Has anyone taken the train from Paddington to Newbury?
Do we need to order train tickets in advance both to Newbury and back to London?
Any issue with getting a cab at Newbury out to the castle?
How long should we allocate for Highclere? 3 hours enough?
You do not have to buy the train ticket in advance but you may be able to get significantly cheaper tickets online from the First Great Western website if you do. The discount tickets are usable only on the specific journeys you choose in advance.
However, it worries me how casually you are talking about visiting Highclere. The house is open to the general public for only short periods every year and due to the Downton Abbey effect tickets tend to sell out very quickly when they are put on sale, some considerable time in advance. Try searching some earlier topics on this board to get an idea of the obstacles.
Philip, thanks I will check it out. We already have AM tickets for Highclere that day so just trying to make sure we have no issues getting there and back. Yes I got the tickets back in March!
You won't get cheaper tickets by booking in advance for this journey. Travel out Monday to Friday before 9.30am & it will cost you £54 (Anytime) return. Catch the 9.36am (or later) & the price drops to £23.60 (Off-peak) return - which you can purchase at Paddington station. The 9.36am departure is for Cheltenham. Leave this train at Reading and switch to another train that will take you to Newbury to arrive at 10.44. (You will probably need a taxi or mini bus from Newbury to Highclere). You can use any train back.
On Saturdays, you should find that all trains are £23.60 return.
Thank you!
Three hours at the castle is plenty of time to see the house, walk part of the grounds, and take th obligatory pics. You'll love it!
Thank you appreciate the info!
