Our 5 best places to visit in the UK with LNER

This guide has everything you need to know for UK train travel with LNER’s most popular routes.

Lauren Ryan

Published: Apr 7, 2026

Updated: Aug 27, 2026

Our 5 best places to visit in the UK with LNER

The UK has a seemingly endless supply of historic, charming and vibrant cities on offer, making it difficult to choose which places to prioritize when planning a trip here. Luckily, we’ve done the research and nailed down our top 5 best cities to visit in the UK to help you make your mind up.

We’ll fill you in on what cities like London, Edinburgh, Leeds, York and Newcastle have to offer, and how you can get the best deals on trains to these cities. You’ll find connections to all the best places to visit in the UK provided by LNER, so you can sit back and relax in comfort on your UK train travel tour.

Discover the best cities on the East Coast Line with LNER

The LNER network serves the East Coast Line and Scotland, and includes some of the best places to travel by train in the UK. It connects London King’s Cross to Scotland, serving Yorkshire and the North East along the way. Some of the best UK cities to visit with LNER include Edinburgh, York, Newcastle and Leeds.

On your way to discovering the vibrant atmosphere of these diverse UK cities, you’ll enjoy the unmatched comfort of LNER trains: with an extra 7 cm of legroom, power sockets at every seat, ergonomic seating, plenty of luggage space and free Wi-Fi for all passengers, your comfort is guaranteed. And that’s before we even get started on First Class – expect wider reclining seats, complimentary food and drinks, and lounge access, among other perks.

London: the gateway to UK train travel

When you’re traveling to the UK, London is the perfect starting point. As the UK’s capital, it offers rich history, an endless supply of sightseeing and activities and—importantly—it acts as a central transport hub, providing a gateway to the rest of the UK so you can continue exploring.

But before you set off to figure out the rest of your UK train travel adventures, we’ve got some vital information on making the most of your time in The Big Smoke.

Best place to visit in London

London is a city that hums with life and activity, and you won’t fall short of things to see and do when you visit, no matter what you’re into.

Families with kids might enjoy a trip to a museum, depending on your kids’ interests: The Science Museum is very child-friendly, and is just across the way from the National History Museum which is equally a good choice for families—and both offer free entry!

Seeing a musical in the West End is an absolute must when visiting London, with options for groups both with and without kids, making it a great London activity for couples too. Choose from long-running classics like Les Miserable or The Phantom of the Opera, while Wicked, Mamma Mia and The Lion King are great choices for families.

Seeing the historical sights is a non-negotiable when visiting London, whether you’re a young family or an older couple. We suggest taking a stroll past Tower Bridge and the Tower of London before hopping on a sightseeing Thames Tour boat from Tower of London dock to Westminster Pier. You’ll be filled in on London’s history and famous landmarks on an open-air upper deck, with drinks and snacks available. Once you disembark, you’ll be within walking distance of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye and more.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood with plenty of food and drink options, Soho will have you covered. And anyone in the market for some upscale luxury shopping will find Mayfair is their go-to area.

London train stations

London is home to a number of major train stations that can connect you to some of the best places to visit in the UK. These stations include Euston, Paddington, Liverpool Street, St. Pancras International, Victoria, Waterloo and of course, Kings Cross Station.

London Kings Cross is that train station that serves LNER routes, and it is located on Euston Road. You can reach the station via the London Underground, with several lines serving King’s Cross St Pancras station.

Inside, you’ll find a vast array of food, drink and shopping facilities, restrooms with showers (passes available for £5), an LNER first class lounge, luggage storage, trolleys and free public Wi-Fi. And, not to be forgotten, the famous Platform 9 ¾ of Harry Potter, making the station a tourist destination in itself.

But in addition to being a Harry Potter London landmark, you’ll find many other landmarks nearby. Just south of the station is the British Museum, and the area is also home to Lower Stable Street Market—an outdoor market offering everything from food and drinks to books and crafts. Or you could take a 30 minute walk west to Regent’s Park, where you’ll be greeted by Londoners taking part in a variety of sports across its 410 acres of lush green gardens.

