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LGW destination photo
EDI destination photo

LGWEDI

Which side of the plane to sit from London Gatwick Airport (London) to Edinburgh Airport (Edinburgh)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side is superior for the approach into Edinburgh, offering iconic views of the city skyline, Arthur's Seat, and the historic Forth Bridges during the descent over the Firth of Forth.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏙️

London Skyline

Depending on the departure route, catch a glimpse of the Shard and the City of London as you climb.

⛰️

North Pennines

Fly over the 'Backbone of England', featuring dramatic plateaus and deep glacial valleys.

🌊

North Sea Coastline

As the plane approaches Scotland, view the rugged Northumberland coast and the Farne Islands.

🏰

Edinburgh City & Castle

A stunning aerial view of the historic Old Town, the Castle, and the extinct volcano Arthur's Seat.

🌉

Forth Bridges

The highlight of the trip: the UNESCO-listed Forth Bridge and the modern Queensferry Crossing over the Firth of Forth.

The right side is essential for the 'Edinburgh Arrival'. Most flights land toward the west (Runway 24), meaning the plane loops over the Firth of Forth. This provides an incredible panorama of the city and the bridges. Sit behind the wing for the best photography angles of the landing gear extending over the water.

Left Side Highlights
7.0
🌳

The Cotswolds

View the quintessential English countryside with its rolling green hills and honey-colored stone villages.

🏔️

Peak District National Park

The rugged moorland and gritstone edges of the Dark Peak area are visible as you head north over the Midlands.

🏞️

The Lake District

On clear days, the distant jagged peaks of Cumbria and the shimmer of Windermere are visible to the northwest.

🌊

Solway Firth

The dramatic tidal estuary that forms part of the border between England and Scotland.

⛰️

Southern Uplands

The vast, sparsely populated hills of southern Scotland, often dotted with large-scale wind farms.

Choose the left side for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Irish Sea and the Lake District. During winter, this side offers the best views of snow-capped Cumbrian fells. On departure from Gatwick, you may also see the suburban sprawl of West London if the flight path tracks west of the capital.

Top Activities in Edinburgh
Route Information

Distance: 574 km (357 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 57 min

Departure: LGW (51.148102, -0.190278)

Arrival: EDI (55.95000076293945, -3.372499942779541)

Route Type: Domestic

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