Durham to Edinburgh

Iconic cities, bridge brilliance and incredible coastal views!

Prices:

Advance fares from £31, off peak single tickets are £41.50

Travel Type:

Train

No. of Attractions:

22 places to visit

View journey Attractions

Journey Duration:

1 hour, 50 minutes

Route Frequency:

Hourly

Starting point:

Durham Railway Station

How to get here

Journey fact:

Durham hosts one of the world's oldest surviving indoor theatres, the Durham Masonic Hall, built in 1734. Initially used by the Freemasons, it also served as a public theatre and meeting place, making it a fascinating blend of architectural and social history hidden within the city's heritage.

Journey Overview

Coasts, cathedrals and castles, this is a Anglo-Scottish jewel of a trip between iconic cities and throngs the most charming of villages and towns. It’s simply breathtaking!

From Durham with the views over to the castle and cathedral, this magnificent journey is a treat as pretty fields and pastures gradually give way to a sense of occasion like no other as the train twists left and high over the Tyne on the approach to the grandiose Newcastle station.

Back out again and over the Tyne, once more, the train makes its way and soon straddles the East Coast and goes through the stunning village of Alnmouth, through the delightful looking Berwick Upon Tweed where the train crosses the Tweed Estuary with great views out to sea on the left and inland on the right.

The coastline is rugged but the beaches long, sandy and unspoiled and with a evocative ambience of waves crashing in some days and serenity on others with a misty blue ocean scene prevailing.

There’s the silhouette of the incredible castles of Bamburgh and Holy Island as the scenery becomes even more majestic just north of the Scottish border. Edinburgh beckons and the atmospheric Waverley Street station deep in the heart of this historic city, close to the famous Royal Mile and Cathedral, as well as the pulsating Princes Street with all its splendour and panache!

A Fab Day Out!

Starting your day in Durham, a city known for its stunning Norman cathedral and castle, take a leisurely stroll along the River Wear, admiring the picturesque views. Explore the cobbled streets, stopping by quaint cafes and the bustling market square. Don’t miss the chance to visit the botanic garden, a tranquil spot perfect for a morning wander.

Next, hop on the train to Newcastle, a vibrant city with a blend of historic and modern attractions. Upon arrival, head to the Quayside to see the iconic Tyne Bridge and the striking architecture of the Sage Gateshead. Enjoy a cultural visit to the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, housed in a converted flour mill. For lunch, the Grainger Market offers a variety of delicious options in a lively setting. A great way to enjoy a whistle stop view of the sights is on the award winning Toon Tour open top bus which starts right outside the railway station and provides a gripping and fascinating adventure through Newcastle and over the Tyne Bridge to Gateshead.

Continuing north, arrive in Berwick-upon-Tweed, a charming town steeped in history. Walk along the Elizabethan town walls for panoramic views of the coast and countryside. Explore the Berwick Barracks and take a moment to appreciate the art at the Granary Gallery. The town’s quaint streets and seaside atmosphere make it an ideal spot for a relaxed afternoon tea.

Finally, the train takes you to Edinburgh, Scotland’s majestic capital. Begin with a visit to the historic Royal Mile, leading from the grand Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Wander through the narrow alleys and discover hidden gems like the charming shops and traditional pubs. Conclude your day with a sunset view from Arthur’s Seat or Calton Hill, offering breathtaking vistas of the city skyline.

There’s two fab open top bus tours that give a great insight into Edinburgh from Bright Bus! To find out more, check out these two links below….

Bright Bus Edinburgh City Tour – Great Scenic Journeys

Bright Bus Edinburgh Britannia Tour – Great Scenic Journeys