Americans First Time Taking the Train in the UK (Azuma Bullet Train London to Newcastle)

Today we are taking our first train in the UK, traveling from London to Newcastle on the high-speed train Azuma on LNER in Standard Class. It's our first time exploring Kings Cross, so we have to check out Platform 9 3/4 (sort of) and grab some Greggs (finally trying some of the items we were previously recommended) before boarding the Azuma train to Newcastle.
New here? Check out some of our other UK travels:
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First time trying Greggs: • Americans Try Greggs f...
First time visiting York: • York England: Most AMA...
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Want to plan a trip with us? Take this short questionnaire about taking a holiday together: my.trovatrip.com/public/l/sur...
This video was filmed October 26, 2022.
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[@TheMagicGeekdom]

New here? Check out some of our other UK travels, like our first time driving a car in the UK: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5eZeHtvfK54nJI&t First time trying Greggs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3zMe6CejJp6bpY&t

[@martinvegas1327]

Loving these videos👍

[@brianwhittington5086]

The reason for all the different London main line stations dates back many decades. It is from before nationalisation, when lots of independent companies operated the railways from different areas of the UK, into their own London station.

[@berillyispog]

@@brianwhittington5086 yh the big four

[@paddyjoe1884]

Mind you UK "high speed trains" aren't even close to the speed or level of service you'll get on European high speed lines (or in Japan). But then again I've been on Amtrak trains....And VIA rail....

[@ethantunnell8009]

That is not the Shanghai Manglev Bullet Train made by the Japanese it more likely be a French TGV or the Locamotive that was supposed to run the HS2 Route before it thankfully got stopped. FYI It's St Pancras International not St Pancras.

[@MrRaisin56]

'Bullet Train' - Being from the UK this makes me laugh so much 🤣🤣

[@porthmeor1]

The Azuma engine design is based on the Japanese 'Bullet Train'

[@jamesadamson7821]

Unless the train is full, feel free to move to any seat or coach within the same class.

[@bakedbeanishdragon]

as long as it isn't reserved!

[@johnross2924]

@@bakedbeanishdragon you can sit in a reserved seat up to the station where the person that has reserved the seat gets on 👍

[@thepenguin9]

@@johnross2924 even then you can sit in it until that person comes along

[@johnnyboy3949]

@@bakedbeanishdragon If it is reserved and no one sits in it then you can sit in it.

[@mattvjmeasures]

Unless it's a Tuesday, in which case you must first get written permission from the Deputy Head, but only if your brother is not attending formal hall, in which case you need to first move your PE kit on to the lower peg, except in those cases where permission-amnesty has been enacted due to PTA-reform, in which case you should, of course use the upper peg. Is that clear ? Then, yes, you may move freely around the carriage

[@LondonNorthEasternRailway]

Thanks for travelling with us, guys. Hope you enjoyed your journey and had a great time in Newcastle! 🚅

[@metaversalthreat]

STOP CANCELLING TRAINS! I see you 👀

[@NateDargyy]

i bump all ur trains

[@DelinquentRevenge]

MUM GET THE CAMERA!!! Finally a train company that is on youtube.

[@liamc19]

Cool you're engaging on KZbin - maybe you and the government should engage with your striking workers too 😐

[@porthmeor1]

@@liamc19 Absolutely...£65,000 per year for a driver is no where near enough.

[@sundog486]

What nice people, to have been so positive and polite about our UK quirks. I'll watch more!

[@_purble]

"20 minutes to spare, so it's like down to the wire" 🤣 That's like forever early. I've had platform announcements 5 mins before departure. I've also sometimes turned up at the station with only 5 minutes to spare and it's totally fine. You certainly don't *need* to be there early in general, although it helps for a more relaxed experience.

[@code-on-Trip-app]

The schedule was so tight that I was afraid of unexpected delays, so I bought non-refundable discounted tickets.😭

[@stevieinselby]

It really depends on your anxiety levels! When I'm going down to London to see my parents, I get to the station 5 minutes before the train, because it's a 15 minute walk from my house to the station and I know exactly how long it takes me ... but coming back, I aim to get to Kings Cross _at least_ half an hour before the train, because by the time I've got the bus from their house to their local station and then got a train from there in to central London, there are so many possible delays that I don't want to risk missing my train. And I'm always travelling on a cheap ticket that ties me to a specific train, so if I miss it not only do I have a 2 hour wait for the next one but it would also be very expensive!

