Tailor-made Holiday · England
Luxury Rail Journey: London, York & the Royal Scotsman
Tailor-made, always
Every trip built from scratch around your dates, pace and preferences.
Your own specialist
One named person and a 24-hour number while you travel.
Hundreds of five-star reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot across ten years of LGBTQ+ luxury travel.
At a glance
This journey is built around one of the most luxurious rail experiences in the world: the Belmond Royal Scotsman.
Before boarding, you’ll spend time in London and York, with private touring that gives you a proper sense of England’s history, architecture and character.
Read more
From there, continue north to Edinburgh, where the pace changes completely.
The Royal Scotsman is the centerpiece.
With beautifully appointed cabins, polished onboard service, fine dining and an intimate atmosphere, it is a far cry from ordinary train travel.
Days are spent moving through the Highlands with stops for castles, whisky, gardens and remote landscapes, while evenings unfold onboard over dinner and drinks as the scenery continues past the windows.
It is an exceptional way to see Britain, combining some of its greatest cities with the majesty of the Scottish Highlands, all without sacrificing comfort.
Rather than simply getting from one place to another, the journey itself becomes the highlight of the trip.
Day by day
This is a sample plan, not a fixed departure. Days can be added, removed or reordered, and almost every client changes something. Prices are an entry-level guide; your quote will be exact.
Day 1: Welcome to London
Arrive in London, where a meet-and-greet assistant will be waiting in the arrivals hall before your private transfer into the city.
You’ll stay at Great Scotland Yard Hotel, a luxury property in the heart of Westminster and an excellent base for exploring central London.
Day 2: London’s Landmarks
Spend the day exploring London with a private driver and guide.
Begin at the Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels, before continuing through the historic center past landmarks including St Paul’s Cathedral. Stop around Covent Garden for lunch, then finish the day with views across the capital from the London Eye.
Return to Great Scotland Yard Hotel for the evening.
Day 3: Churchill’s London
Today focuses on London’s political and wartime history.
Visit the Churchill War Rooms, the underground headquarters from which Britain’s wartime government operated during the Second World War. Continue through Westminster and St James’s, passing Downing Street and St James’s Palace.
Later, enjoy afternoon tea in a setting with its own connections to Britain’s intelligence history.
Day 4: Journey to York
Travel north by train to York.
On arrival, explore the city with a private guide, including York Minster, the medieval city center, the Shambles and Clifford’s Tower.
You’ll stay at The Grand, York, one of the city’s best-known luxury hotels.
Day 5: Yorkshire
Head beyond York for a full day exploring Yorkshire.
Visit Whitby on the North Yorkshire coast, a town closely associated with Bram Stoker’s Dracula, before continuing to Castle Howard, one of England’s great country houses.
Return to York for a second night at The Grand.
Day 6: Northward to Edinburgh
Continue north by train to Edinburgh and check into the InterContinental Edinburgh The George.
In the evening, visit the Scotch Malt Whisky Society for a whisky tasting, a fitting introduction to Scotland before boarding the Royal Scotsman the following day.
Day 7: Begin the Royal Scotsman Adventure
Board the Belmond Royal Scotsman and begin your journey into the Highlands.
The train travels north through Perthshire and toward the Cairngorms, with dinner served onboard. Later, settle into the Observation Car for drinks and live music as the journey continues through Scotland.
Day 8: Majesty of The Highlands
Continue through the Highlands toward Inverness and the west coast.
Depending on the itinerary, stops may include Attadale Gardens or the village of Plockton, with time to explore before returning to the train.
Dinner is served onboard as the Royal Scotsman remains overnight in the Highlands.
Day 9: Whisky, Castles and Highland Tales
Spend your final full day aboard the Royal Scotsman exploring another side of Highland life.
The day may include a visit to a whisky distillery and Ballindalloch Castle in Speyside, before returning to the train for a final dinner onboard.
Day 10: Farewell in Edinburgh
Enjoy breakfast onboard as the Royal Scotsman travels back toward Edinburgh, crossing the Tay and passing through Fife.
On arrival in Edinburgh, your journey comes to an end.
Our Experts
England is a great destination solely for the diversity of its experiences. You can visit ancient castles, or modern art galleries. Enjoy swanky bars on a Saturday night, or wholesome country pubs on a Sunday afternoon.
England has a quaint, idyllic feel to it that you really have to experience to understand. The lush green of the countryside is a must-see for nature lovers.
