Land’s End to John O’Groats 2025

Duration

14 Days

Departure Dates

4th September 2025

Prices from

£3,690 Per person

Experience a fantastic coast to coast adventure from Land's End to John O'Groats crossing three countries with many of the UK's greatest scenic rail journeys along the way. Journey through England, Scotland, and Wales visiting iconic locations, exploring beautiful cities, and discovering picturesque scenery on a tour that has it all!

Overview
Itinerary
Further Information
Departure Dates
Useful Resources

Cape Cornwall ©Shutterstock

14 days from £3,690

DEPARTS

Thursday 4 September 2025

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Visit Land’s End, famous for its unique location
Journey alongside the fabulous sea wall at Dawlish
Visit the world’s first great luxury liner, Brunel’s SS Great Britain
Wander along waterside paths and ancient city walls in Chester
Journey on the picturesque Welsh Highland Railway & Ffestiniog Railway
Cruise across the breathtaking Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Enjoy the beautiful Llangollen Railway through the Dee Valley
Visit the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway plus the fascinating Lakeland Motor Museum
Relax on a leisurely cruise on Lake Windermere
Unwind in the heart of the Scottish Highlands at Bridge of Orchy
Steam across the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Jacobite Steam Train
Take in the lovely scenery through the Great Glen alongside Loch Ness
Enjoy free time to explore Inverness
Touch the top of the country at John O’Groats

Also included in your Tour Fare:

13 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal plus 1 lunch
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

DAY 1

Journey from your home station to Falmouth and, on arrival, we will make our way to the Royal Duchy Hotel, our base for the next three nights. We enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before meeting for our first evening meal together.

DAY 2

After breakfast this morning, we begin our excursions by travelling through the charming, unspoilt Cape Cornwall en route to Land's End, the westernmost point of England famous for its unique location, natural beauty, and stunning scenery. We continue our round trip stopping at the picturesque fishing village of Mousehole, before returning to Falmouth in time for our evening meal.

B, D

DAY 3

Today is spent at leisure to explore Falmouth. You could relax on one of the spectacular beaches, stroll through the award-winning green spaces, or visit the fantastic attractions including Maritime Museum, Falmouth Art Gallery, and Pendennis Castle.

B, D

DAY 4

After breakfast, we cross through Cornwall to Devon travelling by rail alongside the famous sea wall at Dawlish before continuing into Bristol for our overnight stay at the Leonardo Hotel. We visit the attractive harbour plus the Being Brunel Museum and the SS Great Britain, the ship that changed the way we travel forever, exploring the ship's story and the engineer behind it before returning to the hotel for our evening meal.

*Note: Our luggage will be transferred from Falmouth to Chester therefore you will require an overnight bag in Bristol.

B, D

DAY 5

This morning, we head to the station which marks the beginning of our adventure northward as we travel through the beautiful Heartland of England to Chester. Here, we transfer to the Mill Hotel & Spa, our base for the next three nights, and this afternoon, we can stroll to the ancient City Walls or Roman Gardens before our evening meal together.

B, D

DAY 6

Today, we transfer along the North Wales Coast to Caernarfon where we board the magnificent Welsh Highland Railway for a scenic rail journey climbing into Snowdonia, twisting around forests to Beddgelert and through the much-treasured beauty of the Aberglaslyn Pass. At Porthmadog, we enjoy some free time for lunch before we embark on the Ffestiniog Railway for a narrow-gauge adventure climbing steep gradients to the unique landscape of Blaenau Ffestiniog before returning to the hotel for our evening meal.

B, D

DAY 7

After breakfast, we make the short journey by road to the Llangollen Canal for a breathtaking aerial cruise across one of the 'Seven Wonders', the spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Crossing 126ft above the River Dee, it is the highest and longest aqueduct in Britain and a World Heritage site. Afterwards, we continue by road to Llangollen with time to look around the delightful town before a thrilling return train ride along the beautiful Llangollen Railway through the Dee Valley returning to the hotel in time for our evening meal.

B, D

DAY 8

Today, we leave Chester and board our train heading to the beautifully picturesque Lake District. On arrival at Windermere Station, we transfer to the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway where we enjoy a leisurely cruise to the southern tip of Lake Windermere, a visit to the Lakeland Motor Museum, and a vintage train journey through the picturesque Leven Valley. Afterwards, we continue to Kendal for our overnight stay at the Stonecross Manor Hotel where we enjoy our evening meal together.

*Note: Our luggage will be transferred from Chester to Bridge of Orchy therefore you will require an overnight bag in Kendal.

B, D

DAY 9

After breakfast this morning, our journey north continues via the West Coast Mainline into Glasgow where we have free time to enjoy our lunch and explore the city before travelling on the first section of the West Highland Line, dubbed one of the world's greatest railway journeys. We travel through wonderful watery landscapes as we skirt the Firth of Clyde, Loch Long, and Loch Lomond before climbing into the western Highlands to Bridge of Orchy, where we spend two nights at the Bridge of Orchy Hotel.

B, L, D

DAY 10

Today, we transfer to Fort William to continue our adventure aboard the magnificent Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig journeying over the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct, capturing the views of Bonnie Prince Charlie's monument, Loch Eilt, and Loch Shiel. There is time to explore the picturesque harbour town of Mallaig, with its majestic views across to the Isle of Skye, before we retrace our steps to the hotel in time for our evening meal together.