[@chipsthedog1]

To do it right you need to turn up at the last possible minute and get an adrenaline rush trying to find what platform your train is on and then do a mad dash thinking you are going to miss it. We'll that's how my family always seem to do it.

[@miniroll32]

Subscribed! You both have a lovely way about you. Glad you had a nice time here in the UK and you got out of London 😊

[@sarahstrong7174]

We do not usually use the term 'coach' when referring to different classes of tickets in the U.K. Usually we just call them 'first class' or 'second', otherwise known as 'standard class', like our postage.

[@aldertravels]

Haven't seen it called Second clas in terms of modern, day to day services for a long time lmao

[@puddycat2325]

I usually use the term “scum class” but maybe they only call it that in first.

[@racelox]

Did you know that...they're American? And Americans have different terms for things?

[@6panel300]

Or cattle class

[@MoistMoments]

There actually used to be a third class

[@FormallyknownasE100]

Well done for travelling by train. The great thing in the UK (and most of europe) is you can turn up about 5 minutes before the train departs with no bother. It's more like a bus than an aeroplane. You can also get flexible tickets which mean you can turn up and go on any train with no reservation.

[@joyfulzero853]

It does depend; if you haven't booked seats and you are travelling from the starting station it is well worth getting there 15 mins early to get a good choice of seat.

[@jazzzzdude]

the down side is that it costs an arm and a leg. Other European countries' rail operators charge a fraction of what our's do. Rip-off.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

jazzzzdude Swings and roundabouts. In Germany for example you can't get a day return. You have to pay for 2 singles. In Britain a day return is not much more than a single. Its not all rosey abroad, and having spent 3 years in the Ruhr area (Dusseldorf, Bochum, Dortmund) I can tell you that late trains, cancelled trains, strikes etc were the norm. And don't get me started on the lack of luggage space!!!

[@malcolmrose3361]

@@lyndoncmp5751 Exactly - here in Spain they had / have a shortage of AVE drivers and trains - who'd have thought that extending the network, and adding stops to the existing network over the last few years would mean that you'd need more trains and the drivers for them? So for the last couple of years the frequency of service has fallen to the cities already on the network - although they are trying to rectify this now.

[@code-on-Trip-app]

Recently, you can get discounts on purchases from the UK and Europe on trainpal, you can try it!

[@gerardjackson1901]

Facing back used to be the posh way to travel on trains. You didn't get soot in your face if a window was opened!

[@user-cz4dg5ul1i]

I feel like this is so nice and wholesome! There are plenty of problems with train travel in the UK for sure, but when it works well (which is a lot of the time too) then it’s a really great way to travel. Pleased that you had a good experience with this one. ❤

[@bobberyank384]

As an American who now lives in Kensington, London, I find it a wonderful treat to tour and see the country on my motorcycle. You actually feel the vibe of the towns as you arrive. Keep the videos coming!!!

[@trueriver1950]

Tip for motorcyclists: don't make the mistake of booking a seat that faces backwards

[@damianbutterworth2434]

@@trueriver1950 At least you an smoke on a motorbike. :)

[@normanpearson8753]

​@@damianbutterworth2434 You can smoke on a bike , but my ashtray is next to the throttle . Typical Jap bad design .

[@Ozymandi_as]

You must visit Durham (you actually passed through it on the train, about 10 minutes before you arrived in Newcastle). Built on the instructions of William the Conqueror, and completed in 1133, the cathedral is probably the finest Romanesque church in Europe - it's stunningly beautiful. It clings to the top of a high promontory formed by the River Wear below, and is guarded by a castle that is about 950 years old. The surrounding streets and walks by the River are really lovely. The university is almost 200 years old, and although the city is quite small, it is full of charm.

[@asdukgaming1478]

Durham is not a must visit place its full of chavs and drug dealers

[@stanleyt.7930]

@@B-A-L that's nonsense. The Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle, and the Beamish Open Air Museum are well worth visiting, and there's lovely countryside in the west of the county

[@calmeilles]

Mildly surprised that it wasn't noted in the vid, even just passing through the view _of_ Durham from the train is lovely.