Stellar service. Stellar products. Stellar people and it gets so much better when you pick up the phone and call.
Anthony S.
Super client centred service. From first contact I have had warm, efficient, friendly and flexible service.
John
I’m confident in giving Out Of Office a 5-star review! They are one of the leaders in this space without a doubt.
Tiberiu
Similar trips
World War II Tour of Europe: London, Normandy, Berlin & Krakow
Tailor-made HolidayThis route follows the war's actual turning points, London's underground command centre, the beaches where the Allies broke through, the capital of the regime being fought, and the site of its worst crime, in something close to chronological order. Four stops, each one a different piece of how the war was run, fought, caused, and ultimately answered for.
12 days tailor-made from £7,345 per person View trip
Luxury English Country House Tour for LGBTQ+ Travellers
Tailor-made HolidayThe English country house is one of the great inventions of British civilisation. For three centuries these estates shaped the landscape, defined a way of life, and played host to the kind of private world that rarely made it into the history books. What did make it in tells a more interesting story than the official version suggests.
8 days tailor-made from £6,785 per person View trip
LGBTQ+ Theatre Trip to London: West End Shows, Soho & Stratford
Tailor-made HolidayNo country on earth does theatre quite like the United Kingdom. From the West End stages that have shaped global popular culture to the small, radical fringe venues where the next generation of writers and performers are redefining what theatre can be, Britain's relationship with live performance runs deeper than anywhere else. It is the country that gave the world Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
8 days tailor-made from £5,585 per person View tripFeatured Itineraries
Classic Scotland: Edinburgh, Inverness and Glasgow
Tailor-made HolidayScotland is a land of dramatic landscapes, historic cities, and age-old traditions, where heritage and modern elegance blend seamlessly. This carefully crafted itinerary takes you from the grand avenues of Edinburgh to the untamed beauty of the Highlands and the rugged shores of the Isle of Skye, offering the ideal blend of culture, adventure and indulgence that Scotland is renowned for.
8 days tailor-made from £3,445 per person View trip
Luxury England Tour: London, Windsor & the Cotswolds
Tailor-made HolidayThis isn't just another trip to England - it's your chance to experience the country like royalty, with all the perks and none of the protocol or ribbon-cutting. Start in London, where you'll skip the tourist crowds and dive straight into the good stuff. Take a private tour of Kensington Palace (yes, where Diana lived), then settle in for afternoon tea in the palace gardens.
10 days tailor-made from £16,775 per person View trip
Classic England: London, Bath & the Cotswolds
Tailor-made HolidayIndulge in quintessential England with this 10-day journey through England's most iconic destinations - London, Bath, the Cotswolds, and Oxford. This 10-day luxury itinerary indulges you in the finest of English attractions, cuisine, and lodging. Enjoy dreamy stays at internationally acclaimed hotels and cottages, exclusive access to iconic landmarks, and private adventures guided by savvy local experts.
10 days tailor-made from £5,210 per person View tripFeatured Hotels
Chewton Glen
New Milton, Hampshire Luxury HotelThe five star Chewton Glen country house hotel is surrounded by 130 acres of beautiful Hampshire countryside and close to the New Forest National Park. It’s also just a short stroll to the sea and is also a member of the Relais & Châteaux collection of hotels renowned for their quality service. The rooms are modern in design but complement the traditional architecture of the building. Most have their own terrace, balcony or private garden.
View hotel
Rosewood London
Luxury HotelOne of London's great landmark hotels, Rosewood London sets the standard for luxury in the capital from its commanding Edwardian address on High Holborn, steps from Covent Garden. Occupying a building of extraordinary architectural pedigree, the hotel's 267 rooms and suites were designed by award-winning Tony Chi and Associates, each striking a balance between residential warmth and genuine luxury.
View hotel
Heckfield Place
Luxury HotelA resolutely farm-to-table 5-star country house hotel in Hampshire, Heckfield Place sits at the heart of a working biodynamic estate just an hour from London, where Green Michelin-starred dining and a 17,000 square foot spa redefine what a rural retreat can be. Heckfield Place is a 5-star luxury hotel in Hampshire, built around a lovingly restored Georgian country house set within a sculpted estate of ancient woodland, meadows, and gardens.
View hotelYour personal travel specialist, from the first conversation to the flight home.
Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specialising in tailor-made holidays and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury holidays, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalised experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with travelling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveller, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalised service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ holidays?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalised itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travellers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of travelling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
One named specialist, first enquiry to homecoming. No call centre, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.