2023.10 Edinburgh and London (Part 6)
For our journey from Edinburgh to London, we took a train. We weren’t in a rush, so didn’t need to take a plane, and definitely didn’t need to spend hours driving a one-way car rental. This also enabled us to stop in Newcastle for a visit, and a lunch. Now the next choice, which train?
Train Types
When we’ve taken trains in the past usually the choice is between first or second class. In the UK, there are more options. First, which train company? Yes, there are multiple providers for the same route. The route between Edinburgh and London had several companies, including a low cost train. Part of me wanted to try the low cost option, however as we had luggage that ruled out that option as they recommend third party couriers to transport large luggage. We instead booked our trip on London North Eastern Railway, LNER, in both second and first class.
edinburgh Station
We took a cab to the station where most of it is below ground level. We easily found an elevator to get to the departure level for the platforms.
Below is a picture of the main area complete with departure board, and several stores. Little Miss was pleased as she was able to grab some tea for our trip to Newcastle.
Our platform was a short walk from the main area, however the platform was changed after we arrived. Once we moved to the newly assigned platform the train was already waiting for us to board.
Second Class Edinburgh to Newcastle
We had assigned seats when we purchased the tickets, and had managed to get two of the four seats facing each other with a table. Our carriage wasn’t completely full, and departure was on time.
Below is a slideshow of what we saw looking out towards the North Sea.
The scenery on the stretch from Edinburgh to Newcastle-upon-Tyne runs along the North Sea in many sections, and although there was drizzle and bits of fog, it was clear enough to take in, and enjoy the view.
Newcastle?
Our stop at Newcastle-upon-Tyne was to not only to meet up with a family friend, but also have lunch.
The train station is unique to me as instead of heading under the tracks to connect the platforms, it was a series of bridges. I didn’t want to drag our luggage about town, and with no baggage storage at the train station we needed another option. Fortunately, there were several online options where retailers or other commercial places turn their storage rooms into a revenue generator by holding luggage. The one we selected was immediately across from the train station.
Without our luggage in tow, it was easy for us to find a place for lunch and we ended up at a Thai restaurant. It was a lovely and leisurely late lunch where we caught up and traded stories. It had been a very long time since we met in person. When we did finish lunch, we returned to the convenience store where we picked up our luggage, and crossed the street to return to the train station.
One thing we learned while having lunch is that Gregg’s, a popular chain in the UK originated in Newcastle. It’s famous for their sausage rolls (we tried them during our time in London and enjoyed them).
First Class Newcastle to London
The switch to first class was based on the simple reason that we’d have dinner served during our trip to London. Upon boarding we easily found storage for our luggage and then our seats. With a 1-2 seating layout arrangement, we had a pair of seats facing each other. That way it guarantees that Little Miss will have a seat that will face forward. We were presented with menus for the trip that are in the slideshow below:
The departure out of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne had us crossing its river. Like our first train, this too departed on time.
For the portion of the trip between Newcastle to York we were served refreshments and some corn nuts (that Little Miss enjoyed so much it’s one of her preferred treats since the trip).
After our departure from York, dinner service started.
The meal was tasty!
And for dessert I had the Jam Sponge and Custard.
It too was tasty. We arrived at King’s Cross station on time, and headed for the taxi line where we were ended up in an all electric taxi. Our route to the hotel had us pass many theatres.
The setup in the cab is versatile, as our luggage easily fit in front of us, and if we didn’t have any luggage would easily fit six people. Before long our taxi pulled up to our hotel, and, well, I truly chose well for our hotel in London.
Explore other parts of this trip:
Part 1 – KLM Flight Toronto to Amsterdam
Part 2 – KLM Lounge, flight Amsterdam to Edinburgh
Part 3 – Bruntsfield Hotel, Edinburgh
Part 5 – Food while in Edinburgh
Part 6 – LNER, Edinburgh to London (this post!)
Part 7 – Conrad London St. James
Part 8 – London
Part 9 – Star Alliance Lounge hopping at London Heathrow
Part 10 – Air Canada London to Toronto