[@haroldvonschwartzenstien3581]

@@B-A-L shildon lad here, they’ll be alright 😉🤣

[@michaeljackson2838]

@@stanleyt.7930 On our last visit to the UK in 2012 we singled out Beamish and it was brilliant. Sadly we had to leave mid afternoon because we had to get to the NYMR at Grosmont for a steam festival. Next trip back is 2024 so it is again on the list. The night before going to Beamish we stayed at Pity Me! Loved it. Didn't know much about that part of the North East, but it was excellent. Planning to do the Wall walk on my return.

[@JonathanMorris777]

As someone who works on the railway (you passed my station on your journey) I am so glad you had a positive experience, and hope you'll have many more on your visit here!

[@andymullaney1594]

A love the trains with my late father been a train driver,he started on Steam trains ,in Yorkshire , 🔥 firering coal , fireman ,🤗

[@hikingwiththeshackletons]

I have absolutely no idea why this was in my ‘recommendations’ but I have to say I really enjoyed it. Thank you 😊

[@bubba842]

Thanks for highlighting all the amazing places in the UK that sometimes get left behind in the shadow of London. Although, the train you were on is not really classed as high speed rail. The only official high speed rail in the UK is the HS1 line, which runs from London St Pancras to the channel tunnel. You will be very impressed at the speed of the Eurostar to Paris. 300kph (186mph) is really impressive.

[@Trainman10715]

With a line speed of 125 mph the east coast mainline meets the European defenition of an upgraded high speed line, the Selby bypass section additionally meets the defenition of a dedicated high speed line, so yes the train he was on is high speed rail. The great Western mainline and west coast mainline are both upgraded high speed lines, the east coast mainline is a dedicated/upgraded high speed line, and HS1 is a dedicated high speed line. The UK has several high speed lines in other words

[@AL5520]

As @trainman10000 said, as an upgraded line it can be considered by some definition as high speed train, but on the lowest side. As for HS1, it is currently the only full dedicated high speed line in the UK but personally I do not think you can consider it to be a UK high speed line as it does not serve the UK itself, you can only ride the train if you're leaving the UK to the rest of Europe so it does not serve as a transport mean inside the UK. HS2, when it's open, will be the first actual UK high speed line.

[@BlockieBoy_and_Trevor]

@@AL5520 Southeastern operates a high speed service stopping on places the eurostar doesn't, as well as the places it does. HS1 does serve as a transport eman inside the UK, albeit a limited one as it was designed for the erurostar

[@leebennett1821]

London overpriced overcrowded up it's own arse

[@leondenny4319]

Yep I'd recommend a little trip on the Southwestern Javelin (Class 395) on HS1 from St Pancras to Kent a nice little run on 140mph. Or you could go the whole route to Dover, but after Kent it slows down to conventional speeds.

[@nightowl5395]

I like these two; their positivity and enthusiasm is infectious. They are quite brave...visiting and travelling around in the middle of winter this time...not to mention in the middle of train strikes (though not sure of the timeline here 🤔) Anyway, such fun - as Miranda's mother would say - and it makes me feel like taking a train trip somewhere....'though not 'til the spring 😣

[@MattBDG]

I mean the green trees and the fact she’s not wearing a coat are kind of giveaways….

[@nightowl5395]

@@MattBDG oh yes.... 🤭

[@daveaglasgow]

Obviously not winter, but it is the UK, travelling here in winter is not exactly dangerous or difficult.

[@SteamboatWilley]

If you're visiting Newcastle, I highly recommend a day out to Beamish museum. It's an easy bus ride from Newcastle and has a lot to see.

[@Jackosaurus117]

I’m from Newcastle and had a friend from the US come to visit me in October it was awesome. Going to see him in Baltimore next year. Hope you guys had a great time

[@martinshepherd626]

Been to Newcastle a few times (I'm from Bristol in the South West) I love Newcastle and its citizens, its a very underrated City and the Geordies are honest, hardworking and friendly people.

