Britain offers two distinct ways to travel by luxury train, and both belong to the Belmond family. The Royal Scotsman carries a small number of guests deep into the Scottish Highlands over several nights, while the British Pullman devotes single, exquisite days to the countryside of southern England. Choosing between them is really a question of what you want your journey to be: an immersive multi-night escape or a polished day of vintage glamour close to London.
The Royal Scotsman: A Country House on Rails
The Royal Scotsman is among the most intimate luxury trains in the world, welcoming no more than 40 guests at a time. It runs round-trip from Edinburgh, threading through the lochs, glens, and mountains of the Scottish Highlands in the style of an Edwardian country house. Wood-paneled interiors, deep armchairs, and unhurried service set a tone that feels less like a train and more like a private estate that happens to move.
Journeys range from 2 to 7 nights, giving travelers the freedom to sample the Highlands briefly or settle in for a grand tour. Along the way the train pauses for castles, whisky distilleries, and Highland estates, so the landscape outside the window is matched by genuine time on the ground.
Signature Itineraries
The Royal Scotsman offers several signature itineraries, each with its own character:
- Classic Splendours — a comprehensive introduction to the Highlands and their landmarks.
- Scotch Malt Whisky Trail — a route built around Scotland’s most storied distilleries.
- Western Scenic Wonders — dramatic coastal and mountain scenery in the west.
- Taste of the Highlands — a shorter journey for travelers with less time to spare.
Onboard Touches
Two features set the Royal Scotsman apart. It carries the only outdoor Observation Car in Europe, an open-air vantage point from which to watch the Highlands unspool. It also has a Bamford spa car, a rare amenity that lets guests unwind with a treatment as the scenery rolls by. Fares begin at GBP 8,696 per person based on double occupancy, with departures running July through October 2026. To learn more, explore our Royal Scotsman journeys or browse our Scotland travel guides.
The British Pullman: Vintage Day Journeys from London
Where the Royal Scotsman is an expedition, the British Pullman is an occasion. The British sibling of the celebrated Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, it departs from London Victoria for vintage day journeys and fine-dining experiences through the countryside of southern England. Some departures are steam-hauled, adding the drama of a working steam locomotive to the elegance of the carriages.
Each Pullman carriage is a restored period piece, rich with marquetry, brass fittings, and plush upholstery. The British Pullman is ideal for celebrations, milestone occasions, or simply an unforgettable day out, all without leaving England for a single night. Because journeys, dates, and pricing vary throughout the year, we recommend you contact us for current departures and rates.
Highlands Escape or London Day Out?
The two trains answer different desires. Consider the Royal Scotsman if you want:
- A multi-night immersion in the Scottish Highlands, from 2 to 7 nights.
- Time ashore at castles, distilleries, and Highland estates.
- The intimacy of a train that carries no more than 40 guests.
Consider the British Pullman if you prefer:
- A single day of vintage glamour close to London.
- Fine dining and the possibility of steam haulage.
- A celebration or special occasion without an overnight commitment.
Many travelers combine the two, pairing a Highlands journey aboard the Royal Scotsman with a day on the British Pullman for a full portrait of British luxury rail. Our United Kingdom travel resources can help you plan a trip that spans both, and our complete collection of luxury trains shows how they fit within the wider world of rail travel.
Plan Your British Rail Journey
Whether you are drawn to the wild beauty of the Highlands or the vintage charm of southern England, our specialists can match you with the right train and the right itinerary. Begin your booking with Luxury Train Vacations, or contact our team today. Call us toll-free at (855) 720-2539 or email bookings@luxurytrainvacations.com to reserve your place aboard the Royal Scotsman or the British Pullman.