The main line from London to York, Durham, Newcastle and Edinburgh, home of the Flying Scotsman, has some spectacular scenic highlights.

The world record speed for a steam engine, by Mallard in 1938, happened on this line and it is famous for the Flying Scotsman, both the train and locomotive. The best scenery starts from York, one of the great centres of Britain's railways and home to the National Railway Museum, where you can see Mallard, as well as being a fine city in its own right.

Highlights

York's great station and nearby National Railway Museum

The approach to Durham from the south and the view over to the castle and cathedral, and the entry to Newcastle over the Tyne

The views of the coast from Alnmouth across the Royal Border Bridge and into Scotland.

Find out more

LNER

Getting there

Train/bus Car Plane

Car parks are available at LNER stations.

York and Edinburgh are both well-connected by train to other cities. Look up times from around the UK at National Rail Enquiries.

Route

York - Edinburgh

Cost

Buying single tickets in advance is often cheapest

Opening times

7 days a week | all year

Journey time

2hrs 30

Distance

205 miles | 330 km

Time from London

2:00 hours (see itinerary)

Plan your trip

Suggested itinerary

Visit York, explore the city including York Minster and the world famous Shambles, one of the most intact medieval streets in the world. Also visit the National Railway Museum. The Museum and York city centre are all a short walk from York's grand station.

Leave York on a northbound train. Sit on the right hand side of the train, facing the direction of travel, if you can. The train passes at speed through North Yorkshire before reaching Darlington where you can change trains and take the Bishop Line, part of which was the famous Stockton & Darlington Railway, where railways began in 1825.

Just over 15 minutes after leaving Darlington, the train reaches Durham. The view across to Durham Castle and Cathedral as the train arrives in the city is one you won't forget. Another fifteen or so minutes further north and you reach Newcastle. The train enters the city's magnificent Central station on a bridge crossing the river Tyne. You can see the Tyne Bridge, opened in 1928 and sister to the Sydney Harbour Bridge which was built by the same company and opened in 1932.

Visit Alnwick Castle, the second largest inhabited castle in England, with easy access from the train. Discover how you can have a car free day out at Alnwick Castle.