[@geordieboy8945]

And the folk from Bristol sound 'Canny' too!😀

[@janebaker966]

I live in Bristol and I hope to visit Newcastle area next summer. I want to see the museum about Roman life they've got in that area. Somewhere. I'll research the details if or when I know I can go. I'm even hoping I could do a day to Holy Island.

[@garethhope1155]

@@janebaker966 Segedunum Roman Fort Wallsend North Tyneside is the last part of the Hadrian’s Wall, as for Holy Island in North Northumberland if your driving up via the A1 just make sure you check the tide times for getting across the Causeway at Holy Island on the way across and for the way back as well.

[@6panel300]

Newcastle is place I must visit one day. Plenty of architecture.

[@Laura_Suzanne]

@@janebaker966 We've got quite a few Roman museums/forts along Hadrian's Wall route. Vindolanda. Sedgedunum. Arbeia.

[@jenscee7679]

As a Geordie, you should have gone to a Newcastle Greggs. Until they went national, they were Greggs of Gosforth (a suburb of Newcastle) They still make the best Stottie Cake (a delicious oven bottom flat loaf)

[@barrysteven5964]

If you want to try something regional have a stottie cake with boiled ham (gammon is best) with pease pudding.

[@michaeldoolan7595]

My Gran and Dad are Geordies, and she called them Fadges.

[@mrbluesky2050]

YEP ! got to agree with that

[@kevinorman9732]

Sounds epic, next time I'm there I'll try one.

[@streaky81]

The thing to remember about King's Cross and St Pancras is the above ground railways are two entirely separate stations (though across the road from each other) that serve entirely different areas of the country (and foreign destinations in the case of St Pancras also) - but underground it is a massive, shared complex that sits underneath both of them. Good place to go in the event of impending nuclear attack, but use the deep tunnels ;) By the way UK railway trick for tourists and others, particularly on the LNER - if you know where you're going and when and can prebook a specific train first class is only very very very slightly more expensive which given the free drinks (including wine and beer), free food, free wifi and extra leg room that is included it's very very worth considering, also you can bet that it's likely they'll still have at seat service on that train in first.

[@katrinabryce]

They are 5 separate stations: St Pancras, St Pancras International, St Pancras Thameslink, Kings Cross, and Kings Cross St Pancras.

[@Wharferine]

@@katrinabryce but annoyingly many people call all of them kings cross.

[@Lee_303]

I wouldn't trust Kings X as a bunker, it didn't fare well in the fire & still has lots of long open tunnels & cavernous ticket halls.

[@chrisinnes2128]

@@katrinabryce and there used to be another station too; kings cross York road

[@redrobins65hkr58]

York Road runs along side the station...only one st Pancras station and one King's x....the other names are rail service names

[@robertstirk5635]

Nice to see a video of Americans getting out of London and going to Greggs! I'm a northerner and you 2 would be more than welcome in my local pub haha.

[@BlazeClone]

Even though the design is inspired off a high speed bullet train, the Hitachi trains used by LNER branded as AZUMA were tailored for the UKs railways and are not high speed rail or bullet trains. Since the track our railways run on is still very old, a legally required speed limiter is in the train set to 125mph, however these trains do have faster acceleration than the 50 year old trains it replaced despite the speed limit enforced on it

[@Trainman10715]

125 is high speed rail, a 125 mph line speed meets the European defenition of an upgraded high speed line, the Selby bypass section of the ecml additionally meets the defenition of a dedicated high speed line, so yes it is high speed rail. Unfortunately faster acceleration doesn't do much for trains doing infrequent stops, the trains they replaced were mostly only touching 30 years of age, the oldest were just over 40, none of it was near 50. The faster acceleration certainly isn't worth the downgrade in almost every other way over the older rolling stock

[@dcarbs2979]

@@Trainman10715 Technically, we've had High Speed Rail for around 100 years, since the A4 Pacific broke (and still holds) the steam world record. Faster than the current train!

[@Michelle-iz5bh]

I love you two. Just the joy of your travels and trying new things. Wishing you both a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year x

[@christineplant9453]

I love seeing my country from a different perspective. Thank you!

