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LNER First Class Train to Edinburgh with Kids: What We Learned When Our Train Got Cancelled Mid-Journey

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Hey Brother,

We had just wrapped up four fun days in London with the family and decided to head north to Edinburgh, Scotland. Flying would have been faster on paper, but we wanted the experience — and we wanted to avoid the Heathrow hassle with three young kids. So we booked LNER First Class from King’s Cross and figured it would be a relaxed, scenic ride.

It turned out to be anything but relaxed… but it was still a trip we’ll remember for all the right reasons — including an unexpected mid-journey cancellation that tested (and ultimately strengthened) our family’s flexibility.

The LNER First Class Lounge at King’s Cross

lner.co.uk

New Year, New Lounge: King's Cross LNER First Class Lounge to undergo major refurbishment | LNER

The lounge has that cool refreshed vibe with big windows overlooking the tracks. It looked sharp when we walked in. The problem? Almost zero space for three kids to spread out, and the food situation was basically nonexistent. We ended up buying our own sandwiches just to have something to eat before boarding. No alcohol either — just water. It was fine for a quick stop, but if you’re traveling with little ones, don’t count on it being a highlight.

Boarding & First Class Reality Check

First class seating in the new LNER Azuma 800 class Intercity Express train on display at Rail Live! the railway industry trade show 20th June 2019 Stock Photo - Alamy

alamy.com

LNER reveals new carriages featuring reclining seats and refill stations | The Independent

independent.co.uk

We were in Coach L — the first class car. The seats were genuinely comfortable with good legroom, a big table for our group of five, solid overhead storage, and decent under-seat space. Charging ports worked well (bring a UK adapter). The bathroom was clean and didn’t drop straight onto the tracks, which was a nice surprise. At 125–150 mph the ride was smooth and the views north were fantastic, especially once we got past Newcastle and started seeing green hills, ocean, and cliffs.

Food & Drink – The Honest Review

I ordered the Mumbai chicken toasty and it was legitimately excellent — plenty of chicken, sautéed onions, and melted cheese on top. One of the better train meals I’ve had. The kids’ plain ham sandwiches on white bread were dry, warm, and uninspiring. Desserts arrived warm and didn’t impress anyone. Drinks service was friendly — sparkling water, juice for the kids, cheap wine, and inexpensive beer. Nothing fancy, but it was there. Pro tip: pack backup snacks for the kids.

WiFi – Just Plan on It Not Working

They advertise free WiFi. In reality it was basically nonexistent once we left London. I tested it multiple times and got nothing usable. I ended up tethering to my phone for work and uploading. Download everything you need before you board.

The Moment Everything Changed – Train Cancelled Mid-Journey

We had already made stops at York and were heading toward Newcastle when we started hearing about delays. A vehicle had crashed under an overpass and damaged the tracks. Then at Newcastle they made the announcement: the train was cancelled. Everyone had to get off.

Suddenly hundreds of people were trying to squeeze onto the next available train north. It was loud, crowded, and stressful — especially with three kids and all our bags.

We managed to find two seats and were prepared to stand the rest of the way when a gentleman who was getting off at the next stop saw our situation and gave up his entire seat so the kids could sit safely. That single act of kindness changed the whole tone of the day. People were patient, helpful, and genuinely decent. We turned it into an adventure for the kids and kept everyone in good spirits.

The replacement train had no food or drink service because it wasn’t prepared for the sudden influx. But the scenery from Newcastle to Edinburgh was beautiful enough that it almost made up for it.

goodhousekeeping.com

Scotland's most scenic railways for 2024

Arrival & The Refund Surprise

We pulled into Edinburgh about 90 minutes late. Under UK rules, if your train arrives more than 60 minutes late you’re entitled to a full refund. We got it. That took some of the sting out of the disruption.

6–8 Actionable Steps for Dads Planning Family Train Travel

Book first class for the extra space and table, but still pack snacks and activities — the lounge and kid meal options are limited.
Download offline entertainment and work files before you board. Assume WiFi will fail.
Teach your kids flexibility ahead of time. We framed the cancellation as “an adventure” and they rolled with it beautifully.
Know the UK delay compensation rules. Significant lateness often means a full refund — keep your tickets and booking confirmation.
Have a loose backup plan (we looked at rental cars but nothing was available). Sometimes you just have to roll with the next train.
Model calm leadership when things go sideways. Kids take their cues from you.
Notice and thank the people who help. The gentleman who gave up his seat for our kids taught our family a powerful lesson in generosity.
Choose scenic train journeys when you can. The views north of Newcastle were worth the slower pace and the memories we made together.

Brother, these kinds of trips rarely go exactly as planned — and that’s part of the story we’ll tell for years. We still made it to Edinburgh, the kids stayed in good spirits, and we saw some incredible countryside. Most importantly, we got to watch complete strangers show kindness to a family that needed a little help.

If you’re heading to the UK with your crew and considering LNER, I hope this gives you a realistic picture. Pack snacks, download your content, and be ready to turn disruptions into family stories.

Safe travels and keep leading well.

– Ryan

PS! Want to check out the backpack I used on this trip? Fyro is the best out there? Use my Affiliate code and get 10% off!

https://fyro.co/RFIELD

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