What is a good website to purchase train tickets from London to Edinborough in June? Does purchasing the tickets in advance save money? I am travelling with my husband and 3 young children. Should we go First Class, or is that not necessary? Thanks!

nationalrail.co.uk is the official rail website for the UK. Yes, purchasing tickets in advance can save a considerable amount of money (not in all countries, but many, including the UK).

I don't know much about the difference between first class and standard class on UK rail, but personally I would never pay extra for first class. Then again, I'm a single college student.

http://www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com/ allows non-UK based people to buy tickets - you'll need to select an option to collect tickets at a station as they don't post tickets abroad

It's Edinburgh BTW

I realized as soon as I posted my question that I had misspelled "Edinburgh", but by then, it was too late. I do, however, have a pretty good excuse! My in-laws live on "Edinborough Circle," so I've gotten used to spelling it that way, even though it's really not accurate. Thanks for the info on the trains.

I like 1st class, but with a family I would go standard. Try to make reservations on seats that face each other with a table between. The kids will have something to draw on and spread out stuff. The trip is around 4 1/2 hours so instead of buying food and drink on board you can bring it with you. Many do so don't feel that it isn't done.

We just bought tickets a couple of weeks ago on that site mentioned. Very easy to use. Glad to know standard is okay because we couldn't tell the difference online.