Virgin Upper Class

Interactive Video

British Museum

Open 10:00 AM - 5:30 Daily



From TripAdvisor Eating in London -- low cost and real experience:

Cafe at the British Museum

NOT the fancy, overpriced tea upstairs, just the cheaper sandwiches-and-tea cafe on the main floor rear. Not as cheap as in the States but passably priced, you can see the Rosetta Stone and have a light lunch or spot of tea at the same time, and at the large communal cafeteria tables you will meet locals, US tourists, students, and virtually everyone else imaginable -- and almost everyone willing to have a chat. You'll remember having tea at the British Museum, and you'll remember really meeting people on your trip, not just looking at things.

British Library & Beetles Lyrics

The British Library is a 4 minute walk from our hotel.  It was featured on Sunday Morning, with a story on the Beetles Lyrics.

The British Library building

The Exhibition Galleries, including the free Treasures Gallery are open to members of the public. You do not need to have a Reader Pass. Please check the opening times carefully.

Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun & English Public Holidays
09.30- 20.00	09.30- 20.00	09.30- 20.00	09.30- 20.00	09.30- 18.00	09.30- 17.00	11.00- 17.00

Guide to Train Travel

Using the train

The National Rail website along with overall detailed maps, has an information page for every railway station in Britain (however minor), with details of access , facilities, ticket office opening hours and recommended connection times. Also Wikipedia has detailed information regarding every British station. The 'live' Departures & Arrivals screen for every station can also be viewed online, with up-to-the-minute train running information.  The Virgin Train website is here.

At the station

British trains do not have publicly announced numbers; they are identified at each station by their departure time (using the 24-hour clock) and destination (eg. "The 14:15 to Manchester Piccadilly"). Only a few carry names, such as "The Flying Scotsman" between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh and "The Northern Lights" between London Kings Cross and Aberdeen.If you are unfamiliar with your journey, arrive at the station with time to spare. Stations in Britain are often architecturally significant, so if you are early, take the time to look around. Most stations have electronic departure screens listing trains in order of departure, platform, any delay, stations called at and the train operating company. At small or rural stations without electronic displays, signs will indicate which platform to wait on for trains to your destination. Platforms may not be announced until a few minutes before the train is due to depart, and can sometimes change if the train is delayed. Listen for audio announcements. Many stations now use automated subway-style ticket barriers - you insert your ticket which opens the barrier, and your ticket is returned. Platform staff are always in attendance with these barriers and can also advise where to stand if you are travelling with a bicycle.

London Euston Station

Birmingham New St. Station

Boarding the train

If you have a seat reservation, watch the outside of the train as it arrives for your coach number (some major stations will have signs on the platform telling you where to wait). Coach A may be at the front or back of the train (depending on direction it's travelling in), and some letters may not be included. Most trains have power-operated doors, however you must press a button to open it, and they close automatically when the train leaves. If the weather is cold and you are the last person to board, it is polite to press the 'close door' button to prevent cold weather coming in. On older trains with manual doors (particularly sleeper carriages and InterCity 125 trains), you open the door from the outside by pulling the handle downwards and pulling the door open. Close the door behind you and make sure it shuts properly (the handle will return to a horizontal position). When getting off, slide down the window and open the door with the external handle (having no internal handle is a safety feature aimed to prevent doors being opened with the train moving).

Finding your Seat

Seat reservations are marked either with paper tags on the headrest or an electronic display above the window, as well as on your reservation ticket. Usually not all seats are reserved unless the train is very busy - if a seat has no tag, it is unreserved and any ticket-holder can sit there. However, remember that unless you also have a seat reservation, your ticket does not guarantee you a seat. The reservation tag or display at each seat will specify the stations between which the seat is reserved (e.g. "DUNDEE - YORK"). If you do not have a reservation and all the seats appear to be reserved, look for one where the reservation starts at a station the train has not reached yet (and be prepared to move seats when it reaches there), or where the reservation ends at a station already called at. Sometimes you can be lucky, and the person who made the original reservation either doesn't turn up or finds another seat on the train, but don't count on it!

