One Day Trip to Edinburgh

Elaine - I have not taken this trip, but . . . If you leave London on the 7am train, you will arrive in Edinburgh at 11:30. That only leaves you roughly 5 to 5 1/2 hours to do the HOHO tour and Edinburgh Castle before getting back to Waverly Station to catch the 5pm or 5:30pm train back to London. At a cost between $286.00-$330.75 pp, I think you could find a better use of your time and money.

Thank you for answering my question. We thought the same thing. Another couple told us that the train ride would be beautiful. They are originally from Ireland. I read another person's comment that the Edinburgh Castle was a rip-off. Have a happy Easter.

Elaine

If you are wanting to just get a small taste of Scotland, do the trip. It will be a long day, but not impossible. You can do it on your own if you like- not difficult at all. The train leaves from Kings Cross station. It takes about 4.5 to 5 hours, so you want to take as early a train as possible. From the station you can easily walk over the bridge (look at Princes St Park as you go) and up to the Royal Mile. Wander up to the castle, tour it and walk all the way down to Holyrood House (I don't think you have time to do anything but look here). Stop in at a couple of shops and head back to the station to catch a late train back to London. If you can do a sleeper either one way or both ways you would have more time in city. We did a similar day trip many years ago- it was the only way I could conivicne hubby to "try" Scotland. Now I can't keep him away! (lol) We've been to the UK more than 40 times and more than half of those trips included at least some time in Scotland. If you do a day trip, I promise you that you WILL want to return and give Scotland the time it deserves.

Edinburgh Castle was a rip-off

Wow, someone found the Castle a rip-off? I spent a good six hours at the Castle when I visited. It's a great lesson in how we all have different expectations and interests, for sure.

I found it interesting because I could find things here and there for which I had a personal context. I remember a picture that was of a battle included in one of the Sharpe movies. A display in another building included a library bag used at Dunkirk after the landing, and I've worked in libraries.

I guess it all just depends. Cheers.

I, too, am shocked to find anyone thinks Edinburgh Castle was a rip-off. My wife and I planned on spending two hours there and instead spent 5. Fascinating, and great views.

As for the beautiful views from the train, yes there will be moments of craggy hillsides and sheep, etc., but mostly the views will be like other views from trains: a high-speed blur of green landscapes. Not worth the ticket expense or use of time, in my opinion, if you're just going for the day.

We have enjoyed our visits to Ednburgh Castle, I don't understand how anyone could say it's a rip off.

IMHO the castle is wonderful, and the scenery from the train is quite ordinary. It seems like way too far for a day trip to me. On the other hand, if it's the only way you can see Edinburgh, it might be worth it. It's my favorite city in the world.

I've had friends who have done this type of day trip to Edinburgh from London. On their next trip they went straight to Scotland. ; ) I join the crowd that is astounded that anyone would think that Edinburgh Castle was rip off. You can spend hours there. But for a one day trip you should budget your time. Count on the fact that you will be back! You'll want to explore the Royal Mile a bit more and maybe get over to New Town before catching your train south. Pam

Took the train trip a few years ago. It was my husband's first trip to London, and I wanted to see something different. The bus in Edinbugh took us to the castle, Royal Mile, and a lookout point and then dropped us for the rest of the time for shopping because so many of the people on the bus voted for shopping.
The train ride is beautiful when you get up north. It made me want to see York, Hadrian's Wall, Robin Hood Bay area on a latter trip (We rented a car on that trip).