Hey everyone, A friend and I have got roughly 2 months to see England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. (Nov 20-Jan 10) We will not be renting a car, and therefore would like some advice in planing my trip via train/bus routes. Also, what places should I focus on more? Should I buy a britrail or eurorail pass? Are they worth it?
Should I travel by buses instead? I'm up for anything! Thank you :) Ryann
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
You have posted a similar question in the Transportation section of the Helpline and have received some responses there. We can't really advise you on what areas to "focus on more" because we have no idea about your interests, budget, ages, how long you have in any one spot, or what you already have planned. You really should start with some guidebooks to determine what you would be interested in seeing/doing, and then we will be better able to advise you on details. We just can't write a guidebook for you or plan your whole itinerary.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32740 posts
Isn't this a duplicate of your cheapest question?
Posted by
OP
Los Angeles, CA, USA
7 posts
Yes, it's pretty similar. I wasn't sure how helpful and quickly people respond in this website! I figured it shoot a couple questions hoping I got at least some information, but luckily everyone is so wonderful on here!
Posted by
New York, NY, 10025
392 posts
This is very general advice, but for things to do I think that time of year you want to focus more on cities than the countryside. The cities will have more to do indoors, and it it gets dark very early there.
Posted by
OP
Los Angeles, CA, USA
7 posts
That actually helps a lot, plus I'd like to enjoy my time instead of worrying about the frigid cold always. I seem to have nearly everything I was concerned about answers and cleared up. Would you suggest sticking to bus or train? I'm thinking a britrail flexi pass is best, at least from the tiresome and never ending comparing of prices I've been doing >_<
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
3428 posts
We went to the UK twice a year for more than 20 years. Always used the trains and the occasional local bus. We liked the flexibility of the BritRail passes. We didn't have to commit to specific trains/times on specific dates. We often were using the trains to do day trips and would change plans based on the weather. That said, the rail passes are not the bargain they used to be. IF you can commit to specific travel plans, and can buy your tickets about 12 weeks in advance, you can save major money on buying point-to-point tickets (London to Bath or York for example). If not, then I'd go with the passes. By the way, EurRail passes don't work in the UK. Do be aware that Ireland does not have the extensive rail network that England, Scotland and Wales does. You may need to consider renting a car there, or thoroughly check out the bus service. We only 'did' Ireland once and that was on a tour. As to what to see/where to go.... that depends on a lot of things. Why are you visiting the UK? What are your interests? Can you/do you want to 'theme' your trip (for example- a specific period of history, art, music, general overview... etc.) With 2 months you can cover a lot of territory or do a deeply focused or in depth. Give us more info and we'll help better.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
Use buses where trains don't go. Try to buy some sort of money-saving pass for travel. There may be a pass that includes train and bus travel.. Some passes are available over there and are not the same as those offered by Rick Steves.. Get a book, or a few books, and study up.