Two UK-based Green Standard Schools are working together to offer an immersive cultural and English language learning experience, connecting two beautiful cities with a luxury overnight train journey, complete with traditional Scottish breakfast.

The Great British Language Journey is a new, small group course for adults aged 30+, which takes place in two of the UK's most beautiful cities, Bath and Edinburgh. The first week is spent at Languages United and the second at ECS Scotland.

For Lily Nicolson and Laura McKinlay, who helped develop the course, working with another Green Standard School was the obvious choice. “We knew that our collaborator would already share our values of environmental sustainability,” Lily said.

"We wanted to put sustainable travel at the heart of this premium two-city experience," Lily explained. “The Caledonian Sleeper overnight train to travel to Edinburgh will be one of the absolute highlights of the journey. Participants will travel in style in a Club Class en-suite room, with a traditional Scottish breakfast on the train. Our staff keep saying that we all want to do this journey ourselves!”

"We often encourage students who have the time to enjoy 'slow travel’ between Europe and the UK too,” Laura said. “Some students have shared their train journeys to Edinburgh on our blog, including trips from Berlin and Naples. There are lots of benefits to travelling by train, in addition to environmental ones. You get to see a lot more and it puts you in a calmer headspace."

“We have found most of our students care about environmental issues and are happy to support our green work, including contributing to a climate care charge to support environmental projects in Scotland,” Laura added.

We are delighted to see two environmentally responsible Green Standard Schools working together to connect two amazing language learning destinations by rail. Taking the train is by far the more sustainable mode of transport to cross the country, emitting around 90% less emissions than flying.

Spaces are currently available on the next course, which runs in the beautiful autumn months from 21 September to 2 October 2026. The programme includes 'walk and talk' sessions, sightseeing, cultural activities such as a traditional English cream tea and Scottish whisky tasting, as well as visits to filming locations for Bridgerton, The Crown and Outlander.

In addition to Green Standard Schools accreditation, both Languages United and ECS Scotland are British Council accredited, family-run schools, with a focus on small-group and bespoke learning. They are also members of English UK.

Find out more and register for The Great British Language Journey online. Or contact Languages United or ECS Scotland directly to ask any questions.