4-Day LNER High-Speed ​​Train Tour of York, Edinburgh, and the Scottish Highlands | Roundtrip from London

• Enjoy a carefree journey without a car: A classic British train tour : High-speed rail + three classic cities + Highland scenery + castle visits, easily explore classic British history.
• High-speed rail access – easy and hassle-free: Travel the entire journey by LNER high-speed train connecting London, York, and Edinburgh, eliminating the hassle of driving while enjoying the freedom of driving.
• Ancient City Tour: A Dual Experience of History and Culture: Explore the medieval city of York, feeling the vicissitudes of its cathedral and city walls. Then, journey through Edinburgh, strolling along the Royal Mile, traversing the past and present, a single trip showcasing the classic beauty of Britain.
• Highland Legends: A One-Day In-Depth Tour of Lakes and Mountains: A special one-day tour of the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe Valley, and Loch Ness, allowing you to experience magnificent nature and mysterious legends.

Itinerary

Day 1: London 🚄 York – Free time to explore York Minster, The Shambles, the Old City Walls, etc.

In the morning, take the LNER high-speed train from London King's Cross Station to a famous ancient city in England. (Reference train time: 10:00-11:49, final train time subject to actual ticket issuance.) Hop on the LNER high-speed train and enjoy the idyllic English countryside from spacious, bright carriages. The trains are equipped with free Wi-Fi, power outlets at each seat, and luggage storage areas. Some carriages also offer snacks and drinks to ensure a comfortable journey. The journey takes approximately two hours from bustling London to historic York, allowing you to embark on an efficient and convenient British rail trip.

Located in the city center, the hotel boasts convenient access, within walking distance of the train station and major attractions. Upon arrival, you can first store your luggage at the hotel (check-in time at UK hotels is typically around 3:00 PM), and then begin your free exploration of York. York is a city perfectly suited for walking; the old town is compact, and attractions are easily accessible on foot. You can climb the best-preserved city walls for a panoramic view of the historic city; step inside York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Europe, and experience its grandeur and sanctity. Stroll along the medieval Shambles, where narrow cobblestone streets and wooden houses seem to transport you to a fairytale world; this is also the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. During breaks, consider relaxing in a traditional teahouse or pub, such as the renowned Betty's Café Tea Rooms, and enjoying an authentic English afternoon tea. As night falls, you can also join a "Ghosts and Legends" themed nighttime walk to experience York's mystical atmosphere. All of this can be explored on foot, allowing you to immerse yourself in the romance and legend of this ancient city. After the tour, you will return to your hotel to check in, concluding a fulfilling day.

Recommended hotel: Holiday Inn (3-star) or equivalent brand hotel

York Minster is the largest surviving medieval cathedral in Europe, the largest Gothic cathedral north of the Alps, and one of the world's most exquisitely designed and architecturally significant cathedrals. The stone-built cathedral is magnificent and has remained sturdy and imposing for centuries. Its east facade features a vast expanse of stained glass windows, the largest medieval stained glass window in the world.

【The Butcher Street】 —This street is "Diagon Alley," where little wizards buy all sorts of magical items and books. It is the oldest and best-preserved medieval street in Old York, and a must-visit spot for Harry Potter fans.

【York City Walls】 —The best-preserved and longest ancient city wall in England, stretching approximately 5 kilometers, and built by the Romans. A complete circuit around the walls, centered on York Minster, takes about 2 hours and offers panoramic views of the old city.

Betty's Tea Room — the most famous tea room in Northern England and York's most popular culinary landmark. For over 90 years, it has attracted countless visitors, and a traditional English afternoon tea is a must-try here.

Day 2: York 🚄 Edinburgh — Crossing the border and into the heart of Scotland

After breakfast, you will proceed to York train station on your own to board the LNER high-speed train to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland (reference train time: 09:35–14:19, final train time subject to actual ticket issuance). The train will travel through the fields of northern England and the Scottish border, with ever-changing scenery outside the window, from tranquil farms and rolling pastures to the shimmering Northumbria coastline, and occasionally, the distant ruins of ancient castles perched on cliffs. You can enjoy a simple lunch and a cup of coffee on board, making this four-hour journey relaxing and pleasant.

Upon arrival at Edinburgh Waverley train station, check into your hotel in the city center. After a short rest, you can begin your first encounter with this ancient Scottish city. Stroll along the cobblestone streets of the Royal Mile, where ancient buildings and numerous craft shops intertwine to create a rich Scottish atmosphere. At the Elephant House café on the corner, you can almost feel the inspiration J.K. Rowling had when she wrote Harry Potter. To experience the city's blend of modern vibrancy and classic charm, head to Princes Street, renowned as "the most scenic street in the world," where the modernity of the New Town meets the rich history of the Old Town. For a different perspective, climb Calton Hill for panoramic views of the city skyline at sunset; or stroll through Princes Street Gardens and gaze at the castle silhouette in the distance. If time permits, visit Holyrood Palace, the Queen's summer residence, which has witnessed the glory and changes of the Scottish monarchy. Everything in Edinburgh carries a profound sense of history, yet it is also full of vitality. Whether taking a casual stroll or exploring in depth, she always manages to reveal her unique charm unintentionally.

