best train trip london to scotland

The BEST Train from London to Edinburgh in 2024 (Review)

Posted by Francesca Brooking | No-Fly Holidays , Scotland | 14

Wondering what’s the best train from London to Edinburgh? Read my review comparing all the main train operators which serve the London to Edinburgh route.

I break down the costs, duration and what it’s like onboard based on my own experience travelling by LNER, Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper and Lumo.

So, which train should you take from London to Edinburgh? Here’s what I found out.

Why I chose to travel by train 

I visited Edinburgh on a brief weekend city break a few days before Christmas. Time was of the essence so I took a flight thinking it would be cheaper and quicker… Or so I thought. 

I was wrong, of course, and both my flights ended up being delayed and it looked like there was a real danger that I would spend Christmas Day in Edinburgh Airport. I didn’t, luckily!

So, when the opportunity arose to take a second trip to Edinburgh, I was determined to do things differently.

Edinburgh is my favourite city in the UK (after London of course…) but it’s far – not travelling internationally, but still a trek in its own right.

Even so, flying was not an option for me. I couldn’t justify it. Not with the possibility of reliving unapologetic delays and the needless negative impact on the environment. 

Up until very recently, flying has reigned supreme in being the most cost-effective and convenient way to travel from London to Edinburgh.

Historically, trains were expensive and time-consuming, and when you’ve only got a small amount of time to spare on your mini-break, the last thing you want to do is spend most of it travelling to and from the destination. 

Launched in the summer of 2019, the new LNER Azuma trains promised travellers a cheaper, faster and more convenient way to travel to the Scottish capital.

Since I was already planning to go, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to test it and see if it really was the best train from London to Edinburgh and how it stacked up against other operators.

READ MORE: No-Fly Holidays: 10 of the Most Epic Train Journeys in the World

How much the train tickets cost 

I bought my ticket directly from the LNER website to keep things simple.

If booked well in advance (a month, say), LNER promises that you can get as much as 52% off and a standard single ticket from London to Edinburgh could cost you about £32.20. 

I didn’t manage to get quite such a bargain, instead, paying £96.85 for a standard return with a railcard included. It was still a reasonably good deal and as a bonus, there were no added booking fees. 

For luxury travellers, an advance upgrade can cost you as little as £68 for a first-class single, and for that, you can get super comfy seats, hot food, drinks, booze and snacks galore. 

Find out more about the LNER Azuma and book your tickets

What it’s like to take the train from London to Edinburgh

The journey from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverley was a scenic one. The train raced through the country in record time (about 4h 20m) as it headed northeast.

The best views were saved until last as we sped past the historic city of Durham and spotted the cathedral and castle rising above the rooftops.

Next, we snaked through Newcastle and caught a glimpse of the city’s famous Tyne Bridge before getting a close-up of Newcastle Castle on the way out.

Skirting the east coast of England, we made it to the picturesque town of Berwick-Upon-Tweed, the final frontier before our journey up into the Scottish Borders and onwards to Edinburgh.

With less than 5 hours spent travelling, the journey could not have gone better. I sat back and relaxed with a book in hand and a cup of tea in the other as the world sped by my window. 

You could argue that a flight is quicker in the air (about 1 hour) but once you’ve factored in the commute to and from the airports, the time waiting before your flight and the stress of luggage allowances, a fraction of time more if indeed at all just doesn’t seem worth it. 

Virgin Trains have been replaced by Avanti West Coast (more details on that below).

READ MORE: No-Fly Holidays: London to Barcelona by Bus (REVIEW)

Alternative trains and routes from London to Edinburgh

The LNER Azuma was a game-changer for me but it’s not the only choice on the tracks. So, is it the best train from London to Edinburgh? Here are 3 other popular services listed below to compare: 

The Caledonian Sleeper 

The Caledonian Sleeper hearkens back to the romantic age of slow travel. It’s more of an iconic luxury experience than your average train journey.

The journey from London to Edinburgh is a fair bit longer (about 8 hours) but if you’re taking the Caledonian Sleeper simply to get from A to B then you’re doing it wrong. 

Passing through the night, it’s designed to be a chance for passengers to really relax and indulge. You have a choice of sleeping arrangements from cabins with a double bed and ensuite to reclining seats with a personal locker each. 

The Caledonian Sleeper is slow travel at its core so don’t try to rush. WiFi and charging sockets are available throughout the train and passengers have a choice of menus offering a selection of seasonal Scottish dishes to tuck into.  

Read More: Caledonian Sleeper Review: Is This Train Worth The Hype?

Accommodation and Ticket Prices 

Prices are based on booking a single ticket 1 month in advance and are subject to change: 

Find out more and book tickets for the Caledonian Sleeper. 

Avanti West Coast

Virgin Trains was replaced by Avanti West Coast . The operator promised to introduce a range of passenger improvements. I’ve yet to see it. Between you and me, I would avoid them if you can!

An advance single ticket from London to Edinburgh starts from £35 if you book it in advance. 

Avanti West Coast is the other popular train service that can take you from London to Edinburgh.

A slower train than the LNER Azuma, it takes about 4h 42m with departures from Euston every 2 hours at normal operating times. Note: the last train is 23:45 on weekdays and 20:56 on weekends.

Comfort is very much how you make it onboard an Avanti train. Passengers can either go fancy in First Class or pick Standard Class with the option of the Quiet Coach if necessary. 

Food and drink services are available throughout the train as well as free WiFi.  

However, I find that Avanti West Coast trains are often delayed, cancelled or overcrowded in my experience. I’m yet to be convinced – sorry, Avanti!

Find out more about travelling with Avanti West Coast and book your tickets.

Brand new fully electric train service on the scene, Lumo, follows the East Coast mainline but at a fraction of the cost of Avanti West Coast and other rivals.

Launched in October 2021, Lumo started with two services a day and now pushes it up to five. Trains depart London King’s Cross at 5.45, 10.45, 12.18, 14.48 and 20.27 during the week.

Lumo promises to be the low-cost, eco-friendly answer to plane travel.

Trains are 100% electric, the food menu is 50% plant-based and staff uniforms are recyclable. But I think its most important sustainability message is reflected in the price.

Train travel in the UK is, on the whole, more expensive than flying but Lumo wants to change this and make it an affordable choice for everyone.

So where do these swish new trains go? It’s only a handful of stations so far. These are London King’s Cross, Stevenage, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Morpeth and Edinburgh Waverley.

Lumo is definitely one to watch and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.

I’m yet to travel on a Lumo train as they seem to be quite elusive – or sold out. One day!

Accommodation and Ticket Prices

Prices are based on booking a single ticket 1 month in advance and are subject to change. The best way to get the cheapest price is to book a month or two in advance.

If you’re flexible, the best-priced trains are the earliest and latest ones!

Find out more about Lumo and book your tickets.

Train from London to Edinburgh comparison 

So, now that you’ve seen what each train offers, here’s a quick comparison below to help you decide which the best train from London to Edinburgh is based on speed, comfort and price: 

As you can see, LNER Azuma stands out as the fastest and one of the most reasonably-priced train services which makes it the best train from London to Edinburgh if comfort isn’t your main priority.

The Caledonian Sleeper is in a league of its own. As one of the top luxury train experiences in the UK, it can’t really compare. Ride the Caledonian Sleeper FOR the journey itself. Plus you have the added benefit of travelling through the night. 

Lumo doesn’t have a First Class as it’s cheap and cheerful. It wins on price and sustainability. It’s competitive on speed too.

