We will be staying in Bath for three nights and then travelling on to London on a Saturday for the next 5 nights. We have arranged a car service for our transportation to Bath from Heathrow. However, we thought we would take the train from Bath to London, Paddington and then get a cab to our hotel. My question is about the train and luggage accommodations. First, since we have reservations in London starting on Saturday, I assume it makes sense to get an advanced ticket? Second, as we have never been to Britain and aren't familiar with the trains, what should we expect from luggage accommodations? Where is the luggage placed in relation to our seats? Is it better to be in first class or coach? We are senior citizens, if that makes any difference to your suggestions.
Posted by
Virginia
788 posts
GWR is the train operating company that serves Bath to London -- https://www.gwr.com/
speaking generally you will find luggage racks above the seats for small bags and luggage racks at the front or rear of the train car for larger pieces of luggage. Search GWR seat maps for more specific information. Personally I'll search and use YouTube videos for various reviews from UK train enthusiasts to get a feel for trains on a particular route.
Posted by
1 posts
Business class cheap in train travels.
Posted by
Singapore
494 posts
VSP is correct. It's worth booking in advance and getting a seat reservation at the end of the carriage that has the luggage rack for larger bags (suitcase size) so you can be close to it. Because the luggage rack space is limited, on busy trains (as the one from Bath to Paddington is likely to be) there can be a bit of a scramble to get one's luggage in while there's still space (and some people will have boarded in Bristol). Otherwise you end up having to store it in a different carriage. That said, a lot of people will travel only with small bags that can go in the overhead luggage racks.
I have never traveled first class, as I find standard comfortable. And it's a short trip.
Posted by
Freedonia
16007 posts
How big is your luggage?
Whether to travel first or second class/Standard Class is a personal decision.
I prefer traveling first because I can get a seat by myself and it is usuall y queiter. (Not always.) Sometimes less crowded (Not always.)
One thing about traveling on a Saturday.....be aware of any track work being done on that day that may affect your train/schedule.
Posted by
Lake District, England
7299 posts
VAP is basically correct in his assessment regarding luggage. Thus I wasn't going to comment, but I have been asked to confirm that, so am doing so.
In 1st I think there is also space for luggage at floor level in the "Y" between the seat backs.
Regarding either luggage or other perks, apart from a bigger seat I don't see the cost/benefit difference of 1st class at a weekend. Plenty of luggage space in standard (that is after all how most people travel, luggage and all) and the free food and beverage offer in 1st on a Saturday is meagre.
But if you do want to travel 1st class (even on this one journey) it will be worth getting a £30 Two Together Railcard to get 1/3 off (even if you buy a train specific 1st Advance Ticket). Typically with the Railcard that will be £40 each in 1st class- a £22 premium over 1st.
Is it worth that premium?- that's your decision.
Posted by
Virginia
788 posts
Thank you isn31c!
I found this facilities guide for GWR which includes seat maps, and I believe that the rolling stock from London through Bath is 800 series -- https://www.gwr.com/-/media/gwr-sc-website/files/passenger-assist/2023/Facilities-Guide-May-2023.pdf
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8784 posts
Here is an alternative if you are worried about luggage handling. Take the National Express Coach to London. The coach driver loads your luggage under the coach to depart and unloads it on arrival. Far less luggage handling than the train.