From luxurious all-inclusive cruises around the British Isles to small group tours and hands-on sailing experiences, there’s no more immersive way to explore the coastlines of the UK and Ireland than by taking to the water
1. For Spectacular Coastal Scenery – Scenic Coastlines of the British Isles
Setting sail from Liverpool and enjoying some of the UK and Ireland’s most spectacular sea views along the way, Scenic Coastlines of the British Isles
is a laid-back 10-night cruise on board Fred. Olsen’s comfortable flagship, Bolette. The first port of call is Portland in Dorset, before taking in St Mary’s
in the Isles of Scilly and highlights of Ireland’s rugged west coast, including the towering Cliffs of Moher. The west and north coasts of Scotland represent the final section of the itinerary, as you glide through sea lochs and experience wild, dramatic landscapes from the ocean. Time ashore includes the chance to visit a variety of sites, including Dorset’s Durdle Door, Tresco Abbey Garden in the Isles of Scilly, and Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls in Skye. The cruise departs on 12 September this year, with prices starting from £1,899 per person (fredolsencruises.com).
2. For a Comprehensive Sightseeing Tour – British Isles & Ireland
This excellent new tour from Viking Cruises covers a wealth of incredible sights over the course of 15 days, stretching from Dover on England’s south coast to Lewis and Harris in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. Starting out from Greenwich in London and finishing in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the cruise features an amazing 13 guided tours. Highlights of the experience include charming Fowey in Cornwall, which has inspired artists and writers, the historic Scottish ports of Greenock and Tobermory (the latter famed for its colourful buildings) and the opportunity to explore Limerick, Killybegs and Cork in Ireland. Life on board the vessel is luxurious, with serene, light-filled public areas and comfortable cabins, alongside amenities that include
an on-deck swimming pool, fitness centre and spa. Prices start from £6,695 per person, with the cruise departing on 25 April 2027 (vikingcruises.co.uk).
3. For a Northern Ireland Adventure – Northern Ireland Discovery
Embark on a voyage of discovery to Northern Ireland on board the Hebridean Princess – described as an ‘aquatic country house’ and renowned for exceptional service and luxurious ambience. You’ll take a seven-night whistle-stop tour of the area’s myriad treasures, from historic landmarks including Glenarm Castle to incredible landscapes such as the Giant’s Causeway.
The Northern Ireland Discovery cruise offers a wonderful way to experience the country, as well as taking in some of Scotland’s prettiest sights. The journey begins in Oban, on the Firth of Lorn, before heading through the North Channel to spend time in Londonderry, a city rich in culture and history. Then it’s on to Ballycastle, Larne and Bangor before heading back to Oban, via the untamed Scottish isles of Islay and Jura. The next tour departs on
1 September this year, with prices starting at £5,788.50 per person (hebridean.co.uk).
4. For a Hands-On Experience – Tall Ship Sailing in Cornwall
If you’d prefer a hands-on adventure to simply sitting back and cruising, Venturesail’s trips offer a wealth of choice. Its Tall Ship Sailing Holiday in Cornwall combines exploration of the beautiful Cornish coast and the Isles of Scilly with opportunities to get to grips with sailing in sheltered waters under the expert guidance of the vessel’s crew (no prior experience is necessary). You’ll also get the chance to sit back and soak up the sun and scenery from the deck of the elegant Blue Clipper during your break.
With a dedicated chef on board and spacious private en suite cabins below deck, guests will be able to enjoy perfect comfort after a day’s adventure on the ocean. Prices start from £1,920, with trips departing on 30 August and 6 September this year (venturesailholidays.com).
5. For an Adults-Only Ocean Escape – P&O’s British Isles Cruise
Hop on board P&O’s Arcadia for a 14-night tour of Britain’s coastline with its wide-ranging British Isles cruise. Exclusively for adults, this trip departs from Southampton, then takes in Northern Ireland’s capital, Belfast, and Killybegs in Ireland before heading up to Scotland – reaching as far as Lerwick, Mainland, the main town and port in the Shetland Isles. After exploring this northern island’s rich heritage, the ship sails on to Invergordon and then Greenock (with the chance to take a look around Glasgow while it is at dock). Next, it visits the rugged scenery of the Isle of Anglesey (Ynys Môn) off the north Wales coast, with a day docked at Holyhead, before returning to Southampton. While at sea, the ship offers plenty to keep you entertained, from sleek bars to a relaxing spa, a theatre and swimming pools. Prices start from £1,999 per person, with the Arcadia setting sail on 15 June 2027 (pocruises.com).
