Hi, I'm trying to plan a trip around a family event in London June 6th. I was thinking the Lake District and then Scotland? The thought of driving in the UK makes me nervous. Can someone suggest an itinerary without a car? If not, can you recommend another decently priced European side-trip I could do? Thanks!
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2775 posts
The Lake District is best toured by car. I would suggest taking the train from London Euston station to Windermere, there is a train that leave once an hour. There are several car rental companies that you could rent a car from after touring the Lake District return the car and take the train from Windermere to Edinburgh. When taking the train from Windermere to Edinburgh you will have to change train once, the trip is little over 2 hrs. While in Scotland depending where you want to go you could use either the train or bus or both.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
I am going to agree that you really need a car for the Lake District and much of Scotland. What I would do is take the train to Carlisle and pick up the car there. You can then tour the lake district and then head north to Scotland. Depending on how much time you have, you could just tour the Borders and then go to Edinburgh where you would give back your car. Or if you have more time, you could head north before heading into Edinburgh. Even if you just go to the Trossachs or up into Perthshire you'll get an introduction to the highlands. If you more time you could explore the west or go up to Inverness. Feel free to PM me for any questions on Scotland. Pam
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
We have been to the UK more than 40 times and have NEVER driven. However, we did not go to the Lake District. Here's an trip idea that we have done many times and loved-
London- 3 to 7 days with day trips by train to any of the following: Windsor, Cardiff Wales, Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon, Canterburry, Dover, Winchester, Brighton
train to York- 1 to 2 days
train to Edinburgh- 2 to 4 days
train to Aviemore- 2 to 4 days with day trip by bus or train or tour co. to distilleries, Blair Athol, trip up Mt. Caringorm by funicular, ride on restored steam train
train to Inverness- 3 to 7 days with day trips to Cullodean and Clava Cairnes, Eliean Donnan Castle and Isle of Skye, cruise up Lock Ness to see Urquart castle and Drumnadrochit, curise on firth to see Dolphins,etc. Great Glen, Glencoe, Orkney, etc.
train to Glasgow- 1 to 3 days
Feel free to private message me.