My husband and I have a 12 day trip to England planned for October. We have driven there before but rented the car at Heathrow and returned there. Is it possible to rent a car for a day( York to Edinburgh ,etc.) I know we don't need one in the towns,just getting to them. Trains instead? Thanks for any helpful information!!
The hi-speed train goes London -> York -> Edinburgh. I'd take that instead of driving (and cross my fingers hoping they're not on strike!). It doesn't seem like you'd see much of Edinburgh if you drove since it would be more than 4 hours each way once you count parking.
Use the train.
As has already been noted , take the train . A car in either of these two cities is a nuisance . Very limited parking , narrow congested streets that can back up for miles. Early in my travels, twelve years ago, I had the occasion to have a car in both places, and suffice to say it was a learning experience. Both places are largely walkable , and if you venture toward the outskirts ( a visit to Leith , the port area of Edinburgh , for example ) there is good bus service. A car does have purpose , tooling around in The Highlands is a good use for it , but the train wins hands down for your plans
Thanks for your responses BUT We only want the car to get TO the destinations,not in the towns. I'm thinking afew hours one day,turn in car at York. We have a B and B there for 2 nites. Grab another rental to go to Edinburgh. Turn car in. We have 4 nites and fly home. I looked at the trains and was worried about strikes and having to change or transfer to a bus. We are starting at Shefford. Went We drove to Penzance it was fun to stop and explore a bit. Thanks again!