London to Scotland
#1
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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!
#2
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.
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.
#3
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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?
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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.
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.
#7
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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?
#9
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.
#11
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
Like this one http://www.rabbies.com/tours_scotlan...1_day_tour.asp
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