My husband and I are arriving in Manchester by plane in June, so I am just now beginning to plan train and car. We arrive at 8:00 am and are planning to take the first train we can to Brimingham. We hope to do all carry on, so will we be able to walk up and buy a ticket without any problems. If you do not travel 1st on the train do you just stow your luggage similar to the airlines? We are going to be in Brimingham for one week and will not need a car at that time. We would like to rent a car at the end of the week and travel for 10 days and then turn in at Manchester airport. Are there any suggestions on car rental companies? Also, a very important concern, my husband is 6'5 so we would like the smallest car he can fit in. Anyone out there with the same height? We have never traveled by train in England only the Scandinavian countries, so I am hoping it is similar. Thank you.
Whether you travel standard class or 1st class, you will be responsible for your own luggage. Since there are fewer seats in each car in 1st class and not all seats are usually taken, you probably would be able to stow your luggage either on the floor or on a nearby seat. However, if you travel with carry-on only, your luggage should fit in the overhead racks in any car. And you can always use the bins at the end of the car, when available. 1st class is way more expensive than standard class and, IMO, is not worth the extra money.
I recommend Auto Europe, a consolidator that finds you the best rate from among the companies with which it has contracts. Their site shows two rates, a basic rate and an inclusive rate. If your credit card provides insurance coverage in the UK, you can choose the basic rate and decline the CDW coverage that comes with the inclusive rate. While you can book online, it's a good idea to call AE's toll-free number and ask about deals that don't appear on the Web site.