Hello. We bought our tickets yesterday to fly into Heathrow on June 15. We will be in the UK for 14 days. My husband and I have been there 26 times - this will make 27! For all but two of our trips we had a car. But the last 2 trips we took trains and that's what we will do this time. Our son is going with us for the first time so we're anxious to show him things new to him and also for us to see a few new things. My plan right now is to either take a plane from London to Edinburgh or the train. We would stay in Edinburgh for 6 days (haven't been there for many years). I would like to take one day trip to Berwick on Tweed. Never been there and would show our son a smaller town. (Is one day in Glasgow worth it?). Then we will make our way back to London for 6 days. Thought we would take one day trip to possibly Brighton. Would that be a good way to spend a day? Never been there. Thanks so much for any thoughts you have for us!
Posted by
Washington DC
28249 posts
Glasgow is quite different from Edinburgh. I liked it just as much, but that's probably because I'm big on museums and architecture from around the turn of the 20th century, of which Glasgow has lots. I enjoyed tracking down most of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh buildings in Glasgow. Another strong point for Glasgow is that it has only a tiny fraction of the tourists Edinburgh has. Lodging's also quite a bit less expensive, but that will not matter to you on a day-trip.
In case you are not aware, Glasgow is about three times the size of Edinburgh in terms of population.
Posted by
Los Angeles
4874 posts
Note that Youtube is full of videos for the London-Edinburgh train trip. Which has several variations and apparently several competing companies as well. One vlogger went by train one way and flew back. As I recall it ended up being a draw (surprisingly), but it's hard to beat the convenience of walking to a downtown train station and walking out of a downtown train station.
Posted by
Toronto
16 posts
Glasgow would make a great day trip (we had two nights/one full day there and were surprised by how much ground we covered, but will also go back). My favourite day trip from Edinburgh is St. Andrews, and Stirling is also an easy and nice trip. We took the train to Alnwick (in Northumberland) and it was a nice full day.
I've done the train trip from Edinburgh to London many times, and find the scenery and length of the trip is very worth skipping the hassle of getting to the airport/flying/getting out of an airport for. Also potentially a very "British" experience for your son, if you don't end up doing other day trips by train!
Posted by
Washington DC
28249 posts
For those interested in quirky architecture, the partial-day trip from Edinburgh to Rosslyn Chapel (in Roslin) can be recommended. it's easy to catch the bus in Edinburgh. I believe the trip takes about 40 minutes. There's a short walk from the bus stop in Roslin to the chapel.
Posted by
UK
140 posts
Train will definitely do a very good job.
8
In addition to the LNER service, there is also an open-access rail service. Both rolling stocks are fairly new - Hitachi 80x series
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2321 posts
The Royal Pavilion in Brighton is worth visiting - Regency bling at its best! You can also go for a walk along the pier too.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2321 posts
Have you found the Undiscovered Scotland website? It is the best resource for ideas of things to do and see in Scotland. I always start with the relevant map page and click on teh names for the text pages with information and lots of pictures.
Posted by
Brian. NV, USA.
492 posts
Train from London to Edinburgh is a great way to travel. LNER is the main operator on that route, but Lumo (lower cost) and the Caledonian Sleeper also run it. LNER and Lumo are out of Kings Cross, Caledonian Sleeper out of Euston. The Caledonian Sleeper is a whole affair, though.
Could be worth looking in to a Railcard if you choose to take the train. You and your husband could do the Two Together, or all 3 of you the Friends & Family. Railcard costs 30 GBP, and if you save over that amount (which isn't hard to do) it's already paid for itself. If you visit more than once in a year the opportunities to save are even greater.
Posted by
Warrington, England
88 posts
Have you thought of a night in York on your way from Edinburgh to London. It's roughly half way if you take the east coast route into Kings Cross and you will actually pass through it. Medieval city with roman connections, complete with city walls, massive cathedral and narrow streets. Although a city, it is small by English standards and easily walkable. Massive choice of hotels.
I have spent time in both Glasgow and Edinburgh and love both. Glasgow is a gritty working city whereas Edinburgh is tartan and castles. Scotland is similar to your own country in that its capital is not the largest city.