How many travellers will be in my group?

Maximum 12 travellers — that's the cap on every Undiscovered Destinations small-group tour. Small enough to eat in a local family home; large enough to share the wonder with other like-minded travellers.

Yes, solo travellers are welcome on every small-group tour. A private single room is offered on every trip, with the single-room supplement listed alongside the departure price. If you’d rather share, you can opt for a twin room with another solo traveller of the same gender. Around 60% of UD travellers come solo, so you’ll be in good company.

How fit do I need to be?

Fitness requirements vary by itinerary, from gentle to demanding. The day-by-day tour dossier sets out walking distances, terrain and any altitude so you know what to expect. If you have specific concerns, speak to our team before booking — they can talk you through a typical day.

What's included in the tour price?

Included items vary by tour — see the full list above. On this trip, expect: 14 nights' accommodation in carefully selected hotels and historic properties, including a private en-suite cabin aboard the overnight ferry to Guernsey.; Daily breakfast (except Day 2), nine hotel dinners and two lunches, including Rick Stein's Seafood Restaurant in Padstow and a First Class Pullman Dining experience with drinks.; First Class rail travel where available, including the scenic journeys through Devon and Cornwall and the return to London.; and more. International flights and travel insurance are not included.

Where exactly does this trip go?

This tour visits England. Each destination has its own page with practical information, climate, and the attractions our specialists recommend — linked from the itinerary above.

La Coupée, the spectacular narrow ridge connecting Sark and Little Sark in the Channel Islands, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and turquoise seas. Copy

England15 daysMax 12 travellersSolo-friendly

Britain's Hidden Islands – Small Group Tour by Rail, Sea & Air

Discover Britain's hidden islands, from the Channel Islands to the Isles of Scilly, on an extraordinary journey by rail, sea and air, staying in distinctive hotels along the way.

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About this journey

What to expect on this trip

Discover a side of Britain that few visitors ever experience on an extraordinary journey through the Channel Islands, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Far removed from the familiar tourist trail, this carefully crafted adventure combines remote island communities, spectacular coastal landscapes, fascinating maritime heritage and some of Britain's most distinctive places to stay. From the peaceful, car-free lanes of Sark and the dramatic setting of Burgh Island to the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters of the Isles of Scilly, every stage reveals somewhere unexpected.

The journey itself is an essential part of the experience. Travel by overnight ferry, scenic coastal railway, traditional island boats and helicopter, with memorable stays at characterful properties including the iconic Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel and the historic Star Castle Hotel on St Mary's. Explore the subtropical Abbey Gardens on Tresco, discover picturesque Cornish harbours and enjoy a taste of the region's celebrated food and drink. The adventure concludes in style with a Pullman Dining experience aboard a Great Western Railway train from Plymouth to London, following one of Britain's most spectacular coastal railway routes.

Designed for curious, well-travelled guests who appreciate unusual destinations, comfortable accommodation and the pleasure of travelling at a more leisurely pace, this small group journey offers an entirely different perspective on Britain. With a maximum of 12 travellers, thoughtfully arranged transport and a carefully balanced itinerary, it brings together the romance of island exploration with the comfort and character of a truly memorable holiday.

A spectacular view of Sark in the Channel Islands, with a narrow cliff-top pathway crossing La Coupée, surrounded by dramatic rocky cliffs, secluded sandy beaches and the turquoise waters of the English Channel.

Elevated view over St Peter Port, Guernsey, showing the historic church, traditional red-roofed buildings, marina and harbour overlooking the English Channel.

The journey

Britain's Hidden Islands – By Rail, Sea & Air

What makes this trip special

Drawn from the full tour dossier — the standout days, encounters and views our specialists keep coming back to.

Your route

The highlights

Discover the Car-Free Island of Sark
Explore one of Britain's most enchanting islands, where peaceful lanes, dramatic coastal scenery and the spectacular La Coupée crossing offer a glimpse of a slower pace of life.
Experience the Glamour of Burgh Island
Spend two nights at the iconic Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel, reached by its famous sea tractor at high tide, and enjoy a taste of the golden age of travel.
Explore the Isles of Scilly
Discover an enchanting archipelago of turquoise waters, white-sand beaches and abundant wildlife, including visits to St Mary's, St Agnes and Tresco.
Discover Tresco's Subtropical Gardens
Stay two nights on the beautiful island of Tresco and visit its celebrated Abbey Gardens, home to an extraordinary collection of exotic plants flourishing in the mild island climate.
Fly Above the Isles of Scilly
Enjoy a spectacular helicopter flight from Tresco to Penzance, taking in breathtaking aerial views of the islands and surrounding Atlantic Ocean.
Return to London in Pullman Dining Style
Conclude your island adventure with an elegant journey aboard Great Western Railway's Pullman Dining service, enjoying fine dining as you travel through the English countryside to London.

