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Inspiring short breaks
Great escapes to exciting places

Short Breaks Rail Tours & Holidays

If you'd like to escape for just a few days, look no further than our magnificent selection of short breaks in the Great British Isles and Europe. From a short cultural getaway immersing yourself in the history of medieval Bruges, to a long weekend discovering the outstanding beauty of the Great British Isles, our varied collection of short break holidays mean that no matter how little time you have to spare, you always have time for an exciting getaway. We believe that you shouldn't have to compromise on quality just because you're short on time, so we strive to ensure that our short break itineraries are packed with unforgettable excursions, carefully chosen hotels and many delicious meals.

A short break with Great Rail Journeys puts the world within easy reach; we take care of all arrangements in advance, from travel to accommodation to meals and excursions, so that you can relax with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that every aspect of your holiday is taken care of before your departure. All of our tours include the services of a professional Tour Manager, who will be on hand to guarantee that your time away is as enjoyable and relaxing as possible, and will happily assist you with anything from travel advice to restaurant recommendations.

An escorted rail holiday is a perfect way to experience a destination in a short amount of time, as it makes the journey a part of the adventure. From the moment your tour departs you can sit back and relax, taking in the scenic views as they roll past your window, and socialising with fellow, like-minded passengers.

Find out more with a free brochure and enjoy weekly travel inspiration and offers in our e-newsletter.

18 results matching: Short Breaks

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River CruiseRiver Cruise
Cologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas MarketsCologne Christmas Markets
Save up to £400pp
4.5 stars(211 reviews)
2026NovDec
2027NovDec

Feel the spirit of Christmas on this cruise along the beautiful Rhine. Discovering Germany at the most magical time of the year we stop at traditional Christmas markets along the way, including Cologne, Bonn, Koblenz and Rüdesheim. Strolling through the stalls, admire the craftsmanship of local artisans and savour the flavours that define the...

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Save up to £400pp
5 days from
£1,099 pp £999 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Vintage Railways of the Isle of ManVintage Railways of the Isle of ManVintage Railways of the Isle of ManVintage Railways of the Isle of ManVintage Railways of the Isle of Man
Save up to £200pp
4.7 stars(846 reviews)
2026Oct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...

The Isle of Man is a unique blend of unspoiled coastal landscapes, sandy beaches and stunning scenery. The rich Celtic heritage is evident all over the island, and we experience it by riding vintage railways and exploring historic towns. Each day is an adventure of picturesque landscapes and captivating history as we journey down Douglas...

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Save up to £200pp
6 days from
£999 pp £899 pp
per person
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DiscoveriesDiscoveries
Lake WindemereLake WindemereLake WindemereLake WindemereLake Windemere
Save up to £200pp
2026Oct

Experience picturesque journeys and leisurely moments in the stunning landscapes of the Lake District. Based in Wetheral, travel on heritage railways, enjoy the striking countryside of the north and delight in the natural beauty of this region. Sail across Windermere to scenic Bowness and the pretty village of Grasmere, once home to William...

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Save up to £200pp
5 days from
£1,079 pp £979 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Conway CastleConway CastleConway CastleConway CastleConway Castle
Save up to £200pp
4.5 stars(663 reviews)
2026Oct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...

On this nostalgic escape, ride on celebrated railways, visit ancient castles and discover the beautiful gardens of north Wales. Journey through stunning scenery on the Ffestiniog Railway, the world's oldest independent line, and ascend Snowdon's summit on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Step into the unique village of Portmeirion, whose design was...

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Save up to £200pp
6 days from
£999 pp £899 pp
per person
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Highland AdventureHighland AdventureHighland AdventureHighland AdventureHighland Adventure
Save up to £200pp
4.3 stars(428 reviews)
2026Oct
2027AprMayJunJulAug...

From our base in Carrbridge, we discover the very best of northern Scotland. Soak up breathtaking scenery as we travel aboard the legendary Jacobite steam train and the charming Strathspey Steam Railway. Along the way, we marvel at the towering mountains, shimmering lochs, and emerald forests that make up the Scottish landscape. Step back in time...

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Save up to £200pp
5 days from
£1,199 pp £1,099 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Germany Christmas MarketsGermany Christmas MarketsGermany Christmas MarketsGermany Christmas MarketsGermany Christmas Markets
Save up to £400pp
4.2 stars(52 reviews)
2026NovDec
2027NovDec

The Harz Mountains' medieval towns and picturesque landscapes are perfect for soaking up the traditions of Advent in Germany. Join us as we visit three of the region's traditional Christmas markets, UNESCO-listed Old Towns and enjoy a steam train ride through picture-book winter scenery to the summit of the Brocken, Germany's highest summit.

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Save up to £400pp
6 days from
£1,399 pp £1,299 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Nuremberg Nuremberg Nuremberg Nuremberg Nuremberg
Winter Flash Sale!
4.5 stars(23 reviews)
2026NovDec
2027NovDec

Prepare to be swept away by the romance of Bavaria's world-renowned Christmas markets. Experience the captivating atmosphere of three unique markets - in Nuremberg, Regensburg and Rothenburg - each with its own distinct character and enjoy a scenic journey along Germany's famous Romantic Road. Staying in enchanting Nuremberg, discover the...

