To Edinburgh, or not to Edinburg
 

Hi. We are planning a summer trip to London and Paris. Currently, we have 7 days/ 6 nights London and 5 days/nights in Paris. Here is my question: what are your recommendations for the two remaining open days/nights. My husband's family was from Scotland, and we thought it might be fun to visit the homeland, but we have no current connections. Should we a) take a quick trip to Edinburg, b) add on to the Paris trip or c) recommendations??? Thanks,

Edinburgh makes a very nice 2 day/night trip.

Adding days to Paris makes sense too, but Edinburgh really is a magnificent place and is nothing like the other two cities you are visiting.

There are quick flights from both London and Paris to Edinburgh, and from London the train takes 4+ hours. There is also a sleeper train from London that would net you more free time in Edinburgh since you'd arrive very early in the AM.

As janisj said, Edinburgh would work well if you have a 2 day/2 night opening, and it is magnificent and it is very different from London or Paris.

Depending on your interests, you might include Edinburgh, but switch one day from London to Paris - NOT because there isn't enough to see in London (there certainly is!), but there's also SO much to see in Paris! A 6-day stay in each city would allow you to cover highlights. Just a thought!

Or you can spend the time elsewhere - but I wouldn't seek out a 3rd option if Edinburgh and Paris already cry out to you. You could drive yourselves crazy if you start considering all of your options!

You will see some magnificent things no matter what you choose.

To answer; Why, Edinburgh, of course.

Look for a LGW/LHR/STN/LUT/LCY - EDI/GLA - CDG/ORY multi-leg flight

Thanks for your responses everyone. We are actually considering renting a car for the trip to Edinburgh so we can see and experience the country. Is that a bad idea?

"<i>We are actually considering renting a car for the trip to Edinburgh so we can see and experience the country. Is that a bad idea?</i>" Yes - a very bad idea IMO. If you had a week- then yes, you could easily drive up. Bu w/ just 2 days/nights you simply don't have the time.

It takes an entire day (8+ hours) to drive up w/o any stops -- and that is on the motorways, not along scenic/smaller roads.

Thank you for the advice!

Agree with janisj. It's a long drive, longer if you want to see the countryside. The express trains from London take approximately 4 hours. My favorite was a morning express along the east side of England, aptly named the Flying Scotsman, a famous locomotive.

It allowed me to get into Edinburgh by mid-afternoon, with time for some sight seeing that day, as well as orientation, though I'd been there twice before.

As with seemingly every trip, I met some folks that were living less than 50 miles from my home in the states.

I'm from Edinburgh and love this city. If your husband's family is from Scotland another good reason to come.
I wouldn't rent a car specially if you have never driven on the left but have Spanish friends who did it and had a great time. Just have in mind that if you are coming to Edinburgh in August (highest season due to Festivals) you should look for accommodation now and expect to pay much more than July for example. Booking a self-catering apartment is the more affordable option.
I hope this helps.