The year 6s from Hall Road Academy were invited to experience an Edinburgh trip like no other when LNER offered to take the children on the Edinburgh Eye at the Scottish capital's Christmas market!
After an early start in Hull, we changed trains in York and settled onto our LNER train to take in the views on this magnificent rail journey. For many of the children, this was the first time they had seen the sites this line has to offer: from the Angel of the North, to Holy Island and Durham Cathedral.
After arriving in Edinburgh, we headed to our accommodation for the night to drop our bags before our visit to the National Museum of Scotland. This museum is fantastic for the children as each floor is completely interactive, with rocket experiments and telephone systems. There is even a team game, which all the children have to work together to light up the tesla coil.
After this, it was time for us to head to the Christmas Market, where Father Christmas himself was waiting for us. After all the children had a photograph and told Santa what they would like, we then went on the Edinburgh Eye. We were able to see right across Edinburgh and spotted the Forth Bridge, Holyrood House and Arthur's Seat.
Once we left the Eye, the surprises didn’t stop there as LNER told the children they had passes for everybody to go on the funfair rides, including the 80-meter-tall swing ride! This didn’t deter any of the children, who happily went on and had the time of their lives! After this, we headed off to the dodgems and waltzers. It’s safe to say the children had a fantastic time.
All of this worked up an appetite, so we headed off to Pizza Hut for our tea. Again, for many children this will be their first time in a restaurant; the pizza and ice-cream were an absolute hit and we all walked back to our accommodation through the Christmas lights, with full stomachs ready for a good night’s sleep.
Day 2 started around 7am with a round of toast and getting everything packed up into our bags. After this, we headed to the souvenir shops where the children were able to buy a nice reminder of our time in Edinburgh. After dropping these back at the room, we then walked down to Dynamic Earth. This is another interactive museum that starts with a time machine taking the children back 13.8 billion years! After watching the Big Bang, the museum then brings us back up to present day through evolution, 4D rides and even a rainforest.
Finally, we walked back to our accommodation to grab our bags and head for the train home.
This trip was a little different to our usual Edinburgh experiences but, thanks to LNER, we had an incredible time and one that I’m sure the children will never forget.
Shaun, Learning Experience Lead