Caledonian sleeper in December - where to go?

[Eyelashesoffire]

We're looking at going to Scotland on the Caledonian sleeper for a weekend in December. We've been to Edinburgh a few times so we're thinking about a different destination - Glasgow, Inverness? It's just DH and me, we're not into winter sports, we'd just like to mooch about, I'm thinking pubs, fireplaces, long lunches. Inverness looks lovely but maybe not in December? At least Edinburgh will have lots to do if the weather is very windy and rainy. Any recommendations?

By the time you finish your long lunch in Inverness, it’ll be getting dark. The days are very short in December.

Glasgow. Definitely not Inverness in December,
it’s not the prettiest or most interesting city on a good day!

Thanks, makes sense. I think Glasgow sounds good and have never been. Any recommendations on places to stay /eat / go?

I did the sleeper to Inverness this year and, if you're happy to pay the price, it did the job. I actually like Inverness and it's got some good train and bus links beyond, plus plenty to see in the town. However, if I went again, I'd fly.

If I did the sleeper again, especially out of season, I'd try Aberdeen. Architecturally marvellous apparently (all that granite!), near the coast, interesting N Sea oil links, plus I've not been.

Glasgow is, of course, better than both of them but IIRC you'd need to transfer.

No need to transfer; two separate sleepers leave London for Scotland, one of which calls at Glasgow.

Oooh, I didn't know that.

My Sleeper went to Inverness, with breakaway coaches to Fort William and Aberdeen (and maybe Edinburgh?) Thanks - I'd love to revisit Glagow. Although I still might fly...

Thanks for this thread, OP. I went here for food in Glasgow a looong time ago. Apparently it's still running: https://www.ubiquitouschip.co.uk/ It was fab then.

Plus, visit, the Burrell Collection, Kelvingrove, the Necropolis, the Cathedral, etc. Enjoy. Report back.

The early one splits at Edinburgh for the three destinations you mention. The later one splits at Carstairs; one part goes to Glasgow, the other to Edinburgh.

Glasgow is fab! Stay down next to the Clyde (Radisson Red has a lovely rooftop bar) and it’s not a long walk to Finnieston where there’s loads of nice food places and bars, not long into the centre.

Thanks! Rooftop bar sounds great. And near the Clyde...

Any locals know whether it's still worth taking the train to Largs? We did that in the previous century...

As someone from near Aberdeen I’d not do Aberdeen in winter, it’s quite striking but it is VERY grey, if they weathers grey it can be quite… oppressive?
Go in summer instead! I’d do Glasgow in winter it’s a really fun city

train to Largs and ferry over to Cumbrae is definitely worth a day out

We're booked! Glasgow for 2 nights. Any recommendations for things to do, places to eat, live music?

You definitely done the right thing going to Glasgow, Inverness is ok and the countryside and towns around it are lovely but it’s not a place to go in December for a weekend jolly. It doesn’t really get light till 8 30 and it’s dark by 3-3 30, it rains a lot less there than Glasgow but when the wind blows it is bloody cold and when it rains it’s miserable and very cold.
if you like art definitely the Burrell Collection although it’s in a slightly irritating place to get too. There’s decent cafe there as well least it was last time I went serving hot and cold food and even a decent gift shop 🤣. If you like shopping there’s loads of shops around St Enochs and Princess Square. Glasgow is famous for it’s restaurants food is big there so there are restaurants for all tastes and budgets.
Assume it’s going to rain and bring appropriate clothes you never know might be lucky. Have fun it’s a great city most Glaswegians are friendly and proud of their city.