15 amazing no-fly holidays for 2023
Not a fan of flying? Want to travel greener? Or simply looking for something different in 2023? No-fly holidays are worth considering if you've always wondered what it's like to visit Europe by rail, road or sea.
They're also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint as sustainability becomes more and more important to us, too.
Travelling by boat or train rather than flying also means you can take in the scenery at a more relaxed pace, so the journey becomes a more memorable part of the trip.
The good news is that there's a great variety of no-fly holidays available for those who want to keep their feet on the ground, and we’ve rounded up some of the best of them below.
If you fancy taking a shorter journey and staying in the UK, there are plenty of options to choose from. How about a break in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, with its grand stately homes, quiet cobbled streets and perfectly manicured gardens? Or maybe you'd like a crafty staycation at a manor house in the spectacular Scottish Trossachs?
There's no need to limit yourself to UK destinations for a flight-free trip though. If you’re itching to go further afield, you could travel by train to the pine-clad hills of Spain’s stunning Costa Brava, or cruise around Holland with Gardeners' World star Adam Frost to see its fabulous floral displays.
These are just a few of the exciting holidays available without the hassle of flying. So, if you've always wondered what it's like to visit the UK or Europe without the flight, you're in for a treat.
Here’s our selection of the very best no-fly trips to take in 2023.
Ride the magical Glacier Express in Switzerland
Hop on the Eurostar before taking the high-speed train to Interlaken in Switzerland for the winter no-fly holiday of dreams. Staying in a hotel with character close to the emerald waters of Lake Thun, you'll be in a great position to get to know the Swiss Alps.
The iconic Glacier Express is the perfect way to do this and will take you to wintry scenes through beautiful forests and over amazing bridges. You'll also visit the walkable cities of Bern and Lucerne. Prima has March and October 2023 departures for a Glacier Express adventure.
Marvel at the gorgeous gardens of the Cotswolds
From Hidcote Manor to Highgrove House, the Cotswolds are home to an abundance of places that gardeners will fall in love with and summer is the ideal time to visit. Join us for a tour of the region’s best gardens in April, May or September 2023, and you’ll also enjoy an exciting trip to the Cotswolds Farm Park, where you’ll meet Countryfile presenter Adam Henson. Adam took over the farm from his father in 1999, and it’s now home to herds of British rare breeds.
There'll be visits to Sezincote, Painswick Rococo Garden, Sudeley Castle & Gardens and Batsford Arboretum too, and you’ll stay at the historic Lygon Arms Hotel in the delightful town of Broadway.
Ride the trains of Corsica, the Mediterranean’s ‘isle of beauty’
When you arrive on Corsica, the little French island known as 'l'ile de beaute', or the 'island of beauty', you'll soon see how it got its affectionate nickname. On this mountainous isle, you’ll find an enchanting mix of slick coastal towns, shaded forests and rugged peaks to explore.
And the good news is, it’s possible to get here without stepping foot in an airport. Join our trip in May, June or September 2023 and you’ll travel by Eurostar to Lille, to Nice by rail and then catch a short, scenic ferry ride over to Corsica. You’ll be basking in the Mediterranean sun before you know it, exploring the island on some of the most picturesque railways in Europe.
Take to new heights in North Wales
When it comes to outstanding natural beauty, you really don't need to venture far as North Wales has it all - the mountain scenery, views and plenty of space to isolate. On a rail trip in North Wales, you can get to know the region's delights during a Snowdon Mountain Railway ride as you travel up Mount Snowdon to be rewarded by the magnificent view, which is known as one of the best in Britain.
You can join us for this journey around North Wales on some of its prettiest heritage railways in April or October 2023. You’ll also get to visit glorious Bodnant Gardens, with their five Italianate terraces, wildflower meadows, woodland, and riverside gardens.
Be impressed by the spring floral displays of Holland
We can't think of a more beautiful place to visit in spring than the Netherlands, where you can witness epic tulip displays up and down the country, and soak up the Dutch culture on a wonderful mini-break. In April 2023, you can join Gardeners' World star Adam Frost on a no-fly holiday to Amsterdam.
After arriving by Eurostar, you'll hop on board a river cruise to visit the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens with Adam. Open for just a few weeks each year, this special garden is a place you need to see to believe. You’ll also sail to Belgium to explore Antwerp and join optional tours to Kalmthout Arboretum and Meise Botanic Garden.
Travel by steam train like Harry Potter through the Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands is as breathtaking as Britain gets. Its wild, untamed beauty has made it a hotspot for adventure and you can experience an exciting trip by riding the Jacobite steam train across the epic Glenfinnan Viaduct, as seen in the Harry Potter films.
During a no-fly holiday in June or July 2023, you'll experience the Falkirk Wheel, Loch Katrine, the Jacobite and more as you puff past rugged scenery, craggy coastlines and inland lochs. You’ll also sail along the River Clyde on the world's last seagoing paddle steamer, The Waverley. You’ll be based at The Winnock, a lovely 18th-century hotel set in the spectacular scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
Explore Costa Brava's beaches and the Pyrenees' scenery
Nestled between the south west of France and Catalonia in northern Spain, the spectacular Pyrenees are home to some of Europe's most amazing mountain scenery. And the good news for anyone looking for a no-fly holiday is that you can easily reach them by train.