Keep your ticket and any reservation, pass and/or railcard with you when you move about the train (e.g. to go to the toilet or buffet car), as you may be asked to show it by the train guard or ticket inspector. It is also likely that you will need it to exit the platform at your destination station, because subway-style ticket barriers are in use at many stations. If you cannot find your ticket at one of these, you will be in big trouble and liable to a hefty penalty plus the cost of a new full ticket.  So don't throw away your ticket!

Station stops are normally announced over the public address system or on scrolling electronic displays in the carriage.

Travelling with Luggage 

Different trains vary in how much luggage space they provide. Nearly all trains (including all inter-city ones) have overhead racks suitable for small items like a small rucksack, briefcase, laptop bag, or other small luggage. Inter-city and regional trains have luggage racks suitable for larger suitcases. However, these luggage racks fill up quickly and on long-distance services there is usually not enough space for everyone, so board the train as early as you can to get a space. If you cannot get a space in the racks, and re-arranging the items there doesn't help, you may have to squeeze your luggage into any space you can find. This may be in the vestibule space and the ends of each carriage. Train staff do not tolerate luggage blocking aisles and doorways (this is dangerous in an emergency) and in extreme cases if it is an obstruction it may simply be dumped on the platform at the next stop. Theft of unattended luggage can be an issue so keep a close eye on yours.

Stations

Most stations are located in the centre of their respective town or city, or within walking distance. However, a station ending in Parkway (e.g. Bristol Parkway, East Midlands Parkway) means it is located far from the city/town centre, often in a distant suburb or even in the middle of nowhere. Usually there is a large car park so commuters can drive to it and then take the train to the city centre. Do not get off at a Parkway station if your destination is the city centre - for example, you would get off at Bristol Temple Meads and not Bristol Parkway - although it must be noted that Bristol Parkway is unusual as it does in fact have a rail connection to the city centre station in Bristol. An exception is if you are connecting to a bus service to an onward destination. For example, shuttle buses run from Luton Airport Parkway to Luton Airport. Another common idosyncracy is that some towns have two separate stations on completely unconnected routes - a trait of the network's early development when feuding rival companies competed to build duplicate routes, and something the Beeching reforms of the 1960s often didn't (or couldn't) resolve - the best example of this being London's massive St. Pancras and King's Cross stations which were built side-by-side by two competing Victorian railway companies literally trying to out-do each other.There are approximately 2,600 railway stations throughout the UK, excluding urban rapid transit systems like the London Underground, Glasgow Subway, Tyne and Wear Metro and the Docklands Light Railway. All stations belong to the state-owned Network Rail, who also manage day-to-day operation of the major stations (which comprises almost all of the central London terminals and those in major cities - such as Birmingham New Street or Edinburgh Waverley). Others are leased to the train operating company running most of the services there, who are responsible for the operation, upkeep and staffing of the station. Stations vary in their facilities (see information on the National Rail website) but you are likely to have difficulty finding a rubbish bin/trash can at major stations due to the risk of terrorism.

Travellers should be aware than many retail outlets at (larger) stations certainly do not offer bargain deals - which is putting it mildly - a sandwich costing £2 (or less) in a local supermarket can cost £4 or more at a station. For essentials (and treats) the traveller is therefore well advised to "stock up" before arriving at the station. There is no restriction regarding eating ones own food on a train; so sandwiches and drinks are best purchased beforehand outside of the railway station, perhaps at a local supermarket.

Scotland Portion

Day 1

Arrive in Edinburgh and stay 3 nights in a 4 star aparthotel.  You will share 3 apartments each of which have 2 bedrooms.

Your Aparthotel

For families seeking both contemporary style and value for money, this unique aparthotel combines the comfort and service of a top-quality hotel with the additional space and facilities you would expect from good self-catering accommodation.  Each family apartment offers two bedrooms, two bathrooms, lounge, dining area and fully-equipped modern kitchen complete with microwave, washer/dryer and dishwasher.  Secure underground parking is also available for a small extra charge.  The location is another bonus: just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, you can head up the hill to the castle, or down to Holyrood Palace and the new Scottish Parliament, less than five minutes’ walk away.

