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We are planning a 4 day trip to Edinburgh and/or Glasgow - this is going to happen in the next 2 weeks! We were told that taking the train from London to Edinburgh was probably the best way to get there (4hrs, as we were already going to be in London) - but are quickly trying to put together an itinerary for about 14 people (including kids!) <BR><BR>Any ideas/plans would be appreciated!<BR>

Nick

May be overdoing it to do both cities but they are only 45 minutes away by excellent train service, so a day trip to one or the other is really easy.<BR><BR>From a standard tourist point of view, Edinburgh is the more spectacular - fantastic views etc from Edinburgh Castle, Arthurs Seat and so on). Countryside nearby is beautiful in both places -Glasgow has Loch Lomond and other gorgeous spots to the north west and Edinburgh has softer countryside in the Borders (Peebles is a great little town) and coast line at places like Gullane or further afield at St Andrews.Glasgow probably has the edge though.<BR>Both cities have pretty good galleries and museums for cold days (Glasgow, Rennie MAcIntosh stuff, Burrell Collection, Kelvingrove) Edinburgh (Scottish Museum, Art Galleries). <BR>Night life if kids are late teens - all my Edinburgh contacts say Glasgow is much better. Friendliness - most people say Glaswegians are friendlier Probably true (as lots of Edinburgh people say it too). <BR>Transport - plane may be cheaper - some very good prices on www.ryanair.com into Glasgow Prestwick (not close to town though) or Edinburgh with Easyjet/Go. Depends on whether you want to see the scenery (boring until you get further north). Also plane is a problem if you are not so close to Stansted or Luton (the discounters' airports). If you drive, I would suggest a stop off at Durham en route (if Edinburgh bound) - more spectacular than York and smaller - perfect for lunch then wander through old town and see the Cathedral. <BR>Weather wise, Glasgow being on the west is typically a fair bit wetter, but maybe a couple of degrees warmer.

Ann

Be aware that if you take RyanAir to Glasgow, taxi fare into the city is $50 to $60. This was an unexpected expense for a family member recently! There is public transportation, but it apparently isn't available very early and very late.

Nigel Doran

I think taking the train is a good idea. <BR>You can go from London Euston to Glasgow in about 5 hours (but not at the weekend, when there are repairs on the track - avoid travelling this route then.) www.thetrainline.com is good for fares and routes and timetables. You can also try www.virgin.com and click on trains and then Bargain fares. Standard fare is fine, but consider a first-class ticket for such a long journey. I would say it is worth it. <BR><BR>Or you can go from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh. Again, www.thetrainline.com is good, but www.gner.co.uk might give you more bargains. It will take about 4.5 or 5 hours. There is no weekend work on this route, I don't think. <BR><BR>Do not travel on a Friday if that is possible, as the fares are higher. <BR><BR>Do not just turn up and go! You will be stung! As a general rule, the book-ahead tickets are often very good value indeed, but they specify travel dates and times. <BR>You can get the tickets delivered to a UK address or can pick them up at the station (allow good time)with a PIN. <BR><BR>Finally, it might be best to find a phone number for Virgin or GNER and chat with a salesperson, as your group is so large. They might do group discounts. It's worth the price of a call. Kids might well get discounts too.

Nigel Doran

I think taking the train is a good idea. <BR>You can go from London Euston to Glasgow in about 5 hours (but not at the weekend, when there are repairs on the track - avoid travelling this route then.) www.thetrainline.com is good for fares and routes and timetables. You can also try www.virgin.com and click on trains and then Bargain fares. Standard fare is fine, but consider a first-class ticket for such a long journey. I would say it is worth it. <BR><BR>Or you can go from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh. Again, www.thetrainline.com is good, but www.gner.co.uk might give you more bargains. It will take about 4.5 or 5 hours. There is no weekend work on this route, I don't think. <BR><BR>Do not travel on a Friday if that is possible, as the fares are higher. <BR><BR>Do not just turn up and go! You will be stung! As a general rule, the book-ahead tickets are often very good value indeed, but they specify travel dates and times. <BR>You can get the tickets delivered to a UK address or can pick them up at the station (allow good time)with a PIN. <BR><BR>Finally, it might be best to find a phone number for Virgin or GNER and chat with a salesperson, as your group is so large. They might do group discounts. It's worth the price of a call. Kids might well get discounts too. <BR><BR>It probably will be too expensive to arrive in one city and leave from another: they are served by different train companies, and one-way journeys (or single as we say) are often just as expensive as round trip (return.) Go to Edinburgh and take a trip from there.