This trip in May, June or September will take you by Eurostar and TGV to this stunning mountain range, where you’ll enjoy some of the most gorgeous walking trails in Europe. You’ll also take some amazing local train journeys, including the Little Yellow Train of the Pyrenees, which takes you on a winding journey through rocky mountainous scenery, with spectacular views along the way.
Experience the best of Bordeaux on a luxury river cruise with James Martin
With spectacular scenery and good weather throughout the year, Bordeaux and its surrounding countryside is one of the best French regions for any lover of good wine and food to explore. It’s easy to reach by train too. Take the Eurostar from London to Paris Gare du Nord, where you’ll connect to Gare Montparnasse to continue on to Bordeaux.
You can join charismatic TV chef, James Martin, on an exceptional cruise through France’s Bordeaux region in April 2023. As you sail on board the swish S.S Bon Voyage, you’ll be treated to delicious French food with wine pairings.
Discover the Isle of Man on a heritage rail journey
The Isle of Man is a nature-filled place within easy reach of the UK mainland. Its beaches and rugged mountains can be explored and there’s plenty of interesting wildlife here, too. In the Calf of Man, you can spot seals, birdlife, and even dolphins; in Cregneash village, you might catch sight of a Manx cat.
Hop on board the Snaefell Mountain Railway during a five-day Isle of Man tour and you’ll be treated to glorious views out to sea. You’ll also ride the Isle of Man Steam Railway, a storybook train painted in a gleaming post-box red, for an hour-long journey through the Manx countryside.
Ride the Mont Blanc Express and visit beautiful Lake Annecy
You can glide through the beautiful French Alps on a no-fly holiday and travel through splendid vistas to the foot of their tallest mountain, Mont Blanc. The Mont Blanc Express carriages have large picture windows that let you soak in all of the postcard views as you travel from Martigny in Switzerland to the French village of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains – with views of the Mont Blanc along the way.
The train passes over arched bridges, across leafy valleys, through tunnels and by pretty pine forests and you can connect to the Brevent cable car in Chamonix. Join our trip in May, June, September or October 2023 and you’ll stay on the shores of Lake Annecy and spend a day soaring through the Alps on the Mont Blanc Express.
Explore Scotland's islands by luxury yacht with Carol Kirkwood
There are some truly cinematic landscapes to discover right here in the UK, and perhaps none more breathtaking than the Highlands and islands of Scotland. Here you’ll find glistening waters, wild landscapes, towering castles, and majestic flora and fauna. A brilliant way to explore this part of the country is by boat, as you sail along tranquil waterways past towering mountains and ancient ruins.
On a trip to the Scottish islands in May 2023 you’ll sail along the Caledonian Canal on a luxury yacht, Lord of the Glens to visit several of the most enchanting islands in the region. You’ll be joined by proud Scotswoman and weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, who'll tell you about her Scottish family's history during a private talk and Q&A session.
Explore the Peak District’s grandest homes and hunt for antiques with Paul Martin
The Peak District is not only a magical natural playground for those who love hilly walks and magnificent views, but it also boasts some of the UK’s most intriguing stately homes. Chief among them is the impressive Chatsworth House with its vast grounds and idyllic gardens.
On a trip to the Peak District in April 2023 you’ll get a guided tour of Chatsworth House and explore many more of the region’s finest estates, including a behind-the-scenes tour of Hardwick Hall. Paul Martin, the popular presenter of Channel 5's The Great Auction Showdown, will join you on your visit to Chatsworth House, as well as giving a private talk about his career and divulging some top tips on hunting for antiques.
Discover Yorkshire’s historic homes and glorious gardens
When it comes to beautiful stately homes in the UK, one place that boasts almost too many to keep track of is Yorkshire. This area of northern England has a perfect mix of historic homes, gorgeous countryside and exciting cities to explore, making the county a great option for a no-fly English mini break. One of the best ways to explore all the history that Yorkshire has to offer is on a four-day trip with Prima in April or September 2023.
On this escape you’ll visit some of the county’s magnificent properties, including Raby Castle, Harewood House and Newby Hall, and explore their delightful gardens. You'll stay at The Old Swan in Harrogate, a hotel which has an intriguing past itself, dating back over 200 years.
Get crafty in the Scottish countryside
Escaping on a craft holiday in the UK is the great way to enjoy a new hobby, or brush up on your existing skills, all while spending time in a beautiful place and making new friends. From quilting to upcycling, there’s a whole host of hobbies you can try your hand at on a creative retreat. Prima's craft breaks at Gartmore House in Scotland allow you to learn from expert instructors, while enjoying the outstanding beauty of the Trossachs National Park in your downtime.
Gartmore House is an elegant country house with 100 acres of private grounds to enjoy during your stay. So whether it’s knitting, crocheting, upcycling, or even aromatherapy candle-making that takes your fancy, these breaks are sure to leave you feeling inspired.
Discover the stunning lakes and gardens of northern Italy
There are many reasons why visitors to northern Italy fall in love with this exceptional part of the country. The bordering countries of France, Switzerland and Austria are to thank for its diverse scenery, from crystal lakes to dramatic snow-capped mountains.
You can visit some of the prettiest lakeside locations on Prima’s trip to northern Italy in April or September 2023, spending time on lakes Maggiore, Como and Lugano. You’ll have time to soak up the bustle of Milan and you’ll stay in a slick lakeside hotel on the shores of peaceful Lake Orta.
Alternatively, you can join a brilliant seven-day trip to explore the exotic gardens, characterful towns, and glittering Italian lakes in May 2023.
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