Full itinerary · 15 days

Free — no sign-up

What's included

What your tour price covers

Included in the price

14 nights' accommodation in carefully selected hotels and historic properties, including a private en-suite cabin aboard the overnight ferry to Guernsey.
Daily breakfast (except Day 2), nine hotel dinners and two lunches, including Rick Stein's Seafood Restaurant in Padstow and a First Class Pullman Dining experience with drinks.
First Class rail travel where available, including the scenic journeys through Devon and Cornwall and the return to London.
All ferry and boat crossings, including the overnight sailing to Guernsey and island-hopping in the Isles of Scilly.
Famous sea tractor crossing to Burgh Island and scenic helicopter flight from Tresco to mainland Cornwall, subject to weather and tidal conditions.
Guided sightseeing and excursions as described in the itinerary, including Sark, Guernsey, Devon and the Isles of Scilly.
Entrance fees and special experiences, including Tresco Abbey Garden, Agatha Christie's Greenway and a horse-drawn carriage tour of Sark.
Private road transfers and sightseeing transport as detailed in the itinerary.
Services of an experienced Undiscovered Destinations tour leader throughout, with a maximum group size of 12 guests.

Budget separately for

International flights to and from the United Kingdom and airport transfers in London.
Meals and drinks not specifically included in the itinerary.
Personal expenses, including laundry, souvenirs and incidental purchases.
Optional excursions and activities not specified as included.
Travel insurance, which is essential for all participants.
Passport, visa and any applicable UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fees.
Gratuities for the tour leader, local guides and drivers.
Additional accommodation, transfers or other travel arrangements before or after the tour, together with costs arising from changes to personal travel arrangements.

Before you go

Essential information

Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.

Foreign Office travel advice

England is generally a safe and straightforward destination for international visitors. Normal travel precautions are recommended, particularly in busy cities and tourist areas.

Visitors should be aware that adverse weather can occasionally disrupt ferry, rail and helicopter services, particularly when travelling to the Isles of Scilly and Channel Islands.

For the latest official travel and safety information, please consult the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and your own government's travel advice before departure.

Voices from the road

What travellers say about us

Reviews from ninety-plus small-group adventures worldwide, written by the people who took them.

“The tour leader, Olaf Stals, did a sterling job. Charming, accessible, enthusiastic and a good communicator. Olaf has an in-depth knowledge of the mechanics of seamless travelling and managed the group very effectively. The tour was challenging but very good organisation and professional tour leadership made it a success.”

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Gustavo Musto, Uruguay

“When asked by other travellers why I book with Undiscovered Destinations, it's because of the chance to visit places few, if any, other tour operators go to. ”

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Oliver Grumitt, UK

“The tour leader, Olaf Stals, did a sterling job. Charming, accessible, enthusiastic and a good communicator. Olaf has an in-depth knowledge of the mechanics of seamless travelling and managed the group very effectively. The tour was challenging but very good organisation and professional tour leadership made it a success.”

Read full review

Gustavo Musto, Uruguay

“Given the countries involved, I thought the accommodation was better than I expected. Our guide was knowledgeable. He was kind and provided snacks and stories to while away the very long driving days. ”

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Traveller from the UK

“An excellent trip. We saw all that we expected to and more. Very good guide, helpful and considerate. Tour met and exceeded my expectations ”

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Martin Robathan, UK

“Quite the best guide and driver we have encountered in 45 years of travel.”

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John Davies, UK

“You have a good choice of more adventurous options. Standards are good. Prices competitive”

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Stewart Mitchell, UK

“This was our first trip with Undiscovered Destinations and we were very impressed. You have some very interesting itineraries so we hope we will travel with you again and we will certainly be recommending Romania to our friends”

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Anne Walton, UK

“The initial version of our 17-night tailor made itinerary was virtually spot on, covering all the interests. All we did was put in a few extra days for a more relaxed experience. The turnaround was quick and emails were responded to promptly. The process was quick and simple and we received all our final documentation in good time. All the information received was very helpful. ”

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Helen Jackson, UK

“I sent my request to book roughly 6 weeks before the tour started, which is relatively short notice considering the destination. I really appreciate the swiftness with which everything was handled.”

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Raquel Romeiro

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