READ MORE: Visiting Scotland Without a Car in 2024: the Ultimate Guide

Best ticket providers and how to use them 

You can, of course, book your tickets directly via each website – I recommend it if you choose the Caledonian Sleeper. But, if you want to find competitive rates, there are three main ticket providers I use: 

Trainline: It’s one of the most popular train ticket services that gives you an overview of the best train routes and prices.

You can download your tickets directly onto your phone if you want to go paper-free or get a code to collect your tickets via the machine at the airport. 

Trainline is useful if you want to get train tickets for the UK and mainland Europe but it’s best if you book them well in advance if you want the benefit of saving a few pennies.

Booking fees are also an unavoidable fact of Trainline, charging you £0.75 to £1.50 when you book depending on the price of your train ticket.  

You can download the Trainline app for both iPhone and Android. 

National Rail Enquiries: Much like Trainline, National Rail Enquiries gives you a breakdown of train times and prices, offering the cheapest routes.

Once you’ve chosen your tickets it redirects you to the train service website so you can carry out your purchase there. 

You can go online at National Rail Enquiries or download the app for smartphones. 

TrainPal: It’s a similar service to the first 2 but it’s by far my favourite one to use. You can always find a cheap ticket and there are no extra added booking fees to deal with.

Owned by Ctrip, the parent company of the fan-favourite flight booking platform Skyscanner, TrainPal also has another trick up its sleeve: the ability to calculate and provide split ticketing options.

This means that passengers will be able to save money by booking separate tickets for different sections of their journey, rather than just one ticket, even if they don’t need to change trains. 

You can download the TrainPal app for both iPhone and Android. 

Editor’s Tip: If your train is cancelled or delayed by 15 minutes or more, always claim compensation through the train operator, NOT ticket booking platforms like Trainline. All train operators have a Delay Repay system . Trainline will just charge you an admin fee.

London to Edinburgh by Train: Verdict 

If you’re travelling from London to Edinburgh it’s time to say adios to air travel. It’s no longer the fastest, cheapest or most convenient way to travel now that LNER’s high-speed Azuma trains have entered the ring. 

If I compare both my journeys to Edinburgh, it’s fair to say the train won but it would be wrong to say it was completely perfect.

There were slight delays on the return journey but it was more favourable in comparison to being stuck for 4 hours at Edinburgh Airport the night before Christmas Eve (now THAT’S a fun story for another time). 

The Caledonian Sleeper is a bucket list train journey. You get your travel and your hotel rolled into one and the pleasure of waking up in another part of the country.

I haven’t tried the Lumo train so I can’t comment on its service. Its prices are certainly competitive so you have to book well in advance if you want your chance before it sells out.

But if we’re talking about fast, cheap and convenient then the LNER Azuma is by far the best train from London to Edinburgh. It trumps Avanti West Coast every time.

Looking for more train travel experiences?

• Jacobite Steam Train Review: What It’s Really Like (+ Photography Tips!)
• No-Fly Holidays: London to Barcelona by Bus (Review)
• Caledonian Sleeper Review: Is This Train Worth The Hype?
• How to Get To Inverness: The Best Travel Routes in 2024

This post may contain affiliate / compensated links. As an Amazon Associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases. For full information, please see my disclaimer here .

About The Author

Francesca brooking.

Francesca Brooking is the Founder of Little Lost Travel. A travel expert with a passion for the planet, Francesca is on a mission to help you travel well. From Costa Rica to Jordan, she's travelled all over the world. When she's not off on an adventure, she's reviewing sustainable travel products and writing travel guides.

14 Comments

An awesome way to see the country side! I just wish it wasn’t so expensive! Looks like an unreal time though.

Thank you! Yes, sadly the trains in the UK are ridiculously expensive. It’s definitely worth a treat.

I love how accessible the transportation is in Europe! The views from the train look incredible!

Thank you! Yes, they’re super accessible which is great 🙂

Wow deffo on my to do list!!!

I read your sunflower post so I found my way here. I’ve been giving serious thought to more train travel, it’s a nice way to travel. Plus you can have a drink as you go. The Caledonian Sleeper would be a wonderful way to go to Edinburgh. Love to give that a go.

Thank you! The Caledonian Sleeper works a treat for the start of your holiday. I actually need to include the new Lumo train which gets you from London to Edinburgh at a fraction of the cost!

Sounds really nice- thanks for sharing! But what do we do with ourselves in Edin urgh at 5am? Any suggestions?

Thank you! Ooo that’s a tricky one. You might be able to get a coffee near Waverley station. Depending on the time of year you’re going, you could watch the sunrise on Carlton Hill. Then you might be able to get some breakfast at around 8-9am.

Travelling from London to Edinburgh, do you recommend which side of the train has the better views? The left side or the right side? Thanks

Hi Vanessa, good question! If you’re travelling the LNER route, you get lovely views of the coast when you reach Berwick-Upon-Tweed in the north of England on the righthand side.

Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely trip!

Wonderful insight! I enjoyed reading your article. We are coming from the States to visit my mom’s family in Scotland. From my research, it seems that the best options for us is to fly to London, then take a train to Edinburgh. Do you have insight into train options from Glasgow back to London as well? Still trying to plan out the logistics. Thank you so much.

Hi Carrie, thank you! You can get an Avanti West Coast train straight from Glasgow Central to London Euston. Enjoy your trip!

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Last Updated on 11/05/2024

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Travel from London to Scotland

It's easy and convenient to travel from London to Scotland, with many travel options available. You can get from London to Edinburgh by train in just over four hours, or why not take the coach as the cheapest option?

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Trains to Scotland from London

Edinburgh, including Waverley train station

Catching a train from London to Scotland allows you to sit back and soak up the scenery in comfort. Why not start your holiday the moment you get on the train with a Scottish book or movie?

Or you might want to take the  Caledonian Sleeper train which departs every night from London Euston (not Sat). Book your tickets far in advance for the cheapest fares.

TRAINS TO EDINBURGH

• From London Kings Cross in 4 hours 30 minutes
• From London Euston in 6 hours

Trains will arrive at Edinburgh Waverley, though many services also stop first at Edinburgh Haymarket. Both of these stations are central with Waverley on the east side of the city centre and Haymarket on the west side - they are around 25 minutes walk apart. 

Find trains to Edinburgh

TRAINS TO GLASGOW

• London Euston in 4 hours 30 minutes

The train from London runs in Glasgow Central, Scotland's biggest railway station.

See trains to Glasgow

TRAINS TO INVERNESS

• London Kings Cross in 8 hours

Your train will arrive at Inverness Station in the heart of Inverness.

Take a look at trains to Inverness

TRAINS TO ABERDEEN

• London Kings Cross in 7 hours

Your train will arrive at Aberdeen Rail Station which gives you easy access to the city centre.

Take a look at trains to Aberdeen

TRAINS TO DUNDEE

• London Kings Cross in 6 hours

You will arrive at Dundee Railway Station which is around five minutes from the city centre.

Browse trains to Dundee

TRAINS TO THE REST OF SCOTLAND

Scotland's well-connected rail network means that you can get to many  other destinations  such as Perth, Stirling and Fort William quickly and easily. 

Travelling to Scotland by bus

Citylink bus service, Lochaber

There are frequent bus services from London to Scotland, often with cheap ticket prices.

HOW OFTEN ARE BUSES?

There are buses travelling to Edinburgh or Glasgow from London throughout the day, including overnight services. You can check the latest bus routes and timetables on the  Traveline  website.

WHICH BUS SERVICES?

Bus services to Scotland are operated by  National Express ,  Megabus  and FlixBus including routes to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Inverness and Perth.

