harrison”
Travel from Edinburgh through Glen Coe, Rannoch Moor, Skye, Loch Ness, and Dunkeld with an English-speaking guide. Your trip includes two hostel nights, the Skye ferry, and a standard-class Jacobite Steam Train ticket. Guides such as Tiegan and Connor add local stories, music, and Highland lore.
“This trip will always remain a special memory for me. We visited many stunning places, but what truly made the experience fantastic was our guide and driver, Tiegan. Their energy and passion really added to the journey. We covered a total of 18 locations, some in detail and others as quick photo stops. Isle of Skye is beautiful. Tiegan shared numerous facts and stories throughout, and their storytelling kept everyone engaged for all three days. The trip is definitely worth the price, though it’s worth noting we opted for the hostel, which factored into our evaluation of the cost. It was an incredible experience with a great group, and Tiegan…”
Spend 13 hours exploring the Highlands from Glasgow with an English-speaking guide, scenic stops at Glen Coe and Rest and Be Thankful, and a two-hour Jacobite Steam Train ride across Glenfinnan Viaduct. Heather, Nicky, and Erin have each been praised for lively, helpful guiding.
“We enjoyed everything especially our driver heather. Very informative. Love the music she played in the minivan. Enjoyed the trip and the train, I would highly recommend it. i would highly recommend heather. Only two suggestions for improvement: 1. i think there should have been small bottles of chilled water on the mini bus. 2. The last stop was beautiful, but nothing was open. Maybe you can work with the board or council of that town and have at least one store open that can sell souvenirs, drinks, maybe some small salads or prepared sandwiches. I don't know if that particular castle is open to the public.But I certainly would…”
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