Travel bucket list idea:
Belmond Royal Scotsman
Scottish Highlands, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Last updated: 21 March, 2024
Europe’s most luxurious ‘hotel train’ offers various itineraries around Scotland – all of which depart from Edinburgh Waverley station – to appeal to those interested in country houses, castles, gardens, fine Scottish whisky and spectacular highland landscapes.
The train has been constructed from modern carriages to mimic the ambience of a country-house hotel, with marquetry panelling and high-quality fabrics throughout. Cabins are unusually spacious, and there’s an observation car with open verandah, armchairs and sofas for unparalleled comfort.
Expect excellent fine dining onboard using local ingredients to produce sophisticated French-leaning cuisine. Angus cattle are behind outstanding signature fillet steaks. There’s a good selection of wines and malt whiskies.
Logistics
Price from: £4,000
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 25+
When: All year around
Duration: 2-7 nights
Getting there & doing it
All journeys start and finish at Edinburgh Waverley station.
Two-, 3-, 4-, 5- or 7-night Itineraries are all based on the finest railway journeys through the Scottish Highlands, such as the West Highland Line to Mallaig.
Along the way there are stops offs for private guided visits to country houses, castles, gardens and distilleries. There is also the chance to walk through woodland and to waterfalls.
Black tie/cocktail dresses are encouraged for formal dinners on alternate evenings. The train is stationary overnight.
When to do it
The train operates from April to October, with one or two services each month per itinerary (three in August). Check the website for dates of specific locations and themes of each itinerary.
Early June, even into October, depending on the weather, is ‘midge’ season in Scotland. These tiny biting insects can spoil off-train expeditions, so go prepared with suitable repellents. The beginning and end of the operating season avoids the midges. Late summer and autumn are best for mountains carpeted in colourful heather.
