Going to London and Scotland late May through early June.
Traveling with another couple that we travel well together with. Two trips to Belgium and France.
We plan to spend 14 days so - 2 days travel leaves us 12 days of site seeing. Arriving early morning 0700 so we plan on getting through customs by at least by 1100 and head to hotel then spend the rest of the day walking around and doing the on off bus around London to at least not waste the day. Stop in Pubs, Parks, whatever else peaks our interest so we DON’T fall asleep and minimize the jet lag.
The next 5 days do the tours of London. Then packed up and take the high speed train up to Edinburg. Day trip out on trains to see the northern area. Then train back to Heathrow to fly home.
Question 1. Does this sound feasible? Question 2. Would We be able to also make it to Bath and then Edinburg?
We want to do and see as many thing as possible and still not be rushed and not enjoy the experience.
The input from this group of travelers has help us in the past.
Thank you in advance.
Bill
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2367 posts
Have you already bought plane tickets? If not, try open jaw tickets. Fly into London and home from.Edinburgh or the other way around to save a lot of time.
Posted by
Irving
2950 posts
You’ll spend less time traveling and more time sight seeing if you follow Gail’s advice. Furthermore, Bath is a 1h 30m direct train ride from London making it a great day trip option.
Also, you can take a direct overnight train between London and Edinburgh and rent sleeper cars, that’s what I did.
Posted by
Land of La
8672 posts
Been traveling to London for decades. Never tire of it.
Agree with Gail. Purchase open jaw tickets. Into to Heathrow (LHR) out of Edinburgh (EDI).
Its immigration not customs you’ll be dealing with upon arrival. Time to get through this process can be lengthy depending on how many flights at LHR at the same time. As well how many staff are on duty.
Hop on and Hop off bus is a waste of time as London Traffic is abysmal. Wouldn’t keep you awake but would lull you to nod off.
Instead, after checking in, unpacking and refreshing up head out on foot. Get to know your neighborhood. Walk outside Let your senses adapt to the noise, hustle and bustle, sites, sounds and smells. Locate the closest market ( for bottled water and snacks), pharmacist ( just in case…BOOTS is a great pharmacy chain ) coffee establishment ( Cafe Nero, Costa, Kaffiene, Harris and Hoole), bus stop and Underground ( Tube ) station. If there is a near by park stroll about it. You could take away from the coffee shop. Take away meaning to go.
Haven’t been to Bath in years but yes and easy day trip from London.
Also ask your friends if Bletchley Park ( home to the WW2 codebreakers) or Hampton Court ( home to Henry the 8th. Each place worth 3 hours of your time to explore and appreciate. Both at least 45-60 minute rides to get to on public transport.
You could travel from Bath to Edinburgh but NOT worth it. Takes far too much time. See Bath. Return to London and travel from there. 4 hours instead of 6 from Bath.
London is a great city. Besides Parliament Square, the Palace, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and the Tower of London….be sure to walk along the Thames Path, check out Spitafields Market ( Pride of Spitalfields is a good pub ) walk across Tower Bridge
( also check the Tower Bridge lift times) watch the Changing of the Royal Horse Guards, if weather is great try to see if you can book a ticket for the Sky Garden. Lovely POV of the expanse of London.
Fun free things in London:
Natural history Museum dinosaurs, food stalls on Portobello Road Market, or at Maltby Market or in and about Brick Lane. See The Mural art in the Brick Lane and the Shoreditch Neighborhood. See the Greenwich Observatory and nearby Old Royal Naval College. Visit the Chapel of St Paul there. After Grab a pint and lunch at either the Gypsy Moth or Kings Arms. Then walk under the Thames via the Greenwich Tunnel. Visit St Dunstans in the East. Tranquil setting. Search for the green parrots in Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens. Check out the Wallace Collection or Sir John Sloanes museum. See the graffiti tunnel by Waterloo Station.
Peruse the food halls of Harrod’s. Go into Liberty department store just because its unique. Then have lunch at Shakespeare’s Head pub before you meander about Carnaby Street.
Before you depart each of you research London Walks; www.walks.com to see if any are of interest. I take 1 on each trip. In July enjoyed the Inns of the Court walk.
Have a fabulous time with your friends.