[@Flint_Westwood]

Enjoyed watching this. Kudos for venturing outside of London and the South East. Newcastle is a fantastic city that often gets overlooked.

[@calvinbrown740]

Love your videos exploring our great country. Hope you have a great time in Newcastle im from Durham not too far away.

[@adamreeves6670]

You two are great people I've being watching for around a year now proberly watched 15 vids. and I hop you keep up the good work/vids

[@therocpd]

I lived in Newcastle for 4 years recently and I love when people visiting the UK get to see more than just London

[@code-on-Trip-app]

In fact, life in Newcastle is quite comfortable. It can only be said that there are not many famous attractions, which leads many tourists not to consider it. The train station is also very close, very convenient, and you can often buy discounts.

[@BlameThande]

I'm from Doncaster and it was fun to see my home city (as recently upgraded to city status in the Platinum Jubilee!) featured on the video, however briefly. We are mostly known for our railway connections and train building due to our MP Edmund Beckett Denison in the 1850s "persuading" the railway companies to put the works here. His son was the bloke who designed the clock mechanism for Big Ben. Also Doncaster Minster which you mention is indeed impressive, not many people know it was only built in the 1850s to replace an older church that burned down - but they emulated the style perfectly.

[@alanharrison2726]

An DMBC is a set of pricks ,lol ,

[@Dan-B]

Same. I was NOT expecting the travel channel I watch to go to my home city of Doncaster 😆

[@derekyounger2021]

I'm from Donny as well, I support Newcastle United and Rovers, of course, also ex-BR so this is pretty much perfect viewing for me. Hint, you don't have to stay in your reserved seats if you see unreserved or not taken up seats you can move to them if you prefer.

[@gazza1858]

@@derekyounger2021 another Glory hunter that’s jumped on Saudi bandwagon 😏

[@jimbaines1560]

@@Dan-B o

[@SHiggy50]

I love the way you're tucking into to all the different Greggs offerings, and thoroughly enjoying the moment! Welcome to the UK x

[@philrob1978]

This was great, thanks for sharing! Seems like you had a relatively smooth train experience up to our wonderful city of Newcastle, which given the recent chaos, I'm happy for you guys. I've seen your subsequent Newcastle/Durham vlogs and its sort of strange seeing our home through newcomers eyes - kind of just makes you appreciate what you have even more. Hope you come back soon, and I'd be glad to show you around some of the more less touristy spots!

[@barryleslie7727]

What an awesome video! The train service has improved so much over the last 15 years, and I frequently take the trains from Peterborough to London and they are nice and clean and really well thought out now.

[@Regnbuesolv]

You are both so lovely! So glad you had a nice journey on LNER. Also hope you enjoyed Newcastle, as it's a beautiful city.

[@doobiedootwo3517]

Oh i was looking forward to seeing Durham from the train window - there is some amazing scenery between Newcastle and Edinburgh 🤗

[@markhardcastle9820]

That’s my weekly commute. Interesting to hear a different perspective. Pleased they weren’t on strike.

[@SouthWalesTrainSpotter]

The Train that you saw at Doncaster was the class 91 and that's the only one in that livery as it was specially painted to represent the old BR intercity days nice video and so nice to see Americans over here in the UK :)

[@frankcorr6566]

Im so glad you enjoyed your trip. Welcome to the UK.

[@barrieshepherd7694]

A tip for any overseas visitor to the UK, proposing to use long distance train travel more than twice, is to look at buying a BritRail Pass before you leave home - they cannot be purchased once you have landed in the UK. They offer unlimited travel by any train, in various forms - concatenated days, single days, multiple days etc. - and are very good value. Available in First and Standard Classes and can be limited to whole of UK or just particular areas.

[@briankeniry219]

There's a phrase, "Let the train take the strain". Yea, the rains are good. I hope you'd seen it, but perhaps a bit of advanced warning would have helped but, one of the best scenes to be had from the East Coast Main Line, which you were on, is the view of Durham Cathedral and Castle. You can get a good view from the train if you look out the left-hand side just before the train enter Durham station.

[@isctony]

Your video was in my recommended - I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it and it's always so nice to hear visitors to our country enjoying their experiences! The trains in the UK are indeed very good on the whole - hopefully you are not disrupted by the train strikes that are currently going on at various times. Enjoy Newcastle and the rest of your stay in England/the UK (wherever you may be going!)

