York to Edinburgh
 

How easy, viable, and scenic is the drive from York to Edinburgh? Worth the trip or better to do it via rail? Noting that there will be 5 of us with luggage. Appreciate any suggestions.

We enjoyed the drive up to Edinburgh. We went towards the coast and stopped at Alnwick and Bamburgh castles. Lindesfarne is out that way also, but you have to catch it at low tide.<BR><BR>Here's a site that dicusses some of the castles in the area.<BR><BR>http://www.onlineweather.com/v4/ireland/climate/index.html<BR><BR>By the way, while in York, if you enjoy great beer, travel to the Samuel Smiths Old Brewery in Tadcaster. IMHO the finest beer in all the world. The Taddy Porter there is SO MUCH better than we get to buy in the States. Also, the York Brewery is nice. Good Beer too.<BR><BR>Bill

Ooops, wrong website:<BR>http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/vg/rcastle.html#f

There is soooo much to see enroute you could take a week. Durham, Hadrian's Wall, St Abbs Head, Tantallon Castle, Direlton Castle, Berwick on Tweed, North Berwick, plus the already mentioned Lindesfarne (Holy Island), Bamburgh, Alnwick.<BR><BR>If you are planning on one overnight Durham, Hadrian's Wall and one or two other sites are possible. If you plan on doing it in one day then pick ONE place - Hadrian's Wall, Holy Island or Bamburgh would be my first choices.

Renting a car or van big enough for 5 with bags won't be cheap, but it's worth comparing it with train fares along with taxis to the station etc.<BR><BR>If you can drive, do so, and stop at any or all of the places mentioned. The NE coastal area is one of the best parts of England IMO, and then you're rewarded with Scotland. Best of all worlds.

Gus,<BR><BR>I second all the reply so far! Durham is a beautiful wee city to stay in, and so is Eyemouth. Have been to all these places, and plan to do it again! <BR>Enjoy! If visiting Holy Island, have lunch or a drink at the Manor House Hotel. What great people!