I’ve read that train prices are better ahead of time. If we do not pre-book a train from London to York (and return) is there a chance the train is sold out? (Standard class on a Sunday morning). We do not know exactly when we would arrive at Kings Cross and would like flexibility.
Thanks.
Look at LNER -- https://www.lner.co.uk/
They don't necessarily sell out but some trains may be more crowded than others. Look at some future dates for journeys. For Kings Cross to York you may notice the availability of off-peak tickets at about £71.70 allowing travel on any off-peak train, permitting you to travel on the next available train after your arrival at Kings Cross.
In the UK the trains do not sell out. If no seats are left you stand.
Having said that I am intrigued looking at the fare charts for this morning which show all Edinburgh bound trains from 0900 to noon as sold out. There is no obvious reason for boarding controls to be in force for a major event, so I don't believe that statement.
The short workings terminating at York still have seats available.
The Cheapest tickets are usually on the few Grand Central trains a day which run to Sunderland.
Even if you just turn up you may get a so called Advance (train specific) ticket. It is now 0807- on the Grand Central train at 0826 there are still Advance tickets at £65 and on the 0830 LNER at £70.90 (yes just an 80 pence saving but you might as well take it if you were there now).