The discussion above of train vs. car rental for a day trip to Bath from London has covered well the factors of cost, flexibility and parking in Bath. What it seems to have ignored is the complexities of the car rental in London.<BR><BR>If you rent in central London, there is the possibly stressful drive out of and back into the city. And since city centre rental offices generally close at 6 PM, you have to decide whether to leave Bath early enough to return on time or to be prepared to find expensive overnight parking.<BR><BR>If you choose to rent at Heathrow Airport, where the rental offices are open 24 hours, you have the usual choice of a slow but cheap tube ride to and from the airport, a slow but medium-priced minicab ride to and from the airport or a fast but expensive train ride to and from the airport. <BR><BR>Since you can buy an Apex return for &pound;17.50 or a Super Advance return for &pound;26.50 per person, I’m not so sure that a car rental is such a great value.

We drove all over England and enjoyed our driving in Bath - we did remark how fortunate it is that the cars are small, as the roads are quite narrow!!! We had no problems and in fact many nice compliments, as we put a sign in our rear window, with our country flag and the words &quot;foreign driver&quot; - as a result, the locals and tourists were very friendly and most helpful!! We just taped the signto the back and side windows!! Worked VERY well!

we rented a car at the airport (stansted) and drove through to the Cotswolds (take the London ring road) and made a day trip from there to Bath. My second trip to Bath, but first time driving (and parking). My dh was the soul of patience with the other three of us trying to navigate! Get an automatic, and remember the steering will is on the other side of the car (if you are from North America_ and beware of the rotaries! Also we found the driving in Bath complex, but did find a park and walk! I would go back again..

We are planning to visit Bath by train from London on Sunday, Dec 29.<BR><BR>Is Sunday an 'ok' day to visit Bath? Will we find a lot of shops or things closed? Should we plan a weekday or Saturday instead?<BR><BR>thank you in advance!

You should check train schedules carefully as they are very different on Sundays. There are often delays and diversions owing to work being carried out on the tracks, but this is unlikely between Christmas and New Year.

thanks, Geoff, already have the train schedule for Sunday (out of London at 08:00 and return back from Bath at 18:42).<BR><BR>Do you have any info on what to expect in Bath on a Sunday as far as what's open and what's not, or reduced hours?<BR><BR>thank you!

It's difficult to know what will be open on 29 December as it is not like a normal Sunday, because so many British people are off work between Christmas and New Year. Many businesses now close down at this time, but tourist attractions may be busy.