Ultimate London to Edinburgh Rail Itinerary with Kids

Dreaming of a family adventure that blends iconic cityscapes with breathtaking scenery? A train journey from London to Edinburgh is a fantastic way to travel, offering comfort, convenience, and memories that will last a lifetime. This London to Edinburgh rail itinerary with kids takes you on a 7-day adventure, with options to extend your trip and explore even more of the UK.

Pin it for later!

We’ll answer all your burning questions, like “How long is the train from London to Edinburgh?” and “What is the best way to get from London to Edinburgh with family?”, and provide you with practical tips for a smooth journey.

7-Day London to Edinburgh Family Rail Adventure

This itinerary balances iconic landmarks with kid-friendly activities, ensuring a memorable experience for the whole family.

Day 1: Arrival in London & Westminster Wonders

• Morning: Fly into London Heathrow (LHR). Check into your hotel.
• Lunch: Grab a bite at a family-friendly pub near the Houses of Parliament, like The Red Lion.
• Afternoon: Explore Westminster. See the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and walk through St. James’s Park. For the best views, take a ride on the London Eye.
• Dinner: Enjoy a casual dinner in the South Bank area, with plenty of restaurants offering diverse cuisines.
  • Find all the London activities in this itinerary and more on Trip.com!

Day 2: Royal History & Museum Fun

• Morning: Visit the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels and hear tales of kings and queens.
• Lunch: Find a cafe near the Tower of London for a quick and easy lunch.
• Afternoon: Immerse yourselves in history or science at one of London’s amazing museums. The Natural History Museum and the Science Museum in South Kensington are always a hit with kids.
  • Both museums are free to enter! Just make sure you secure your timed entry in advance for the Natural History Museum.
• Dinner: Head to a family-friendly restaurant in the Kensington area.

Day 3: Paddington’s Playground & West End Magic

• Morning: Start your day at Paddington Station, where you can find the statue of Paddington Bear and the official Paddington shop. Take some fun family photos!
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch in the Paddington area, perhaps trying some classic fish and chips.
• Afternoon: Experience the magic of London’s West End with a family-friendly matinee show. Book tickets in advance!
• Dinner: Have a pre-theatre dinner near your chosen show or explore the vibrant Covent Garden for dining options.

Day 4: Train to Edinburgh & Old Town Charm

• Morning: Head to London King’s Cross Station. (Don’t forget to snap a photo at Platform 9 ¾ for the Harry Potter fans!). Catch your train to Edinburgh Waverley. Several train operators run this route, including LNER, Caledonian Sleeper, and Lumo. The train journey typically takes around 4 to 4.5 hours on the fastest services.
  • Make sure you book your train on Trip.com for the best rates!
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch onboard the train. Many services have a cafe car, or you can pack your own snacks and sandwiches.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Edinburgh and check into your hotel to drop off your bags.
  • Begin exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town. Walk the Royal Mile, taking in the historic architecture.
    • Find all the Edinburgh activities in this itinerary and more on Trip.com!
• Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Scottish meal at a family-friendly pub on or near the Royal Mile.

Day 5: Edinburgh Castle & Underground Secrets

• Morning: Visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Allow plenty of time to explore the castle grounds, see the Scottish Crown Jewels, and learn about its fascinating history.
• Lunch: Have lunch at the cafe within Edinburgh Castle or find a spot with views along the Royal Mile.
• Afternoon: Delve into Edinburgh’s hidden history with a family-friendly walking tour to explore the underground vaults. This can be spooky fun for older kids!
• Dinner: Explore the Grassmarket area for a wide variety of family-friendly restaurants.

Day 6: Arthur’s Seat & Museum Exploration

• Morning: Hike up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano offering panoramic views of Edinburgh. Choose a route that suits your family’s fitness level.
• Lunch: Pack a picnic to enjoy at the top of Arthur’s Seat or grab a casual lunch in Holyrood.
• Afternoon: Visit the National Museum of Scotland, which has fascinating exhibits for all ages, from natural history to Scottish artifacts.
• Dinner: Enjoy a relaxed dinner in the New Town area of Edinburgh, known for its Georgian architecture and diverse restaurants.