HOW LONG DO BUSES TAKE?

• London to Edinburgh - 9 hours
• London to Glasgow - 8.5 hours
• London to Dundee - 11.5 hours
• London to Aberdeen - 12.5 hours
• London to Inverness - 15 hours

COACH TOURS

You might also consider a coach tour of Scotland, beginning in London. Check out these  Scotland tours & trips from London .

Frequently Asked Questions

Forth Bridge

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HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET FROM LONDON TO SCOTLAND?

Your travel time will depend on how you get here (and where you're going). Catch a train in less than 5 hours, or sit back on a coach for around 8 hours. Flying will take up to 4 hours if you factor in your time at the airport checking in.

But there's so much more to explore beyond the central belt, so allow a couple of hours once you're in Scotland to head north, east or west and uncover some alternative historic towns or charming villages.

WHAT IS THE QUICKEST WAY FROM LONDON TO SCOTLAND?

The quickest way is to take the train from London to either Edinburgh or Glasgow in around 4 hours. A direct flight from London to Scotland is likely to take the same amount of time due to check in and hold luggage.

DO I NEED A PASSPORT TO TRAVEL TO SCOTLAND?

No. If you are travelling within the UK you will not need a passport.

If you are flying from London to Scotland, then you will need to carry photographic identification; this may not need to be a passport, but you should check with your airline.

WHICH IS THE CHEAPEST WAY TO GET TO SCOTLAND FROM LONDON?

The cheapest way to get to Scotland from London is to book your travel in advance.

The earlier you book, the cheaper it will be to travel from London to Scotland. Generally, booking a flight with a budget airline or booking a seat on a coach will be your cheapest options.

WHAT'S THE MOST SUSTAINABLE WAY TO TRAVEL TO SCOTLAND?

The most sustainable way to travel is by train. Trains emit around 70% less emissions than other forms of travel, including electric vehicles.

Flights to Scotland

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Budget airlines put on regular flights from a variety of London airports, including London Gatwick, London Stansted and London Luton.

Check a price comparison site to find flight options.

LONDON TO EDINBURGH FLIGHTS

Direct flights from London to Edinburgh take between 60 and 90 minutes. You will arrive at  Edinburgh Airport  and you can take a short tram, bus or taxi ride into the city centre.

FLIGHTS TO GLASGOW

Flights to Glasgow from London take between 60 and 90 minutes. Your flight will arrive at  Glasgow Airport  and it is just a short bus, train or taxi ride into the city centre or beyond. 

FLIGHTS TO INVERNESS

Your flight to Inverness will take just over 90 minutes.  Inverness Airport  is accessible by bus, train or taxi.

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FLIGHTS TO DUNDEE

Direct flights from London to Dundee take just over 90 minutes. You can fly from London Heathrow and will arrive at  Dundee Airport , just five minutes' journey from Dundee city centre.

FLIGHTS TO ABERDEEN

A direct flight to Aberdeen will take just over 90 minutes. Arriving at  Aberdeen International Airport  on the outskirts of Aberdeen you will be just a 30 minute bus journey to the city centre.

OTHER DESTINATIONS

Scotland has several other smaller airports spread across the country, most of which you will have to get a connecting flight to if you are travelling from London.

Driving to Scotland from London

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It is around a 400-mile drive between the two capital cities, London and Edinburgh. The trip is likely to take 8-10 hours on average including rest stops and any traffic issues.

Check out the AA's handy route planner  and the  Traffic Scotland website  for real time and future information on roadworks, traffic incidents and more.

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QUICKEST ROUTE

There are 2 main routes into Scotland - the A1 up the east coast, or the M6 up the west coast. Both routes are straightforward and will take you across the border and to one of Scotland's two biggest cities. If you are driving to Scotland, make sure to check traffic reports before setting off.

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Why not hire an electric car? There are EV charging points right across Scotland and the UK.

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SCENIC ROUTE

If you take the west coast route up into Scotland, once you cross the border you can consider taking the  Borders Historic Route  from Carlisle to Edinburgh, or the  Galloway Tourist Route  from Gretna to Ayr.

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Do we know why that may be the case? I have set up a travel alert, but I am just wondering if there is something special going on those 3 days?

34 replies to this topic

Don’t, whatever you do, unilaterally decide not to fly from London to Glasgow if you have booked on one ticket. Firstly your checked bags will go to Glasgow even if you don’t and the airline will cancel you’re flight home.

I’m going to wait a bit to see when fares and schedules come out. There is still some time.

Before doing anything else, why not email and ask for a date change for the tour? If the response is no then eating the cost of the tickets on 27 August and buying new ones would in my view far outweigh travelling with Lumo (I prefer F for the trip to or from Edinburgh ) and/or waiting for decisions to be made about works over the Bank Holiday weekend.

I'd also not want to travel on Bank Holiday Monday and would be happier to head south early Tuesday. If you've paid for accommodation in London from Monday then contact the hotel and let them know you want to keep the booking but will arrive before noon (if you leave Edinburgh at cracko) on Tuesday and will want access to your room straight away.

I'd rather skip Buckingham Palace than Scotland, but it's up to you.''

Edit: if you do not fly all sectors as booked I guarantee that you will not be allowed to travel from LHR-BWI if you skip LHR-GLA. After missing that segment the rest of the ticket will automatically be cancelled with no right of recourse.

We will spend time in London and other outlying cities. Also, the hotel in London is cheaper than Edinburgh since we were traveling during the fringe.

My wife felt we could relax more by just staying in London and not rush the Scotland part of our trip.

Thanks everyone!

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Scotland road trip: Explore the best of the Scottish coastlines

Join us on an unforgettable Scotland road trip adventure through the rugged landscapes, ancient castles, and vibrant culture. From the drama of the Highlands to the beauty of the West Coast, this Scottish journey promises to be filled with stunning scenery, fascinating history, and plenty of surprises along the way.

In this post

How to get to Scotland?

Suitable cars for your road trip in scotland, best time to take a scottish road trip, estimate your road trip budget, road trip in scotland: 5 days on the 500, scotland road trip: the ultimate 2 week itinerary.

If you are coming from the U.S. there are a few cities you can fly from to catch a direct flight to Edinburgh. Roundtrip flights from NYC to Edinburgh cost on average $967.

To get to the starting points of our Scotland road trips, Inverness or Glasgow, you will need to catch another domestic flight once you have arrived. Alternatively, you can get your rental car for your road trip at the airport and start your drive from there.

The same goes for your return; once your vacation is over you will either need to fly from Inverness to Edinburgh to catch your international flight home or add one more scenic drive to the airport.

If you are already starting your road trip in Europe you might be able to catch a direct flight to Inverness or Glasgow.

What rental car type you pick will depend on the route, the season, and how many people are traveling. Obviously, you want to make sure to have enough space for everyone and your luggage and also choose a gas-efficient car. An inbuilt GPS and air conditioning (yes, even in Scotland!) are also good options to pick.

For most regions, you won’t need an all-wheel drive but do check the weather report before you set off. Usually, a regular-sized car or a compact SUV is more than enough. Ultimately, book a rental car that suits your budget and comfort preferences. And don’t forget comprehensive rental car insurance for ease of mind!

Remember: Scotland drives on the left hand side of the road ! It can be a good idea to choose an automatic car to make your time driving a little easier.

As Brits who have traveled widely across Scotland, we know the best time for a road trip in Scotland is in May and June or in September and early October .

