Just starting to research a potential trip at the end of June/beginning of July. We are thinking of flying to Glasgow, renting a car, heading over to Edinburgh, then working our way to London, ditching the rental car then and flying home from there after a few days there. Would love some advice and suggestions on routes and places/things not to miss. There would be two adults on the trip that would last for about 2 1/2 weeks.
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1518 posts
So many choices: While in Scotland; following the Mary Queen of Scots Trail is very interesting. Visiting the Mideval Cathedrals on your way would be very rewarding. When you cross the Borders there are several evocative ruined Abbeys.
When you pass thru Yorkshire to the Midlands you have some of the great Estate Houses. We really enjoyed Wales for Edwards Castles. Bath for the Georgian Jane Austin Era. London for the Big Museums and the Street Markets. Check the National Trust UK site for ideas. An Overseas Visitor Pass is available for 7 and 14 days. Bon Voyage!
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2449 posts
Can you instead fly into London, spend however many days you want, then train to Edinburgh, then bus to Glasgow and home from there. Might save the Heathrow departure tax. If not, you do not need car in Edinburgh or London at all.
Posted by
OP
Ancaster, ON, Canada
13 posts
Just found out about the Heathrow departure tax. May switch it up and fly to London, then take a train to somewhere outside of London and rent a car. Want to drive through England to Scotland and have more freedom than a train would give us. Then we will fly home from Glasgow.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5456 posts
The service fees to fly out of Heathrow are a bit more than those out of Glasgow (~£20) - but competition to North America is much stronger meaning this is in general negated by cheaper flight fares. The APD is exactly the same at £67 for economy class. The only scheduled flight to North America from the UK with a lower APD is the United service from Belfast International to Newark, where it is £13 - but the fares are often high.