Trying to help 2 women in their 80s with limited mobility (mostly due to age and knees--one uses a cane) trying to see Edinburgh from London. I was hoping to find a tour that would include some help with train transfers (getting onto the train with their luggage could be difficult) and maybe provide some mini tours in Edinburgh? Ive looked at Rabbies but it seems like they only have longer tours--they are really looking for a 3/4 night stay in Edinburgh and then back to London. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated--thank you!
Posted by
Lake District, England
7827 posts
The first part - getting on and off the train- is easy to resolve.
Use Passenger Assist- https://www.lner.co.uk/support/get-in-touch/passenger-assist/ to pre-book assistance.
They will take you to the train in a buggy (often as pre-boarding before anyone else), handle luggage aboard and assist to seat. Then meet you at the other end to give the same assistance in reverse. It is worth while getting the train manager to ring up during the journey to double check that Edinburgh know to expect you and what car you are in.
Rabbies do a wide range of day tours from Edinburgh, a couple of 2 day and several 3 day tours.
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
7966 posts
I've looked at Rabbies but it seems like they only have longer tours--they are really looking for a 3/4 night stay in Edinburgh and then back to London
Yes, that's true. The problem is the distance between Edinburgh and London only warrants a longer tour. It would be very hard to do a day trip from London to Edinburgh. By train it's almost 5 hours and by car, it's over 7. That said, you might check some other tour companies. This one - https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/scotlandtours/edinburgh-scotlands-capital/ - offers shorter tours from London to Edinburgh, but I have no experience of their value or worth.
Have you thought about taking the train yourself (using the assistance described above by isn31c) then arrange for a private tour of Edinburgh? Mercats is one company based in Edinburgh that offers private tours and is well-regarded: https://www.mercattours.com/tours/private-tours
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33807 posts
as said, Passenger Assist is the way to go.
I find the app easier and more comprehensive than using the website, it updates in real time. It tells you after you make the request if it is confirmed or not yet, and if it reserves priority seats it will tell you which carriage and which seats you are in. They will assist not only you but also a piece of your luggage. It is best if they are arranged the day before, but if you don't they will do their best to help you. They don't want and would probably refuse a tip.
You usually need to check in with them at the appointed spot on the station - at Euston it is clearly signposted on the left side of the concourse if you are facing the tracks - at the appointed time before departure, usually 20 minutes. The buggy service at Euston is very efficient these days.
Posted by
OP
Wellesley
26 posts
Thank you! I am going to have them look into the passenger assist option--I think that alone could make this possible for them. I think they will stay in a sort of "standard/modern" hotel so would be able to use a concierge to get help with taxis or something in Edinburgh if they needed--they will be so excited to hear this!
Posted by
London, England
231 posts
Another issue depending on the nature of their mobility issues is that the Old Town in Edinburgh is quite steeply graded. At times you're faced with either climbing public stairways or taking a circuitous and still quite steep route through the streets.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1861 posts
We stayed at the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton, June 2022. Their front desk people were very helpful and the hotel is near the train station.