Day 4

This morning you travel by train from Edinburgh to Oban (changing trains in Glasgow).  From Oban you cross by ferry to Mull before catching the bus to Tobermory where you will stay 3 nights in a 3 star small hotel.  You will share 2 family rooms and 2 twin rooms.  Please note the 2 family rooms and 1 of the twin rooms are located in one corridor of the hotel, the family rooms are ensuite and the twin room has a private bathroom opposite.  The other twin room is on a different floor.

Your Hotel

Basking in the picture-postcard charm of Tobermory's stunning waterfront, your hotel has been cleverly converted from a row of fisherman's cottages into a delightful family-run establishment.  Comfortable lounges and bedrooms offer a warm welcome, just a stone's throw from one of the world's prettiest working harbours.

Day 7

Today you return to Oban by ferry before catching the train to Spean Bridge (you change trains at Crianlarich).  Stay 2 nights in a 3 star small hotel sharing 2 family rooms and 2 twin rooms.

Your hotel

This delightful highland haven manages to combine pine-clad luxury with a truly relaxing, laid-back atmosphere, where friendliness and informality are the order of the day. On arrival, you will be welcomed with fresh tea and home-made scones, before settling into your comfortable room to contemplate the tranquil beauty of the surrounding woodland. The cosy sitting rooms offer comfy sofas, quiet corners and shelves overflowing with books just waiting to be browsed as you curl up in front of the fire after an afternoon spent tramping the hills. An eclectic selection of DVDs is also available in case of wet weather and, for those who have come unprepared, wellies and maps are also supplied. In the kitchen, maximum use is made of local produce such as trout, salmon, Scotch beef and Great Glen venison and the hotel has its own organic vegetable garden. 

Day 8

Today enjoy one of the highlights of the holiday - a first class day trip on the famous Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig, by way of Glenfinnan, inspiring that ‘Harry Potter’ feeling at every turn.

Day 9

Leave Spean Bridge by train to Glasgow where you will stay 2 nights in a 4 star hotel sharing 2 family rooms and 2 twin rooms.

Your hotel

Situated right in the heart of Glasgow, this historic hotel has undergone a £20 million refurbishment transforming it into a leading four-star hotel. From the beautiful Champagne Bar to the stylish and relaxing bedrooms - everything has been beautifully renovated and loving restored.

Each room is themed around the hotel's Central Station location and its historic links to the Caledonian Railway. All rooms are en-suite and beautifully decorated in rich, warm colours and are equipped with Tea & Coffee making facilities, laptop size safe, Salon style hairdryer Iron and ironing board and include Plasma TVs with Freeview & movies on demand and free wifi.

The hotel’s Tempus Restaurant offers a simple, fresh and wholesome menu in a relaxed and informal atmosphere, and for a morning coffee or light lunch the Deli Central has a good range of sandwiches and light bites to eat-in or take away.

Ideally located in the heart of Glasgow's "style mile", the hotel is perfectly placed close to all of Glasgow's local attractions, shopping, bars and restaurants. 

Day 10

A free day to explore Glasgow or perhaps take a train to Falkirk to visit the Falkirk Wheel.

Day 11

Fly home.

Trip Map

Map 1

Map 2

 Map 1
    1 - London (Sat, Sun)
 2/4 - Birmingham (Mon)
    3 - Great Malvern (Mon, Morgan Factory)
    5 - Edinburgh (Tue, Wed, Thur)
Map 2
    6 - Oban (Fri, xfer to Ferry)
    7 - Craignure (xfer to bus)
    8 - Tobermory (Fri, Sat, Sun)
    6 - Oban (Mon, in transit to Spean Bridge)
    9 - Spean Bridge (Mon, Tue)
10/12 - Fort Williams (Tue, Ben Nevis Distillery {12})
  11 - Mallaig (Tue, via Jocobite Steam Train {Harry Potter's Hogwart Express})
  13 - Spean Bridge (Tue)
  14 - Glasgow (Wed, Thur, Falkirk Wheel on Thur)
Return to States on Friday.

