Omega Holidays

As Dr Johnson said, the man who is tired of London has probably been watching too much EastEnders.

Certainly Scots have been enjoying a weekend in London ever since the Victorians hammered down the final nails in the rail link.

The combination of a scenic rail journey and a long weekend exploring the diverse delights of one of the world’s great cities retains a powerful appeal even in the era of the jet-set city break.

Today’s Big Deal is an invitation to pack the Louis Vuitton and the glad rags, offering rail travel to London from four Scottish cities, 4-star accommodation in central London and the option to take in a top West End show.

Weekend London break

Available on various dates until the 31st March, the offer is for two people to travel by train to London on the Friday morning and return on Sunday.

The Big Deal options 1, 3, 5 and 7 offer return standard class rail travel from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen or Dundee and two nights bed and breakfast accommodation in the 4-star Thistle Euston Hotel.

Options 2, 4, 6 and 8 offer return standard class rail travel from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen or Dundee, two nights bed and breakfast accommodation in the 4-star Thistle Euston Hotel, and two tickets for a Friday night West End theatre show.

Those who want to travel in style can upgrade to first class rail travel at an additional charge of £40 per person from Glasgow, £70 from Aberdeen and Dundee and £50 from Edinburgh.

West End glamour

The shows on offer include some of the biggest box-office draws in the West End. Theatre-goers can choose from hits such as Billy Elliott, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia!, The Lion King, Phantom, Thriller, War Horse and Wicked.

With a range that includes Lloyd-Webber favourites, jukebox musicals, tear-jerking drama and heart-warming kids’ classics, there’s a show to suit every taste.

Theatre tickets are in Category A, also known as Top Price, in the Stalls or Dress Circle for a Friday evening performance.

The lure of London

Three days in London offer plenty of opportunities to see the lights and sights, dine out and indulge in some intensive shopping. Here’s how the weekend pans out:

Day 1 – After travelling from their chosen rail station in the morning, guests check in to the Thistle Euston hotel, handily situated close to their arrival point. The remainder of the day is at leisure. In the evening, guests who have opted for the West End show will make their own way to the theatre, easily accessed by Underground or taxi. After the performance, guests will make their own way back to the hotel.

Day 2 – After breakfast, the day is at leisure for sightseeing and shopping. Possible options include taking in the traditional sights of St. Paul’s, the Tower and Westminster Abbey, riding the London Eye on the South Bank, or, alternatively, an entertaining stroll around the East End hipster enclaves and markets.

Day 3 – After breakfast and checking out of the hotel, (settling any outstanding charges incurred), guests can enjoy more free time in London before the return rail journey home in the afternoon/early evening.

Ideal gift option

A break in the capital makes a perfect gift, particularly for a loved one with a fondness for the thrilling spectacle of a West End show.

London is a magical destination and this Big Deal offers all of the city’s attractions in a convenient package, with direct departures from four Scottish cities.