Day 7: Farewell Edinburgh

• Morning: Enjoy a final Scottish breakfast. Depending on your flight or onward travel, you could visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (free entry!) for a peaceful morning stroll.
• Lunch: Have a farewell lunch in Edinburgh before heading to the airport or train station for your onward journey.

If You Have More Time… Extend Your Adventure!

If you have more than 7 days, consider adding these exciting stops to your London to Edinburgh rail itinerary with kids:

• Add 2-3 Days in London: This would allow for more in-depth exploration of different neighborhoods like Shoreditch, a visit to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, or take a day trip from London by rail.
• Add 1-2 Days in York: Break up the train journey between London and Edinburgh on day 4 with a stop in the historic city of York.
  • Getting There: Direct trains run from London to York and from York to Edinburgh. Book these legs easily through Trip.com.
  • Top Family Activities in York:
    • York Minster: Explore this magnificent cathedral.
    • Jorvik Viking Centre: Immerse yourselves in Viking history.
    • National Railway Museum: A must-visit for train enthusiasts of all ages.
    • York City Walls: Walk along the medieval city walls for great views.
  • Where to Eat in York: Many family-friendly pubs and cafes can be found throughout the city centre. Betty’s Cafe Tea Rooms is a York institution for a special treat.
• Add 1-2 Days in the Scottish Highlands: On day 7 from Edinburgh, you can easily take a day tour to the Scottish Highlands or even extend your trip further north by train to explore destinations like Inverness and Loch Ness.
  • Get the full Scottish Highlands experience with our Ultimate 7-Day Scottish Highlands Family Road Trip Itinerary!

Where to Stay

When you’re exploring these incredible cities, having the right home base can make all the difference. For our seven-night adventure, we’ll spend three nights in London and three in Edinburgh. If you’re adding in York, add in 2 nights.

Staying in a central location allows you to maximize your time, and helps you get a head start on avoiding peak-season crowds at popular attractions. Here’s a look at some of the best family-friendly hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxurious stays.

London (3 nights)

You’ll spend three nights in London, with all of your days centered on the Thames River and the historic core of the city. Being based in a central location means you can easily walk to iconic sights like the Tower of London and Big Ben, and you’ll have easy access to the Tube for exploring other neighborhoods.

• Budget: The Premier Inn London County Hall This hotel is a solid choice for families looking for value without sacrificing location. It’s right by the London Eye and close to major transit hubs, so you can easily explore the city on foot or via the Underground. Book on Trip.com.
• Midrange: The Resident Covent Garden Located in the vibrant Covent Garden neighborhood, this hotel is within walking distance of theaters and markets. It’s a great choice for families as the rooms feature mini-kitchens, giving you the flexibility to prepare snacks or light meals for your kids. Book on Trip.com.
• Luxury: Cheval Three Quays at the Tower of London For a truly special experience, these serviced apartments offer stunning views of the Tower of London and the River Thames. The spacious, well-equipped apartments give families plenty of room to spread out, along with a full kitchen, which makes a longer stay feel like home. Book on Trip.com.

York (2 nights)

If you’re extending your London to Edinburgh rail itinerary with kids, you’ll travel to York from London for a two-night stay. Your time here will be spent wandering the historic walled city, exploring the famous Shambles, and visiting the York Minster. Staying within the city center will allow you to explore the city’s charming streets and quaint shops at your own pace.