In spring and early summer , the landscape is alive with vibrant colors as flowers bloom and trees come back to life. The weather is generally mild, with longer daylight hours for exploring and the roads have less tourist traffic. You’ll also avoid the infamous Scottish midge which is at its peak in July and August.

In autumn , foliage paints the landscape in stunning shades of red, orange, and gold. The summer crowds have dispersed, allowing for a more peaceful road trip experience, yet the weather remains fairly mild.

Keep in mind that Scottish weather can be unpredictable , especially near coasts and mountains, so it's always a good idea to be prepared for rain when you pack!

Before finalizing your plans, it’s helpful to know how much road-tripping in Scotland will cost. Here are some costs, based on comparisons from hundreds of travel providers to help you work out your budget:

• Average price for one night in a mid-range double hotel room in Edinburgh: £190 (approx. $240)
• Average price for one night in a hostel in Edinburgh: £96 (approx. $122)
• Average daily rate for a rental car in Edinburgh: £74 (approx. $94)
• Average cost of 1 liter of gas: £1.50* (approx. $1.90) and you’ll need about 17 liters to cover 100 miles

*Price estimate is taken from numbeo.com in May 2024

Based on a five-night road trip in Scotland, we would expect the costs to range from around £900 to £1400 per person (approx. $1144 to $1780) , depending on your hotel and meal choices.

Day 1: Inverness (one night)

Inverness, located on the picturesque banks of the River Ness, is the start and finish point of your North Coast 500 journey. Dominated by a fabulous castle, Inverness is a thriving city, well worth a wander.

All visitors to Inverness should embrace the age-old tradition of searching for the legendary Loch Ness monster . You can opt for a cruise or hire a boat to spot the Loch Ness monster. While you may not catch a glimpse of Nessie, you'll be treated to breathtaking scenery, fresh air, and a great start to your NC500 adventure!

Other things to do here include visiting the nearby Culloden Battlefield , the site of the final confrontation of the Jacobite rising, where Charles Stuart’s army was defeated in 1745; hiking to Craig Phadrig , historically the stronghold of ancient Pictish kings.

Where to stay in Inverness: Kingsmills Hotel is well-located and has excellent reviews.

Day 2: John o’Groats (one night)

Distance from Inverness: 120 miles - 3 hours

As you travel through the region of Easter Ross to John o’Groats, stop to explore Black Rock Gorge , a dramatic mile-long Ice Age gorge that served as a filming location for a well-known wizarding film.

John o’Groats is a pretty village in a dramatic landscape at Scotland’s northeastern tip. To get to the tip itself, you need to hike 2 miles from John O’ Groats to Duncansby Head Lighthouse. To see the two dramatic 6,000-year-old Duncansby Sea Stacks , continue south along the coastal path for another mile.

If that’s too far, the iconic and much-photographed John O'Groats signpost is a ten-minute walk north from the village, and a picture there makes a memorable souvenir from your trip.

Where to stay in John o’Groats: Seaview Hotel is right in the village and has amazing views.

Day 3 & 4: Tongue (two nights)

Distance from John o’Groats: 62 miles - 1.5 hours

As you head west along Scotland’s north coast, stop to visit ​​the Castle of Mey. Restored by the late Queen Mother, the castle offers a rare glimpse into the history of the British royal family, who used the castle as a holiday home.

A little further on is the spectacular Melvich Beach, blessed with golden sand and turquoise waters. It’s a picturesque place for a leisurely walk or spot for beachcombing, and if you’re lucky you might even spot dolphins playing in the surf.

Make a stop in the quaint village of Bettyhill and explore the fascinating Strathnaver Museum. Located just a short walk from the white sandy beach at Farr Bay, the museum offers an insightful journey through Highland culture and life.

Tongue makes a great base for a couple of nights, allowing you to explore further west into Sutherland before you head south.

Highlights in the area include the many pristine and often deserted beaches; Smoo Cave, which has one of the tallest entrances to any sea cave in Britain at 50 feet high and is complete with its own waterfall; and Balnakeil Craft Village, where you’ll find local artists creating glass work, ceramics, woodwork, paintings and prints, and other unique crafts which make perfect souvenirs of your trip.

Where to stay in Tongue: The Tongue Hotel is a traditional Scottish hotel in the heart of the village.

Day 5: Lairg (one night)

Distance from Tongue: 38 miles - 1 hour

Deep in the wilderness of the Scottish Highlands, Lairg, known as the crossroads of the north, is set amongst a patchwork of moorlands, forests, and crofts on Loch Shin.

The road to Lairg from Tongue is single track with passing places and winds its way through some of Scotland’s most remote landscapes, dotted with lochs and the ever-present mountains.

People visit Lairg for excellent hiking and to witness the magnificent Atlantic salmon leaping up the waterfalls at the Falls of Shin, located less than 5 miles from Lairg. From April to October, these incredible fish journey upstream to spawn, with the best chances of spotting them jumping in the later months.

Where to stay in Lairg: Invershin Hotel Bunkhouse and Bar offers cozy rooms and traditional Scottish hospitality.

Day 6: Inverness

Distance from Lairg: 49 miles - a good hour

On your drive back to Inverness, stop at and walk up to the huge Fyrish Monument for panoramic views across Cromarty Firth.

The monument, commissioned in 1782 by Sir Hector Munro, a British Army general who served in India, was built to employ local workers during the Highland Clearances and has much historical significance as well as being a popular hiking destination.

Days 1 & 2: Glasgow (two nights)

Glasgow is a city bursting with culture, history, and vibrant energy. Its stunning Victorian and Art-Deco architecture , and landmarks like the medieval Glasgow Cathedral and George Square, lined with elegant buildings, add to its unique charm.

The city's cultural scene is thriving, with numerous museums, galleries, and theaters to explore. From the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Gallery of Modern Art to the award-winning Riverside Transport Museum, there's plenty to see and do.

Glasgow also has a lively music scene and many of the city’s restaurants, cafés, and bars offer live music sessions. Why not sample the delicious food and drink of Scotland whilst tapping your foot to some great tunes?

Where to stay in Glasgow: Motel One is in a great location and has dedicated parking.

Day 3: Loch Lomond (one night)

Distance from Glasgow: 35 miles - less than 1 hour

Loch Lomond , the largest freshwater lake in Great Britain is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, surrounded by picturesque hills and mountains.

On route from Glasgow, stop at the most southerly point of Loch Lomond, Balloch Pier, where you'll find the paddle steamer, Maid of the Loch, a magnificent example of a Clyde-built ship with a stunning Art-Deco-inspired interior.

From Balloch Pier, drive north to the charming village of Luss on the western shore, where you can try cycling, fishing, and water sports such as kayaking and sailing, or take a boat cruise.

The area is rich in wildlife, with opportunities to spot red deer, otters, and various bird species.

A walk out to the end of the small pier to admire Ben Lomond, the most southerly of the Munros (a Scottish mountain with an elevation of more than 914 meters) is obligatory!

Where to stay in Luss: The Loch Lomond Arms Hotel is a 4-star hotel in Luss with traditional Scottish decor.

Day 4: Inverary (one night)

Distance from Luss: 31 miles - 45 minutes

Inveraray is a picturesque town on the western shore of Loch Fyne. Known for its stunning views and well-preserved Georgian architecture, elegant buildings line its quaint streets.

The iconic Inveraray Castle , the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll and Chief of Clan Campbell, is an excellent example of Scottish baronial architecture.

Inveraray is also home to the historic Inveraray Jail, a living museum, and former prison dating back to the 19th century. You can explore the jail, gaining insight into Scotland's criminal past and experiencing life as a Victorian prisoner.

