Train travel around UK

I've used Trainline for other european trains. I've also used RailEurope

I agree with you. It’s basically one whole day of the trip lost to travel.

All of the info you need - Seat61

Most all of the railways in UK and Network Rail, the oversight and infrastructure firm, have a schedule tool that shows all trains running on a set route, regardless of operator.

I've used at least three different railways on this route. Your possibilities are London Northeaster, Lumo, Avanti, and Caledonian Sleeper.

-Lumo is the Southwest - low fare, low frill, not bad
-LNER is the heavyweight, offering first class and meals, same equipment as Lumo (kind of like everybody flies a 737)
-Avanti takes a bit longer as it goes by west coast but I like their equipment better, it tilts through curves. Think six hours ride instead of 4:40.
-Caledonian Sleeper is a night train. I prefer it when going to northern Scotland, the ride is short enough b/w London and Edinburgh that it doesn't quite work right for toursists. It leaves at 11pm-ish and arrives at 7am-ish, which is a bit frustrating as, even if you have a late dinner, what do you do 9p-11p other than sit in the station? And then you arrive at EDB and your hotel is not ready for 8 hours. Also the Caledonian bought new equipment that has all kinds of failures. Last time we were aboard the diner car shut down. A few days ago they lost power and had to bus people to EDB.

You also have London stations to consider. The Caledonian and Avanti leave from Euston, which is a 1970's brutalist building with some decent shops and a first class lounge with showers and food. Lumo and LNER leave from King's Cross, about five minutes walk east on Euston Road. Kings Cross is a stunning old station well-restored. There is a first class lounge for LNER passengers (not Lumo) and a few restaurants. If you are a Harry Potter fan there is a store there full of merch as this is supposedly where he lived or something. London St. Pancras station is adjacent to Kings Cross and has a nice bar to kill time at.

If it were my choice, here's how I see it

- Caledonian - if I'm going to Inverness or highlands
- Lumo - on a budget or in a hurry (less stops)
- LNER - in a slight hurry, also best station
- Avanti - my probably choice London-EDB as they have food and the most comfortable ride.

All of them will drop you at Waverly station which is walking distance to lots of good food. Hawksmoor, Dishoom, The Ivy...

Catch the 8am and you could have a nice late lunch at The Ivy and then walk around Old Town (Scottish Gatlinburg) all afternoon.

Also note that some trains have "dine" or "brunch" options. "Dine" is the best, it is on-board prep served at your seat. "Brunch" is a buffet. Otherwise you are going to the cafe car for donuts and coffee.