fluff224

My DH & I are planning to visit our newly relocated son & DIL in London for 2 weeks the last week of Oct & 1st week of Nov. In order to preserve our/their sanity we want to take a 2-3 day trip. I am thinking about Scotland or Wales. We will only be using trains, not renting a car. Any suggestions on where to go? We would also like to take day trips out of the city as well. While we are in the city we will be doing a lot of sightseeing.

janisj

I'd take the train to Edinburgh and back (you could take the sleeper one way to maximize your time in Edinburgh).

Out of London your day trip options are almost limitless. Bath, Oxford, Windsor, Hampton Court Palace, Brighton, Dover Castle, Cambridge, York, etc etc.

fluff224

Is there enough in Edinburgh for a 2 or 3 day trip? How far by train?

historytraveler

The trip via train from London to Edinburgh takes about 4 to 4 1/2 hours depending on train/departure time. Assuming you leave mid-morning, you won't arrive in Edinburgh much before 2:00 p.m. Same, of course with departure. Unless you do the sleeper as janisj suggested, your total train time will eat up a day's time coming and going. Regardless. there is plenty to do and see in Edinburgh for a 2 or 3 day trip. One can also include half day trips to a number of other of other places such as St. Andrews, Linlithgow Palace and Rosslyn Chapel to name just a few.

historytraveler

Sorry, the train times I mentioned should've been between 4 1/2 to 5 hours. I think the slowest is about 4 hours and 45 minutes and the fastest about 4 hours 20 minutes. It all depends on your departure time. Check www.nationalrail.co.uk for exact times. I've never taken the sleeper so can't tell you about their times.

janisj

>>Is there enough in Edinburgh for a 2 or 3 day trip? How far by train?<<

There is enough for a week -- but 2 or 3 days is a good intro/taste.

>>Assuming you leave mid-morning, you won't arrive in Edinburgh much before 2:00 p.m.<<

I personally would never leave mid morning for a weekend/couple of days in Edinburgh. I'd leave early AM and arrive in Edinburgh mid-morning. Then on the last night I'd take a sleeper back down to London arriving early AM.

Or do it the opposite - take the sleeper up (leaves late at night and arrives before 8AM). That gives you a full day on arrival. Then on the last day have an early dinner in Edinburgh and take an evening train down to London.

KayF

I know you said Scotland or Wales but can I throw another idea out there? We had 3 days in St Malo, on the coast of France and loved it. Train from London to Portsmouth, then ferry to St Malo. We used Brittany Ferries and caught an overnight ferry there and a day ferry back. You can also fly to a nearby town but we liked the ferry trip as it's lowkey and easy. St Malo is very attractive and we really enjoyed our weekend there.

Just a thought...

Kay

historytraveler

A mid- morning departure was only suggested because that's what I do. I'm just not a morning person and do early departures only when necessary. Of course a person can leave earlier and with limited time it's a better option.

geetika

I'd take the night train both ways to maximise your time in Edinburgh. Plenty to see in the town itself for 3 days, though you could do a day trip out to Stirling or St. Andrews. Rosslyn Chapel is a huge draw with Dan Brown fans.

mamcalice

If I were taking a 2-3 day trip from London, I'd go to Paris, especially at the time of year you are going. The trip by TGV would be even shorter than the train to Edinburgh. Actually, I would spend 4 full days in Paris.

fluff224

I like the suggestions about the trains to Edinburgh. However Katy's suggestion on St Malo sounds interesting. Keep in mind that we will be there late Oct. Where did you stay? I am also giving thought to Paris. I had thought that we would do Paris when we are visiting again in the spring. But, maybe it would be less crowded & less expensive in the fall.4 days in Paris would be wonderful. Any lodging suggestions? We do not require fancy hotels, just great locations. What is TGV?

So, it looks like I'm all over the place with where we can go. But, I like having options! I do think we need to be out & about M-Th to give my son & DIL a break from us. The saying goes "Fish & relatives start to stink after 4 days"!!!

Thanks for everyone's input. I look forward to reading more.

janisj

Re Paris >>But, maybe it would be less crowded & less expensive in the fall.<<

Nope. Autumn is prime time in Paris. No less crowded/expensive than in Spring - and often more so. Not that it would deter me. I'm taking three days out of my next London Visit next month to pop over to Paris. W/ the Eurostar it is soooooo easy.

I would have done a short break in Edinburgh instead (one of my favorite cities anywhere) but I was just there in May.

KayF

Hi, we were in St Malo in the summer so not sure what it would be like in late October. Here is where we stayed -
http://www.hotel-lenautilus-saint-malo.com/index.html

Prices are very reasonable (we travel on a budget) and it is right in the centre of the walled town. It was an easy 10 min walk from where the ferry docks. If you would like more info just sing out.

By the way if I had the choice of 3 or 4 days in Paris, Edinburgh or St Malo, I'd choose Paris. The TGV is the fast train in France. In case you not aware, the Eurostar travels from St Pancras in London to Gare du Nord, in the centre of Paris in just over 2 hours. We used the Eurostar quite a bit when we lived in the UK and just loved it. It makes for a much easier, less stressful trip than flying and is cheap if you book ahead. I think bookings open up 120 days before. The longer you leave it, the more you will pay. This website is terrific for all things to do with trains -
http://www.seat61.com/

Kay

historytraveler

Paris is fine for a few days if that is your choice, but there should be some clarification on time involved in getting there. True the trip takes a little more than two hours,but you gain an hour in real time. Also you need to be at St. Pancreas at least 45 minutes prior to departure. You can't just show up 10 minutes before the train departs like you can for the London- Edinburgh trip. At Waverley Station (Edinburgh) you can walk to all major sites. Gare du Nord requires a taxi to hotel and most tourist sites. Paris is certainly manageable for a short visit but, IMO, Edinburgh is far easier and makes for a more relaxing trip.

janisj

I love coming out of Waverly Station and looking straight up at the castle across Princes Street Gardens.

historytraveler

Sheesh! I meant to say you loose an hour.

fluff224

I think we have narrowed our London "interlude" to Edinburgh over Paris for several reasons; easy to get there & around, and my son suggests we all go to Paris when we come in the spring. That being said...I will take any information where to catch the train, lodging suggestions, etc.

janisj

>>I will take any information where to catch the train, lodging suggestions, etc.<<

Where does your son live? Could make a difference where to catch the train.

But from most parts of greater London you'd take the train from Kings Cross (for the daytime trains) or Euston (for the sleeper)

Re lodging -- what is your budget?

fluff224

He just moved there; I think it is Roland Gardens South Kensington. They have said they are easy access to trains/tube.

Lodging budget? We like nice, comfortable & clean, good locations. We do not require fancy or luxurious. I just briefly looked & saw Frasier Suites & Parliament House. They were app. 400-475 USD incl VAT. That is as far as I've gotten right now. I like to use Trip Advisor & of course any Fodor's feedback.

janisj

Frasier Suites is in a brilliant location (I stayed there 2 nights in April)

Literally steps from St Giles Cathedral/Royal Mile. Close to the Castle, all the restaurants of Grassmarket, etc.

That is a pretty generous budget. You could probably get into the Balmoral, Scotsman, Caledonian or other up market properties.