Where to stay in Inverary: The Inverary Inn is a heritage hotel overlooking Loch Fyne.

Days 5 & 6: Glen Coe (two nights)

Distance from Inverary: 93 miles - 2.5 hours

Today is all about the drive, and we’re taking the scenic route ! Set your sat nav to pick up the A83 heading south before driving north along the beautiful coastline of the Argyll and Bute region.

Stop at Auchindrain to learn about the Highland's darkest hours. Scotland’s last inhabited Highland farming township before the Highland Clearances, which took place between 1750 and 1860, is beautiful and thought-provoking.

Other places to stop on today’s route include: Kilmartin Glen to see the 800 cairns and monuments that dot the Glen and the remains of Dunadd Hill Fort, where the first kings of Scotland were crowned; Oban Distillery , one of the smallest and oldest distilleries in Scotland; and the much-photographed Castle Stalker .

Day five is one of exploration. Shaped by glaciers and fiery volcanic explosions millions of years ago, Glen Coe is a landscape full of natural wonders and the Glen Coe Geotrail shares the ancient volcanic history of this naturally beautiful place.

Don’t miss visiting the pretty village of Glencoe where you can find out about local history, including the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe, when members of the Campbell clan murdered members of the MacDonald clan on the orders of the English Crown.

Where to stay in Glen Coe: The Clachaig Inn is in a great location and enjoys good reviews.

Day 7 & 8: Glenfinnan (two nights)

Distance from Glen Coe: 33 miles - less than 1 hour

As you leave Glen Coe, the big mountains beckon. From the market town of Fort William, you are officially in the Scottish Highlands .

Make a stop at Banavie and visit the fantastic Neptune's Staircase , the longest staircase lock flight in Scotland. This flight of eight locks on the Caledonian Canal is an amazing feat of engineering that raises the canal by 62 feet over 1/4 mile. It takes around 90 minutes for a boat to travel the locks.

This is the perfect spot to practice your 'gongoozaling', the activity of watching boats and activities on canals for pleasure!

The wonderful Glenfinnan Viaduct spans the valley, providing a dramatic backdrop to the area. Famously featured in a popular series of wizarding films, the viaduct has been traversed by the Jacobite Steam Train since 1897, offering passengers spectacular views of Loch Shiel and surrounding mountains.

Glenfinnan is also the spot in which Bonnie Prince Charlie called for the local clansmen to assemble and denounce the throne of Great Britain. At the head of Loch Shiel stands the Glenfinnan Monument, erected in memory of the Jacobite Uprising of 1745.

Where to stay in Glenfinnan: Glenfinnan House Hotel is an award-winning lochside country house hotel splurge for a special occasion and stay in a Scottish castle!

Day 9, 10 & 11: Isle of Skye (three nights)

Distance from Glenfinnan: 73 miles - 2.5 hours (includes a ferry)

Today sees you crossing over the sea to Skye. Continue west on the A830, the historic Road to the Isles, one of the most beautiful roads to drive in Scotland, and so-called because it leads to Mallaig where ferries depart for the islands of Rum, Eigg, and Skye.

Make time to stop at Camusdarach Beach south of Mallaig, an enticing arc of white sand with the clear turquoise sea lapping its shores.

Once on Skye, base yourself in Portree, from where you can reach all the highlights of the island.

Our favorite things to do on Skye include:

• The 2.3-mile hike up to the Old Man of Storr on the Trotternish peninsula. This large spike of rock, created by an ancient landslide, stands high and can be seen for miles around, making it one of the most photographed places in Scotland.
• Visit Skye's most famous historic building, Dunvegan Castle , the seat of the chief of Clan MacLeod. Situated at the edge of Loch Dunvegan, the castle gardens are a hidden oasis of beautiful plants.
• Try a spot of wild swimming in the bracing Fairy Pools . These beautiful crystal-clear pools and waterfalls are located at the foot of the Cuillin mountains.
• Stop off at the world-famous Talisker Distillery for a tour that finishes with a wee dram of their peaty single malt.
• Get out on the water in a canoe or take a boat trip to get acquainted with local wildlife. You're likely to see seals, dolphins, porpoises, and lots of different species of seabirds.

Where to stay in Portree: The Tongadale Hotel is centrally located, the perfect spot to stay for exploring the island.

Day 12: Applecross (one night)

Distance from Portree: 75 miles - a good 2 hours

You’ll be leaving by the Skye Bridge across Loch Alsh to tackle the epic Applecross Pass . Also known as Bealach na Ba, this single-track road with passing places snakes through the raw and craggy landscape.

With its hairpin bends and steep gradients , this 11-mile stretch of road is not for the faint-hearted or novice drivers, but for everyone else, the stunning views and breathtaking experience are well worth it!

Home to just a few hundred people and with only two roads, Applecross Village is a peaceful place away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Day 13: Fort Augustus (one night)

Distance from Applecross: 87 miles - a good 2 hours

Day eight sees you head back over the Applecross Pass and through the Highlands before arriving at the very pretty village of Fort Augustus, the gateway to Loch Ness and the most southerly tip of this famous body of water.

Stop en route to see the award-winning Attadale Gardens , uniquely planted and a joy to explore, especially if the sun is shining!

A little further on is Eileen Donan Castle , one of the most photographed castles in the country. Located on an island where three sea lochs meet, the dramatic castle is surrounded by magnificent scenery and is full of history.

Fort Augustus is where the 60-mile-long Caledonian Canal leaves Loch Ness, cutting through the small village on its way south. Visit the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre to learn about the history of the canal and sit and watch the boats navigating the locks - a fascinating pastime!

Where to stay in Fort Augustus: The Loch Ness Guest House has excellent reviews and offers a complimentary breakfast.

Day 14: Inverness (one night)

Distance from Fort Augustus: 36 miles - 1 hour

As you drive east along Loch Lomond to Inverness, visit the ruined 13th century Urquhart Castle at Drumnadrochit and discover 1000 years of Highland history set against the spectacular backdrop of Loch Ness.

Just a little further along the A82 is Clansman Harbour, where you can pick up a boat tour of Loch Ness, and do a bit of Loch Ness monster hunting - a fitting way to end your Scottish road trip!

By the time you’ve completed your road trip around Scotland, you’ll have experienced mountains, coasts, lochs, and charming villages, along with some fantastic driving roads.

From the history of Scotland to the wilderness of Sutherland and the beaches of the west coast, you’ll be able to tick off some of Scotland’s top attractions from your bucket list.

So why wait? Start planning your Scottish road trip adventure today and discover the beauty that awaits you.

Disclaimer: The hotel recommendations included in this article are based on customer ratings and the author's personal choices, so please feel free to use our hotel search tool to find the accommodation best suited to your needs.

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Euston hit with major train delays after person killed on tracks

Major disruption has hit trains from London to northern England and Scotland following reports of a body on the tracks.

A person was hit by a train near Watford early this morning, forcing the closure of all railway lines serving London Euston station for three hours.

British Transport Police said it received a report of a casualty on tracks near Watford Junction station, Hertfordshire at 6.04am on Wednesday.

Paramedics attended but the person was pronounced dead at the scene.

No mainline train services were able to enter or leave London Euston station during the key morning rush hour, triggering widespread disruption.

National Rail Enquiries said the incident is affecting passengers travelling with Avanti West Coast, London Northwestern Railway and Southern.

The disruption is likely to last for the rest of the day, although officials currently say it will last until 1pm.

Passengers to and from Euston should expect cancellations and delays of up to 90 minutes on their train services, National Rail Enquiries said.

