Visiting England during Coronation?

Yes, heading out of London would be best. You might consider a bus, they seem to be more direct to other places from LHR, or at least a bus to a nearby town and train station that has trains heading your way. Oxford would be the most logical, and I believe there are direct coaches to Oxford from LHR. Canterbury would require going through London likely so not the best choice, Stratford on Avon, it probably depends how you choose to get there, but going through Oxford is probably one way, so why not Oxford?

We also will be in the UK during that time, but arriving well before and leaving well after, avoiding London anywhere around that time.

I don’t anticipate it being any different to a normal bank holiday Monday which means lots of people are off work but shops, restaurants and visitor attractions are all open and very busy.

Yes, there are direct frequent coaches to Oxford from Heathrow, so starting in Oxford sounds like a good idea.

I suggest you plan your flight so you do NOT arrive at Heathrow on the 6th, in case they are restricting air traffic before and during the coronation, as they did for the Queen’s funeral. Lots of flights into Heathrow were canceled that day, including our BA flight from Venice. They did put us on another flight that same day, but the plane had to sit on the tarmac for 2 hours after we boarded, waiting for clearance to take off and proceed to LHR. And when we did arrive, there were more transport problems.

It may not be necessary, but it would be prudent to avoid arriving on the 6th. And whatever day you do arrive, it would be best to proceed straight to Oxford or other destination outside of London.

I haven’t seen any details published yet, but I would anticipate that train schedules will be significantly altered on the Coronation day. I think it’s best not travelling on this day, but the day before and after should be fine.

Being a bank holiday weekend, touristy places are going to be busy and expensive.

Similar question -

I will be on a cruise that stops in Holyhead, Wales on Coronation Day (Saturday May 8). Are things in general likely to be closed, or is it far enough away from London that we should be good? I haven't heard anything from my cruise line (Princess) that excursions are cancelled or still on.

Then, we disembark in Southampton on Monday May 10, the bank holiday day. We were considering doing a tour of Stonehenge, Salisbury, and Windsor on that day before going to London; I assume Windsor Castle will be closed. I am generally aware of what a bank holiday is but I have no idea in general what will be open or closed - museums, shops, restaurants, etc.?

Thanks to everyone for your replies. We've decided to leave a little later so that we'll arrive on the afternoon of the 7th. That way we won't be there on the day of the coronation itself. We'll still probably go straight to Oxford and then return to London a few days later, so as to avoid any post-coronation revelers.

The vast majority of shops will be open but potentially reduced trading hours. Restaurants will be open as normal. Visitor sites will definitely be open and very busy. Offices, other workplaces and schools will be closed. Anything tourist or visitor focussed will be open and busy, especially if it’s a nice day.

It's a good weekend to be away from London if the coronation doesn't interest you. This bus service will take you straight from Heathrow to Oxford, quickly and comfortably. You should book ahead, for at least an hour after your flight is scheduled to land. I believe your booking will let you take a later bus (coach in England) if your flight is delayed or immigration takes too long.

Michael G: I believe Helen was talking about the bank holiday. Bank holidays are similar to our Monday holidays in the U.S.--Presidents Day, Memorial Day, etc. Offices and banks will be closed but restaurants, museums, tourist sites, will be open. So will most stores.

As for the Coronation, if it is anything like the Queens funeral, most things will be closed at least during the ceremony itself. Some restaurants/shops will be closed all day instead.

I’m not sure how many things will close for the coronation. For the funeral it was an act or respect and I don’t think that will feel necessary for the coronation. I probably won’t watch it. I’ve seen enough pageantry recently to last a lifetime.

This bus service will take you straight from Heathrow to Oxford,
quickly and comfortably. You should book ahead, for at least an hour
after your flight is scheduled to land.

There is no need to book ahead. You can if you want to, but you can also buy them from the driver.