Vince817

Londonres and the rest have been handy as a pocket. THANK YOU. I have six days in the UK and now my Mother too. (couldnt help it when I told her about the trip and politely said she was welcome she jumped at the chance she is 73 so now it changes things a little instead of a cheap hostel and some darting around we will be more leisurely but I will arrive London Heathrow on the 24th of Sept and still have to attend a function in Surrey on the 27th and then pick up a puppy in Wales on the 28th and get back to London for a flight on the 30th....Are there easy access cyber kiosks since I will not carry my laptop?? I would prefer to use trains or busses for all the commuting since I will no longer be in a hurry? I saw the post on the 2 for 1 events with purchase of rail tickets (sounds good) I have a reservation at Craigs-y-Nos castel on the 28th for one night before heading back to London looks good on the website?? I am trying to figure out if I will have to rent a car in advance or wait until I get there to get out to a private residence in Wales and back again or if the excellent transportaion systems extend all over? My apologies in advance as it will be my first trip to London, but not my last. (just in case my Mom is reading these blogs....she is a blessing and a real delight - all true)

VirginiaC

We have visited Craig-y-nos but have not stayed there. The proprietors are certainly welcoming, the coffee was excellent and the history fascinating. I hope there are a few unrestored rooms left to tour, and if you're lucky, something going on in the theater.

flanneruk

Only you know where this private address in Wales is, and where in Surrey you want to be.

So it's quite pointless asking us whether you can get a bus or train to these places. What you need to do is input the postcode of where you're trying to get to into www.transportdirect.info.

There are a number of different ways of getting that site to work for you, and you should look at the strategy guidelines at the "plan a journey" tab.

If the hotel you're staying at is the one nearish Swansea, it's a good 15 miles from the nearest major railway station and I suspect it's impossible to get there comfortably without a car. But that depends on your other plans: getting a taxi from Swansea or Neath would probably be cheaper than hiring a car if all you want to do is just stay the night there.

adrienne

Since you're picking up a puppy there is also the question if you can carry pets on public transportation. I would not want to be on a bus or train if there was a barking dog near me.

afterall

It's lovely that you like the idea of your Mum coming along. But I think you should get hold of a map.

What time of day is that function in Surrey on 27th. Where in Surrey? Where in Wales? Do you have the money for a private helicopter?

Re internet access. Funnily enough the UK has been connected for quite a while. In fact it was a Brit who came up with the idea in the first place. We don't call them cyber kiosks, we call them internet kaffs.

But as the UK is not a third world country, it's sometimes quite hard to find an internet kaff (much easier in places where most household don't have a computer of their own, like Vietnam for instance).

In smaller places in the UK check out the local public library.

What sort of puppy is it? And how do you plan to get it from Wales to wherever it is you live? I assume that is the US. But of course it might not be.

flanneruk

Since the likelihood the previous poster will be on the same train or bus as you is remote, her dislikes are irrelevant.

No domestic trains discriminate against dogs. Neither do local buses - including most country buses. Long-distance coaches typically ban pets, though obviously allow assitance dogs. The London tube expects you to carry pets on escalators, but otherwise has no restrictions.

Nonconformist

Yes, no major problem on trains etc - you're more likely to get fellow passengers cooing over the puppy than complaining - but as I assume it isn't yet house trained please make sure it doesn't leave any little reminders behind (a waterproof basket on your lap). Check out exactly where the place in Wales is - if it's rural you may be better off hiring a car, and that would have the advantage of being able to stop in the countryside every now and then for the puppy.

I suspect you're more likely to have problems finding overnight accommodation which will allow the puppy in your room. (also a previous poster suggested libraries for internet - dogs aren't allowed there. I don't know how internet cafes would feel.

BTilke

"No domestic trains discriminate against dogs. Neither do local buses - including most country buses."

Not true. Some local bus services definitely do prohibit dogs on board unless they are service animals. For example, Courtney Coaches, which serves a good chunk of Berkshire, has this rule:
"For Health and Safety reasons pets are NOT allowed on our buses, EXCEPT Guide Dogs/Hearing Dogs who travel free. Please make sure your dog is under control and not blocking the gang way.
Assistance Dogs UK, which include:

Guide Gogs for the Blind.
Support Dogs
Disabled Dogs
K9 Placement
Dogs for the Deaf "

So check which local transport system you will be using and find out their pet policy. Or talk to the breeder to see if she/he can help arrange transportation for you.

Nonconformist

Thinking again - you'll have luggage as well as the puppy, and possibly puppy-equipment: I'd hire a car (and hope they don't object to pets).

Vince817

I have to get to New Haw Community Centre New Haw Nr Addlestone Surrey KT15 3ND on the 27th for the Pekin Palace Championship Show just as a visitor to observe the show and all of you have been great providing the information I needed. I was already going to try to find a place for a base camp so to speak on the first night we arrive (late afternoon) and then the next day and see the sites before the show on the 27th and then heading to Wales on the 28th staying the night and back to london on the 29th and to the airport on the 30th. I will probably rent a car once I get to Wales but will again take the train back to London. Of course for us the Train will also be an excellent adventure and just as interesting for us as a visit to any historical site. I was hoping to generate options and you all have been so kind to do so with some very helpful interesting advice and pointers. MUCH APPRECIATED!! Oh, I would definately be up for a helicopter ride for a birds eye veiw of Wales but probably the next trip. Mom would be up for it. Of course Dad isnt coming with all that drama packed into 6 days was more than he wanted to handle but of course not Mom.

Vince817

I will rent a car once I get to Wales and a train back to London.

Londonres

You need to head to Byfleet & New Haw Station. You can get direct trains from Waterloo Station, and the journey takes 40 minutes. You might then need to get a taxi. You can enquire with either of these:

350
01932 355554

Clarement
01932 351451

Some London hotels will take pets at the manager's discretion. For example, you could try Jolly Hotel St Ermin's which is handy for Westminster Abbey etc and St James's Park. It's a short journey to Waterloo, and Paddington is also easy to get to on the tube, though you might prefer to get taxis.

Another possibility would be the Citadines Aparthotel at Trafalgar Square. I think that they also take pets, and this would be a good option for the extra space and kitchen facilities. This place is also good for the sights and transport connections to Waterloo and Paddington.

Vince817

WOW that is excellent!!!! thank you