Full refund

Avanti West Coast runs long-distance services between Euston and Glasgow on the West Coast Main Line, with branches to locations such as Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and North Wales.

Affected passengers can use tickets on some alternative routes, including on Chiltern Railways between London Marylebone and Birmingham.

Avanti West Coast said tickets for its trains were being accepted by a host of other train companies, including East Midlands Railway, Chiltern, West Midlands Railway, Transport for Wales, Northern and Transpennine.

“We’re really sorry if this affects you and your journey today,” a spokesman said.

“If your train is cancelled, your ticket’s valid on the Avanti West Coast train immediately before or after the cancelled one.

“If you no longer wish to travel because your train’s delayed or cancelled, you can request a full refund from where you bought your ticket,” continued the spokesman, adding that Delay Repay - partial ticket refunds - can be claimed through the Avanti website.

Wednesday’s incident comes after widespread disruption on Tuesday on Chiltern Railways left passengers trapped on trains for hours.

One passenger told The Telegraph that she arrived in London at 12.30pm having boarded her usual morning train at 7.51am from Bicester.

Play The Telegraph’s brilliant range of Puzzles - and feel brighter every day. Train your brain and boost your mood with PlusWord, the Mini Crossword, the fearsome Killer Sudoku and even the classic Cryptic Crossword.

These Are the World's 50 Best Restaurants in 2024

Disfrutar in barcelona takes the top spot. atomix in nyc is 6th..

There are so many restaurants in the world that finding a simple place to eat dinner can feel more stressful than fun.

Well, none of these places are simple. But they are incredibly good. And a group of industry experts even went through the painstaking process of putting them in order for you.

The World's 50 Best Restaurants just released its top-50 lineup for 2024 . Disfrutar in Barcelona ranked first after last year's second-place showing. It's known for modern techniques and avant-garde flavors and presentations. It's followed by Asador Etxebarri in Atxondo, Spain; Table by Bruno Verjus in Paris; Diverxo in Madrid; and Maido in Lima, Peru. So, three of the top five restaurants are in Spain.

Former number one restaurants are no longer eligible for the list, and instead are grouped into a Best of the Best category. That includes last year's winner Central in Lima, plus others like Noma in Copenhagen and Eleven Madison Park in NYC.

Only two U.S. restaurants made the list. Atomix, the lauded Korean restaurant in NYC was number eight last year and moved to the six spot this year, and SingleThread in Healdsburg, California, took the 47th spot. There's nothing from the Bay Area, Chicago or other stateside dining destinations.

But the next time you find yourself in Atxondo or Bogotá, you'll know where to eat.

World's 50 Best Restaurants — 2024

1. Disfrutar (Barcelona, Spain)

2. Asador Etxebarri (Atxondo, Spain)

3. Table by Bruno Verjus (Paris, France)

4.  Diverxo (Madrid, Spain)

5. Maido (Lima, Peru)

6. Atomix (New York City)

7. Quintonil (Mexico City, Mexico)

8. Alchemist (Copenhagen, Denmark)

9. Gaggan Anand (Bangkok, Thailand)

10.  Don Julio (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

11. Septime (Paris, France)

12. Lido 84 (Gardone Riviera, Italy)

13. Trèsind Studio (Dubai, UAE)

14. Quique Dacosta (Denia, Spain)

15. Sézanne (Tokyo, Japan)

16.  Kjolle (Lima, Peru)

17. Kol (London, England)

18. Plénitude (Paris, France)

19.  Reale  (Castel di Sangro, Spain)

20. Wing (Hong Kong)

21. Florilège (Tokyo, Japan)

22. Steirereck (Vienna, Austria)

23. Suhring (Bangkok, Thailand)

24.  Odette (Singapore)

25. El Chato (Bogotá, Colombia)

26. The Chairman (Hong Kong)

27. A Casa do Porco (São Paulo, Brazil)

28.  Elkano (Getaria, Spain)

29. Boragó (Santiago, Chile)

30. Restaurant Tim Raue (Berlin, Germany)

31. Belcanto (Lisbon, Portugal)

32. Den (Tokyo, Japan)

33. Pujol (Mexico City, Mexico)

34. Rosetta (Mexico City, Mexico)

35. Frantzén (Stockholm, Sweden)

36.  The Jane (Antwerp, Belgium)

37. Oteque (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

38. Sorn (Bangkok, Thailand)

39. Piazza Duomo (Alba, Italy)

40. Le Du (Bangkok, Thailand)

41. Mayta (Lima, Peru)

42. Ikoyi (London, England)

43. Nobelhart & Schmutzig (Berlin, Germany)

44. Mingles (Seoul, South Korea)

45. Arpege (Paris, France)

46. SingleThread (Healdsburg, California)

47. Schloss Schauenstein (Fürstenau, Switzerland)

48. Hiša Franko (Kobarid, Slovenia)

49. La Colombe (Cape Town, South Africa)

50. Uliassi (Senigallia, Italy)

Kevin Gray lives in Texas. He likes whiskey, weekends and hammocks, often at the same time.

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London North Eastern Railway names train to get Taylor Swift fans in the mood

London North Eastern Railway is helping fans travelling to Edinburgh for tonight's Taylor Swift concert get into the spirit of the occasion by naming one of its trains “The Flying Swiftie”.

For many years, the 10.00 service from London King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverley was “The Flying Scotsman”, but today it was specially named “The Flying Swiftie” in recognition of tonight's Taylor Swift concert in Edinburgh.

The train continues the tradition of London North Eastern Railway and its predecessor London and North Eastern Railway of naming trains, which besides the most famous of them all The Flying Scotsman, currently includes the Highland Chieftain and the recently introduced Carolean Express and in years past included the Queen of Scots, the Heart of Midlothian, and the Aberdonian.

Taylor Swift is playing three gigs at Edinburgh's British Gas Murrayfield Stadium, today, Friday, 7th, Saturday, 8th, and Sunday, 9th June, all starting at 4.30.

She then plays three gigs at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 13th to 15th June, and two gigs in Cardiff on Tuesday 18th June.

To remind passengers that Everything Has Changed, they're on The Flying Swiftie, and as they travel in Style and say So Long, London, on-train and station announcements, and screens around London King's Cross station and along the route will refer to the train's name too.

Onboard the train, a special Flying Swiftie discount will enable Taylor Swift fans to get refreshments cheaper than their Wildest Dreams.

For anyone who has never been to Murrayfield Stadium, London North Eastern Railway has produced a guide explaining how to get from Edinburgh Waverley to Murrayfield Stadium. The guide is available for fans on social media.

With many thousands of fans expected to be travelling by train to the concerts, trains are expected to be very busy throughout the weekend and passengers are encouraged to reserve their seats in advance via the London North Eastern Railway website.

ScotRail will also be providing extra services and adding extra carriages to trains to help fans get to Edinburgh for the concerts,

We know thousands of people will be travelling to see Taylor Swift's Eras Tour this summer and it fills us with Happiness to be carrying so many of them in Style. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to celebrate the tour arriving in the UK and so our special Flying Swiftie service will say ‘So Long, London' at 10am – packed with fans heading for the first night in Edinburgh. Stuart Thomas, Communications Director at LNER

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Money blog: Victorian island forts - complete with helipads and nightclubs - up for sale

Two Victorian island forts that were used to defend the Portsmouth dockyards during the Second World War have been listed for auction for £1m each. Read this and the rest of today's consumer news in the Money blog.

