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BritRail Pass vs individual tickets

I'm heading to England in late September (first time) and am trying to sort out whether I'm better off buying a BritRail Pass or just purchasing individual tickets as I go. I have about 3 weeks total in England. I don't have a set itinerary (except for the first week), so I'm flexible about dates and places to visit. My plan is to take the train from London to one location, stay there a few days, and then catch the train again to somewhere else. Given that I won't be traveling on consecutive days, it doesn't seem to make sense to purchase a BritRail "consecutive" Pass. But I see that there's a 3, 4, 8 or 15 day "flexipass" option (good for two-months), although I'm confused about whether that means 3, 4, 8 or 15 "consecutive" days or just 3, 4, 8 or 15 days total within a two-month period (i.e. non-consecutive). Can someone who has traveled by train a lot in England explain this to me?

Thanks in advance.

Kim

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16895 posts

It is hard for you to compare ticket prices without a planned itinerary, but the pass would have the advantage of allowing you to jump on any daytime train without requiring seat reservation or other advance purchase. The BritRail Pass offers both consecutive-day and flexi (nonconsecutive) options; see also Rail FAQ. BritRail England is the version to get if you don't need Scotland or Wales included. For a single adult age 26+, 8 flexi days in just England costs $425, which would cover your 8 longest travel days during your stay. You can get a better idea of the price comparison on our PDF Rail Guide (but note that all prices have gone up about $10). Starting any day, now BritRail's offer of an extra day free will return, for purchases made through about Aug. 27.