Recommended hotel: Holiday Inn (3-star) or equivalent brand hotel

【The Elephant Cafe】 —A cafe themed around elephants, with elephant decorations and ornaments everywhere. Famous as the birthplace of Harry Potter, where J.K. Rowling wrote the first drafts of the story, it has now become a pilgrimage site for fans.

Princes Street — Edinburgh's most vibrant commercial street, running parallel to the Royal Mile and separating the New Town from the Old Town. One side is lined with shops and modern buildings, while the other side is the historic Old Town. Surrounded by green spaces and gardens on the south side, it is hailed as "the most scenic street in the world."

【Carlton Hill】 —Located in the eastern part of Newtown, it is the highest point and best viewpoint in Edinburgh. The hill features the unfinished National Monument and Nelson's Monument. Every afternoon at 1 pm, when the castle fires its cannons in the distance, the signal ball atop the hill is lowered.

Holyrood Palace — Formerly Holyrood Abbey, it was later converted into a royal residence and is also known as Holyrood Palace. Located at the end of the Royal Mile, it has been an important residence for Scottish kings and queens since the 16th century and remains one of the official residences of the British Royal Family.

Day 3: Highlands Day Trip (Small Group Tour with English Language)

You will make your own way to the group's meeting point: Gate J & K, Edinburgh Bus Station, EH1 3DQ. Meeting time: 07:15, departure time: 07:30.

Leaving Edinburgh city centre, head to the Highlands. This historic area will have your professional English-speaking driver-guide tell you stories of Mary, Queen of Scots, William Wallace, and Scottish folklore. Continuing your journey, you'll see the Kelpies, a massive 30-meter-high horse head sculpture rising from the ground beside the road. Your driver-guide will then take you to a rest stop within Loch Lomond and Trossacks Hill National Park, where you can enjoy coffee and stunning views.

After a break, you'll need to get your camera ready. As you head north into the Highlands, the scenery suddenly becomes vast and breathtaking. Sparkling lochs, rugged mountains, and densely forested valleys: it's all so beautiful that it's easy to forget these were once battlegrounds for fierce Highland clans. You'll stop at Glencoe, one of Scotland's most famous natural landmarks. This beautiful area boasts steep slopes and photogenic peaks. Your driver-guide might tell you a tragic story that has plagued this valley for over 300 years. Then you'll enter the glacial valley known as the Great Glen and pass in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. After this spectacular sloping visual feast, you'll arrive at Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness, at the end of the lake, the largest lake in Scotland. You'll have about an hour and a half here. You can look for the infamous Monster on a relaxing boat trip or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore with some food.

Leaving Loch Ness, you will travel through the winding Cairngorm National Park, along Lagan Lake, and past Blair Castle. Then you will return to Edinburgh via the UNESCO Forth Rail Bridge. You will return to the pick-up point at approximately 7:45 PM. You will then make your own way back to your hotel to rest.
*Loch Ness boat trips are subject to weather conditions and may be cancelled without notice. In some cases, the route may be reversed.

Glencoe — The most iconic gorgesland landscape in the Scottish Highlands, shrouded in mist year-round, with hills covered in wild grass and lakes and streams winding through it. It showcases the magnificent scenery of the Highlands while also bearing a profound history and vicissitudes, and is known as the "Heart of the Highlands".

【Fort Augustus & Loch Ness】 —The town is located at the southernmost tip of Loch Ness and is named after the ancient Fort Augustus ruins. The town center is situated right next to the lake and the Caledonian Canal, offering stunning scenery. From here, you can also take a boat trip on Loch Ness and experience the mystique of the "Loch Ness Monster legend."

Day 4: Edinburgh Castle exploration. Edinburgh 🚄 London

After breakfast, you will walk along the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle (entrance fee included). Perched atop an extinct volcano, the castle offers the best panoramic view of the ancient city and is a must-see landmark for every visitor to Edinburgh. As early as the 6th century, it served as the residence of the Scottish royal family, making it older than many famous European castles. The castle houses royal jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and a wealth of Scottish historical artifacts; a stroll through it feels like stepping into a frozen scroll of history. After the castle tour, you are free to enjoy lunch near the Royal Mile, experiencing authentic Scottish cuisine.

Edinburgh Castle — hailed as the spiritual symbol of Scotland and its most famous landmark. Once the residence of the Kings and Queens of Scotland, it remains an important British royal residence. Perched atop a 135-meter-high granite hill formed by an extinct volcano, surrounded by cliffs on three sides, it is a natural fortress, easily defensible. From here, one can enjoy panoramic views of the entire city.

The Royal Mile — the central thoroughfare of Edinburgh's Old Town, stretching approximately one mile from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. Its winding lanes connect churches, pubs, shops, and hostels, making it the perfect starting point for exploring Scottish history and culture.

Afterwards, proceed to Edinburgh Waverley Station to take the train back to London (reference train schedule: 16:00-20:38). (Final departure schedule subject to actual ticket issuance ). Heading south, looking back through the train window at the receding Highlands and ancient cities, this journey through Scotland, steeped in legend and history, comes to a perfect end.