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Winter Flash Sale!
5 days from
£1,399 pp £1,199 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
Norwich & the Norfolk BroadsNorwich & the Norfolk BroadsNorwich & the Norfolk BroadsNorwich & the Norfolk BroadsNorwich & the Norfolk Broads
Save up to £200pp
4.3 stars(194 reviews)
2026Oct
2027AprMayJunSepOct

Discover timeless seaside towns, experience wonderful wildlife, and explore Sandringham - one of the best-loved stately homes of the British royal family - on this holiday to Norfolk.    Staying in an elegant and historic hotel, reputed to be the oldest in the UK, we delve into this scenic region from the charming city of Norwich. Sail along the...

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Save up to £200pp
5 days from
£899 pp £799 pp
per person
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Keukenhof GardensKeukenhof GardensKeukenhof GardensKeukenhof GardensKeukenhof Gardens
Winter Flash Sale!
4.7 stars(52 reviews)
2027MarAprMay
2028AprMay

Experience the joys of spring in the Netherlands on this glorious break featuring world-famous gardens, picturesque canals and windmills. Based in the attractive city of Utrecht, our holiday is packed with excursions to enchanting locations, including the stunning Keukenhof Gardens - with its swathes of multi-coloured spring flowers - a guided...

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Winter Flash Sale!
6 days from
£1,599 pp £1,399 pp
per person
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ClassicClassic
YorkYorkYorkYorkYork
Save up to £200pp
2027AprJunAugSep

Enjoy a perfect blend of history, natural beauty and Yorkshire charm on this six-day getaway through one of England's most captivating regions. From the ancient city walls of York to the rolling landscapes of the North York Moors, explore the heritage of God's own county on a journey through some of its most iconic sights. Wander through elegant...

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Save up to £200pp
6 days from
£999 pp £899 pp
per person
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The Paignton & Dartmouth Steam RailwayThe Paignton & Dartmouth Steam RailwayThe Paignton & Dartmouth Steam RailwayThe Paignton & Dartmouth Steam RailwayThe Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway

Experience the timeless charm of the stunning English Riviera on a journey filled with nostalgic railway journeys and coastal delights. Take in the scenery aboard the Dartmouth Steam Railway and South Devon Railway, enjoy a traditional Devonshire cream tea in Dawlish, visit the tranquil Buckfast Abbey and unwind on a picturesque boat cruise. ...

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ClassicClassic
Edinburgh TattooEdinburgh TattooEdinburgh TattooEdinburgh TattooEdinburgh Tattoo
Save up to £200pp
4.4 stars(128 reviews)
2027Aug

 Discover the spirit of Scotland's proud heritage and natural beauty on this holiday, which offers the perfect blend of culture, history and rolling landscapes. Spend an evening amidst the exciting spectacle of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and enjoy a unique journey on the Falkirk Wheel, a marvel of engineering. Discover the nation's...

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Save up to £200pp
4 days from
£1,099 pp £999 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Short Breaks tours
Vintage Railways of the Isle of Man
16/Sep
Anne
5 stars
“Excellent. Excellent tour director (Annette) Excellent hotel….location, breakfasts, dinners, service, extras e.g. complimentary newspapers Excellent agenda, good pace, good variety, busy all day, train journeys every day. Excellent to be in a small group (16) My friends and I appreciated being able to choose the times for our meals and to be...
Collected by Trustpilot
Highland Adventure
14/Sep
David
5 stars
“A well crafted short break and Charles was a most affable host who managed to keep the group together and on time. The hotel was fine and the staff friendly and efficient A few distillery tours in place of Culloden would have been a personal choice The weather was fine and Glenfinnan shone...
Collected by Trustpilot
Railways & Castles of Wales
13/Sep
Amy
5 stars
“This is a terrific tour with just the right number of castles, gardens, and train rides. Llandudno is a lovely town and seeing the Welsh countryside thanks to a terrific tour manager and bus operator was a bonus. The accommodations at Dunoon Hotel were excellent with wonderful staff. Its breakfasts...
Collected by Trustpilot
 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo & Scottish Borders
12/Sep
J Turnbull
5 stars
“Good hotel, very good varied visits and helpful tour guide. Great to experience the Military Tattoo again. Another excellent holiday with Great Rail.
Collected by Trustpilot
Wonders of Netherlands in Springtime
9/May
Julian Howells
5 stars
“Wonderful displays exceeded my expectations. Well organised and hosted trip, appropriate and sympathetic trips added to the overall experience.
Collected by Trustpilot
German Christmas Markets of the Rhine
10/Jan
Ian
5 stars
“A magical pre-Christmas trip, organised and delivered to Great Rail Journey's usual high standards! The crew, cabin, facilities and food on the Amadeus Cara were fantastic, and the views as we cruised the Rhine gave us some amazing memories. We did get a little 'Christmas market overload' at times, but...
Collected by Trustpilot
Harz Mountains Christmas Markets
26 Dec 2025
Brian
5 stars
“Beautiful historic towns and the best Christmas Markets.
Collected by Trustpilot
Norwich & the Norfolk Broads
25/Aug
Brian Clarke
4 stars
“Lovely boutique hotel in great location. Cosy rooms and excellent food. Great variety of day trips by coach and train. Sandringham fabulous.
Collected by Trustpilot
Bavarian Christmas Markets
25 Dec 2025
Neil
4 stars
“Generally a very good short holiday. Hotel in Nuremberg , central and convienent
Collected by Trustpilot