Step into Christmas on this delightfully festive tour based in the historic city of Oxford. Visit the charming Christmas chalets at Waddesdon Manor Christmas Fair, discover the beautiful country estate of Blenheim Palace transformed into a winter wonderland, and marvel at the spectacular Festive Light Trail plus enjoy free time to explore 'Christmas in Oxford'.
View Dates & Book4 days from £799
DEPARTS
Wednesday 9 December 2026
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Visit the wonderful Waddesdon Manor, decorated for Christmas
Soak in the festive atmosphere at Waddesdon Manor Christmas Fair
Immerse yourself in the festive charm of Oxfords Christmas Markets
Enjoy free time in the historic city of Oxford
Explore Blenheim Palace and its exquisitely themed Palace interior
Marvel at the magical Festive Light Trail with its dazzling display and colourful cascades
Also included in your Tour Fare:
3 nights bed & breakfast plus 2 evening meals
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
DAY 1
Journey from your home station to Oxford and, on arrival, we will make our way to the Mercure Eastgate Hotel, our hotel for the next three nights. We enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before meeting for our first evening meal together.
DDAY 2
Today, our coach transfers us to the impressive Waddesdon Manor, a beautiful 1870s French-Renaissance style chateau. Here, we can explore the festively decorated interiors, admire the beautiful artwork collections, and soak in the festive atmosphere of their annual Christmas Fair* strolling through the charming wooden chalets. Afterwards, we return to Oxford for an evening at leisure exploring 'Christmas in Oxford' and maybe sampling some delicious festive foods and drinks.
BDAY 3
After a leisurely breakfast, we enjoy some free time to explore our charming tour base of Oxford before making the short journey by coach to Blenheim Palace, a stunning country estate, where we can tour the palace rooms, dressed for Christmas, and discover the Christmas Market*. This evening, we will experience the Festive Light Trail following the illuminated path through the palace's gardens to witness the dazzling light display, colourful cascades, and enchanting arches. On our return to our hotel, we enjoy our final evening meal together.
B, DDAY 4
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Oxford and make our way to the station for our homeward journeys.
*Important Note: The Christmas events at Waddesdon Manor & Blenheim Palace have not been confirmed for 2026 at the time of tour compilation. We do reserve the right to make substitutions and changes to the itinerary should it be deemed necessary.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
HOTEL
Mercure Eastgate, Oxford
Situated in the heart of the historic city of Oxford and close to iconic landmarks, the converted coaching inn of Mercure Eastgate a offers contemporary restaurant serving British and European cuisine and refreshing drinks. The modern bedrooms provide an en-suite bathroom, a hairdryer, flat-screen TV, ironing facilities, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities.
FARES
Fare Region | First* | Standard |
London: Paddington | £885 | £859 |
Greater London | £915 | £865 |
South of England | £985 | £919 |
East Anglia | £955 | £905 |
South West | £1,065 | £979 |
Heart of England | £975 | £905 |
Midlands | £995 | £885 |
Yorkshire | £1,109 | £975 |
North East | £1,145 | £995 |
North West | £995 | £885 |
South Wales | £1,039 | £959 |
North Wales | £1,025 | £919 |
Scotland | £1,205 | £1,025 |
Join & Leave at Hotel | £819 | |
Single Traveller Supplement | £290 | |
Deposit | £80 |
*Please Note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class seating only and First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of their journey.
£20 tour discount for National Trust Members
3 nights bed & breakfast plus 2 evening meals
Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class)
Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described
All excursions & admissions as detailed
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
It is not possible to display any suggested tours because JavaScript is disabled in your web browser.