Link to interactive Bing Map

First Class (TripAdvisor Recommends)



Coach (grabbed from blog Coloring Without Borders, see blog for more details)

 

Should get RailCard Discount.

 

London Eye

On Saturday (1st day) after a jet lag nap one of the sights we might want to see is the London Eye.

An interactive 360 degree view from the top is here.

We will have daylight until 9:00 PM.

Pay as you go Phones

I have a UK phone, from our trip to France, so I just need a Sim Card.

Amanda/Sean & Erica/Keith & Kris should consider a pay as you go phone, for when we get separated.

Here are typical moderate priced offering from Tesco.

Birmingham New Street Virgin Trains Super-Voyager (2 trains put together)

Trains

We buy 2 Family & Friends Rail Cards

Can visitors to Britain buy a Railcard online?

You can only buy online if you are able to give a UK-delivery address. We cannot send Railcards to non-UK addresses. Alternatively, you can buy a Railcard at a staffed rail station ticket office in England, Scotland, or Wales or a National Rail-licensed Travel Agent on arrival. You can also buy a Railcard at Gatwick Airport, Stansted Airport rail stations, Luton Airport Parkway and Manchester Airport – but NOT at London Heathrow Airport.

Group 1
Erica, Keith, Carol, Jim, Logan, Aidan
Group 2
Amanda, Sean, Kris, Jack

Fare for one group from Euston to Birmingham 63.00 GBP

Fare for one group from Birmingham to Malvern & Return 29.15 GBP

Fare for one group from Birmingham to Edinburgh 104.65 GBP

Virgin Pendalino Train Birmingham to Edinburgh

When booking both groups should request table seats.

Pendolino, Euston to Birmingham

Pendolino Seating

WiFi is pay as you go in standard.

If you don't want to hump your bag on the train.

Trip Insurance

Your insurance amount is non-refundable costs (airfare, McKinley Kidd, rail passes, ...)

See Clark Howard's Trip Insurance Guide


Go to Insure My Trip for quotes from multiple companies.

Vacation Calendar Scroll to July

Birmingham Hotel Booked

Birmingham Marriott Hotel
Hotel address 12 Hagley Road, Five Ways . Birmingham, England B16 8SJ United Kingdom
Telephone number 44-121-452 1144

London Hotel Booked

Booked Flex + w/Breakfast.  1st Night is Saturday July 11.

Complete Itenerary

Day 0, July 10th Fri

Overnight flight to Heathrow.
From Atlanta

Flight number:	VS 104
Operated by:	Virgin Atlantic Airways
Departs:	Atlanta (Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport) Fri July 10 2015 at 18:15
Arrives:	London (London Heathrow Airport) Sat July 11 2015 at 07:40
Flight duration:	8 hours, 25 minutes
Meal:	Complimentary meal and drinks provided
Aircraft type:	Airbus A330-300

Day 1, July 11th Sat

Arrive Heathrow, jet lag and tourist London

Car Service to Premier Euston Hotel

Day 2, July 12th Sun

Tourist London

Day 3, July 13th Mon

Train to Birmingham to drop luggage at Marriott, Train to Malvern, Morgan Factory, Train to Birmingham (New Street Station), stay overnight.

Note: Anyone not wanting to do Morgan Factory can get off in Birmingham.

Birmingham Marriott

Things to do in Birmingham.  Cadbury World, Just a tempting 12 minutes by train to Bournville from Birmingham New Street, Cadbury World is an absolute must for all chocoholics. Learn how your favourite confectionery is made; play in chocolate rain and create your own delicious treats. Discover the rich history, see the magic, and, of course, taste the goods!

