Trains from Gatwick to Knaresborough and Knaresborough back to London then to Salisbury

Nationalrail.co.uk

This is what I’d do.

Buy a walk-up ticket when you arrive at Gatwick for the Thameslink train to St Pancras (takes about 1 hour). Walk across the road to Kings Cross station (takes 2 minutes).

For the London Kings Cross to Knaresborough journey (it'll involve a change at York or Leeds), if you want the cheapest fares you’ll need to pre-book an Advance ticket when they go on sale (about 12 weeks before your travel date). Bear in mind these tickets are valid only for the train you book so you’ll need to give yourself some leeway on your arrival day.

Book here https://www.virgintrainseastcoast.com/

When you return south from Knaresborough the train arrives at Kings Cross – you don’t get a choice of stations.

Trains for Salisbury leave from Waterloo station. You can get a train from Salisbury to Gatwick (likely change at Clapham Junction).

Where you stay in London is up to you but with the Tube and buses it’s easy to get around between train stations.

Most of your questions can be answered by just a train schedule. Request LONDON or London (Any Station) to see the most options. Once you get a schedule, you can usually click further to see all stops of the train. From Knaresborough to London, most train connections go via York (I see one via Leeds) and all terminate at Kings Cross, not serving any other London stations.

Trains from Gatwick to Knaresborough are through London and again usually York. Check www.nationalexpress.com to see if there's a more convenient bus option departing the airport.

Looking Up Train Schedules and Routes Online gives you the Deutsche Bahn train schedule link and tips for using it. Or www.nationalrail.co.uk has prices and purchase links.

Thanks for the input Ramblin!

I figured kings cross would be the hub anyway (to arrive from Knares)
I think I can get to most sights around London easy from there? or should I take the extra time and try to stay closer to waterloo if I need to be there anyway for Saturday?

Tracy

Thanks Laura and others
I will check national rail for sure.

Good to know that Kings cross as arrival from Knares. actually limits my options anyway --saves me some confusion

No need to restrict yourself to stay at Kings Cross.

I’d look at the South Bank/Southwark area. Blackfriars station is close by and there are quick trains to/from St Pancras/Kings Cross, plus you can walk to Waterloo (or take a bus).

Thanks
will have a look at hotels near southwark too

So, I'm back now that I am close to 12 weeks before my trip and have another question about booking my trains.

I've heard several reviews that give advice about which train website or company to book with, just wondering if that matters, or if one is cheaper. ( I've heard to use Raileasy, Seat 61/ virgin trains, national rail, trainline, and a couple of others). All I can tell so far is that Trainline supposedly charges a fee for booking, but national rail site doesn't? is one better than another for booking ?

Any advice or clarification welcome !

Also, does a rail pass or a train option you get with the london pass count for any of the trains outside of london city?

Most of the rail company sites will sell all tickets, but you may occasionally find a very cheap special deal if you go with the exact company you are travelling with. National Rail does not act as an aggregator - it will let you do a timetable search, then send you to the company that operates the journey you want to buy the ticket.

thanks Philip

I know that I need Virgin Trains east coast to get to Knaresborough now, from kings cross - and I think I change over with another line at York - so I will stick with national rail site to figure that out !

Tracy

just use https://www.virgintrainseastcoast.com/ to plan and book

you don't need to overthink - just enter your start and end destinations and the website will work all the options out for you - it's easier to use than explain

you can start with nationalrail but then that will direct you to VTEC. Might as well just go straight to VTEC - it makes no difference

ok will do ! Thanks
I've realized that seat 61 brings me direct to virgin seats site anyway !

OK just checking VTEC tickets for 23 May are on sale, tickets tickets for 29 May are not.

Just wait until both become available and book altogether

great -- thanks again.

I will coordinate times with my friend, as she will be in knaresborough to pick me up on the other end!