London to Scotland

Old Oct 19th, 2013, 04:54 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
London to Scotland

Flying into London 11/8 in prep for business meetings 11/12 & 13. My husband and I want to see "some of Scotland" 11/8-11, what is the best way to get there, what are the top places? Ideally would like to go to Loch Ness, Edinburgh, St Andrews. Confused about train vs plane travel...and time it would take between destinations...any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks!
ValVenturaKennedy123 is offline  
Old Oct 19th, 2013, 06:26 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 72,633
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes on 7 Posts
Why Loch Ness? It is an OK loch but is probably 25th or farther down the 'most scenic lochs' list.

If you were already IN central London it would be a no brainer - take the train. But since you want to travel to Scotland the day you land at LHR . . . book a flight to EDI the same day (3 to 4 hours after you land to give you wiggle room)

The trains leave from Kings Cross which is all the way across London from LHR so it is a bear to do that transfer.

I'd spend your whole time staying IN Edinburgh and while there book a day tour or two w/ Rabbies or Timberbush.

http://www.rabbies.com/
http://www.timberbush-tours.co.uk

Then on the afternoon or early evening of the 11th take the train down to London - because then you will be traveling city centre to city centre.
janisj is online now  
Old Oct 19th, 2013, 11:22 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It's worth pointing out that the train journey from Edinburgh to London will take 5-6 hours and will be dark from 4.15p.m. in November, so precious little to see outside. You can also fly between London City and Edinburgh. London City is in London itself, has an excellent public transport link (DLR) with only short-haul and commuter flights. Personally I'd fly to Scotland, basing my flight decision on where I was staying in London. International business meetings are often held out near Heathrow, so that would be the obvious place to fly from. If staying in London itself, then I'd probably choose City Airport. If you're planning to fly back to the US immediately after visiting Scotland, why not get an open jaw flight, coming back to Heathrow (assuming that that is where you're flying in to) for your connection?
Grindeldoo is offline  
Old Oct 20th, 2013, 12:00 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,728
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
London to Edinburgh takes 4h20 by regular hourly train, city centre to city centre. These days, flying (meaning in reality a relay-race of train, bus, airport, flight, airport, bus) takes almost as long and is far less of an experience.

You can check train times and buy tickets at www.eastcoast.co.uk as they are the actual operator and give an extra 10% off their own 'advance' fares from £18 each way.

If you see a first class fare from £49, nab it quick, as first class on weekdays includes complimentary food and even wine.
Man_in_seat_61 is offline  
Old Oct 20th, 2013, 12:09 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
>>It's worth pointing out that the train journey from Edinburgh to London will take 5-6 hours
Gordon_R is offline  
Old Oct 20th, 2013, 09:19 AM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks all. Since we fly into LHR on the 8th from the US it appears to make most sense to get on a flight to EDI. Thanks for the recommendations!! Val
ValVenturaKennedy123 is offline  
Old Oct 20th, 2013, 09:22 AM
  #7  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
why loch ness? my husband has a thought in his head that loch ness monster = best loch. the association is carrying the most weight in selecting that one! he is the type who likes to be able to say "we went to loch ness, you know, where the monster is"... if we were to see other lochs, what do you recommend?
ValVenturaKennedy123 is offline  
Old Oct 20th, 2013, 09:39 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I hope he's not planning on actually seeing the "monster".

IMHO time better spent in Edinburgh and a more scenic, closer lock.
nytraveler is offline  
Old Oct 20th, 2013, 10:01 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,395
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes on 4 Posts
If Loch Ness is an absolute must for your husband, you could go to Urquhart Castle, which is a very large, interesting ruin that you can scramble around that has a very scenic position on the loch. It does have a lot of tourists however.
Nikki is offline  
Old Oct 20th, 2013, 10:25 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Loch Ness is a bit dull. There are 31459 other lochs to chose from.
Havana128 is offline  
Old Oct 20th, 2013, 11:37 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 72,633
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes on 7 Posts
I'd definitely book a Rabbies or Timberbush tour to the Highlands which includes Loch Ness. That way you'll see other, prettier bits of Scotland and he can say he's been there . . .

Like this one http://www.rabbies.com/tours_scotlan...1_day_tour.asp
janisj is online now  
Old Oct 20th, 2013, 12:07 PM
  #12  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
many thanks, looks like some great options here!!!!
ValVenturaKennedy123 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
triciafromoz
Europe
11
Jan 30th, 2010 05:11 PM
kristynbelkin
Europe
11
Dec 10th, 2007 05:13 AM
abp
Europe
8
Jan 3rd, 2005 08:02 PM
Chicago_Heather
Europe
20
Apr 12th, 2004 07:50 PM
jarmnm
Europe
9
Oct 20th, 2003 11:17 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -