Embark on an Epic Journey: London to Edinburgh

London

If it’s your first visit, I highly recommend exploring some of the city’s iconic landmarks. From the majestic Tower Bridge to the regal Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Churchill War Rooms, London offers a treasure trove of historical wonders waiting to be explored. Include a stroll through Hyde Park, a ride on the London Eye, and a visit to some of London’s premiere museums (The British Museum, the Tate Modern, and the Victoria and Albert are some of my favorites), and you’ll have made quite a dent in seeing all the city has to offer.

I highly recommend picking a few neighborhoods to explore for those who want to see a bit of London that’s more off the beaten path. Some of my favorites include Notting Hill, Islington, Shoreditch, and Spitalfields (which has a great food and artisan market.)

The Train Ride: A Scenic Delight

After a couple of days of bouncing around London, it’s time to hop aboard the train from London to Edinburgh and prepare to be mesmerized by the scenic beauty of the British countryside. As you glide through lush green valleys and quaint villages, you'll feel like you've stepped into a postcard-worthy landscape straight out of a fairy tale.

The train to Edinburgh leaves from London at Kings Cross Station, which is easily accessible via public transport or by Uber / Taxi. There are over 40 trains per day between London and Edinburgh’s Waverly station, so you have plenty of options to choose from! I recommend a direct train, unless there are stops you want to make along the way. Fares start at around $45. I suggest splurging for first-class tickets for a more comfortable ride, including assigned seating and food and beverage service.

Edinburgh

If you’re new to the city, I recommend starting your exploration with Old Town. Stroll the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile, wander through the historic Edinburgh Castle, and snap some photos of the multi-colored shops on Rainbow Street. Take a walk up the Vennel Steps (recently made famous by the Netflix hit show, “One Day”), and then head over to the University of Edinburgh and the Meadows, one of the largest parks in the city center.

I also highly recommend a hike up to the top of Arthur’s Seat (which, yes, also appears in the show “One Day”). It’s worth the climb for unimpeded views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside.

Day Trips

Take a day trip to one of Scotland's many whisky distilleries. One of my favorites is Glenturret, a 90-minute drive from Edinburgh.

London

Start your day with a steaming cup of tea and a hearty English breakfast. And fear not if you’re a coffee lover. These days, London has stepped up its coffee game with myriad cafes and coffee shops that can make any espresso drink you desire. Some of my favorite local coffee shops include EL&N London with various locations (make sure to get a Supreme croissant), Kaffiene in Fitzrovia, Monmouth Coffee in the Seven Dials food market, in Covent Garden.

Whether you’re new to London or a longtime visitor, I highly recommend visiting Sketch, a whimsical wonderland where art, design, gastronomy, and music converge to create an unforgettable experience. Other restaurants to add to your list include Jacuzzi for its Instagrammable décor, Chiltern Firehouse for celebrity spotting, Pavyllon London at the Four Seasons for a sublime meal in a serene setting and Dishoom for incredible Indian food.

Edinburgh

While this city is high on historic charm, it also has a surprisingly good food scene. I had one of the best steaks of my life at Le Petit Beefbar, located at the Intercontinental Hotel. Other standouts include Baba for Middle Eastern cuisine, Timberyard for Scandi-inspired food, Kanpai for authentic Japanese, and The Bon Vivant, located in the center of New Town and arguably the city’s ultimate evening hangout. And, of course, no trip to Edinburgh is complete without high tea at the Palm Court in the Balmoral Hotel.