Search

Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

London, Edinburgh, and the Highlands

Independent rail trip from London to Edinburgh and the Highlands

Illustration of London, Edinburgh, and the Highlands

Railbookers runs this 6-day, 5-night independent rail vacation between London and Edinburgh. After a first day free to explore London on your own, day 2 brings a full-day guided tour taking in St. Paul's Cathedral, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels, and a Thames river cruise. Day 3 is a direct train ride north to Edinburgh for a three-night stay, with time to walk Princes Street, the Old Town, or climb Arthur's Seat. Day 4 is a small group walking tour of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, including the Stone of Destiny, and day 5 is a full day in the Highlands, passing Loch Lomond, Glencoe, the Great Glen, and Loch Ness, with an optional boat cruise. The trip suits independent travelers who want some guided structure, and those making a first rail trip in the UK with only one train transfer to manage.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence names the train travel only as 'UK Rail' without a specific operator or class; confirm exact train details with Railbookers before booking.
  • The Loch Ness boat cruise on day 5 is described as an option, not a fixed inclusion, so confirm whether it is covered in the day trip or booked separately.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: London

    Your Journey Begins in London

    Welcome to London! After checking in at your hotel head out to enjoy one of the world’s greatest cities and visit some of the world’s most familiar landmarks before enjoying dinner in any of the city’s amazing restaurants.

  2. Day 2overnight: London

    London

    After breakfast, join a full-day guided tour showcasing London’s most iconic sights. Begin with a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral before heading to Buckingham Palace to witness the famous Changing of the Guard. Continue to the historic Tower of London to explore its storied past and view the Crown Jewels, then enjoy a relaxing private cruise along the River Thames. Conclude your day with sweeping panoramic views over the city from the London Eye, leaving you with unforgettable memories of England’s vibrant capital.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Edinburgh

    London to Edinburgh

    Take the direct train to Edinburgh and check-in at your hotel for a 3-night stay. Take a stroll down Prince’s Street, explore the cobbled streets of Edinburgh Old Town, or climb Arthur’s Seat for a great view of the city then enjoy dinner at one of the city’s many fantastic restaurants.

  4. Day 4overnight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    Discover the city today with a small group walking tour taking in the secrets of the Royal Mile, then on to the magnificent Edinburgh Castle and the fascinating tales of the destiny stone and other important pieces of British history.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5overnight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    Embark on a day to remember today to visit some of the most breath-taking scenery the UK has to offer. You will see shimming lochs, rugged mountains, forest filled glens and much more! Stops include Callender on the edge of Loch Lomond, gorgeous Glencoe before passing through the Great Glen on route to Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness where you have the option of a relaxing boat cruise. Travel through the Cairngorms National Park and past Blair castle before arriving back in Edinburgh

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6

    End Of Tour

    Following breakfast at your hotel check-out of your hotel for a final bit of souvenir shopping, then to the station for your journey back to London and beyond or speak to any of our Travel Consultants about continuing your travels elsewhere.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A full-day guided tour taking in St. Paul's Cathedral, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London with the Crown Jewels, and a Thames river cruise.
  • Day 3A direct train from London to Edinburgh, followed by time to walk Princes Street, the Old Town, or climb Arthur's Seat.
  • Day 4A small group walking tour of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, including the story of the Stone of Destiny.
  • Day 5A day trip through the Highlands past Loch Lomond, Glencoe, the Great Glen, and Fort Augustus on Loch Ness, with an optional boat cruise.

Included

  • Rail travel as per the itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in London
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Edinburgh
  • London city tour including the London Eye
  • Edinburgh walking tour
  • Skip the line Edinburgh Castle entrance
  • Small Group Tour of Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel as per the itinerary is included, including the direct train from London to Edinburgh on day 3.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation from Railbookers, with several guided small group tours included along the way.
Which trains are used?
The evidence lists the rail travel as 'UK Rail'. The itinerary specifies a direct train from London to Edinburgh on day 3.
What hotels are included?
2 nights in London and 3 nights in Edinburgh, both with breakfast. Specific hotel names are not given in the evidence.
What does the Highlands day trip include?
A small group tour taking in Loch Lomond near Callander, Glencoe, the Great Glen, and Fort Augustus on Loch Ness, with the option of a boat cruise.

Similar journeys