Most scenic train journey: London to Edinburgh by train

Best place to visit in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is brimming with jaw-dropping sights, fascinating history and thrilling activities for all the family, and the London to Edinburgh train is your gateway to this excitement. Visit the Edinburgh Castle on its perch overlooking the city’s historic center, the Old Town, and delve into the city’s rich history.

Visit in August and discover why Edinburgh is known as ‘Festival City’—Edinburgh Fringe Festival hosts some of the UK’s best acts in comedy, as well as theater and dance, with performers taking to hundreds of stages across the city for three weeks. The city truly comes alive during Fringe, and there’s something for all tastes. Families can even get a specific ticket for a family of 4.

Discover local Scottish cuisine at restaurants like Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar, where you can indulge in a Taste of Scotland menu for a real Scottish dining experience. Or why not try the famous deep-fried Mars Bar (a bar of nougat and caramel covered in chocolate, then battered and fried) in one of the city’s chip shops for a truly mind boggling taste sensation.

And if you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, head to the Multrees Walk for a luxury shopping experience, or the Grassmarket and Victoria Street if independent stores are more your vibe.

London to Edinburgh trains

Most London to Edinburgh trains depart from London King’s Cross station, an iconic station easily accessed from all over London. The journey from here usually takes between 4 hr 10 min and 4 hr 30 min with LNER, and offers excellent comfort for the entire journey. In standard class, you can enjoy an extra 7 cm of legroom, free Wi-Fi, charging points at your ergonomic seat and plenty of space to stow your luggage.

You’ll be treated to dramatic views of the Northumberland coast and North Sea as you make your way to Edinburgh Waverley. The station is located in the heart of the action, right between the Old and New towns and less than a 10-minute walk from the Royal Mile.

A romantic trip from London King's Cross to York

Best activities for couples in York

York is a perfect getaway for a romantic stay for couples, and one of the best places to travel by train in the UK. You can continue the wizarding whimsy of King’s Cross station and enter the medieval magic of York’s cobbled streets. A visit to the historic narrow street that inspired Diagon Alley—The Shambles—is a must, where you’ll be enchanted by its many wizarding shops.

Take in the 13th-century walls and traverse the city’s maze of narrow streets as you delight in the city’s offerings. From York’s Chocolate Story detailing the city’s 3,000 year chocolate history and a visit to the magnificent York Minster, there’s plenty to do for couples and families alike. A visit to York Gin is a great choice for a sophisticated souvenir to take with you.

Make sure to indulge in some of York’s iconic local eats, such as Yorkshire pudding wraps, locally sourced lamb and Wensleydale cheese. You’ll also find plenty of cozy pubs in historic wonky buildings to sample some traditional ale.

Popular train routes to York

York is easily accessible from many different stations around the country, so you’ll have no problem getting there no matter what stop it is on your tour of the UK.

London to York trains: With an average journey time of 2 hours, trains to York board at London Kings Cross station. Trains run very frequently, with about 81 departures a day. The journey covers a distance of about 173 miles through England’s countryside, with a number of sights to look out for on the way such as Digwell Viaduct and the Peterborough Cathedral.
Edinburgh to York trains: Trains depart from Edinburgh (Waverley) station and traverse a distance of 161 miles before arriving in York. Journeys take about 2 hr 20 minutes on average, and offer panoramic views of the River Tweed and the historic walled town of Berwick-upon-Tweed as you cross the Royal Border Bridge. You’ll also get the chance to spot the Angel of the North, a famous 20-meter-tall steel sculpture just south of Newcastle.
Newcastle to York trains: This 73-mile journey takes about an hour on most services, departing from Newcastle station. About 115 trains run this route daily, with sights such as the Tyne Bridge on your left as you depart and a view of Durham Cathedral to your left as you pull into Durham station.

Discover Leeds by train

Best places to visit in Leeds

Leeds is a vibrant city with an exciting food scene, plenty of buzzing markets and lots of historical highlights. Its city center is pedestrianized, allowing you to easily access the many sights and take in the endless Victorian architecture this compact city has to offer.

