Luxury United Kingdom Voyages

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located at the entrance of the Mediterranean on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula. Most visitors arriving by sea are impressed by the rock’s enormous visual impact. Only covering an area of 2.3 square miles (6.0 sq. km.) several sites are a must-see! Some of the “can’t miss” options include the Great Siege Tunnels, St. Michael’s Cave, The Moorish Castle, The Lighthouse at Europa Point and shopping – yes shopping. SeaDream docks at the passenger terminal and has the coaches for the land adventures just outside. It is an easy walk downtown to the duty-free area. Bikes are available should you want to bike up the rock.

SeaDream will scenically navigate by the very impressive Rock of Gibraltar. Should time allow, the Captain may stop for a few minutes to allow a fantastic photographic opportunity. Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located at the entrance of the Mediterranean on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula. Most visitors arriving by sea are impressed by the rock’s huge visual impact.

Boasting an immensely picturesque coastline, the Channel Island of Guernsey has long attracted artists such as Auguste Renoir to its welcoming shores. In the capital of St. Peter Port, wander through commanding Castle Cornet, a 13th-century marvel of military engineering that sits on a rocky headland jutting out at sea. Admire some of the earliest heated glass houses at the Candie Gardens, whose elegantly landscaped grounds are laid out with Victorian thoughtfulness and contemplate Victor Hugo’s not entirely uncomfortable exile at Hauteville House, the splendid manor where he wrote Les Miserables. Hop on a bicycle to explore the picturesque hills and dales of the island, perhaps riding past a herd of the island’s famed namesake cows, and revitalize at an authentic tea house, where age-old traditions are carefully observed. For that perfect keepsake, shop along cobbled streets overflowing with charm, maybe pausing at a fresh-caught seafood restaurant for a taste of the island’s famed crab. No matter how you choose to spend your time, the leisurely pace of life in delightful Guernsey will replenish your spirit.

Synonymous with royalty, London is a living testament to the lofty achievements of the mighty kings and queens that have presided over this storied island nation. Witness the changing of the guard at gracious Buckingham Palace, a cherished custom that is both timeless and precisely on time, and tour the Houses of Parliament, the city’s other magnificently ornate center of power and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cross the iconic Tower Bridge on your way to view the utterly dazzling Crown Jewels, which are kept in the once-forbidding Tower of London, another UNESCO site. After refreshing with a pint of beer at a classic English pub, sample the best of contemporary art at the essential Tate Modern, which is housed in a former brick power station. Next door, you’ll find the faithful reconstruction of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, where Romeo and Juliet can keep falling in love for eternity. Stroll through immaculately manicured Hyde Park, shop in tony Covent Garden and take in the entire city from the London Eye observation wheel, as the resonant chimes of Big Ben comfort both Londoners and visitors with time-honored tones known the world over.

One of the Channel Islands, the beautiful, steep island of Sark rises from the sea, outshined only by its scenic coastline. Three intimate harbors—Creux, La Maseline, and Havre Gosselin—allow for anchorage and easy access to its sheltered beaches. Sark is one of the few remaining islands where cars are banned and only bicycles and horse-drawn vehicles are permitted on its roads.

The Shetland Islands is a North Sea archipelago, of which only sixteen islands are inhabited, many only accessible via small sailing vessels. The archipelago is perfect for yachting, with a raw, rugged coastline and low rolling hills, providing opportunities for spying wildlife. Shaped by billions of years of shifting sand and sea, Shetland’s natural landscape is among the most dramatic in the world, teeming with wildlife from puffins to native Shetland ponies. Lerwick is Shetland’s only town, founded as an unofficial marketplace to service seventeenth-century Dutch herring fleets, and the island’s capital since 1708.

Known for its rugged coastline, stunning white beaches, wild mountainous terrain, and rich history, Isle of Lewis is the perfect yachting destination for travelers looking to explore Scotland’s natural beauty and Gaelic cultural heritage. The largest of the inhabited islands in the Outer Hebrides, Isles of Lewis is defined by its sandy beaches backed by dunes and machair on the west coast, giving way to an expansive peat-covered plateau in the center of the island. The eastern coastline is markedly more rugged and is mostly rocky cliffs, interrupted by small coves and beaches. Explore the ancient Callanish Standing Stones, one of the most significant archaeological monuments in the Outer Hebrides.