[@iallso1]

Trains in the UK most have improved since I lived there, they were not that great compared to those I have travelled on elsewhere, (Ontario, France, Germany, Japan which was awesome, Queensland, Victoria and New Zealand which was slow but the scenery made up for it).

[@harrychown6854]

Because London is apparently the centre of the universe, the trains that go to and from London tend to be very good (yet extraordinarily expensive, to the point that I just drive as it's usually cheaper). But the other trains in the country are a shambles. Try going across the North. Say, from Bradford to Manchester, or Middlesbrough to Newcastle, or Preston to Leeds. They are old fashioned, 2 carriage trains, extremely overcrowded, extremely slow, oh, and expensive as well. And rarely run on time if they run at all.

[@Samouraii]

Found this on reccomended, glad you're enjoying the UK. I really enjoy when people visiting go places other than London particularly when they visit the North East where I'm from and gets so overlooked. Hope you have a good time and the train strikes don't hurt your journeys too much!

[@JohtoJordan]

I adore Newcastle, hope you guys enjoyed it

[@Alan316100]

Very enjoyable vid, thank you 🙂

[@colinearnshaw7725]

Greggs are based in Newcastle. Enjoy the Toon! I'm in Hexham, 20 miles east in the Tyne valley.

[@scots_knight4706]

Really good to see you back, I've been subscribed for awhile and always enjoy your videos. Take care 😊

[@bb-3653]

I love sitting above the motor wheels, sound of the trains motors really adds to the journey!!

[@barrieshepherd7694]

That's the place I don't like - mid carriage is best (and also the safest in an accident)

[@wigleo4216]

Glad you guys got to try Greggs again and got a better experience this time round!

[@pumpkinlyd4409]

True story about that church in Doncaster. I once cut through the path that goes to town and there was a man pooping in a bush. Right in the open. Classic donny.

[@disneyanddaysout]

Another great video!

[@guyosborne2696]

Make sure you visit The Centurion Bar on Newcastle Station if just to view the interior.

[@camgaz2012]

Love you two. Love watching you travel. ❤️

[@davidreay5911]

You missed, 'The Deltic Locomotive Years ', which was a treat for all rail fans.

[@colinbaker3916]

Hope you enjoy it here. We’re a train loving country, which is why it’s sad that train travel is ridiculously expensive, and working out the best fares is very complex. The most stunning stretch of railway in England is probably the Settle-Carlisle line. I still hope to experience beautiful railways in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The most beautiful station in the UK may be Corrour in Scotland, another one for me to tick off… … but it’s expensive! ❤

[@darrylrichardson7940]

With your name I thought you would be travelling by TARDIS

[@racelox]

Working out the best fare is straightforward, many sites do it. Split ticketing is the best way.

[@joyfulzero853]

Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh is very impressive as well.

[@t.a.k.palfrey3882]

It's good that you appeared to enjoy travelling by train. I haven't used anything but the train and local buses during my last 20 yrs of visits to the UK. The same has been true of inter-city travel throughout western Europe. During my decade in the US, I used a train just four times: DC to NY, and Seattle to Vancouver BC. I think that says it all.

[@normanpearson8753]

I did the D.C. to N.Y. Walking would have been quicker .

[@davebirch1976]

Yeah it's a bit confusing as the underground station is called Kings Cross St Pancras.

[@abarratt8869]

Re: trains being relaxing. When they work well, fabulous. There was once an advertising tagline, "Let the train take the strain"

[@stevieinselby]

Trains are far and away the best way to travel long distance in the UK - so much quicker and less stressful than driving (as well as being better for the environment). And I say that as someone who really enjoys driving ... but where's the enjoyment of slogging along a motorway for hours? And on most of the main intercity routes there are trains every 30 minutes, so it's generally pretty convenient as well.

[@barryrees1863]

Glad you enjoyed the train and thanks for the video. I normally see a different view of the journey as I am a driver working for LNER based at Kings Cross 👍👍

[@Denise-ll7cj]

Looking forward to you showing the local sights from my home town..Gateshead…and Newcastle! Enjoy!

