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Transportation & Ticket Questions - 1st time to England

Posted by on

Hello everyone,
My husband and I will be landing at T5 Heathrow late morning and traveling straight to Bath. After reading the different threads regarding the best, quickest and cheapest ways to travel...still somewhat confused. I have come across posts that are pre and post Covid, so those aren't super helpful. Budget isn't key, we are looking to not schlep luggae around between connections (2 carry-ons and 1 checked) and comfort - my husband is 6'4" with back issues.

On various threads, there has been mention about taking the train into Paddington station and then head towards Bath - which has you back tracking. Taking the bus to Reading and then the train to Bath. Finally, bus all the way to Bath. So...the million dollar (or £783,200 GB) question...what would you do??

Finally, has anyone found that English Heritage releases any last minute Stone Experience Tickets? We have a day tour to Cotswolds already booked, but would love to do Stonehenge and Avebury.

Posted by
4 posts

For what it's worth, I will be landing at Gatwick, and early the next morning will be taking a bus from Gatwick to Bath (by way of Heathrow). One advantage of taking the bus is that once you get on, you needn't worry about further connections.

Posted by
993 posts

In favour of the bus…it’s a nice drive through attractive countryside once you are away from the airport - look out for a nice view of Windsor Castle on left-hand side of bus not long after you leave Heathrow. I usually sleep for most of the trip after an overnight flight.

Posted by
33992 posts

In your particular situation I'd advocate for the special coach to Reading and then change to the GWR train which originated in Paddington to Bath. After sitting all the way from home the last thing your husband may want is another long sitting. On the train you can stand up, bend over, stretch your back, walk up and down the train, sleep or look at the scenery.

Nice as the bus is to Bath, you are still stuck immobile in a seat.

I might even suggest, even though it seems like backtracking, to take the short Elizabeth Line train to Paddington and then enjoy Paddington for a couple of minutes, then train through to Bath. A bit of moving about may be just what the doctor ordered.

Plenty of legroom and headroom on the train for tall people. Maybe splurge to First Class for a bit of extra comfort and space.

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