Difficult itinerary

Up one coast and down the other? Would that work, Cindy?

Nigel, our original plan was to fly in to London - rent a car for the Cotswolds- back to London and train to Edinburgh - fly home from Edinburgh. But cousins we've never met from Tynemouth, North Shields, have written and would like to have dinner at least. I would really like to just stop in Liverpool for the National Trust Lennon/McCartney home tour. So we really don't need an overnight in Liverpool or Newcastle, Tynemouth (or wherever we can meet cousins). The Newcastle stop would be easy enough on the way from London to Edinburgh, but Liverpool is just stuck out there on the west coast on it's own. Don't have to do the home tours, but I would enjoy it. ..... What about flying in to Manchester - train or bus to Liverpool - do the tours. Train to Moreton in Marsh (if possible) - do the Cotswolds, and then to London and up to Edinburgh??? Does that sound practical even? We're not picky on where we fly in or out. Thanks so much!

Well I don't see the point of going in circles. In a moment I'll answer your specific questions but first a suggestion. If you are happy to change your airports why not fly into London, do that, drive to the Cotswolds, then because having a car for a week is much cheaper, proportionally, than one for a couple of days, then drive up through Cheshire to Liverpool, then over the Pennines to Newcastle, then up the east coast to Scotland. At an appropriate time ditch the car, although I have driven around Scotland and find it beautiful and easy with a car, then Edinburgh and home. That's what I think I would do... Now for your specific questions... Manchester - train or bus to Liverpool train is easy from the airport, no changes straight into Liverpool Lime Street and you can change there to Merseyrail, or you can do it at Liverpool South Parkway. Just over an hour. Train to Moreton in Marsh (if possible)
Its possible. From Liverpool Lime Street it will be about 3:50 or a bit faster with 2 changes, via either Oxford or Worcester, very nearly the same time. Does that sound practical even? I wouldn't go out and back so much, as I said above. BTW, train Liverpool to Newcastle is about 3:30 or so.

Now I'm thinking that flying in to Manchester might not be a bad idea. US to Manchester - Liverpool - Cotswolds, London, Newcastle and then Edinburgh. I can figure out when to train or drive later. I don't think husband wants to drive in Liverpool (big cities might be a challenge, especially just starting out). Maybe train from Liverpool to Oxford and rent a car there? Drive from Oxford to Cotswolds-tour the Cotswolds-drop off car in Moreton in Marsh and train to London. Spend 3/4 days in London. Train to Edinburgh with a stop in Newcastle to see cousins. Train on to Edinburgh - stay the rest of our time there with a day tour in Highlands - then home. Whew!!!

okie dokie... and you are getting to the Highlands how?

We'll see the Highlands on one of the many coach tours they have out of Edinburgh. .. Who knows, maybe our relatives will have some opinions. They lived in Scotland before moving to Newcastle.

Probably not much help here Cindy but if you do decide to fly into London a trip to Liverpool (Lime Street station) by train and returning later that day to London (Euston station) is very doable It's a long day but providing you don't travel on a weekend (engineering works - my experience only) you can count on 2hrs each way by train in relevant comfort and if you book well in advance can grab yourself a travel bargain. Make sure if you do book London to Liverpool and vice versa that you don't click on a journey that requires a change. (Too much hassle for my liking.) Sometimes you can grab a great 1st class seat bargain as well although don't expect 5 star luxury (enables you to chill out in the first class lounge at either station and you get a 'free' drink and sandwich) My family and I have often done a daytrip to London from Liverpool many times. (Usually to catch a show in The West End) PS Parking charges in Liverpool are extortionate! The Liverpool One Shopping park cost me £9.00 for just over 4 hrs last weekend!! :-(

Thanks, Gary! I'll take that in to consideration. I was thinking the train to Liverpool from London was longer than 2 hrs. So, yes, it could be done in a day. But instead of going back to London, we would carry on north. We could: Fly in to Heathrow, bus to Windsor Rent a car in Windsor - tour the Cotswolds (3 days) Return car to Windsor Train to London (stay 3/4 days) Train to Liverpool (1/2 days) Train to Newcastle (visit cousins) Train to Edinburgh (3/4 days) Take day trip to Highlands
Fly home out of Edinburgh With all of this train travel, would it be worth it to purchase a rail pass, or should we purchase point to point tickets a couple of months ahead?

In your situation, the only real advantage to a Rail Pass would be the flexibility it allows in case your plans and travel dates or times change. IMHO it would be worth it.