[@ahmadalqallaf8281]

Love Newcastle lived there and in the northeast for few years as a student, hope you’ll enjoy the city 👍🏻

[@justsammy8258]

So pleased you recommend other parts of the UK, England isn’t just London! Enjoy your visit

[@teresaravenshaw5477]

And the UK isn't just England.

[@Irishlad1916]

@@teresaravenshaw5477Agreed. Hopefully the U.K. won’t be around much longer anyway.

[@teresaravenshaw5477]

@@Irishlad1916 Ah, someone else who wants to see the UK dissolve. Me too, me too.

[@pommiebears]

@@teresaravenshaw5477 That’s nice. You want to see the UK dissolve?

[@StanVanGundy1]

Hope you had a fun adventure

[@grahvis]

Other than Eurostar, you don't have to be particularly early to catch a train, with most you have up to two minutes before departure, though obviously not a good idea to cut it that fine.

[@annother3350]

no but you have to allow extra time getting TO the station in case of cancellations, rail repairs, road works etc

[@maxwilson5176]

@@annother3350 or allow extra time in case of leaves on the track, the wrong type of stars in the sky...perhaps a potato on the line. The railways here 💀💀

[@PolarBear4]

I usually go for 15 mins early. Gives me time to grab a cuppa and head to the platform ready to get on and settled. I know when I travelled by train to get to/from uni and it had changes I used to get super anxious in case I missed my connection! I'd usually go for a minimum of 30 mins in case train 1 was delayed. I cut it close a few times still. First out train was very delayed and I asked the staff member doing tickets what time they expected us in so I knew if I'd make my train. She went away and checked to find out the train was still behind ours and got the platform number at the station I was changing at for me (Sheffield) which was incredibly nice. The 2nd time I knew it would be close so I picked a station (Chesterfield?) where there was only 1 platform so I was getting off and on at the same one so I didn't have to rush across a station lol.

[@mikemoreno4469]

That was marvellous. I've been on the Tyne bridge with my mum and dad back in 1990.

[@slimofbonar1978]

love train travel, glad you enjoyed it

[@nathanmiller9632]

Welcome to the toon. I hope you enjoy your time here!!

[@stelloyd5817]

It's great that you like to visit our country

[@jasonsmart3482]

Newacstle is somewhere I have never been, although did stay in South Shields when we did a mini UK tour as we wanted to see The Angel and go to the wonderful Beamish Living Museum.

[@_GeekyDad_]

Yay for Doncaster, my home town.

[@drewmidgley9717]

Home to the pilgrims that first settled in America.

[@BlameThande]

@@drewmidgley9717 Indeed, shame we missed doing a 400th anniversary celebration due to that being 2020 and, well, you know.

[@britbazza3568]

Welcome to the UK I hope you enjoy your trip to the UK.

[@AustinBarnestl319]

I’m impressed you pronounced Peterborough correctly. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@livingonthetyne]

I took this exact trip yesterday, as I live in Newcastle and had been visiting the London West End to visit a couple of theatre shows. I hope you enjoy the UK.

[@danielfrench753]

Doncaster!! My home city!!

[@robvinton1628]

Whoa! Your in the toon guys 🥰😍 Welcome to Newcastle. (The toon) I’m sure the Geordie’s will give you a very warm welcome! and the Hilton has great views of quayside.

[@fabshop6359]

Cracking video!

[@deanalfey5160]

So happy yours came to my hometown of Newcastle hope yours enjoyed it godbless 🙏

[@matthewharding7342]

Brings back memories. Pre pandemic I travelled to London from Leeds twice a month. Found the new Azumas seats really uncomfortable compared to the previous trains. The East Coast line is in government hands and yes, still staff shortages. It never changes!

[@tonys1636]

Most modern train seats are far too hard even the first class ones. Bring back the soft comfy moquette covered horsehair and sprung but often very dusty ones. 5 minutes into the journey and I was always asleep not now as can't get comfy.

