Here's the situation:
We (couple, 65 & 61) arrive at Gatwick at noon on a Saturday in September from the US West Coast (about 14 hours in the air).
We plan to spend Sunday and Monday nights in Bath (London to wait for last several days before our return to the US).
For Saturday night we just want to take a train somewhere from Gatwick that will be a pleasant stop to overcome some jetlag en route to Bath. Going directly from Gatwick to Bath (as I read the train schedules) involves a train first to Victoria Station, then the tube to Paddington, then a train to Bath. A bit more complicated then we would like. We considered Brighton (because it has train service from Gatwick and to Bath the next day)_, but many have said they were less than impressed and it seems overpriced for what we actually need.
Ideas where we might head from Gatwick?
Posted by
San Francisco area
1891 posts
Please note that this is completely off the top of my head but perhaps Windsor.? A very cursory search indicates that there is train service from Gatwick which looks to have one connection. Then on to Bath the next day .
Posted by
nova scotia
95 posts
Great Western Railway - www.gwr.com - runs trains from Gatwick to Bath via Reading which do not require a trip into London.
I hour 20 minutes to Reading - 10 minute change
1 hour 2 minutes to Bath Spa
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4088 posts
National Express coaches will take you to Bath, with a change at Heathrow Airport.. Estimated time is 4+ hr. In late afternoon you can stroll for an hour and see most of central Bath, then have an early supper and conk out in your hotel. National Express.com .
Posted by
Land of La
9263 posts
Don’t hate me but given how easy it is to travel into London ( Victoria Station ) on the Gatwick Express I’d opt for that.
There’s a Premiere Inn about 2 blocks from that station. While at Victoria get your Oyster Cards from the machines. One less thing to deal with on your return from Bath.
Could then walk off your jet lag ( I fly from the west coast as well ) by walking over to Buckingham Palace and then enjoy a meal at the nearby Albert Pub.
Then stroll back to the Premiere Inn for a good nights rest. There’s an HBSC bank ATM on Vauxhall where u could get your cash. Also a Pret a Manager.
Just another thought on how to approach you’re arrival in the U.K.
Posted by
UK
1015 posts
I’d go straight into London - easy from Gatwick. Then it’s an easy train trip to Bath the next day.
Posted by
OP
Portugal
192 posts
Starting to look at the GWR route and just have an extra night in Bath to deal with jet lag. Thanks for all your help!
Posted by
Sammamish
57 posts
We just flew out of London Gatwick and stayed at Luna Simone Hotel. Getting to and from Gatwick could not be more convenient with the GatwickExpress. The hotel is a 10-15 minute walk from Victoria underground and the rail station and the hotel will store your bags if you arrive before check in. The number 24 bus stops right by the hotel and goes to Westminister Abbey. You can also walk from the hotel easily to sightsee and there are restaurants in the neighborhood. There are other hotels in the area too. Rest up and head to Bath the next day or head out straight from Gatwick to Bath.