The northernmost island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, the Isle of Skye is defined by its rugged landscapes, medieval castles, picturesque fishing villages, and otherworldly natural landscapes—grassy moors, steep glens, tumbling waterfalls, rivers, sparkling mountainsides and pristine harbors, inviting exploration.

Barra is the most southerly of the inhabited islands in the Outer Hebrides, heralded for its serene beaches, stunning green hillsides, machair and moor. Like its neighboring islands of Uist, Lewis, and Skye, the Isle of Barra is pre-Norse and presents a remote, otherworldly quality. From its white-sand beaches on the north side to the rocky inlets on the southeast side, the Isle of Barra exudes a raw, untamed beauty. At just eight miles long and five miles wide, Barra is easy to explore, its Barra Head Lighthouse welcoming visitors since it began operating in 1833. Kisimul Castle, an impressive 11th- century fortress, sits on a small rocky island in Castlebay Harbor. Barra is a coveted destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach-going opportunities. The highest point on the island, Heaval, provides a particularly distinct vantage point, boasting views of the coastline, perfect for hikers and birdwatchers.

The Isle of Mull is home to some of the most impressive coastal scenery in Scotland, boasting grand mountains, lush woodlands, charming villages, and sheltered inlets with sandy beaches. Explore uninterrupted coastline, peppered with communities of red and deer, wild goats, mountain hares, and otters. Call on the charming town of Tobermory with its colorful houses and scenic coastal trail that leads to the ruins of thirteenth-century Aros Castle.

Sitting along the banks of the Clyde River, Glasgow is one of Northern Europe’s most endearing and culturally vibrant cities, boasting a variety of art and museums, galleries, luxe restaurants, and pubs. The city’s Gaelic name, Glaschu, fittingly translates as “dear green place.” Glasgow boasts an incredible architectural heritage, ranging from medieval times to the Victorian and Art Nouveau eras, set within a city full of abundant parks and green spaces, making it ripe for exploration. Glasgow is also home to Scotland’s national opera, ballet, and theater companies and is a UNESCO City of Music, presenting a lively music scene. Defined by a strong sense of community and welcoming ambiance, the dynamic city shines for diversity, from the city’s artsy West End to historic East End, home to the 12th-century Gothic Glasgow Cathedral.

The Isle of Islay, often called the “Queen of the Hebrides,” is the southernmost of the Inner Hebrides islands. With unforgettable scenery, abundant wildlife, and a warm, welcoming community, the island is easily navigated, offering many hiking and biking opportunities. Port Ellen, a small town on the island of Islay known for once producing a now-coveted Scotch whisky, sits pretty in Leodamais Bay. Its previous name, Leòdamas, is derived from Old Norse meaning “Leòd’s Harbour.”

The small seaside resort town of Portrush (“Port Rois” in Old Irish) sits quietly on the north coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Set on a peninsula that juts into the Atlantic, Portrush boasts stunning beaches, including East Strand, West Strand, and White Rocks, each awarded “Blue Flag” status for their pristine waters. During medieval times, Portrush was a strategic landing place for the castle and settlement at Dunluce, and today its Old Town pays homage to its historic past. Portrush is the gateway to Giant’s Causeway, a geologic wonder of interlocking basalt columns jutting from the sea at the foot of dramatic cliffs.

Northern Ireland’s thriving capital of Belfast offers historic landmarks and museums, including the Ulster Museum, the aluminum-clad Titanic Belfast, and the Metropolitan Arts Center (The MAC), located in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. Among shipbuilding and the production of rope and tobacco, the city paved the way in the world’s linen industry, and many of its linen houses still remain in the city’s historic Linen Quarter. Stroll the Botanic Gardens, designed in the 19th century by Sir Charles Lanyon. Named for the five caves along the Belfast cliffs, Cave Hill Country Park offers walking trails with incredible views dotted with ancient history, including the nineteenth-century Belfast Castle and the old stone McArt’s Fort, sitting 1,200 feet above sea level. Take in the city’s lively food scene, including St. George’s Market boasting local delicacies. As your gateway to Northern Ireland, Belfast is perfectly positioned for exploration of Giant’s Causeway, Game of Thrones filming locations, and bicycling beyond Belfast.

