Hi everyone! I’m moving from the US to York and would really appreciate some advice about getting there from Newcastle Upon Tyne (if anyone here has traveled between these two cities).

For a little context: 

I’ll be flying into Amsterdam with my two cats, taking the overnight ferry to Newcastle, and then traveling onward to York. Once I arrive, my main options seem to be:

1. Taking the train

2. Booking a pet-friendly taxi

3. Renting a car and driving myself

The train appears to be the cheapest option, but I’ll be traveling alone with two cat carriers and around three pieces of luggage, so I’m worried it may be difficult to manage everything by myself. :/

A taxi would probably be the easiest option, but the quotes I’ve seen are quite expensive. I'm already close at $4,000 for the flight and ferry travel costs!

That leaves renting a car, but I’ve never driven in the UK before and would be adjusting to driving on the opposite side of the road.

For anyone familiar with the route, how difficult do you think the drive is from Newcastle to York for someone driving in the UK for the first time? Is it mostly straightforward highway/motorway driving, or are there any particularly stressful sections, complicated junctions, or intimidatingly narrow roads?

Would you recommend driving in my situation, or do you think the train or a taxi would be a better option despite the cost concern and the luggage handling concern? Sorry, I know people always ask about driving in the UK threads. But I'm hoping to get information specifically between Newcastle and York. I haven't found a thread discussing this particular route.

 Image of Google map's suggested route for reference. Second image is how I feel planning this entire trip. It'll take me three days to get there with my cats! Insanity, haha.  

Thank you so much! Any suggestions, tips, or advice would be greatly appreciated. 

In Need of Advice: Would Newcastle to York be a difficult drive for a first-time UK driver?