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Family trip to Edinburgh by train
Discover Scotland’s capital with ease - just over four hours from London on LNER*, and packed with unforgettable adventures for all ages.
Start your family adventure in Edinburgh the easy way
Planning a family trip to Edinburgh couldn’t be simpler. With LNER, you can travel from London to Edinburgh in as little as 4 hours and 8 minutes* from city centre to city centre - even quicker from York and Newcastle. Giving you plenty of time to relax, play games, enjoy the views and keep everyone entertained on the way.
No traffic, no airport stress just a smooth journey straight into the heart of the city, ready for adventure as soon as you step off the train.
Day 1
Your first day in Edinburgh is all about getting settled, grabbing some easy family‑friendly snacks and enjoying some of the city’s best outdoor spots. With everything close to hand from Haymarket, it’s the perfect gentle start to your family adventure. Here's what you'll be up to:
Arrival in Haymarket and check in/bag drop to Premier Inn Hub
Head to supermarkets like M&S or Sainsburys for picnic snacks and sandwiches
Enjoy a picnic in Princes Garden and Ross fountain
Climb Calton Hill
Dinner at Pizza Geeks in Haymarket
Morning
Arrive at Haymarket and head straight to the Premier Inn Hub to check in or leave your bags so you can start exploring without any extra weight. Once you’re ready, pop over to nearby supermarkets like M&S or Sainsbury’s to pick up sandwiches, snacks and drinks, ideal for a relaxed, budget‑friendly family picnic.
Take your haul to Princes Street Gardens, one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful green spaces. Settle down on the grass with a view of Edinburgh Castle towering above you, and don’t miss a family photo by the colourful Ross Fountain. It’s an easygoing, fun way to ease into the city together.
Afternoon
After your picnic, take a leisurely walk up Calton Hill, a brilliant choice for families thanks to its manageable climb and spectacular city views at the top. Kids and adults alike will love spotting landmarks from above, it’s one of the best viewpoints in the city!
When evening rolls around, head back toward Haymarket for dinner at Pizza Geeks. With fun themed décor and generous pizzas, it’s a relaxed, family‑friendly spot that’s the perfect way to round off your first day in Edinburgh.
Day 2
Your second day takes you into the heart of Edinburgh’s history, with hands‑on fun at the National Museum of Scotland, time to explore the winding streets of the Old Town and a family‑friendly Italian dinner to round things off. Here's what's in store:
Head to the National Museum of Scotland
Lunch in the Museum Cafe
Exploring the Old Town in the afternoon
Dinner at Vittoria on the Bridge
Morning
Kick off the day at the National Museum of Scotland, one of Edinburgh’s best family attractions and a guaranteed hit with kids and grown‑ups alike. With everything from dinosaurs and ancient artefacts to hands‑on science spaces and the famous animal exhibits, there’s loads to explore across its bright, spacious galleries. It’s the perfect mix of learning and fun, and with the museum café right on-site, you can easily pause for a relaxed lunch before heading back out into the city.
Afternoon
After lunch, take some time to explore Edinburgh’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with character, cobbled streets and plenty for families to discover. From street performers to hidden closes and iconic landmarks, there’s always something to catch a child’s imagination as you make your way through this historic part of the city.
As evening arrives, head to Vittoria on the Bridge for a relaxed Italian dinner. With generous portions, crowd‑pleasing dishes and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great spot for families to wind down after a fun day of exploring.
Day 3
Your next day takes you out of the city for a classic seaside adventure. With beach time, tasty treats and a chance to explore one of Scotland’s coastal wildlife attractions before returning to Edinburgh for dinner. Here's where the day will take you:
Jump on the train to North Berwick
Build sandcastles on North Berwick beach
Grab some fish and chips for lunch and maybe a treat at Alandas Gelato
Visit the Scottish Seabird Sanctuary in the afternoon
Head back for dinner at Chop House
Morning
Start your day with a short train ride from Edinburgh to North Berwick, a seaside town that’s perfect for families. Head straight to the beach for some relaxed fun, whether that’s building sandcastles, paddling, or simply enjoying the fresh sea air. When everyone’s hungry, grab classic fish and chips to eat by the shore, followed by a scoop of ice cream from Alandas Gelato to keep the day feeling extra special.