The quaint seaside town on the northwest coast of England boasts a glistening silica white-sand beach and is your gateway to the Lake District National Park, nestled in the Cumbrian Mountains. Boasting England’s tallest peak and largest lake, this idyllic spot is perfect for hiking, biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

The islands of Great Britain, Ireland, the Isle of Man, the Inner and Outer Hebrides, the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland—and thousands of smaller islands—collectively comprise the dreamy British Isles. Rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and intimate yachting harbors and ports allow a view of island life you haven’t experienced unless you have approached these destinations by yacht. Yachting through the remote Isles of Scilly and castle-dotted, rural Isle of Man transport you to otherworldly locations.

The picturesque seaside town, perched on a beautiful inlet fringed by the Mourne and Cooley Mountains, boasts a charming promenade, sixteenth-century Narrow Water Castle, and scenic golf course, offering a challenging play for linksmen of all skill levels. Stroll the two-mile-long scenic walk around Lough Ree or hike the Mournes with sweeping views of the area’s summits and valleys.

A tranquil coastal town in Pembrokeshire, southwest Wales, Fishguard stretches along the north slope of the valley. Set across two parts, the main town is perched on the top of the hill, while Lower Fishguard hugs a small river that flows into an idyllic harbor, where SeaDream drops anchor. Ancient standing stones round the perimeter of Fishguard Parish, forming one of several clusters of Early Medieval standing stones in Wales. Beyond its public gardens of Dyffryn Fernant and Penlan Uchaf, the quaint fishing village is notable for its parish church, seaside cafés, and artisan shops and boutiques along High Street. Fishguard’s Royal Oak House is notable as the site of the signing of France’s surrender after 1797’s Battle of Fishguard, a brief military campaign during which Napoleon’s troops attempted to invade Britain, its story displayed in finely embroidered tapestry.

The Isles of Scilly, an archipelago off the Cornish coast of southwest England, is defined by its heathland and fringed by sandy beaches. On Tresco, one of the five inhabited islands in the archipelago, Tresco Abbey Garden is home to subtropical plants and the Valhalla Museum, displaying a diverse collection of artifacts. As a small, privately owned island, Scilly’s ambiance of exclusivity extends to its upscale cafés and art gallery. The tower of 17th-century Cromwell’s Castle stands north of Tresco and is one of a handful of stone fortifications that survive from England’s Interregnum (“between reigns”) period of 1649-1660.

Dock in Fowey Harbor to explore the small town of Fowey, England, sitting pretty on the south coast of Cornwall, just a stone’s throw away from the Biomes House, the largest contained rainforest, and the award-winning garden restoration project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Established hundreds of years ago as a trading and navel town, Fowey boasts a heady mix of coastal walking paths, quaint streets, and luxe boutiques, backgrounded by a picturesque countryside and thirteenth-century Restormel Castle.

Barra is the most southerly of the inhabited islands in the Outer Hebrides, heralded for its serene beaches, stunning green hillsides, machair and moor. Like its neighboring islands of Uist, Lewis, and Skye, the Isle of Barra is pre-Norse and presents a remote, otherworldly quality. From its white-sand beaches on the north side to the rocky inlets on the southeast side, the Isle of Barra exudes a raw, untamed beauty. At just eight miles long and five miles wide, Barra is easy to explore, its Barra Head Lighthouse welcoming visitors since it began operating in 1833. Kisimul Castle, an impressive 11th- century fortress, sits on a small rocky island in Castlebay Harbor. Barra is a coveted destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach-going opportunities. The highest point on the island, Heaval, provides a particularly distinct vantage point, boasting views of the coastline, perfect for hikers and birdwatchers.

With seemingly unending miles of coastline and beautiful natural backdrops to explore, the Orkney Islands archipelago lies on the rugged northern tip of Scotland. Ideal for yachting, walking, hiking, and cycling, many of the islands along these shorelines are uninhabited. The capital of the Orkney Islands, Kirkwall, is full of character and Norse heritage. A Royal Burgh since 1486, Kirkwall’s name comes from the Norse word “Kirkjuvagr,” meaning “Church on the bay,” as exemplified by its St. Magnus Cathedral.