• Budget: Novotel York Centre This modern hotel is located along the River Foss, just a short stroll from the historic city center. It’s known for having a swimming pool, which is a great bonus for families looking for a way to wind down after a day of sightseeing. Book on Trip.com.
• Midrange: Middlethorpe Hall & Spa While it’s a short drive from the city center, this beautiful country house hotel offers a peaceful retreat. With a spa and extensive gardens, it provides a quiet, serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, which can be a welcome change for families. Book on Trip.com.
• Luxury: The Grand, York As York’s only five-star hotel, The Grand offers an exceptional and memorable experience. Its prime location next to the train station and within walking distance of all the major attractions makes it the perfect luxurious base for a family adventure. The hotel also has an on-site spa with a pool for the kids. Book on Trip.com.

Edinburgh (3 nights)

Your last three nights will be spent in Edinburgh, exploring the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. A centrally located hotel will give you easy access to these sights, and allow you to fully experience the city’s historic charm.

• Budget: Motel One Edinburgh-Princes Motel One offers a great value and a fantastic location on Princes Street, a short walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station. It’s a stylish, no-frills option that gets you right into the heart of the city’s shopping and dining scene. Book on Trip.com.
• Midrange: Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre Situated directly on the historic Royal Mile, this hotel’s location is hard to beat. Its indoor heated pool is a huge plus for families, offering a fun way to relax and recharge after a day of walking the city’s hilly streets. Book on Trip.com.
• Luxury: Cheval The Edinburgh Grand For a top-tier stay, these luxury serviced apartments provide an elegant and spacious alternative to a traditional hotel. The suites are well-appointed with fully-equipped kitchens and laundry facilities, which is incredibly helpful for a family’s final stop on a longer trip. Book on Trip.com.

Practical Tips for Train Travel with Kids

Traveling by train with children can be a breeze with a little preparation:

• Book in Advance: Train tickets are generally cheaper when booked in advance. Use Trip.com for the best prices and book your seats.
• Consider Seat Reservations: Especially during peak travel times, reserving seats is highly recommended, particularly for families who want to sit together.
• Pack Snacks and Entertainment: While many trains have onboard cafes, having your own snacks and drinks is always a good idea. Don’t forget books, games, tablets (downloaded with content!), and coloring supplies to keep little ones entertained.
• Check Luggage Policies: Be aware of the luggage restrictions on different train operators.
• Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to navigate the station, especially with children and luggage.
• Embrace the Journey: Train travel offers a unique perspective on the landscape. Point out interesting sights along the way and make the journey part of the adventure!

Essential Gear for Your UK Family Holiday

Make sure you’re prepared for all types of weather in the UK! Consider packing:

• Waterproof Gear: Don’t leave home without essential waterproof gear for everyone: Essential Rain Gear for a Family Holiday in the UK.
• Travel Adapters: Ensure your electronics stay charged: Must-Have Travel Adapters & Power Strips for the UK.
• A Well-Packed Suitcase: Use our ultimate checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything: Packing for a UK Family Holiday: The Ultimate Checklist.
• Comfortable Stroller (if needed): For navigating potentially crowded areas and cobblestone streets: The Best Travel Strollers for Navigating the UK’s Cobblestone Streets.

Wrapping it up

A London to Edinburgh rail itinerary with kids is a fantastic way to experience the best of both England and Scotland. With careful planning and these helpful tips, your family is sure to have an unforgettable adventure. The train journey itself is a delight, providing a relaxing and scenic alternative to the stress of air travel or driving, allowing you to focus on the joy of the journey. We’ve crafted this itinerary to help you make the most of your time while ensuring you have a positive impact on the destinations you visit.

Loved this itinerary? Share it with your friends and family who are planning a UK adventure!

Protecting your UK vacation

The United Kingdom, a country of grand history and vibrant culture, promises unforgettable family adventures. Yet, like any grand journey, unexpected events can arise.

From unpredictable UK weather to the worry of lost luggage or sudden illness (especially with toddlers), make sure you protect your family vacation by getting travel insurance.

I personally use Arch RoamRight for all my travel, and recommend all my clients use the same. Get your personalized quote here!

Pin it for later!