First or Standard class Britrail pass

No. Not at all. Second class is just fine, all first class gets you is a cup of tea and a newspaper.

Definitely second class unless you have a special need or the money doesn't make a difference. The previous poster is very correct. To make it worth it you would need to read a lot of papers and drink a lot of tea.

Several years ago when I was trying to make this same decision, I was told that standard class on the British rail is the same as first class for the trains on the continent (Germany, Italy, etc). They were right. You will be fine with Standard class. Have fun making wonderful memories!

"Is it worth the extra 500 for the firstclass"

I do not know. I have not had the opportunity to experience either first or standard, but I am deciding for a trip myself next year that will include some train time in the UK, so I am following the thread.

Questions I am asking myself: how is the budget overall, could I fit it, do I want to try it, would it be nice to travel First on at least one mode of transportation, and back to the starter question: what is my budget. I can only spend the money once, so I am priortizing all that I want to do with the budget.

Cheers.