Are train reservations needed for London to Bath and back? If so when is the best time to buy?

Sarah - Yes, you should be able to purchase a same day return when you are in London. You can check out the National Rail website - www.nationalrail.co.uk to look at ticket prices.

There are very few National Rail services in the UK where reservations are absolutely obligatory and these are typically either related to special events, or ultra peak travel, such as Christmas Eve.

However, if you don't want to buy advance tickets tied to a particular service, you can still reserve seats if you wish.

The "Super Off-Peak Return" is the cheapest fare without restrictions to a booked service and costs £55, valid after 10:30.

Between 8:30 and 10:30, the ticket would be the Off-Peak Return @ £69. Before that it is £180! (Although you could buy a one way at £90 and something cheaper to return).

Maybe the best for you if you want to travel really early is to book an Advance for the outward leg - typically £30-£40, and travel back on a Super Off-peak single on any train for £31.50, giving you the flexibility when to return. This wouldn't be much more than the Off-Peak return.

Paddington will be your departure station & trains are usually about every 30 minutes. You will probably find cheaper fares for early trains on a Saturday rather than a weekday. Go to www.nationalrail.co.uk & put in for PAD > BTH. Now, try it for different days and dates & you will see how the fares vary. Click 'Details' & it will show you the stopping places en-route. Now, every other train usually stops at Didcot (DID) & all trains stop at Swindon(SWI). Having established the through fare, try split fares with Swindon being the split point. Now, try it with 3 tickets - PAD > DID return (any train); DID > SWI (same) & SWI > BTH (same). You might find this gives you the greatest flexibility without advance booking at the lowest price - but the train must stop at SWI & DID.

You do not need reservations. (Sit on the right going to Bath to be on the shaded side of the train).

You can, for a nominal amount, usually upgrade to First Class on the weekend. Train company - should you wish to advance book =
www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
http://visitbath.co.uk

In general for peak travel on this route split at Didcot and off peak and super off peak split at Swindon. (Super off peak savings though are negligible.) Although you can buy split tickets in one go, they do take more time to issue.

I've never needed reservations from Paddington to Bath, but some of the trains have been full.

Bath station is just off the town center, an easy walk to the sights. Go out early in the day, come back after dinner, and go walkabout inbetween.