My husband and I are going to england for 10 days at the end of July. I'm trying to figure out if it would be easier to take a train to bath and do a day trip to Highclere castle or stop there on the way to bath from London. We will be renting a car but it's our first time driving overseas.
Posted by
Hampshire, England.
1069 posts
Check out opening times and ticket availability:
https://www.highclerecastle.co.uk/public-opening-times-and-prices
I'm led to believe that they sell out well in advance.
Also if you've never driven in the UK before, please read the relevant sections of the Highway Code before you do:
http://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/uploads/3/2/9/2/3292309/the-official-highway-code-with-annexes-uk-en-12-04.pdf
(Downloadable PDF).
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
1828 posts
Highclere Castle is midway between London and Bath, so it would make sense to do it on the way between the two if you are driving
Alternatively, if you don’t want to drive, do it as a day trip from London. Catch a train from London Paddington to Newbury Station (40 minutes) and get a taxi from there to Highclere. Travel out after 9.30 for the best prices.
Posted by
Huntington Beach CA
1113 posts
We’re driving from London to Bath, and I was was looking at a map for directions and when I saw that Highclere Castle was on the way. I didn’t even stop to think about it, I just knew I would have to go! Just bought our tickets and am going in April. It will be my first time driving on the left side so I’m pretty nervous as well. I started watching videos on YouTube and subscribed to Advance Driving School to watch their videos. They appear to be a legit driving school with good advice on driving.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5326 posts
Note that the nearest railway station to Highclere (of any size) of Newbury is not on the same direct line as Bath. You have to change at Westbury for the onward leg.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
1075 posts
I concur about checking for tix - they were already sold out weeks ago for a date I wanted to go in July!!
Posted by
Land of La
8649 posts
I remain bemused when my Brit and Irish friends visit here in LA and never complain about nor have difficulty driving on the opposite side of the road.
I’ve driven around Eire and N Ireland twice and from Heathrow to Lyme Regis in England. It’s not the other side that I believe cause concern it’s getting used to the roundabouts! After one or two drive arounds they become 2nd nature though.
Oh and I’m not some youngster. Got my drivers license when JFK was President.
Driving on the opposite side isn’t difficult. Merely takes a few moments to get your brain re wired.
Don’t panic.