Friday 7 June 2024 14:30, UK

• 100,000 reportedly due to remortgage onto higher rates before election - here's what you need to know
• Victorian island forts - complete with nightclub - up for sale
• Does Wetherspoons buy lose to out-of-date beer?
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• How much a last-minute Taylor Swift ticket will set you back

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Ever wanted to own your own Victorian island fort?

Well now you can - with two being listed with a guide price of £1m.

Spitbank Fort in Hampshire and No Man's Land Fort off the Isle of Wight have been listed for auction and can be bought separately - or as a pair if you can't pick between the two.  

During the Second World War, the forts were used to defend the Portsmouth dockyards. 

No Man's Fort is substantially bigger and probably presents itself more as a business opportunity, but Spitbank offers nine large bedroom suites across three floors and could potentially work as a private home to the right buyer. 

No Man's Fort has its own traditional English pub, a nightclub, and a helipad, while Spitbank Fort naturally boasts a wine cave plus a swimming pool and spa complex.

"Throughout my career as an auctioneer I've seen several sea forts hit the market that have achieved impressive prices as buyers have sought to pursue these trophy assets," said Robin Howeson, head of Savills Auctions.

"Having been carefully restored by the current owners, No Man's and Spitbank Fort represent exceptional market value, each guided at £1m. 

"Both offer an opportunity like no other; a waterfront location, up to 99,000sq ft of space and a chance to champion the heritage and legacy of these iconic maritime structures."

The auction takes place on 18 June. 

Administrators to The Body Shop are aiming to clinch a sale of the stricken cosmetics retailer by the end of the month, even as its former owner veers away from making an offer for it.

Sky News' city editor Mark Kleinman has learnt that FRP Advisory, which was appointed to handle the chain's insolvency in January, has asked for indicative bids by next Tuesday.

British entrepreneur Mike Lynch has been cleared of all charges by a US jury in the high-profile fraud case related to the sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 2011.

Dr Lynch, who was extradited to the US to face trial just over a year ago, was acquitted alongside a former finance executive Stephen Chamberlain who had faced the same charges.

They were accused of conspiracy and attempted fraud over the £8.3bn sale to HP - a deal that has been the subject of costly legal action since.

Labour is promising to get more young people on the housing ladder as it announces its "freedom to buy" scheme on Friday.

The party is pledging to make the existing mortgage guarantee scheme - which sees the government act as a guarantor for people unable to save big deposits - into a permanent fixture if it wins the election on 4 July.

Meanwhile, the Tories are promising a tax cut for parents by raising the threshold for when families have to pay a levy on their child benefit.

The current system means if either parents or a parent's partner earns more than £60,000, they begin paying the high income child benefit tax charge, and lose the benefit altogether when a salary hits £80,000.

But if the Tories win the election on 4 July, they have promised to increase the threshold to £120,000 before any tax is paid, and to £160,000 before the benefit is withdrawn, as well as base it on a household income, rather than an individual.

If you missed out on the general sales but want to bag yourself a last-minute ticket to Taylor Swift's show in Edinburgh tonight , it could set you back a whopping £4,000. 

Not to fear, however, as it is currently possible to land yourself a ticket for as little as £271 - if you settle for a somewhat restricted view. 

We've checked resale giant Viagogo for the latest prices, accurate as of 10.30am. 

As is often the case with popular tours listed on resale sites, many of the tickets are sold individually - so if you're happy to go alone tonight, you're more likely to get a ticket. 

For context, a ticket at general sale cost somewhere between £80-£160 depending on where you sit/stand. 

As it stands, the cheapest seat with an unrestricted view of the stage is currently up for sale at £323.

Just one ticket is up for £271, but has a "restricted view". 

Bringing a crowd

If you're looking to take someone with you, the cheapest pair of tickets without any restricted view will cost you a combined £1,706.

However, if you're happy with a restricted or limited view, you can pay the cheaper price of £538 for the pair (£269 each). 

You can buy up to four tickets in the same area for £303 each (£1,212 together) for a restricted view, or £555 each (£2,220 together) for an unobstructed view of the stage. 

Getting closer to the action 

Standing tickets are much sought after given their proximity to the stage. 

As alluded to at the top of this post, one frankly optimistic reseller has listed four general admission tickets for a staggering £4,256 each (in the "floor" section shown in the map below). 

However, you can get even closer - with one ticket remaining in the separate section to the left of the stage at £651 and another to the right at £559. 

A word of caution

Ticket resale sites, including Viagogo, have previously been accused of "ripping off" consumers amid concerns customers could be turned away at venues because of restrictions on some resold tickets.

The company was told in 2019 that it was required to make a number of changes to the way it collects and presents information about tickets on its site.

It has since pledged to be compliant with UK watchdogs and now offers a "100% order guarantee [which] covers both buyers and sellers".

If you're happy paying over the odds for last-minute tickets, make sure you're buying through a site with such a guarantee and always beware of scams!

House prices in the UK dropped by 0.1% between April and May, data from mortgage lender Halifax shows.

Analysts had expected a drop of around 0.2%, while last week, rival lender Nationwide said its measure of house prices rose in May after falling in the previous two months.

In the 12 months to May, prices rose by 1.5%, Halifax said - faster than the median forecast in a Reuters news agency poll for an annual increase of 1.2%.

"Market activity remained resilient throughout the spring months, supported by strong nominal wage growth and some evidence of an improvement in confidence about the economic outlook," Halifax's head of mortgages, Amanda Bryden, said.

The stable picture for property prices over the last three months was likely to give more confidence to buyers and sellers, she added. 

Sir Keir Starmer will shortly promise to get more young people on the housing ladder as Labour announces its "freedom to buy" policy. 

We've now got some reaction from business leaders, who've been speaking to Newspage.

Justin Moy, managing director at EHF Mortgages, was not impressed. 

"Freedom to buy looks great on the first read, but then you realise it’s actually been in place since 2021 and many lenders don't use it anyway," he said. 

"Labour are effectively promoting something that already exists and isn't used," he added. 

Andrew Montlake, managing director at Coreco, disagreed, saying it marked a "promising" first offering from Labour. 

"This can allow lenders to take a longer-term approach in their offerings and ensure that competitive products are continually available for those with lower deposits. 

"Whilst it doesn't solve the long-term housing issues overnight, Labour have at least shown they understand them and have already shown they are willing to speak and engage with those on the front lines, which is more promising for the housing market as a whole should the next government be a red one."

However, many more had a negative outlook. 

Lewis Shaw, owner of Shaw Financial Services, was scathing in his assessment, saying: "This policy is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. 

"Prior to the pandemic, 95% loan-to-value mortgage lending was the norm. 

"It happened without any political interference or putting the taxpayer on the hook - has everyone forgotten that? 

"If Labour really wants to help young people buy a home, then do the things that we all know are needed: Tax the super-rich, reduce wealth inequality and build more houses. It's not rocket science."

Katy Eatenton, mortgage and protection specialist at Lifetime Wealth Management, said it was "yet another scheme with no real substance", which was echoed by Stephen Perkins, managing director at Yellow Brick Mortgages.

"This policy will not hugely impact the property market," he said. 

Shortly, we're expecting Sir Keir Starmer to promise to get more young people on the housing ladder as Labour announces its "freedom to buy".

He's set to speak in the coming hours. 

The party will pledge to make the existing mortgage guarantee scheme - which sees the government act as a guarantor for people unable to save big deposits - into a permanent fixture if it wins the election on 4 July.

Sir Keir will also commit to an overhaul of the planning system, including reintroducing housing targets, claiming his measures will see 1.5 million more homes built over the next five years.

