Itinerary Help: London – Edinburgh Loop (via York/Liverpool) – Which direction is best?

Itinerary Assistance Needed: London-Edinburgh Loop (with Stops in York and Liverpool) – Which Route is Best?

My partner and I are in the initial stages of planning an 11-14 day trip, flying in and out of London. We definitely want to do a loop to Edinburgh, spending 3-4 nights in both London and Edinburgh, along with potentially a night in the Highlands. Additionally, we’re looking at shorter stays of 1-2 nights in York and Liverpool.

We’re trying to determine the best order for visiting these cities:

Option 1: London -> York -> Edinburgh -> Liverpool -> London

Option 2: London -> Liverpool -> Edinburgh -> York -> London

In both scenarios, we would land in London and head straight to our second stop, leaving our 3-4 day stay in London at the end of the trip.

We’re mostly planning to use trains for travel but will rent cars where necessary.

Could you share any insights on the advantages of either option regarding logistics (such as route efficiency), scenic experiences, or anything else that might be beneficial? Thank you for your help!

One thought on “Itinerary Help: London – Edinburgh Loop (via York/Liverpool) – Which direction is best?”

Both options you’ve presented have their merits, but let’s break down some considerations for each route to help you decide.

Option 1: London -> York -> Edinburgh -> Liverpool -> London

Pros:
1. York to Edinburgh: Traveling from York to Edinburgh will take you through some scenic areas, including parts of Northumberland and the Borders. The train ride is often highlighted for its beautiful views.
2. Edinburgh to Liverpool: After exploring Edinburgh, you can head back south to Liverpool, which gives you time to experience the culture and history of both cities without backtracking significantly.
3. Leisurely Return to London: Ending your trip with several days in London allows you to unwind after your travels. Plus, you’ll have an easier return journey since you can directly travel back to London from Liverpool.

Cons:
– Liverpool might feel a bit less connected in terms of your overall loop since you’re backtracking slightly towards the end of your trip.

Option 2: London -> Liverpool -> Edinburgh -> York -> London

Pros:
1. Starting with Liverpool: By starting in Liverpool, you can go directly north afterward, allowing you to build anticipation for Edinburgh, which is a major highlight of your trip.
2. Strategic Route: The route from Liverpool to Edinburgh is straightforward, and you’ll have a smooth journey heading south to York afterward.
3. Potential Day Trips: Depending on how you structure your time, it’s easier to fit in a day trip to the Highlands after Edinburgh before heading to York.

Cons:
– You’ll be traveling from Liverpool to Edinburgh first, which might feel like a longer stretch before settling down and enjoying longer stays.

Additional Considerations:

Train Travel: Both routes offer good train connections, but typically, the train service between London and York is very efficient and frequent. Make sure to check the train schedules, as they can vary based on the time of day.
Activities in Each City: Consider your specific interests in each city; if there’s a particular event or exhibition you want to catch, that can affect your direction choice.
Time of Year: If you’re traveling during peak tourist season, think about which cities may be more crowded and adjust accordingly to avoid long waits.

In summary, Option 1 might offer a more scenic route with a relaxed ending in London, while Option 2 allows for a logical progression toward your destination. Evaluate which cities you feel more excited about and consider any potential time constraints or events that may impact your decision. Enjoy planning your trip!

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