These cruises around the UK will show you the best of our beautiful coastline
Leave the stresses of airports and driving behind you on these British Isles cruises
A cruise around the UK makes for an exciting staycation for those seeking a little more adventure than a few relaxing nights at a cottage or a mini-break at a hotel.
Just as with train journeys, a cruise allows you to venture to several parts of the UK in one trip, without spending hours stuck in traffic on the motorway or getting caught up in airport chaos.
On the best cruises around the UK, there's wildlife to discover (think puffins in St Kilda), charming seaside towns (don't miss Fishguard and Tobermory), and historical sites to delve into on exciting shore excursions.
It's easy to be tempted by the fantastic expedition cruises around the UK that take adventurers to Britain's remote islands, including the Hebrides, and to historic ports and wildlife hotspots on carefully organised shore excursions.
You can travel on luxuriously eco-conscious ships like Hurtigruten's sleekly-designed MS Spitsbergen or the elegant yacht, Lord of the Glens. On many British Isles cruises you'll travel in true luxury, with drinks and meals included, so you can relax and explore without having to think about any extra budgeting, or researching where to get your next meal from.
Whether you fancy a cruise around Scotland’s dramatic Hebrides or a voyage along the British Isles’ diverse coastline, here's our selection of some of the best cruises around the UK taking place next year.
Cruise around the British Isles
When a short break won't quite do, you can spend 13 days exploring the treasures of the UK and Ireland on a British Isles cruise that takes you to the Isles of Scilly, the Welsh coast, and up to the Scottish Hebrides.
During the round-trip cruise from Dover, you’ll enjoy a full-board stay on the refurbished MS Maud, and enjoy its observation lounge, library, hot tub, gym and restaurant.
This stylish vessel will allow you to see more of the British Isles in one trip than you could ever hope to reach by car or train.
You'll see some of our most interesting islands, including the fascinating Rathlin Island, which is home to Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony, and Scotland's St Kilda, with its breathtaking cliffs.
When? Multiple sailings in May, June, July and August 2023
Explore the wonders of Scotland's west coast
From mystical Loch Ness to the beautiful walks from Tobermory, there are so many reasons to venture to Scotland's western shore.
On this five-night cruise, you'll have the chance to sail on a luxurious private yacht through the Highlands and islands of Scotland, exploring the endlessly beautiful Caledonian Canal, hidden sea lochs and magical islands.
You'll board the elegant private yacht, Lord of the Glens, at Inverness, before sailing down the eerily beautiful Caledonian Canal past Loch Ness, Loch Oich, and Ben Nevis, before sailing across the Sound of Mull to Tobermory in the Inner Hebrides. It's a wonderfully luxurious way to see some of the most breathtaking parts of Scotland.
When: April 2023
Island hop in the Hebrides
Greece and Thailand are fine locations for an island-hopping adventure but there's really nowhere else like Scotland's Hebrides, where you can soak up the wild, remote beauty of Britain on a cruise.
There are hundreds of islands in the Hebrides, and a cruise is the perfect way to see many of them in one trip as you hop from isle to isle without having to worry about researching local ferry timetables and trying to work out your own itinerary.
The wild beauty to be found here is hard to beat and Good Housekeeping's 11-day cruise will take you to the best of the isles.
The voyage starts in Glasgow, where you'll board the modern and environmentally friendly MS Spitsbergen. You'll sail to the Isle of Mull and spend time exploring its postcard-perfect capital, Tobermory, where brightly painted Georgian houses flank the tiny bay. Then it's on to other islands, like tiny uninhabited Hirta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Colonsay, home to over 200 bird species.
When? April and May 2023
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Explore the Highlands and islands of Scotland by luxury yacht
There's no reason why exploring wild and remote places can't be a luxurious experience too, and on a trip around Scotland's breathtaking Highlands and stunning islands, like Islay (pictured), you can lie back and soak up the scenes on a comfortable yacht.
You'll be sailing on board the luxury Lord of the Glens, and just as with the five-night trip, you'll navigate the peaceful waters of the Caledonian Canal down to the Atlantic waters of the Sound of Mull.
You'll then have extra days to explore the Hebridean islands, with their unique traditions, diverse wildlife and fantastic food. You'll visit the 'whisky Isle' of Islay, the tiny Isle of Eigg with its marine animals and birdlife, and Iona, the last resting place of some 50 Scottish kings.
You'll stay full board on the ship, so the only thing you need to think about is which sight to take in next.
When? September 2023
Looking for inspiration for your next holiday? Grab a cuppa and browse our brochure packed with unique escapes.
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