My husband and I are interested in several London Walks tours. London Walks tour of Tower of London says they save ££ on admission to TOL when using their tour but do not actually state the fee saved or the admission fee. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Also, we are planning a day trip to York; should we purchase train ticket now for a September trip or wait until day of departure to York?
Posted by
Orinda, California, United States
308 posts
I have taken numerous London Walks Tours, so I can vouch for their interesting and well run tours, but I can't remember about the admission fees, as it was only to Stonehenge that there was an admission fee. As far as purchasing a ticket for York, as of today, you can purchase a ticket if you are traveling September 19th or earlier. We are going on the 6th to York from Kings Cross, and the tickets went for purchase 2 weeks ago, but the prices are the same. I do know they go up as time goes on, but I do not know the pattern or fare increases. York is wonderful - take the city tour, walk on the walls and enjoy the beauty of The Museum Gardens and the Minster.
Posted by
Kingston, Surrey
239 posts
Unfortunately, the way train fares are structured is utterly incomprehensible and no-one can predict what a fare will be at any given time. However, as a general rule, the earlier you book the cheaper it will be. Also, book a ticket on a specific train with reserved seats as that is (usually) the cheapest way to do it. You have to make sure you get that train though or the cost can be swingeing.
Posted by
OP
Dallas
131 posts
What would be our train to York from Shepherds Bush? Also, would it be better to travel to York on a weekday or weekend! Additional recommendations are welcomed and appreciated.
Posted by
Royaume-Uni nul points, pas plus
2600 posts
trains to York leave from Kings Cross not Shepherds Bush
buy Advance tickets when they go on sale
Posted by
OP
Dallas
131 posts
What website would I find special events such as festivals and sporting events for the week that we are in London?
Posted by
Central Indiana, USA
357 posts
You can email London Walks at [email protected]
I've always gotten quick replies.
Posted by
Orinda, California, United States
308 posts
Today I found out tickets to York are £9 less/ticket when purchasing on the specific rail site rather than through nationalrail.co.uk. I'm am purchasing them today rather than waiting, but wanted to thank Pete, Emma and ramblin' on for pointing out the direct site!
Posted by
OP
Dallas
131 posts
Thank you to everyone who has posted to this topic. If I am reading the train ticket website (Virgin East Coast) correctly, I chose September 18 to travel just to see the fares.The 13£ fare appears to be on Grand Central Line rather than Virgin East Coast. Does it matter which train I choose? Is it possible that Virgin East Coast would have a 13£ fare? It also appears that the lesser fare is very limited to one train in the early a.m. and one train in the p.m. Will it be possible to get the ticket from machine on a day prior to departure day? Also, would ticket from machine have to be at Kings Crossing? Trying to make an itinerary for 6.5 days in London. Will travel to Bath with London Walks prior to York so I am feeling insecure on the advance York reservation.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5466 posts
Grand Central and Virgin East Coast are names of train operators. they have different fare structures. Between Kings Cross and York the absolute cheapest advance ticket on GC is £11.20 and on VEC £14.60, not taking into account any special offers the operators may have through their own sites. GC run many fewer trains than VEC with the ultimate destination of Sunderland but that doesn't matter as such with an advance as it is only valid on the service it is booked for in normal circumstances.
You can pick up your ticket before the day of travel. This does not need to be at Kings Cross but can be at any station where collection is possible, so for example you could collect at Paddington at the same time as you collect your Bath ticket.