Best Cruises tours in the United Kingdom

Taking a cruise tour provides a unique perspective of the United Kingdom. Boat trips in the United Kingdom are a hassle-free way to travel with no baggage restrictions. Besides, cruises depart from various ports around the country, providing convenient access. A cruise in the UK can take you to picturesque islands, medieval cities, rivers and sea. The shores of the British Isles offer quaint fishing villages worth exploring, majestic natural features and historical sights. Here are ten of the best cruises in the United Kingdom.

Scenic Cruise around the British Isles

For those who prefer nature to city life, a scenic cruise around the British Isles is ideal for exploring the rugged coast of England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and beyond. Various cruises depart from Southampton or other major ports and stop off at picturesque places like Saint Peter Port in Guernsey and the remote Isle of Skye, which is home to seabirds like guillemots and puffins. Look out for Duart Castle and the Rubha nan Gall Lighthouse on the Isle of Mull.

Isles of Scilly Sailboat Cruise

See the Isles of Scilly by sailboat with a cruise that allows you to explore the United Kingdom when the famed gardens of Tresco Abbey are in bloom. This cruise allows you to discover UNESCO treasures, like St. Kilda and the Giant’s Causeway. You will also pass the bonnie Scottish Highlands and the windswept Shetland Islands on this UK cruise.

Whistle-Stop Cruise of the British Isles

Take a four-night round trip, sailing from Southampton to Ireland on a large cruise ship with full facilities. This gives you the rare opportunity to sail into one of the biggest natural harbours at Cork, where you can discover the dramatic story of the Titanic. Aside from the rich maritime history, explore the 18-mile stretch of Chesil Beach on the southernmost point of Dorset. This cruise experience usually offers more than scenic views; you can participate in various sports, spas and entertainment, such as Broadway-style shows and live music.

Circumnavigation Cruise of the British Isles

Get the royal treatment while enjoying beautiful landscapes. British Isles cruises that circumnavigate the entire United Kingdom cover nine ports in an 11-night itinerary. Trips start and end in major ports, such as Southampton, and you are assured of stops in ports such as Liverpool, Holyhead, Belfast and Edinburgh. Your cruise tour may also pass through the Channel Islands with a stop at Guernsey and Le Havre, allowing you to enjoy a day in Paris.

Island Discovery UK Cruise

An island discovery cruise is ideal if you would like to see some of the picturesque outer reaches of the British Isles from the comfort of a cruise ship. You can discover the islands during a 20-night sailing experience from Southampton to Dublin. Get a glimpse of the Shetland Isles before cruising to the Orkneys to view the enigmatic standing stones of Stenness and the 5,000-year-old Skara Brae. You will also sail through North Ireland and make a stop in several ports before crossing to the Isle of Man.

Wildlife-Spotting Sailing Cruise

Hoping to catch a glimpse of wildlife on your cruise tour? A cruise aboard a smaller vessel is ideal for wildlife spotting, and a five-night sailing journey will allow you to spot marine wildlife. Sailing boat cruises pass by the rugged landscapes of areas such as Lough Swilly, the Tory Islands and the legendary Giant’s Causeway near Belfast. A sailing boat can navigate areas that a larger cruise ship cannot. This means that you can take in some of Scotland’s beautiful scenery away from the popular sailing routes and get a closer look at creatures such as sea birds, seals and more.

Family-Friendly UK Cruise

Family cruises in the UK offer fun and entertainment along with various tours. Whether your children are Harry Potter fans, Disney or LEGO enthusiasts, you can enjoy a seven-day night cruise while introducing little ones to life aboard a cruise ship. Some of the popular stops on such trips include Portland, Cork and Greenock. Large cruise ships provide full-board cruise experiences, with meals and onboard facilities, like an observation bay, hot tubs and gyms. When booking this kind of cruise experience, explore the available activities from classic onboard entertainment. Live music and recreational activities for the entire family are also available.

Adult-Only Cruise

Adult-only cruise ships are perfect for romantic couples, solo travellers and those who would like to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing cruise with luxurious facilities and entertainment tailored for adults. Adult-only cruises offer tours of the Orkney Islands, Belfast, Shetland Islands and other parts of the British Isles. The stops at the Shetlands allow you to explore this rustic and windswept region. You may also have an opportunity to see some of Dublin and Wales while enjoying sumptuous dinners on a tranquil grown-ups cruise.

Gloucester River Cruise

Enjoy the ultimate comfort during a river cruise that lasts around six nights, departs from Gloucester and tours the River Severn, stopping at places such as Worcester Cathedral, Berkeley Castle, Tewkesbury Abbey and Woodchester Mansion. Spot kingfishers and swans as you glide past the Malvern Hills and enjoy scenic sunsets while wine tasting and catching unforgettable glimpses of picturesque parts of England.

Thames River Cruise

See the “real” Downton Abbey and some of the prettiest parts of the Thames from the river with a classic six-night cruise from Hampton Court Palace to Oxford. This cruise allows guests to visit the magnificent Hampton Court Palace, Windsor Castle, Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey), Christ Church College in Oxford and other historical sites, such as Magna Carta Island. This cruise is recommended for those who would like to enjoy a luxurious cruise from London that includes charming scenery, history and amazing architecture.

Whether you fancy a long-weekend getaway or a week-long excursion at sea or on a river, a cruise tour offers a luxurious way of exploring various landscapes and historical towns of the UK.