At approximately 20 miles wide at its narrowest point, the Strait of Dover is the slimmest section of the English Channel. As you pass through the strait, on a clear day the White Cliffs of Dover and the landscape of Calais, France come into view.

Portsmouth lies on Portsea Island, a narrow peninsula that separates two inlets of the English Channel, Portsmouth Harbor to the west and Langstone Harbor to the east. Home to Britain’s Royal Navy, the city’s rich military history includes an historic dockyard that houses many notable ships, including HMS Warrior, the first iron-hulled warship, and HMS Victory, Admiral Horatio Nelson's flagship during 1805’s Battle of Trafalgar. Beyond military history, Portsmouth is marked by Spinnaker Tower, a 170-meter structure with sky-high observation decks providing views of the harbor. Browse the shops at Gunwharf Quays and explore Old Portsmouth for its pubs and restaurants, Portsmouth Cathedral, Royal Garrison Church, and Square and Round Tower, two historic defense towers dating to the fifteenth century. Relax and stroll the promenade at Southsea Beach, stretching from Old Portsmouth to the estuary, with King Henry VIII’s Southsea Castle jutting up to the water’s edge.

Located in Northwest England on the estuary of the Mersey River, sits Liverpool, defined by its maritime history, lively arts and music culture, and beautiful waterfront. The waterfront’s Pier Head is home to the iconic Three Graces, Royal Liver Building, and Cunard Building, known as the home of the Liver Bird who proudly watches over the city. Liverpool offers a wide range of museums, including the World Museum, Maritime Museum, and Beatles Story Museum, and notable attractions from St. George’s Hall to the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral—all worthy of discovery. Walk in the footsteps of the Beatles as you visit the Cavern Club or Strawberry Field and take in the city’s lively pubs and restaurants, perhaps sampling a traditional dish of scouse, a hearty meat-and-potatoes stew.

Dartmouth sits along the English Channel on the west bank of the Dart River estuary in Devon, England. As part of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Dartmouth has long attracting yachting and boating enthusiasts. The castle, constructed in 1481, guards the entrance to the estuary, from which Richard I’s Crusaders set sail in 1190 over 400 ships gathered during the 1944 D-Day landings. The town’s rich naval history also includes the hometown of Thomas Newcomen, inventor of the first working steam engine in the early 1700s. Dartmouth charms with its historic colorful streets and traditional architecture, particularly its hidden gems, including painted family crests and narrow winding steps. Nearby, discover the secret known to locals: Blackpool Sands, a “Blue Flag”-awarded beach tucked away in a cove among evergreens and pines, named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

This picturesque seaside town on the south coast of Dorset is defined by its beautiful natural yachting harbor, maritime history, and award-winning beaches. The town’s name comes from the Old English pool and pol, both of which refer to places near water. It’s here that one finds watersports from paddleboarding to kayaking and nature trails perfect for spying local flora and fauna. Poole’s cobblestoned Old Town dates from the twelfth century, its street lined with Georgian buildings, local art galleries, and traditional pubs. Nearby, venture to Brownsea Island, tucked in the harbor, for its rocky beaches, wildlife, and namesake castle built by Henry VIII.

Scotland’s hilly capital of Edinburgh is renowned for its history, cultural richness, and architectural majesty. Walk in the footsteps of kings and queens at Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, home to Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny. The Old Town’s distinctive medieval layout, with its narrow streets and hidden courtyards, sets it apart from the planned elegance of Georgian New Town, together a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the Old Town’s historic Royal Mile and climb Arthur’s Seat, a hilltop in the 640-acre royal park that offers panoramic views of the city. Visit the National Museum of Scotland and Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.

A vibrant city on the east coast of Scotland, Dundee boasts more hours of sunshine than any other Scottish city, shining on an abundance of green spaces. Nicknamed the “City of Discovery,” in 2014 Dundee was recognized by the United Nations as the United Kingdom’s first-ever UNESCO-awarded City of Design. Whether you are a history buff, a cultural enthusiast, or nature lover—or all three—Dundee offers a unique glimpse into Scotland. Wander the 400-acre Camperdown Country Park, dotted with neoclassical architecture and over 190 tree species. Engage in outdoor activities, including hiking and golfing, with easy access to St. Andrew’s Golf Course, where golf has been played for six hundred years. Dundee’s redesigned waterfront features the nautical museum Discovery Point, featuring the Royal Research Ship (RRS) Discovery, Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition ship, and the nineteenth-century warship HM Frigate Unicorn. Galleries and art museums include the McManus Gallery, Verdant Works, and V&A Dundee, dedicated to Scottish design achievements and marked by an exterior that mimics of the cliffs of East Scotland. A walk around Dundee reveals quaint pubs and taverns, offering a selection of beer, whiskies, Scotch pies, and bangers and mash.

