!) bus from LHR to Reading, @) renting a car in Rerading

I understand your logic but personally I would go to your cottage straight from Heathrow - either a pre-booked taxi, or bus to Reading or Oxford then taxi to your cottage.

Hanging around Reading seems like a waste of a day.

local buses -
https://assets.goaheadbus.com/media/cms_page_media/3401/X39&X40_Timetable_January2017_WEB.pdf

https://www.thames-travel.co.uk/

Do be aware that car rental places in Reading that I am aware of anyway are not really that convenient for the railway station. Also that the road from Reading to Wallingford has a high accident record (A4074 - locally nicknamed the "Seven Bends of Death" from the area around Cane End after those who do not respect it) and might not be the easiest introduction to driving in the UK if you are unfamiliar with this.

In the centre of Reading there is a Novotel/Ibis combination close by to the station that would probably be the most convenient for the second half of your plans and possibly the first. As an alternative to getting the car in Reading you might consider taking the train to Didcot and hire a car from Enterprise which has an office in sight of the station. Bit of a back-track though.

The bus from Reading to Wallingford mentioned above is a decent enough option, although it is a local service rather than a long distance one so only basic comfort. Still not far to go.

Thank you both for your replies. Firstly, my husband is in his 70s so an overnight flight really wears him out and I'd like an easy way to a hotel so he can sleep it off. The RailAir Link between Heathrow and Reading sounds good. Also, our house rental does not begin until Friday the 14th. As for driving, I have driven in the UK for many years but prefer not to drive out of Heathrow, thus not picking up car til Friday seems best. It is really helpful to know about the location of the Reading station and the dangerous highway. However, if we're to take the train to Bodmin Parkway, Cornwall, it is direct from Reading and from Didcot we would have to change trains which we'd prefer not to do. I guess we'd have to take a cab from the hotel to the car rental place. Any other ideas will be much appreciated. I realize we're kind of losing a day in Reading but I think it's necessary. Thanks again so much for your help!!! Julia

If Enterprise suits they would normally come and pick you up. They are also situated on the Oxford Road which if you continue on it will take you fairly directly to Wallingford - slower route than I mentioned above but in some ways more to see along the way. Better than one of those situated to the south of the town where you would have to negotiate your way around.

Marco, that is very helpful. I'm looking at an AA Atlas. Can you give me the number of the Oxford Road? We're fine with B roads if that's what it is. And the Enterprise you're speaking of is in Reading, right? It sounds much better than anything on the south side of the city. Thanks again. I love getting info from people who actually live in the area. Cheers, Julia

The one I was thinking of from having seen it is 796 Oxford Road (RG30 1EL), but searching for this I see they also have a more central one on Chatham Street (RG1 7DS). I guess they would take you to this one which would be still OK just that you would drive down Oxford Road yourself.

thanks again! I see those locations and the Oxford Rd. on my Atlas. That's what we'll likely do. Their prices are same as others. All the best, Julia