We will be traveling from Windsor to Bath by train on a Sunday this summer. This will be our first European train experience. I have been looking at train tickets (I know they aren't for sale for summer yet) and have noticed that on Sundays, Great Western offers Super Off Peak tickets for each departure the entire day. Does this mean that we can purchase Super Off Peak tickets for any time and travel on any Super Off Peak train that day, as they all appear to be? We are planning on seeing Windsor Castle the day before, but in case our flight is late, we will need to see it the morning that we travel to Bath. Just want to make sure we can see the castle that morning, if necessary, before traveling to Bath and not be required to board an early train and miss out on seeing the castle.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17562 posts
Here are the Terms and Conditions for GWR Super Off Peak tickets:
https://www.gwr.com/fares-terms-and-conditions-super-off-peak
It looks like they are for a specific train, but if you wish to take a later one you can exchange them and pay the difference between the Super Off Peak and the current fare. If the later train is also a Super Off Peak there should be no difference to pay.
At least that is how I read it. Hopefully Marco or Nigel will correct that if I am wrong.
Posted by
Washington DC
28247 posts
I think you are prudent to plan for the possibility that you'll be seeing Windsor Castle on Sunday morning if you are flying in from the US or Canada on Saturday. Many of us are totally discombobulated on Day 1 as a result of lack of sleep on the plane and jetlag. I would not be up for a big sight like Windsor Castle on my arrival day. I prefer to wander around outside, trying to stay awake.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5466 posts
Super off peak singles / returns are not tied to a specific service and at the weekend on this GWR journey can be used at any time. As you are traveling on a Sunday do check nearer the time that there is no engineering work on that day: quite a possibility as the line is being progressively electrified westwards.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33994 posts
As Marco said
Posted by
OP
WestCentral MN
361 posts
Thank you --it sounds like we can use the tickets at any time on a Sunday. If there is work on the line, then what do we do?
Posted by
2599 posts
I have just done a test for Windsor & Eton Central to Bath for mid February and you can advance purchase for £15 for specific trains. So, when you are around 11 weeks out, do that for your journey and pre-book. You can check the fares at www.nationalrail.co.uk and click ‘details’ to show you where to change trains = probably Slough & Reading.
If engineering work is taking place, it will warn you. Should the direct route be closed, they are most likely to send trains on a slight detour via Newbury & Trowbridge - see map:> http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/static/documents/content/routemaps/nationalrailnetworkmap.pdf
The new trains that are entering service now can run on diesel or electricity - they are the green ones - seen here on the route you will be using:>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGXboGzZiXI
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
If there is engineering work, they will either send you on another rail route, if possible or they will provide a replacement bus service - both will add time to your journey.
Posted by
OP
WestCentral MN
361 posts
Ok--thanks everyone! As long as we can still get there, we'll be fine! I greatly appreciate all of you sharing your experience and wisdom with those of us who have neither!