Sitting pretty on an inlet in the North Sea, with stunning views of the western Beins and Black Isle, Invergordon was established by the Gordons of Invergordon Castle in the early 1800s. It became a Royal Navy base in 1913 and played a prominent role in World War I and World War II to which the Invergordon Naval Museum & Heritage Center pays tribute. Outside of its lovely harbor and maritime history, Invergordon is the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, a region defined by Loch Ness Lake the legend of the mythical Loch Ness creature. Scenic walking trails abound, including the Invergordon Mural Trail, decorated by murals painted by local artists, and the Saltburn Woodland Walk. Visit the impressive Dunrobin Castle, one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands, and along the way explore local distilleries and sample different whiskies.

With seemingly unending miles of coastline and beautiful natural backdrops to explore, the Orkney Islands archipelago lies on the rugged northern tip of Scotland. Ideal for yachting, walking, hiking, and cycling, many of the islands along these shorelines are uninhabited. Stromness enjoys a rich maritime history, notably as a safe haven for ships during the Viking era and a popular fishing port for whaling and herring. Visit St. Magnus Cathedral, founded in 1137 by the Viking Earl Rogvald, and the Highland Park Distillery, one of the oldest working whisky distilleries in Scotland. Stromness is your gateway to Skara Brae, a remarkable site of stone houses built into earthen mounds up to 5,000 years old, and the Ring of Brodgar, a UNESCO World Heritage site of 27 standing stones that form a circle in the Orkney mainland’s rolling hills and lochs.

A resort town sitting on the west coast of Scotland in the Firth of Lorn, Oban (in Gaelic, meaning “Little Bay”), charms with its natural beauty. The horseshoe-shaped bay is protected by the island of Kerrera and, beyond that, the Isle of Mull, making it perfect for watersports such as kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The town grew up around the distillery, founded in 1794, which whisky enthusiasts still visit today. Despite its small size, Oban is known as the “Seafood Capital” of Scotland, serving up fresh seafood in its pubs and restaurants. McGaig’s Tower, a circular tower built from Bonawe granite in 1897, stands on Battery Hill and overlooks the islands of Kerrera, Lismore, and Mull. Just outside the town, visitors find thirteenth-century Dunollie Castle, standing on a rocky ridge overlooking Oban Bay. North of Oban, the natural rock formation of Fingal’s Dogstone is closely tied to Celtic mythology as the location where the giant Fingal would leave his Dog Bran while hunting across the Hebridean Islands.

The Shetland Islands is a North Sea archipelago, of which only sixteen islands are inhabited, many only accessible via small sailing vessels. The archipelago is perfect for yachting, with a raw, rugged coastline and low rolling hills, providing opportunities for spying wildlife. Shaped by billions of years of shifting sand and sea, Shetland’s natural landscape is among the most dramatic in the world, teeming with wildlife. SeaDream calls on Fair Isle, a small remote island tucked away here, known for both its natural heritage and famous knitwear. Walk or bike its lovely surroundings, perhaps paying a visit to the internationally renowned Fair Isle Bird Observatory or the namesake Lighthouse, the tallest in Shetland.

On the east coast of Scotland, between the mouths of the North and South Esk Rivers, sits Montrose. Established as a royal borough created by King David I in the twelfth century, Montrose was an important medieval harbor port and contributed to Britain’s defense during World War II. The town is home to the Montrose Basin, a two-square-mile lagoon and nature reserve for wading birds and wildfowl. Visit the Scurdie Ness Lighthouse, guiding ships for almost 150 years, and the House of Dun, a Georgian mansion built in the 1730s by architect William Adam. Golf enthusiasts will not want to miss a truly authentic golf experience at Montrose Golf Links, home to the fifth oldest course in the world.