Search

Railbookers

Grand East Coast Explorer

London to Edinburgh to York loop with an overnight Caledonian Sleeper

Illustration of Grand East Coast Explorer

Railbookers operates this 9-day, 8-night rail journey around the United Kingdom, starting and ending in London. After two days in London, including the Tower of London and Crown Jewels and a day trip to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath, the trip continues with an overnight journey on the Caledonian Sleeper to Edinburgh. Two nights in Edinburgh include a free day at your leisure and an included city tour past Princes Street, Grassmarket, and Holyrood Palace. A train then continues to York for two nights, with a hop-on, hop-off tour of the medieval streets, Clifford's Tower, and the Shambles, before a direct train returns to London. With upscale hotel options in London and Edinburgh and an overnight sleeper train included in the price, this trip suits travelers who want to combine England and Scotland's history with a comfortable pace and some flexibility in how they spend each day.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence lists 18 accommodation options across price tiers and cities rather than one fixed hotel per city; sample hotels include the Kimpton Fitzroy London and the InterContinental Edinburgh The George, so the hotel you get depends on the tier you choose.
  • The included Caledonian Sleeper accommodation is a Classic room with a single or twin berth and a wash basin; a Double room or Club room, with Club Car and lounge access, is an available upgrade at extra cost.
  • On the return to London, sights such as the London Eye, Tower Bridge, Hyde Park, and Trafalgar Square are suggested but are not listed among the trip's included inclusions.
  • The evidence pack does not list current departure dates or months; confirm scheduling directly with Railbookers.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: London

    Your Journey Begins in London

    When you arrive in London, there is so much to see and do but a must see is the Tower of London, officially Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress located on the north bank of the River Thames. Enjoy access to the Tower of London and see the Crown Jewels with your included pass.

  2. Day 2overnight: London

    London

    Today visit some of the top attractions outside of London on this day trip to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and the historic town of Bath. Start at Windsor Castle, home to the British royal family, for a tour of the State Apartments and St George's Chapel, and then continue west of London to Salisbury, home of the mysterious Stonehenge rock formations. Finally, arrive in Bath, known for its elegant Georgian architecture and Roman baths. All admission tickets are included in the tour price.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Onboard the Caledonian Sleeper

    Overnight Onboard Caledonian Sleeper

    Depart London onboard the Caledonian Sleeper for your overnight journey to Edinburgh. Your Classic room features a single or twin berth and wash basin. Speak to one of our Rail Experts about upgrading your accommodations to a Double room or Club room, which include priority access to the Club Car for meals and drinks and access to the lounge area to enjoy beautiful scenery in the morning.

  4. Day 4overnight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    When you arrive in Edinburgh, the day is yours to spend at your leisure. We suggest visiting Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish crown jewels and legendary Stone of Scone. Other popular attractions include the Royal Mile and the Sir Walter Scott monument.

  5. Day 5overnight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    During your included city tour, you'll explore places such as Princes Street to learn about Scott Monument and the Princes Street Gardens, as well as see Grassmarket, Old Town, New Town, Dean Village, and Holyrood Palace.

  6. Day 6railovernight: York

    Edinburgh to York

    Travel by train from Edinburgh to York. From museums to historical landmarks, there are many ways to make the most of your time in this quaint town.

  7. Day 7overnight: York

    York

    Use your included hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour to discover the historical town at your pace. Visit crowd-pleasing attractions like Memorial Gardens, Clifford's Tower, the Shambles, and South Bank. York's museums, medieval streets, and stunning cathedrals will surely be highlights of today's tour.

  8. Day 8railovernight: London

    York to London

    Board your direct train to London. Upon arrival, check out any points and sights of interest that you've never explored before. Take a ride on the London Eye, take in panoramic views of the city from Tower Bridge, stroll through Hyde Park, or relax in Trafalgar Square.

  9. Day 9

    Your Journey Ends in London

    Your Grand East Coast Experience ends today in London.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1A visit to the Tower of London includes access to see the Crown Jewels.
  • Day 2A day trip visits Windsor Castle's State Apartments and St George's Chapel, the Stonehenge rock formations near Salisbury, and the Georgian city of Bath.
  • Day 3An overnight journey on the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Edinburgh, in a Classic room with a single or twin berth.
  • Day 5An included city tour of Edinburgh visits Princes Street, Grassmarket, Old Town, New Town, Dean Village, and Holyrood Palace.
  • Day 7A hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of York visits Memorial Gardens, Clifford's Tower, and the Shambles.

Included

  • Rail travel as specified in itinerary
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in London
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Edinburgh
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in York
  • 1 night accommodation onboard the Caledonian Sleeper
  • Tower of London entrance including a viewing of the crown jewels
  • Day trip to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath
  • City tour of Edinburgh
  • Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour in York

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price of this trip?
Yes. Railbookers includes rail travel as specified in the itinerary, including an overnight Caledonian Sleeper from London to Edinburgh.
Which train is used for the overnight journey?
The Caledonian Sleeper, in a Classic room with a single or twin berth; a Double room or Club room upgrade is available.
Is this trip guided or self-paced?
It mixes included tours, such as the Edinburgh city tour and the York hop-on, hop-off tour, with self-paced days, such as Edinburgh, which the itinerary leaves free to explore at your own leisure.
What hotels does the trip use?
The evidence lists 18 accommodation options across tiers and cities; sample hotels include the Kimpton Fitzroy London, the Conrad London St. James, and the InterContinental Edinburgh The George.
What is included besides the train and hotels?
The Tower of London with Crown Jewels access, a day trip to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath, an Edinburgh city tour, and a York hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour, plus breakfast with every hotel stay.
How much does this trip cost?
Railbookers prices this trip from $2,439.

Similar journeys