What are the best sights on a scenic British Isles cruise?

From the chalky Jurassic coast of southern England to the ethereal waters of Mull, the seas around the British Isles have a lot to offer you. Gaze down at porpoises and seals around the Isles of Scilly, look up at historic grey-stone castles along the cliffs of the Scottish Isles, and see the rugged beauty of the coast of Ireland, all from a unique vantage point on board.

Rannoch Moor Scotland Highland; Shutterstock ID 694784596; Invoice Number: -

Scenic cruises around the British Isles.

Escape the everyday with a scenic cruise of Britain’s coast on board Queen Elizabeth or Queen Victoria. Departing from Southampton, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted sailing around England, Ireland and Scotland from the comfort of your ship, with endless time to unwind as you voyage.

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7 nights Belfast and Liverpool, 24 June 2021.

Savour port calls in Guernsey, England, Ireland and Scotland on this seven-night exploration of the British Isles, with time in Liverpool, Saint Peter Port, Belfast and Glasgow (from Greenock).

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12 nights British Isles, 24 May 2022.

Revel in the beauty of Britain’s magnificent coast on this circumnavigation of Great Britain. Calling at a host of inspiring destinations, you’ll also visit the Emerald Isle and Guernsey.

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4 nights Scotland, 10 August 2022.

Enjoy scenic cruising around the stunning coastline of Great Britain, as you spend 4 nights enjoying all that Queen Victoria has to offer and the sights of the Isle and Sound of Mull.

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Scenic cruises with Cunard.

Each scenic cruise itinerary offers the chance to immerse in the beauty of Britain’s majestic landscape as you sail - without stopping - for the duration of your time at sea.

Indulge in music, theatre and fine dining each day and night of your voyage, and savour sights including Scotland’s Sound of Mull and England’s enchanting Isles of Scilly.

A unique view.

Scenic cruising in Scotland reveals incredible feats of man and nature, which you'll get to enjoy from the spacious decks of Queen Elizabeth or Queen Victoria. Savour a sail-by of the iconic Forth Bridge in Queensferry and the otherworldly landscapes of the Isle of Skye.

From the ethereal white sands of the Isles of Scilly to the rugged beauty of Yorkshire’s Flamborough Head, a scenic cruise in England will reveal an illuminating and unseen side to Britain.

Worth knowing.

Flamborough Head coast and cliffs, near Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire, UK; Shutterstock ID 593768321; Invoice Number: -

Prehistoric coastlines.

With over 140 islands and 12,500km of coastline, the British Isles offer stunning scenes for ocean voyagers. Formed over millions of years of glaciations and land collisions, the marks of history are visible all over the landscape, from fossil-rich cliffs to naturally-sculpted bays.

Lively shores.

You don't have to leave the ship to spot some of the best British wildlife. Otters and seals can be seen along the coast, and dolphins play in the waves. Search the clifftops for gannets and puffins and, in the autumn, see starlings swarm in their thousands: a magical sight to behold.

From the sea.

Take advantage of a unique viewpoint on board Queen Elizabeth, with perfect views of quaint coastal villages, high Scottish castles and rugged Irish landscapes. Look up to the towering cliffs of England's south coast, and gaze down into the crystal waters around the Isles of Scilly.

Please note: As Cunard resumes service, the following sailings are only available to book by residents of the UK at this time.

Your British Isles questions answered

Scenic British Isles cruise highlights.

Lyme Bay, England, UK.

A highlight of England’s Jurassic Coast, Lyme Bay is known for its fossil discoveries and houses one of the densest sunset coral populations in the region.

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Sound of Mull, Scotland, UK.

This dreamy Scottish location will remind you of romantic tales. Enjoy cuckoo song in springtime, stone castles on the shore, and look above and below for golden eagles and basking sharks as you sail.

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Isles of Scilly, England, UK.

This archipelago is a stunning sight from sea. Pink and grey granite pillars stand in the waves, purple and yellow heath covers the clifftops and rare birds make their homes along the coastlines.

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Isle of Mull, Scotland, UK.

Featuring the colourful town of Tobermory, also known as CBBC’s Balamory, Mull is home to rugged coastlines and over 260 bird species. Keep your eyes on the waves for minke whales and porpoises.

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Enhance your holiday on board Queen Elizabeth.