B, D

DAY 11

After breakfast this morning, we leave Bridge of Orchy behind and transfer by road through the dramatic Great Glen and alongside the serene Loch Ness on our way to Inverness for a three-night stay at the Palace Hotel.

B, D

DAY 12

Today, our excursion completes a wonderful coast-to-coast odyssey as we travel northwards through stunning coastal Sutherland and into Caithness for a visit to John O'Groats, the furthest inhabited place on mainland Britain from Land's End, some 874 miles away. Afterwards, we enjoy a visit to a traditional Highlands distillery for a fascinating tour and tasting before returning by road to Inverness in time for our evening meal.

B, D

DAY 13

Today, we spend the day at leisure to relax at the hotel or discover Inverness at your own pace. You may wish to make use of the hotel's spa facilities, explore the Highland scenery and iconic castles of Inverness, take an excursion to spot the Loch Ness Monster, or ride the Kyle Line to the Kyle of Lochalsh (one of the original "Great Railway Journeys of the World"). This evening, we reconvene at the hotel for our final evening meal together to reflect on our great adventure crossing three countries between the two farthest points, with a host of new and exciting experiences in between.

B, D

DAY 14

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Inverness and make our way to the station for our homeward journeys.

*Important Note: Whilst the arrangements for all described steam train travel are in place, we do reserve the right to make substitutions should it be deemed necessary for whatever reason.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

HOTELS

Royal Duchy Hotel, Falmouth

Set on landscaped grounds with panoramic views of Falmouth Bay, the stylish Royal Duchy Hotel offers award-winning dining in their Restaurant or Terrace Lounge, a cosy bar, and relaxing gardens plus spa and leisure facilities including a heated indoor pool, sauna, and gym. The luxurious bedrooms provide en-suite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Leonardo Hotel, Bristol

Based in the city centre of Bristol and less than an 8-minute walk to Bristol Temple Meads railway station, the newly built Leonardo Hotel has an inviting bar and restaurant offering a selection of delicious food and drinks plus a fitness centre. The modern bedrooms provide a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer, flat-screen TV, ironing facilities, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Mill Hotel & Spa, Chester

Situated along the side of the Shropshire Union Canal, the Mill Hotel is a comfortable hotel with facilities including a gym, spa, and sauna plus guests can enjoy dining in the beautiful canalside restaurant or relaxing in the bar and lounge. The stylish bedrooms offer a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Stonecross Manor Hotel, Kendal

Situated on the outskirts of Kendal with beautiful views, the Stonecross Manor Hotel offers modern and traditional cuisine in their stylish Woodland Bar & Kitchen plus a relaxing spa including a sauna, steam room, heated indoor pool, and jacuzzi. The comfortable bedrooms provide an en-suite bathroom, a hairdryer, flat-screen TV, ironing facilities, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Bridge of Orchy Hotel, Bridge of Orchy

Situated on the West Highland Way and overlooked by mighty Beinn Dorain mountain, the recently renovated Bridge of Orchy Hotel offers an elegant restaurant serving seasonal dishes, a traditional bar, and a library lounge. The comfortable bedrooms provide an en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries, a flat-screen TV, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Palace Hotel & Spa, Inverness

Nestled on the banks of the River Ness, opposite Inverness Castle, the Palace Hotel & Spa offers an elegant bar and restaurant, relaxing lounge, and a superb leisure club with an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and gymnasium. The individually styled bedrooms provide private bathrooms with a hairdryer, a flat-screen TV, ironing facilities, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.

FARES

Fare Region	First*	Standard
London: Out - Paddington, Rtn - Kings Cross	£4,009	£3,899
Greater London	£4,025	£3,909
South of England	£4,059	£3,929
East Anglia	£4,039	£3,919
South West	£4,059	£3,915
Heart of England	£4,079	£3,935
Midlands	£4,055	£3,905
Yorkshire	£4,049	£3,905
North East	£4,045	£3,905
North West	£4,039	£3,899
South Wales	£4,185	£3,945
North Wales	£4,079	£3,925
Scotland	£4,035	£3,899
Join & Leave at Hotels	£3,750
Single Traveller Supplement	£1,299
Deposit	£370

*Please Note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class seating only and First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of their journey.

£60 tour discount for holders of National Railcards

13 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal plus 1 lunch

Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class)

Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described

All excursions & admissions as detailed

Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Active Tour Suitability Description

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Royal Duchy Hotel, Falmouth

Leonardo Hotel, Bristol

Mill Hotel & Spa, Chester

Stonecross Manor Hotel, Kendal

Bridge of Orchy Hotel

Palace Hotel & Spa, Inverness

Land's End

Visit Falmouth

Brunel's SS Great Britain

Visit Chester

Welsh Highland & Ffestiniog Railway

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Llangollen Railway

Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

Lakeland Motor Museum

Jacobite Steam Train

John O'Groats

Land's End1 ©AdobeStock

Land's End2 ©Mark Dickin

Mousehole, Cornwall ©Shutterstock

Falmouth Harbour ©Shutterstock

Dawlish Seawall ©GWR

Bristol Harbour ©Shutterstock

SS Great Britain ©Shutterstock

Chester ©Shutterstock

Welsh Highland Railway ©Shutterstock

Ffestiniog Railway ©Shutterstock

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct1 ©Denbighshire CC

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct2 ©Shutterstock

Llangollen Railway ©Shutterstock

Lake Windermere ©Shutterstock

Jacobite on Glenfinnan Viaduct ©Shutterstock

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