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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Edinburgh, York, and London

Independent standard-class rail trip through Edinburgh, York and London

Illustration of Edinburgh, York, and London

Railbookers operates this 7-day, 6-night independent rail vacation through three cities: Edinburgh, York and London, traveling entirely by standard class UK Rail. The trip opens with two nights in Edinburgh, including a scenic walk up Arthur's Seat, a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, and skip-the-line entrance to Edinburgh Castle. A high-speed train then carries travelers through the English countryside to York for a one-night stay with a city pass, before a direct train continues on to London for three nights. London days include a Secret Food Tour sampling British classics like fish and chips and sausage rolls, plus a ride on the London Eye. Several tours are included, but the evidence describes much of the schedule as 'at your leisure.' This suits travelers who want a compact, three-city introduction to Great Britain by train, mixing guided highlights with free time to explore at their own pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists 18 accommodation options across Edinburgh, York and London and different price tiers, so the exact hotel depends on the tier and city combination you choose.
  • York gets only one night on this itinerary, compared with two in Edinburgh and three in London, so time to explore the walled city is limited to a single day with the city pass.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Edinburgh

    Your Journey Begins in Edinburgh

    Welcome to the Scottish capital - Edinburgh is certainly a treat to explore! Fill your lungs full of fresh air on a scenic walk up to Arthur's Seat, visit HMY Britannia - a massive ocean liner used by Britain's royal family, and enjoy skip-the-line entrance to Edinburgh Castle included with your journey. This amazing, historic fortress dates to the 12th century and dominates Edinburgh's skyline.

  2. Day 2overnight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    Continue exploring Edinburgh today, perhaps strolling along the Royal Mile or indulging in a tasting of Scotland's finest whiskeys. The day is yours at your leisure!

  3. Day 3railovernight: York

    Edinburgh to York

    Travel by train from Edinburgh to York today and enjoy the countryside scenery from the comfort of your seat onboard a high-speed train. Upon arrival in York, check in to your hotel for a one-night stay and start exploring with your city pass. From museums to historical landmarks, there are many ways to make the most of your time in this quaint town.

  4. Day 4railovernight: London

    York to London

    Check out of your hotel this morning and head to the station to catch your direct train to London. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for a three-night stay. The journey is just under two hours, so there's plenty of time left in the day to start your exploration of the city!

  5. Day 5overnight: London

    London

    Have a light breakfast as this morning is your secret food tour, where you will have the opportunity to try traditional British food (such as award-winning Fish & Chips, World Famous Sausage Rolls, and traditional Bacon & Egg Baps), sample tasters from street food vendors, enjoy English cheeses paired with local beer and cider and try classic British Dessert alongside a Fresh Pot of Tea. Plus, there is our Secret Dish, which you can only find out about on the day. The tour concludes with a sample of local drinks.

  6. Day 6overnight: London

    London

    Spend another day at leisure in London. Head to the South Bank for an iconic London experience. Watch street musicians and artists perform, gaze out at the Thames, and take a ride on the London Eye, an experience included with your journey! the views over London's rooftops are quite spectacular - you'll be able to see St Paul's Cathedral, the British Museum, the Royal Opera House, and Tower Bridge from a fantastic perspective!

  7. Day 7rail

    Your Journey Ends in London

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you'd like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1A scenic walk up to Arthur's Seat, a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, and skip-the-line entrance to Edinburgh Castle.
  • Day 3A high-speed train from Edinburgh to York through the countryside, then exploring the walled city with a city pass.
  • Day 5A Secret Food Tour in London tasting fish and chips, sausage rolls, and English cheeses paired with local beer and cider.
  • Day 6A stroll along London's South Bank and a ride on the London Eye, with views over St Paul's Cathedral and Tower Bridge.

Included

  • Rail travel in standard class throughout
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodations with breakfast in Edinburgh
  • 1 night hotel accommodations with breakfast in York
  • 3 nights' hotel accommodations with breakfast in London
  • Secret Food Tour in London
  • Skip-the-Line tickets for the London Eye
  • The York Pass including a hop-on, hop-off tour
  • Skip-the-Line Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse and Royal Yacht Britannia entrance tickets

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, standard class UK Rail throughout: a high-speed train from Edinburgh to York, then a direct train from York to London.
Is it escorted or independent?
The evidence describes it as 'Independent, with guided/self-guided tours included.' The York Pass hop-on, hop-off tour and the Secret Food Tour in London are included, while other days are at leisure.
Which trains are used?
UK Rail in standard class, from Edinburgh to York and on to London.
What hotels are included?
Railbookers lists 18 accommodation options across Edinburgh, York and London, including the InterContinental Edinburgh The George and The Grand York.
What else is included besides rail and hotels?
Skip-the-line tickets for Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Yacht Britannia, a York Pass with a hop-on, hop-off tour, a Secret Food Tour in London, and skip-the-line London Eye tickets.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from 1,289 US dollars per person.

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