During our upcoming trip to England we will traveling from Bath to York and need to choose which route to take. Can we receive advise on which route is better or more scenic. Bath back to London then to York. or Bath to Bristol then to York. We will have been in London before going to Bath. Thanks
Posted by
2408 posts
Neither route is particularly scenic. The main difference is that if going from Bath to London (Paddington), you will be returning on the same route that you went west on. Then, you have to use the underground to get from Paddington to Kings Cross from where the trains leave for York. If going this way, it might well be cheaper to pre-purchase your tickets from BTH>KGX (which will include the underground) and KGX>YRK rather than as one ticket. (Cheapest fares for specific trains appear about 11 weeks out).
If going on the more direct route - you simply take the short 15 minute hop to Bristol (Temple Meads) and change platform for a direct train to York. This is much easier than going via London. You can check the fares & schedules at www.nationalrail.co.uk
(You may find this route works out cheaper by buying split tickets - even though you stay on the same train. The only problem doing this is that you may have to move if you have reserved seats - unless you can find some that are not reserved). Click ‘details’ on the National Rail website to find the calling points of your desired train. Make a note of the times at Cheltenham &/or Derby. Then see if splitting at these places lowers the fare. (Travel on Fridays can be dearer due to demand). You can pre-book with www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk - who do not charge a £10 fee should you need to change your booking - though you would pay any increase in price.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5326 posts
If you buy from Cross Country you are able to select your seats and therefore ensure you have them for the whole journey rather than take pot luck on a split.
Posted by
44 posts
In May I took the Bath-Bristol-York route. Didn't want the hassle of transferring from Paddington to another London train terminal with luggage. Purchased an Advance 1st class ticket with Senior discount card for Bristol to York. Made the trip affordable with a reserved seat and a few perks. Since this is a "long" journey, my ride was comfortable with no concern about multiple transfers and connections.