Train ride from London to Edinburgh through Yorkshire

My parents visit me each year and to date have only come to England in the winter.  I keep pushing for them to come here in the summer and I'll go to them in the winter, so I think we are finally switching up our pattern!

They are coming for Christmas this year and then again in the summer.  Yeah!  My dad really would like to go to Edinburgh (we are Scottish ancestry) and I told him I would find out about the trains versus flying.  Flying will be quicker of course (from the Southeast), but I was wondering if the journey through Yorkshire was quite scenic?  I am willing to bet the train would be relaxed and a nicer way to travel, thinking they could stop over for a night or so in York, and then continue to Edinburgh.  They can always fly back to enjoy a bit more time in Scotland.

Also my dad was initially thinking that they would go when they come at Christmas.  I have suggested they do this in the summer as the days are so much longer and there is a better chance for decent weather (they are from Florida and do not own proper coats <sigh>).

Thoughts, suggestions?

It is a lovely rail journey. While looking about I found out that they offer a sleeper from London to Edinburgh - rather good value too.

The Caledonian Sleeper:

http://www.scotrail.co.uk/caledoniansleeper/index.html

My parents visited me in early November a few years ago and we took the train from King's Cross to Edinburgh (East Coast line). I've been told the journey is incredibly scenic, but the cheapest tickets we could get were at times where it was already dark out. I always think taking the train is nicer since you don't have to deal with all the security or getting to/from an airport. It's just a shame we ended up taking the trains in the evening.

As for it being relaxed... depending on the time you go it can be VERY crowded, so just be sure you have seats reserved.

I've taken the train from Kings Cross to Edinburgh as well, and it is a very nice journey, especially as you get further north and see the coast.  I went in February, and it was pretty cold of course, so you might be right about going in the summer when your parents visit then.  Keep in mind, too, that Edinburgh is a popular New Years Eve spot, so if you were traveling then you may want to keep that in mind.  I will probably be making the same trip again at the end of November.  It is much nicer to go by train, and considering the hassle of the airports, security, etc., it is only a couple hours longer travel time, and a lot more relaxing.

Make sure there aren't replacement buses on the days you want to go.  Train travel might be better than flying, but not if it means a transfer to a bus for three hours.

I've done the 8 hour plus journey from the north of Scotland down to London and vice versa and the East Coast Line is GORGEOUS!  I sometimes like to do this after I get off a long haul flight, rather than a take a flight home (which is a right pain in the backside for me) because you can snooze the whole way up and its more relaxing.   You can sometimes find amazing deals and first class even (especially when East Coast has a special offer on) - To Edinburgh, I would say it may potentially be quicker than flying - getting to the airport,going through security, then flying, then getting out, then actually making it from the airport into Edinburgh proper.  Plus, with the train you can move about easily, get a table and eat, etc.  Do it!

Hi, KF.  Just wanted to say I just got back to theStates, and while visiting my daughter in London, we took the train up to Edinburgh again.  Went up the coast, (though it was night, and too dark to enjoy the scenery), and came back through the Lakes district on a beautiful sunny day.  Gorgeous scenery.  And easy traveling.  Took us under 5 hours total.  On our return, we arrived into Euston, since the connections back to daughter's home were better there on a Sunday. Edinburgh was looking very festive for the holidays!  Have you decided to go?

Thanks Kaitsmom!

I think we are going to do it this summer (well, maybe not me as I'll have a newborn), but my parents will!  When they are here at Christmas we are going to go to Portsmouth (a whole lot closer!).   

If you want to get the cheapest deals, you have to buy in advance and often the tickets are set for a specific train only (i.e. time and date). Once you know when you want to travel, you can set up an alert for when the cheap tickets become available here:

http://www.thetrainline.com/ticketalert/ 

This is also a good site to consider options:

http://www.seat61.com/UK-train-travel.htm

I have to say, this is one of my favourite train routes and the scenery is lovely!