Enjoy a little bit extra on board Queen Elizabeth with a complimentary stateroom upgrade on select voyages. Savour the luxury of a Princess Grill suite for the fare of a Britannia Club Balcony or upgrade to a Balcony stateroom for the fare of an Inside stateroom. Simply select the stateroom or suite you wish to sail in when booking online and receive excellent savings.

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Scenic cruising on Queen Elizabeth.

A true icon of the seas, Queen Elizabeth will enchant you with her timeless style. Her expansive decks offer a tranquil space to relax and admire the scenery as you voyage. Savour a cocktail in her Glass Domed Garden Lounge or recline on a sun lounger at her Pavilion Pool & Bar.

A bed that’s just right.

With some of the most spacious accommodations at sea, you're sure to find comfort whether you stay in a Cunard Penthouse, a Grand Suite or an ocean-facing stateroom. Along with complimentary toiletries, robes and slippers, you’ll receive a turn-down service every day of your voyage.

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Where relaxation unfolds.

There’s no better place to unwind at sea than the Royal Spa and Fitness Centre. A sanctuary of serenity, Queen Elizabeth’s on board spa is a haven at sea; a place to rejuvenate and escape from it all, with an indulgent array of treatments to tempt you.

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Champagne afternoon tea with Laurent-Perrier in the Verandah restaurant on board Cunard's Queen Victoria.
Picture date: Wednesday June 7, 2017.
Photograph by Christopher Ison ©
07544044177
chris@christopherison.com
www.christopherison.com

Eat and be merry.

Dining on Queen Elizabeth is an all-day affair. In addition to a wide variety of dining options for your three main meals, we serve Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room daily at 3pm, offering the chance to indulge in delicate pastries and our chef’s famously soft scones.

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Explore Queen Elizabeth

Scenic cruising on Queen Victoria.

A cruise on board Queen Victoria brings you a unique atmosphere and warmth, encouraging a sense of escapism and setting her apart as a much-loved favourite among our guests. Enjoy her expanded sun deck, additional dining options and unique venues such as the Chart Room and Winter Garden.

The perfect plate.

Fine dining is a Cunard signature, and guests on Queen Victoria have their pick of delicious dishes while at sea, from allocated stateroom restaurants to ambient alternatives. Our complimentary round-the-clock room service is the icing on the cake, ensuring that hunger never strikes.

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Quiet pursuits and new adventures.

When you're not admiring the views from Queen Victoria's expansive decks, there are myriad ways to spend your time. From yoga to fencing, spa treatments to curling up in the library with a good book, there is something to suit every desire, for every guest.

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Queen Victoria Royal Court Theatre, Asset bank ID: 1041

Nights that sparkle.

Your nights can be just as eventful as your days on Queen Victoria. Visit the Royal Court Theatre for drama and dance, or enjoy live music and drinks in the Chart Room. Cunard's famous Gala Balls can elevate an evening even further - there is at least one of these on every voyage.

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Explore Queen Victoria

Discover more of our on board activities

Frequently asked questions about The British Isles.

On a scenic cruise, guests can view special landmarks, coastal features, and local wildlife from the decks of the ship, without having to disembark at ports along the journey. Cunard's scenic cruises tend to be roundtrip from Southampton, minimising extra travel requirements for guests. These cruises can be anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, and visit stunning spots such as the Isles of Scilly, Scotland's Sound of Mull and the prehistoric Lyme Bay.

The Gulf Stream means that this part of the world stays relatively mild all year round, with a fair bit of rain thrown in. In the spring months, rain is more frequent, but the coastlines will be in full bloom and are a sight to behold. Summertime is busier thanks to local holiday seasons, with warmer and longer days, from June to August. Autumn brings a chill and beautiful colours (think golden-orange forests), and the winter months between December and February are the coldest, but bring some special marine life to the local waters.

Layers and waterproofs are essential, especially for cruises during the colder months or scenic voyages, where most of your sightseeing will be done from the decks. Wrap up warm in winter, and protect yourself from the summer sun with sunscreen and hat. Sunglasses (and binoculars) are a wise addition all year round, as you scan the skies for birds and the clifftops for medieval castles. Lastly, a Cunard cruise wouldn't be complete without a Gala night or two, so bring your best dress or suit and be ready to dance the night away.

Coast of Northern Ireland; Shutterstock ID 531710473; Invoice Number: -

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