Some of my favorite train trips from London are to Scotland: here is a collection of the best direct train trips from London to Scotland. (I did University in Scotland so lived there for 4 years and have since travelled back many times so I can offer unique local insights but from the perspective of a tourist!)
Alternatively, if you want an itinerary for traveling around Scotland by train, click here instead.
Edinburgh
First on the list is obviously the amazing, picturesque city of Edinburgh.
The Scottish Capital is 1 of my favorite Christmas market cities in the United Kingdom. (I studied just outside Edinburgh for 4 years and also worked in the city a few years back.) You have everything from food markets and cute cafes to fine dining restaurants.
However, I must admit I wasn't always so enthralled with the city: I was actually a bit bored on my first visit (over 20 years ago) because it was SO COLD we didn't want to leave our hotel so make sure you pack your layers! (With global warming, it's no longer so cold these days but consider yourself warned. The wind in Scotland is so bad, it's blown my Mom's contacts out of her eye before!)
If you're a first time visitor to Scotland, I highly recommend using Edinburgh as a starting point for exploring the country.
Getting There
You can take High-speed trains from London Kings Cross station to Edinburgh Waverley Station (The train station is inside the Edinburgh city center and a direct train journey from London.)
Alternatively, take the Avanti West Coast train from London Euston Station (from 4h 40minute- some are direct journeys but most include a change at London King's Cross so I usually just go from Kings Cross.)
Note: there are 2 main stations in Edinburgh: Waverley and Haymarket. Waverley is slightly more central.
Things to See
Edinburgh Castle
Arthur's Seat or Carlton Hill: both have great views of the city but Calton's Hill is an easier hike
Explore the Old Town: I particularly like the colourful shops on Victoria Street.
From Edinburgh, you can also take small tours to places such as the Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan castle etc)
Note: you might want to allocate an extra day or two for a day trip to a fishing village or 2 within easy reach of Edinburgh, such as Anstruther and Crail. (For golf lovers or fans of the Royal family, visit St. Andrews (where I studied.))
Inverness
This is the gateway to the Scottish Highlands and Ben Nevis. It was both my and my Mom's favorite Scottish holiday. (Not that we don't like Edinburgh but we've been so many times it feels more like home than a holiday!)
Things to See
Loch Ness
Macbeth's Castle
Culloden
Glencoe
Fort William
Note: this is the wettest spot in the UK. When my Mom and I Spent 2 weeks there, we were rained in most days so BRING A RAINCOAT AND WATERPROOF SHOES! (Always a good idea for Scotland)
Things to Do
The town itself isn't particularly exciting but there's lots to do in the area.
The train journey from fort william to Mallaig follows a very scenic route.
The Harry Potter train aka the Jacobite train along the Glenfinnan Viaduct
Glasgow
Last on my list is Glasgow: it has always been touted as the Scottish city to visit if you like shopping. However, it's not 1 of my favorite parts of Scotland though it has its fans. (For shopping, London is better anyway.)
Tips
1. Get your train tickets in advance to save money
2. If you're doing quite a few train trips, a Railcard is great value.
3. You can take the Caledonian sleeper train for overnight train travel from London to Scotland (Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Fort William, Glasgow, and Inverness.)