The striking Victorian Town Hall is a must-see, as is the County Arcade—a covered shopping street with stunning architecture that feels like a time capsule for the 19th century, contrasted by its modern, luxury brand shops.

We recommend stopping for a bite to eat at the Corn Exchange market hall, where you’ll also be able to dabble in a bit of shopping at its quirky, independent stores – Mki Miuki Zoko is a home-grown Leeds brand you’ll find here, offering curated, high-quality clothing.

Popular train routes to Leeds

Leeds train station is just a few minutes’ walk to the city center and is served by many train operators and linked to some of the UK’s best cities.

London to Leeds trains: Trains from London to Leeds depart from Kings Cross station, serviced by LNER, and take just over 2 hours. You’ll enjoy scenic views of the Hertfordshire countryside in the first half hour of the journey, with a more rugged, hilly view as you enter West Yorkshire.
Edinburgh to Leeds trains: Trains to Leeds from Edinburgh depart from Edinburgh Waverley station, and take about three hours. If you’re travelling with LNER, you’ll have to make a change along the way at Newcastle or York.
Harrogate to Leeds trains: Trains depart for this route from Harrogate station, and usually take about a half an hour to complete the 14-mile journey. Look out for the scenic town of Knaresborough and the 18th-century Harewood House along the way.

Experience Geordie culture with Newcastle train travel

Top landmarks to visit in Newcastle

The riverside city of Newcastle is famous for its blend of dramatic Georgian architecture, vibrant Geordie culture and its rich industrial heritage. You’ll find everything on your visit from fascinating history to vibrant nightlife and culture.

Right in the city center, you’ll find the imposing Newcastle Castle, from the top of which you can take in some of the best views of the city. Kids will enjoy the Great North Museum and the Center for Life, offering interactive activities for an immersive experience.

You’ll find plenty of places to indulge in Newcastle’s food scene, with many spots for traditional fish & chips as well as more upscale options in Grainger Market, where you can sample oysters, vegan street food and, around the corner at Blackfriars, a sophisticated afternoon tea. Grainger Market is also a great place to pick up souvenirs, with Geordie Gifts offering tote bags, prints and mugs emblazoned with iconic Geordie sayings. Whey aye, man!

Popular train routes to and from Newcastle

Newcastle station is easy to reach from many of the best places to travel by train in the UK, with LNER services providing comfort and reliability for your peace of mind. Once you arrive at the station, you’ll find yourself right by the center of the city, less than a 10-minute walk to many of its attractions. There’s also a Metro stop right underneath the station if that suits your needs better.

London to Newcastle trains: Trains from London to Newcastle take an average of 3 hours, with the fastest services getting you there in just over 2 hr 30 min. Trains depart from London King’s Cross, and you’ll be treated to views of the English countryside throughout the 247-mile journey before being greeted by the scenic River Tyne and the city’s famous bridges.
Edinburgh to Newcastle trains: Depart from Edinburgh Waverley and reach Newcastle in just 1 hr 30 minutes, with plenty of direct departures each day. This route hugs the North Sea coastline, so try to sit on the left for stunning coastal views!
York to Newcastle trains: Get from York to Newcastle in just 50 minutes on the fastest trains, with an average journey time of 1 hr 20 minutes. Trains depart from York station, after which point you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Yorkshire and Northumbrian countryside.

How to book train tickets on Trip.com

Step 1. If you are a Railcard holder, add your Railcard type and details to your account and your discount (usually a 1/3 discount) will be applied automatically. Then head to the search page and choose your departure and arrival stations as well as your travel date.

Step 2. Review and compare the available trains, and choose the departure time and route that best suits your needs.

Step 3. Enter the email address where you would like to receive your e-Ticket(s).

Step 4. Choose your preferred payment method and enter your details to pay.

As you can see, LNER facilitates travel to some of the best cities to visit in the UK, including London, Edinburgh, York, Leeds and Newcastle, where you’ll be treated to an authentic, all-encompassing experience of what Britain has to offer.