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Girls' trip to Edinburgh by train
A perfect day out with great food, brilliant shopping and stylish spots to unwind.
A fun, stylish day out that’s quick and easy to reach by train.
Looking for the perfect girls’ day out? Edinburgh has everything you need — great brunch spots, amazing shopping, world‑class galleries and chic places for cocktails and dinner. Plus, 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.
*Each way. Prices available on at least 10% of Off‑peak Monday-Friday tickets from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverley when you book three weeks in advance. Excludes bank holiday weekends. For travel between 9 March - 16 July 2026. Subject to availability.
**Based on 25% of LNER’s weekday services between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh Waverley after 14 December timetable change. Actual times may vary by service.
The early bird catches the cheap fares
Edinburgh has so much to offer, so we've made a note of the best trains to get from some key locations along our route, so you can spend a whole day exploring the city.
Our recommended trains to Edinburgh
Depart London King's Cross at 07:30 and arrive in Edinburgh Waverley at 11:38
Depart York at 09:06 and arrive in Edinburgh Waverley at 11:33
Depart London King's Cross at 07:30 and arrive in Edinburgh Waverley at 11:38
Depart York at 09:06 and arrive in Edinburgh Waverley at 11:33
Girls' day trip to Edinburgh itinerary
Make the most of your girls’ day out in Edinburgh with our top tips, and follow our itinerary to eat, shop and explore the best the city has to offer.
Edinburgh’s compact centre makes it easy to wander between brunch spots, boutiques, galleries and cocktail bars all in one fun-filled day. And with frequent LNER services bringing you straight into the heart of the city, getting here by train couldn’t be simpler for your next girls’ day trip.
Brunch at Loudons
11:45 - 13:00
Kick off your girls’ day out with brunch at Loudons, a bright and modern spot known for its amazing pancakes, eggs, and great coffee.
Price: £10-£20
Loudons the ideal place to catch up, fuel up and set the tone for a fun day in the city. With its relaxed vibe and varied menu, it’s perfect for groups, and because Loudons is just a short stroll from Edinburgh Waverley, you can step off your LNER train and be enjoying brunch in no time.
Shopping at St James Quarter and Multrees Walk
13:00 - 15:00
Indulge in some retail therapy at St James Quarter, Edinburgh’s newest shopping hub, and stroll along Multrees Walk for luxury brands and stylish finds.
Price: Free to explore and spend as much as you want
St James Quarter is packed with high‑street favourites, beauty stores and fashion brands, making it easy to browse, try on and shop together. Just across the road, Multrees Walk offers designer labels and premium boutiques if you’re in the mood to treat yourself. Everything is within a few minutes’ walk of Loudons so, you can get straight into shopping!
Explore the National Galleries
15:00 - 17:00
Take a break from shopping and enjoy some culture at the National Galleries, home to an incredible collection of art in a beautiful, central setting.
Price: Free admission, charges for some exhibitions
Just a short walk from Princes Street, the National Galleries are the perfect place to slow the pace and explore something inspiring with the girls. From iconic Scottish works to internationally recognised masterpieces, there’s plenty to wander through - and it’s completely free to visit! The bright galleries, central location and easy access make it an ideal stop on a relaxed, fun day out in the city.
Cocktails at Devil’s Advocate
17:00 - 18:00
Head to Devil’s Advocate for beautifully crafted cocktails in one of the Old Town’s most atmospheric bars, the perfect place to toast your day out.
Price: £15 - £30
Tucked away just off the Royal Mile, Devil’s Advocate is known for its creative cocktails, cosy mezzanine seating and stylish, lively atmosphere. It’s the ideal spot for a girls’ catch‑up before dinner, with plenty of classic serves and imaginative house specials to choose from.
Dinner at Mamma Roma
18:00 - 20:00
Round off your girls’ day out with a delicious Italian meal at Mamma Roma, a long‑standing favourite known for its generous portions, classic dishes and lively atmosphere.
Price: from £20
Located just a few minutes’ walk from Waverley, Mamma Roma is the perfect spot to wrap up the day. The menu is packed with crowd‑pleasers, from fresh pasta and seafood to pizzas and indulgent desserts, making it an easy choice for groups. With friendly service and a warm, welcoming vibe, it’s a great place to sit back, laugh about the day and enjoy dinner together before heading home.
Getting home
Feel like there's more to explore and need an extra day? Why not stay over!
If you're just here for the day, check out there trains to get you home.
Depart Edinburgh Waverley at 20:20 and arrive in London King's Cross at 01:40
Depart Edinburgh Waverley at 20:20 and arrive in York at 22:56
Depart Edinburgh Waverley at 20:20 and arrive in London King's Cross at 01:40
Depart Edinburgh Waverley at 20:20 and arrive in York at 22:56
Ready to book your trip to Edinburgh?
Get the best savings when you book up to 3 weeks in advance.
