We just returned from London (our first international flight) and are already planning to go back in a couple of years. We just didn't have time to see and do all we wanted to. This next time we plan to fly into Heathrow, spend a few days in London and then travel by train to Edinburgh. Is the train worth it or is it better just to fly up to Scotland?
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
Unless you want to get to Scotland first, I'd take the train. I agree with Steve that a stop in York is a good idea. We enjoy the lovely views between the 3 cities. The train ride from Edinburgh to Aviemore and Inverness is also lovely and they make good stops in Scotland also.
Posted by
Lexington, SC, USA
10 posts
Fly to Scotland, it is an easier arrival spot, lots to do, and the Scottish people are very friendly. I have been to Edinburgh 3 times and my daughter went to the University there for a while. Excellent place to visit and it is simply a safe, and beautiful place to see. I am going back in 3 weeks. Too much fun. The train is fine up to Scotland from London, but the train around Scotland is much better. Enjoy.
Posted by
OP
Guthrie, OK
251 posts
Thanks, Paula, for your input. Wow! I'm ready to go right now. They need to use you for the Scottish Travel Industry! My husband and I have always wanted to go to Scotland, because his grandparents were born there. I've done a lot of geneology on his family and it just makes it more interesting. Good to know that Scottish people are friendly. I didn't particularly find London friendly. :(
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
I would only fly to Scotland if I was already at the airport ie transferring from your incoming flight to the UK.
Otherwise, the hassle of going back out to Heathrow or other London airport, checking in and security checks etc when compared with just turning up and boarding a city-centre to city-centre train is not IMO worth it.
If you do decide to go by train book early to get the best fares. Playing with this site should help you see the differences between advance booking and walk up fares. Although who knows what the actual fares will be in two years time!
Posted by
Manchester
497 posts
I agree with Linda that flying London-Scotland only makes sense if you are already at the airport.
As another suggestion, as it sounds like you don't care for London why not spend all your time in Scotland? You can fly into Scotland on one ticket (either direct or via any of the main European hubs) and even though it may initially look more expensive than Heathrow - when you factor in the cost (and hassle) of travelling up from London there's not much in it.
I believe London is one of the great tourist destinations but you often get posts where people are flying into London to then go elsewhere in the UK and you get the impression they are only going to London because that's where the 'plane goes. I really think a lot of people would benefit from flying into a non-London airport even if it initially looks more expensive. Especially when you factor in the cost of travel within the UK, the fact that the days you spend in London will usually cost more than elsewhere and just the fact you are using up limited holiday days somewhere you're not that keen to be.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
You should do an open jaw flight. Fly into London, enjoy your days there, take the train north to Scotland. Then fly home from Glasgow or Edinburgh. There are direct flights to the US from Glasgow on some US airlines. So, check it out. The train ride north from London takes between 4 and 5 hours and takes you right to Waverly Station in downtown Edinburgh.
Pam