[@streaky81]

I thought I was the only one - they're sized badly if you're even vaguely tall and the head cushion thing digs in your back really badly. Spent many a train journey complaining to their staff on twitter about them ;)

[@noeldunford4955]

I found azuma seats ok but they are a lovely ride

[@aldertravels]

Luckily as you are from Leeds you still get chance of a 91!

[@stevenwiles38]

I'm from Newcastle and I'm absolutely chuffed that you came to visit this part of the UK, hope it was a good experience, weather's normally wet up here though! Can't wait to see some videos of Newcastle!

[@newbris]

I'm Australian, who just got tears in their eyes seeing them pull up into Newcastle Central. I really miss it.

[@copperfield3629]

I just happened on your video, fascinating to see this through your eyes and glad you're enjoying your travels around Britain 👍

[@wendysmith6981]

Another great video, thanks for sharing. Cara could I suggest better audio, for some reason I can't hear you properly. Safe travels. Take care.

[@rahmij]

Gregg's is the nectar of the Gods. Their steak bakes and sausage rolls are to die for!

[@davidrobert2007]

Fun fact: You can tell what filling is inside a Greggs pastry bake by the secret code pattern on the pastry 😊 Diagonal lines: steak. Wavy horizontal lines: chicken. V shape lines: cheese & onion. Straight horizontal lines: sausage, beans & cheese.

[@andydeakin7914]

Yes - trains in the uk are generally quieter, because in the uk we talk in a lower tone on public transport. That stereotype of Americans being loud is absolutely true, especially on public transport. Nice video!

[@delukxy]

However, I couldn't hear what these two were saying on the train even with my laptop's sound up to the max.

[@shaunmckenzie5509]

@@delukxy best to get earphones, you'll be able to hear easier

[@jimmyjohnstone5878]

Loud people do appear on UK trains. Especially those doing FaceTime at high volume. Or drunk women on hen do trips.

[@chrisarcher5573]

I'm always slightly excited when I use platform 0 at Kings Cross

[@FeatherzMcG]

It was really charming to see you guys discover and enjoy things/places that are so familiar to me. The Edingurgh-London Route. Greggs. Newcastle, my adopted home. Even the exact ticket gates at 3:18, where I once got my large suitcase stuck. Hope you guys had a great time.

[@skinchftzalmoxis9843]

Hope you are having / had a great time. Hope you noticed Durham from the train! Your fellow American Bill Bryson is a big fan of our cathedral here! Look forward to seeing the rest of your uk travels. And Paris too? Ooh la laa!

[@petercooper7711]

Another interesting video!

[@Lee_303]

If you'd have done these journeys a few years previous, the trains had very comfortable seats but now it's ironing boards.

[@brunobeloff9611]

I was born in London. I first travelled on that line in 1963 when I was a baby and grew up in Scotland. I've been doing King's Cross to Edinburgh (the end of that route) at least once a year for most of my life. It's fascinating to see what people from other countries think of it. Glad you enjoyed the journey and thank you for the video!

[@pommiebears]

I was born in London too. Unfortunately, it takes me two flights and 23 hrs in total, to get home. I wish I could get a train. Lol. 🌹

[@otisreed8799]

Welcome to Newcastle, hope you have a great time!

[@lyndamcdougal3300]

Newcastle is where Greggs started in the 70’s. Love Greggs. You will love Newcastle it’s a great city.

[@jodiedrew9367]

Another great vlog. I live near Peterborough 👋 Have a great journey x

[@LondonEmergency999]

When Crossrail 2 opens, one of the proposed stations, Euston St Pancras, will most certainly confuse even more tourists. Hilarious.

[@wharpblast264]

Unlike a plane a train can travel in reverse. So sometimes First Class will be at the front, sometimes reverse. As I remember travelling towards London, First Class tends to be at the front. Presumably so First Class passengers can get off quicker at London Termini. Tends to be less important at other stations.

[@caw25sha]

Yes, I think on that line 1st class is always at the southern end, so nearest the ticket barriers at King's Cross.

[@barrieshepherd7694]

@@caw25sha Yes - it's so the gentry can get the Hansome Cabs before the hoi polloi

[@davidthompson882]

Hope you enjoy your time in Geordie land I’m on the coast in Seaham so not far away, have a goodn

[@thatquail]

Azuma bullet train, great comedy 😂