Hoping someone here has some good ideas!
This Saturday, my daughter and I are scheduled to take a long-planned trip from London to Newbury to visit Highclere Castle. I have tickets to the castle itself but my original plan to take the train out to Newbury and back has been foiled by the upcoming rail strike. Does anyone have any other ideas for getting to Newbury and back on Saturday?
Thanks,
Charlie
There are many train companies in England. Are you absolutely certain the train from London to Newbury is unavailable?
Newbury is only served by GWR.
The note from the strike pages of National Rail about GWR reads
"Saturday 8 October - Strike day
An extremely limited service will operate. Services will start at 07:30 and all journeys must be completed before 18:30.
A very limited service will run on the following routes only:
Avoid travelling and seek alternative ways to make your journey. If you are intending to travel on these routes, please only do so if absolutely necessary. Trains that are operating will be extremely busy."
The line to Newbury is not one of those so OP making the right decision to look for alternatives.
Could you rent a car from Heathrow?
Public transport options are limited. The alternative rail route to Andover is also affected.
One not very good option is GWR or Elizabeth Line train to Reading, then Jetblack bus to Newbury (leaves close to rail station ask for directions). Leave as early as you can and leave Highclere by early afternoon to avoid being stranded.
Tube to Heathrow Terminal 5
RailAir coach from Terminal 5 to Reading https://bustimes.org/operators/reading-railair
Taxi from Reading to Highclere
....or do something else that day I'm afraid