Day 4, July 14th Tue

Birmingham to Edinburgh via Virgin Express

Arrive in Edinburgh and stay 3 nights (14^th – 17^th) in a 4 star aparthotel.  You will share 3 apartments each of which have 2 bedrooms.

Your Aparthotel

For families seeking both contemporary style and value for money, this unique aparthotel combines the comfort and service of a top-quality hotel with the additional space and facilities you would expect from good self-catering accommodation.  Each family apartment offers two bedrooms, two bathrooms, lounge, dining area and fully-equipped modern kitchen complete with microwave, washer/dryer and dishwasher.  Secure underground parking is also available for a small extra charge.  The location is another bonus: just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, you can head up the hill to the castle, or down to Holyrood Palace and the new Scottish Parliament, less than five minutes’ walk away.

Day 5 Wed – 6 Thur Edinburgh Tourist

The famous castle is within easy walking distance and the Museum of Childhood and the Camera Obscura not much further.  And take a family ‘ghost walk’ to explore the notoriously haunted hidden alleyways beneath the Royal Mile. 

The family ghost walk isn't suitable for under 5's therefore I will price this excursion based on 7 adults and 2 children.

Visit the new Scotch Whisky Experience for a sensational journey! This spirited insight into the world of Scotland’s most famous export takes you from its cottage industry beginnings to the global success it is today.

Platinum Tour 

This tour includes all elements of The Silver Tour plus:
Guided nosing and tasting of two contrasting Single Malt Whiskies
Extended viewing of the World's largest collection of Scotch Whisky
Taste of an exclusive 21-year-old Scotch Whisky to finish
Whisky tasting glass to take away (adults and concessions)
Discounts in our bar and shop
Daily at 17:45 hrs (1.5 hours)

Adult and Concession £27.00

Carol & I will watch Aidan during the Ghost Walk.

Day 7 , July 17th Fri

This morning you travel by train from Edinburgh to Oban (changing trains in Glasgow).  From Oban you cross by ferry to Mull before catching the bus to Tobermory where you will stay 3 nights (17^th – 20^th) in a 3 star small hotel.  You will share 2 family rooms and 2 twin rooms.  Please note the 2 family rooms and 1 of the twin rooms are located in one corridor of the hotel, the family rooms are ensuite and the twin room has a private bathroom opposite.  The other twin room is on a different floor.

Your Hotel (Likely this place)

Basking in the picture-postcard charm of Tobermory's stunning waterfront, your hotel has been cleverly converted from a row of fisherman's cottages into a delightful family-run establishment.  Comfortable lounges and bedrooms offer a warm welcome, just a stone's throw from one of the world's prettiest working harbours.

Day 8 18th Sat – 9  19th Sun

Tobermory

The wildlife boat trip involves up to 5 hours at sea which is probably to long for a 1 year old. Therefore will I price this excursion based on 7 adults and 2 children? 

Carol & I will watch Aidan, so it will be 5 adults and two children.

A day to explore this most varied of islands, which boasts sandy beaches, including magnificent Calgary Bay, the colourful harbour village of Tobermory, plentiful wildlife, mountains, lochs and glorious coastal scenery.  Perhaps take a day trip to the historic and captivating island of Iona.

Day 10, July 20th Mon

Today you return to Oban by ferry before catching the train to Spean Bridge (you change trains at Crianlarich).  Stay 2 nights (18^th – 20^th) in a 3 star small hotel sharing 2 family rooms and 2 twin rooms.  Without Colin, it will be 1 single vice twin.  Carol & I would like a double vice twin.

Your hotel

This delightful highland haven manages to combine pine-clad luxury with a truly relaxing, laid-back atmosphere, where friendliness and informality are the order of the day. On arrival, you will be welcomed with fresh tea and home-made scones, before settling into your comfortable room to contemplate the tranquil beauty of the surrounding woodland. The cosy sitting rooms offer comfy sofas, quiet corners and shelves overflowing with books just waiting to be browsed as you curl up in front of the fire after an afternoon spent tramping the hills. An eclectic selection of DVDs is also available in case of wet weather and, for those who have come unprepared, wellies and maps are also supplied. In the kitchen, maximum use is made of local produce such as trout, salmon, Scotch beef and Great Glen venison and the hotel has its own organic vegetable garden. 