Afternoon
After some beach time, make your way to one of North Berwick’s key coastal wildlife attractions, the Scottish Seabird Centre, where kids can learn about local seabirds and marine life through engaging displays and lookout points. Once you’ve explored, take the train back to Edinburgh and unwind over dinner at Chop House, a relaxed spot with something to suit both adults and hungry kids after a day of exploring.
Day 4
Today is all about discovering one of Glasgow’s most vibrant areas. Combining world‑class culture, time in the park, a sweet treat, and a relaxed street‑food dinner to finish. It’s a fun, easygoing day with plenty for families to enjoy. Here's our recommendations:
Travel by train to Glasgow
Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Picnic for lunch at Kelvingrove park
Explore Glasgow and grab a sweet treat from Tantrum Doughnuts
Head to Dockyard Social for dinner
Morning
Start the day at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, one of Glasgow’s most family‑friendly cultural spots. With everything from natural history and ancient artefacts to interactive displays and impressive art collections, there’s plenty to keep kids engaged while adults enjoy the galleries too. Once you’ve explored, head outside into Kelvingrove Park for a relaxed picnic surrounded by greenery, an easy, low‑key way to recharge in between adventures.
Afternoon
After your picnic, spend a little more time wandering the park or exploring the surrounding area before rounding off the day at Dockyard Social. With its lively atmosphere and wide choice of street‑food stalls, it’s an ideal dinner spot for families, giving everyone a chance to pick something they fancy.
Day 5
The final day's plan is all about enjoying some of Edinburgh’s most peaceful and picturesque spots, from time spent exploring beautiful gardens to a relaxed lunch, rounded off with a gentle walk through one of the city’s prettiest neighbourhoods and an easy journey home. Here is the final day:
Explore Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Grab lunch at the Royal Botanic Garden cafe
Stroll to Dean Village to explore more
Take the train home from Edinburgh Waverley
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a calm and colourful space that’s perfect for families. Wander through glasshouses, explore winding garden paths and enjoy the wide-open lawns, there’s plenty to keep both kids and grown‑ups interested. When everyone’s ready for a break, stop for a relaxed lunch at the Garden’s café, with options that suit even the pickiest eaters.
Afternoon
After lunch, make your way towards Dean Village, one of Edinburgh’s most picturesque neighbourhoods. The walk itself is gentle and scenic, following the Water of Leith and offering plenty of lovely viewpoints along the way. Spend some time exploring the cobbled lanes and peaceful riverside spots before heading back to the station. When you're ready, catch your train home, a comfortable, easy way to end your family adventure.
Our top tips for travelling to Edinburgh with children
Here are some of our top tips to make travelling with children on the train as stress free as possible.
Save up to 56%* with a Family Single
Just choose your travel dates and destinations, as well as how many adults and children will be traveling. When presented with your travel options just look for the ‘Family Single’ icon.
Family Singles
Free activity packs
Grab a free activity pack and crayons when you ride with us. These are filled with games, puzzles, stickers, and more and are themed around some of the wonderful destinations across our route.
Edinburgh Family Lounge
Designed as a welcoming space for families, the lounge features a castle-inspired play area, beach huts with tabletop games, soft flooring, and more to keep little ones entertained before your journey.
Save up to 56%* with a Family Single
Just choose your travel dates and destinations, as well as how many adults and children will be traveling. When presented with your travel options just look for the ‘Family Single’ icon.
Family SinglesFree activity packs
Grab a free activity pack and crayons when you ride with us. These are filled with games, puzzles, stickers, and more and are themed around some of the wonderful destinations across our route.
Edinburgh Family Lounge
Designed as a welcoming space for families, the lounge features a castle-inspired play area, beach huts with tabletop games, soft flooring, and more to keep little ones entertained before your journey.
Check out more of our tips for travelling with children here.
Ready to book your trip to Edinburgh?
Travel from London to Edinburgh from just £41.40* when you book three weeks in advance! LNER's faster and more frequent hourly trains now take around 4 hours and 8 minutes** from city centre to city centre - even quicker from York and Newcastle. With more weekday trains, it’s never been easier to enjoy the buzz of Scotland’s stunning capital and have the freedom to explore it all at your own pace.
