Why not fly up to EDI 3 or 4 hours after landing at LHR and stay in Edinburgh that night? Saves you the hassle of getting into central London, checking in/checking out and getting to the train or coach station.

Marvelous suggestion! Any recommendations for a hostel in Edinburgh? I'd like to spend the night there before going on to the nearby farm where I'll be a WWOOFer (volunteer) for 2 weeks.

Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel

http://www.syha.org.uk/hostels-in-scotland/lowlands/edinburgh-central.aspx

I stayed at this one several years ago. Check current reviews, but I was very happy with it at that time.

http://www.smartcityhostels.com/

You can also take the Caledonia Sleeper train to Edinburgh and save on the cost of a night in a hostel or hotel - score some really cheap fares by booking very early - http://www.scotrail.co.uk/caledoniansleeper/index.html is the official site.

Shared accommodation is cheapest but there are also private compartments if you want to pay more.

Thanks, janisj! I have booked convenient flights to Edinburgh on 29 June via Virgin Atlantic, so now just need to book the Edinburgh hostel.

Great - that gets you extra time in Edinburgh. The train up is the best option IF one is starting from central London. But being out at LHR, flying makes most sense.

you could look into staying at the university dorms.. universities and colleges in the uk commonly rent out dorm rooms when school is out to visitors and for conferences, some include breakfast.

Ditto maxima's comment. I stayed at LSE Rosebery Hall for a week. Really low cost, great breakfast, and interesting people (families, students, geezers) from all over the world.

I have taken the night train up to Edinburgh from central London. It was cost effective, safe and efficient. I am a woman and was also traveling alone.

Wonderful ideas all--thanks to everyone with suggestions. Even those I'm not using now I'll be filing away for future trips. Working on my Bucket List, & many miles yet to go, though I'll be doing my jungle canopy zipline ride next week in Costa Rica. Already crossed off the shark dive last year. Last weekend, while making Valentines with my youngest great-granddaughter (3), she suddenly looked up at me & said, "Grandma, you're a daredevil!"

>> "Grandma, you're a daredevil!"<<

That's hysterical! Good for you

The train up is the best option IF one is starting from central London. But being out at LHR, flying makes most sense.>

best option timewise but what do you come to Britain for - to see the England - the pastoral sheep-dotted England in between London and Scotland or just quickly fly over it - the train lets you see England too.

PQ - give it a rest, the OP has decided to fly.

Agreed, PalenQ, but this is not my 1st trip to England, nor my last. Time is critical on this particular journey segment, as I have a volunteer obligation in Scotland; however, will be returning to England 2 weeks later. Rode the bus last Sept. from Glasgow to London & thoroughly enjoyed the sights. Will be doing that again or train next time. The only reason I'm landing in England at all on this segment is that I couldn't get a direct flight to Scotland from Reykjavik. I'll be reconnecting with my travel partner in England after my volunteer session, & we have a full schedule of sightseeing, as this will be his 1st visit.

Sofarsogood, I have booked an overnight at Edinburgh Central. Sounds perfect. I love the sleeper train idea, too, & will have to work that in sometime. Thanks to all for the great suggestions!

a volunteer obligation in Scotland

Does that mean you will be working? Assuming you aren't a citizen of Iceland you'll need to be VERY careful and check if your work is allowed visa free.

Regarding work in the UK, I think the volunteer organizations such as the Nation Trust and, in this case WWOOF, only accept applications from those allowed to participate. As a US citizen I was very disappointed to find I couldn't give my time away to places I love. VERY disappointing.

That would be "National Trust" of course.

You're flying in to London from Reykjavik and heading immediately up to Edinburgh...? Have you actually booked this flight? It would be much simpler to fly on Icelandair direct from Reykjavik to Glasgow and then on to Edinburgh.