Day 11, July 21th tue

Today enjoy one of the highlights of the holiday - a first class day trip on the famous Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig, by way of Glenfinnan, inspiring that ‘Harry Potter’ feeling at every turn.

Note: Ft Williams is home of Ben Nevis Distillery, it closes early on Sunday, we may add a day to visit the distillery and Ft. Williams, or delay and start in Edinburgh on 14th vice 12th.

Day 12, July 22th Wed

Leave Spean Bridge by train to Glasgow where you will stay 2 nights (20^th – 22^nd) in a 4 star hotel sharing 2 family rooms and 2 twin rooms.  1 single and 1 standard or superior Double.

Your hotel (Grand Central Hotel)

Situated right in the heart of Glasgow, this historic hotel has undergone a £20 million refurbishment transforming it into a leading four-star hotel. From the beautiful Champagne Bar to the stylish and relaxing bedrooms - everything has been beautifully renovated and loving restored.

Each room is themed around the hotel's Central Station location and its historic links to the Caledonian Railway. All rooms are en-suite and beautifully decorated in rich, warm colours and are equipped with Tea & Coffee making facilities, laptop size safe, Salon style hairdryer Iron and ironing board and include Plasma TVs with Freeview & movies on demand and free wifi.

The hotel’s Tempus Restaurant offers a simple, fresh and wholesome menu in a relaxed and informal atmosphere, and for a morning coffee or light lunch the Deli Central has a good range of sandwiches and light bites to eat-in or take away.
Ideally located in the heart of Glasgow's "style mile", the hotel is perfectly placed close to all of Glasgow's local attractions, shopping, bars and restaurants. 

Day 13, July 23st Thur

A free day to explore Glasgow or perhaps take a train to Falkirk to visit the Falkirk Wheel.

Day 14, July 24nd Fri

Fly Home from Glasgow.

To Orlando with SWA connection to Atlanta
Flight number:VS 071
Operated by:Virgin Atlantic Airways
Departs:Glasgow (Glasgow International Airport)
Fri July 24 2015 at 12:05
Arrives:Orlando (Orlando International Airport)
Fri July 24 2015 at 15:40
Flight duration:8 hours, 35 minutes
Meal:Complimentary meal and drinks provided
Aircraft type:Boeing 747-400

All prices are based on 8 adults and 3 children sharing rooms as described for 10 nights with 2 on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis, 5 on a bed and breakfast basis and 3 on a room only basis (breakfast supplies are provided).  The price includes train travel from Edinburgh to Oban, Oban to Spean Bridge and Spean Bridge to Glasgow, a return ferry crossing to Mull, a family ghost walk in Edinburgh, a first-class return trip on the Jacobite Express steam train and a wildlife boat trip from Mull.

As discussed the ghost walk is based on 7 adults and 2 children as it isn't suitable for young children.  The boat trip is based on 8 adults and 3 children, however if one adult and the baby don't take the trip this reduces the holiday price by £50.

Please note the number of nights at any of the locations can be increased if required. 

Car Service LHR to Hotel

To get to our hotel by public transit requires that we transfer, during rush hour.  Not a great idea with luggage.

One alternative is a car service.  VIP May Fair uses Mercedes Vianos.

The price will be 85 gbp ($136.00) per car, or $36.00 per adult.

Hotel London, A Cot in UK is a Crib in US

Hotels near Euston Station,

Using Average 1450 GBP ($2320.00) hotel w/breakfast would be $290.00 per night.  Reasonable for this section of London.

TripAdvisor Rating

The Premier Inn offers rooms with cots, which are cribs according to this post from TripAdvisor.

I would expect a cot to specifically have sides so a baby doesn't crawl out because they are designed for babies.

When the hotel said all they had was a cot, what they were talking about was the thing that Yanks think of as a crib.