United Kingdom by Train: London, York and Edinburgh in 7 Days
This 7-day classic rail journey traces the East Coast Main Line from London to Edinburgh, stopping in medieval York. Experience world-class free national museums, ancient Roman and Viking walls, and the dramatic volcanic crags of Edinburgh Old Town while avoiding peak train fares with advance booking.
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Intercity route legs
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival & Free World-Class Museums
LondonArrive in London, check into your accommodation in Zone 2. Spend the afternoon exploring the free British Museum in Bloomsbury, followed by dinner around Covent Garden.
Historic Thames & Royal Sights
LondonWalk from Westminster Abbey past Big Ben to the South Bank. Tour the Tower of London or cross Tower Bridge, taking in the free Horizon 22 observation deck in the evening.
Royal Parks & West End Theater
LondonExplore Kensington Gardens, the free Victoria and Albert Museum, and Hyde Park. In the evening, pick up discount day-of tickets at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square.
LNER Train North & Medieval York Walls
YorkBoard the 1h 50m LNER train from King Cross to York. Walk the complete 3.4 km circuit of the ancient City Walls, stroll The Shambles, and visit York Minster.
Scenic Rail to Scotland & Royal Mile
EdinburghTake the scenic 2h 30m train along the Northumberland coast into Edinburgh Waverley. Walk up the cobbled Royal Mile and hike Arthur Seat for sunset over the Firth of Forth.
Edinburgh Castle & Scottish Heritage
EdinburghTour Edinburgh Castle in the morning, followed by the free National Museum of Scotland and the atmospheric closes of the Old Town. Dine on haggis and tatties in a historic pub.
New Town, Leith & Departure
EdinburghExplore the Georgian architecture of the New Town and take the new tram extension down to Leith waterfront for seafood before departing from Edinburgh Airport.
✂️ What I Would Cut If Short on Time
If you have only 5 days, skip the overnight stay in York and take the early LNER train directly from London to Edinburgh, using the extra time in the Scottish capital.
Make this trip cheaper
These options use the current typical minimum fare in our route records. They are not guaranteed quotes, and prices can change before booking.
Make the itinerary fit your trip
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