Among the planning changes, the party will promise to tax foreign buyers "pricing out young people" from the housing market in order to pay for new planning officers, which it claims will help increase projects being signed off.

It will bring back house-build targets - scrapped by the Tories in 2022 - as well as fast-track permissions to build on brownfield sites, and reform compulsory purchase orders to "stop speculators frustrating housebuilding".

They will also promise to offer "first dibs" on new developments to local people looking for a home and reiterate their pledge to create "the next generation" of new towns.

Read more in our dedicated Politics Hub :

GAME are set to end their long-running rewards programme on 31 July and have urged customers to use their remaining credit whilst they still can.

Both the company's standard GAME Reward scheme and their Elite membership tier will cease to exist, while no further reward points will be earned from purchases made in store or online after July 15.

You can currently redeem 400 reward points for £1 off of a purchase. The end of GAME Elite will mean the end of its monthly offers and prize draws. Any outstanding paid Elite membership months will be eligible for a refund.

"We would strongly urge you to redeem your GAME reward points prior to the closure date on purchases in store or online to avoid disappointment," said GAME.

"After the closure date, GAME reward points will be reset to zero and the GAME reward account will be closed, you will no longer be able to access it and you will no longer be able to redeem your GAME reward points."

The end of GAME's reward programme is the latest move from the company to make changes to their business model.

The chain has already closed several of their own bespoke high street stores and instead taken up residence within Sports Direct and other Fraser Group outlets.

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

We've now had the first interest rate cut in the UK, US and EU for years. 

Yesterday the European Central Bank (ECB) brought down the cost of borrowing in the countries using the euro - the first reduction since 2019.

Sterling stayed roughly where it has been against the euro for the last two weeks - one pound buys more euro than it has done for most of the last year, €1.1740. 

Oil prices have ticked up through the week but are still just below $80 a barrel for Brent crude, the benchmark price. 

That's cheaper than the vast majority of this year and good news for motorists.  

Signs of stabilisation can be seen in the housing market with the news that house prices fell just 0.1% in May, equivalent to a £170 drop in the average house, according to mortgage lender Halifax. 

But renting is still becoming more expensive, just at a slightly slower rate than before, according to property portal Zoopla.

The average rent costs £80 more a month compared with a year earlier.

Higher housing costs have also shown through in a market update from British homebuilder Bellway, which said it expects to sell houses at a higher price point than it previously thought.

The company is a constituent of the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 250 index of 101st to 350th most valuable companies on the London Stock Exchange which is down 0.22% this morning. 

Wetherspoons pubs are known for their cheap pints.

But how is the chain able to keep prices so low?

Many punters will have heard that this is because the pubs buy short-dated beer from breweries just a couple of months from expiry date - but the owner of the business now says this is not true. 

Sir Tim Martin told The Sun : "I've never hung outside the brewery gate waiting for it to go out of date. It would be impossible."

Asked then how the chain is able to keep prices so low, he said that the vast quantities allowed greater profits.

"There's no real secret, we sell a lot of beer," he said.

He also explained the reason he named the chain Wetherspoons - dispelling the myth that it was named after a teacher who said that he would never make it.

Sir Tim said: "This is a story that got twisted and a bit out of hand. I named it after Mr Wetherspoon, who was a very nice man, but couldn't control his class because at the time I couldn't control my punters."

It can be hard to balance the demands of eating well without spending a lot.

In this series, we try to find the healthiest options in the supermarket for the best value - and have enlisted the help of  Sunna Van Kampen , founder of Tonic Health, who went viral on social media for reviewing food in the search of healthier choices.

In this series we don't try to find the outright healthiest option, but help you get better nutritional value for as little money as possible.

Today we're looking at chicken. 

"When it comes to healthy eating, the first thing that often springs to mind is chicken breast," Sunna says. 

That's mainly because it is lean, versatile, and packed with protein, making it a staple in many health-conscious kitchens.

"But what if we told you there are even better options for your wallet and your health?" Sunna says. 

Cost savings

Chicken breast fillets can be pricey - sitting at an average of around £8.33 per kilogram. 

In contrast, chicken thighs usually come in at about £3.30 per kilogram. 

"That's under half the price," Sunna says.

"To put that into perspective - over the course of a year this can save you over £261.56, assuming you consume 1kg per week in your household. Well worth the saving."

Nutritional value

Many people gravitate towards chicken breasts for their lean protein, but chicken thighs have their own set of nutritional benefits. 

"While they have more fat, it's important to note that they contain more healthy monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health," Sunna explains. 

"Plus, they're richer in iron, zinc and B12 by at least double."

These are essential minerals that help boost your energy and general wellbeing.

Much of this goodness is down to thighs having more joint cartilage and tendons - which naturally boost the collagen content of the chicken - helping to feed your hair, skin and nails.

"Chicken thighs are not only nutritious but also renowned for their flavour," Sunna points out.

"When slow cooking chicken thighs with bones, you are also getting the benefits of bone broth in the stew which is a great source of collagen, calcium, and magnesium, as well as glycine, arginine and proline which are anti-inflammatory amino acids."

A hidden gem

If you've got the stomach for it, there is one cut of chicken that is ultra affordable and is officially one of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world. 

"Chicken livers are one of the most economical protein and nutrient sources out there," Sunna says.

"At £3.42 per kilo, they're a similar price to thighs but pack a more powerful nutrient punch."

Chicken livers should really be touted as a superfood due to their high nutrient density, in Sunna's view.

"They are an exceptional source of vitamin A, which is crucial for vision, immune function, and skin health. 

"They also boast high levels of B vitamins, particularly B12, which is vital for brain health and energy production.

"Additionally, chicken livers are rich in folate and iron."

While you might be hesitant about the taste or texture of chicken livers, they are incredibly versatile and can be prepared in ways that make them more palatable. 

Sunna's go to is to simply fry the livers quickly with onions, mushrooms and a spicy sauce like a peri-peri.

"Swapping chicken breasts for thighs or livers isn't just a cost-saving measure; it's a health upgrade. 

"By embracing these underrated parts of the bird, you'll enjoy richer flavours, diverse nutrients, and significant savings."

A note on organic

"The health of the bird and its quality of life will directly affect the nutrition and quality of the meat you consume, and as such, if you can afford it, always opt for free range or organic chicken."

The nutritionist's view - from Nichola Ludlam-Raine, dietitian at  nicsnutrition.com ...

"When it comes to budget-friendly eating, chicken thighs significantly outshine chicken breasts.

"While chicken breasts are renowned for their lean (ie low in calorie and low in fat) protein content, chicken thighs do indeed offer great nutritional benefits such as the presence of more connective tissue in thighs boosts collagen intake, which is beneficial for skin, hair, and joint health. 

"As I dietitian I would recommend skipping the skin though, to lower intake of saturated fat - as the preferred type of fat for health is unsaturated, which is found in higher levels in plant foods such as olives, nuts, seeds and avocados.

"Chicken livers are high in vitamin A, essential for vision, immune function and skin health, and also boast significant levels of B vitamins, iron, and folate, supporting brain health and energy production. 

"Due to its vitamin A content though, liver, as well as pate, should be avoided during pregnancy (note that plant-derived vitamin A i.e. beta-carotene, does not need to be avoided).

"When it comes to diet, balance and variety is key, and while including richer sources of meat such as chicken thigh and liver may be a good idea from time to time, I would recommend including other cheaper and leaner protein sources too including lentils, beans, chickpeas, tofu, eggs as well as tinned oily fish - the latter for their omega 3 fatty acid content too."

Read more from this series... 

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