We're planning our first trip to London in June. We would like to do day-trips outside the city and were wondering if we should purchase the Britrail SE Flexpass and go on our own or book group tours through an agency. The Flexpass seems like it's reasonably priced, but what about the expenses incurred travelling from the train stations to sights?

I would say that if you are just doing two day trips, then the Flexipass might not be worth it. For example, a ticket to Cambrdige and back might only cost you £15 return, and a prebooked Apex ticket to Bath would be about £18. Also, when you get there you are right in the thick of things, so that should not cost you any more. It really depends on where you are going. To give you a better idea, go to www.thetrainline.com and see what the prices would be. Apex-type tickets have restrictions, but are generally good value. <BR>All in all, I suspect this would be better value than buying the pass.

It's my understanding that Bath is not <BR>included in the southeast england pass. <BR>we purchased a weekender pass but i think you can no longer buy them until the fall.

Kandace, are you only going to use the pass for the SE of England? I just purchased a 4-day flexipass (we will not be limited to a region). We will be using to go to Bath, to Edinburgh (2 days here as we will be staying overnight) & probably to the Cotswolds area (or some other day trip to be decided later). The train stations in these areas seem to be centrally located. One thing I liked about the flexipass: for example when we are in Bath, if we have enough time & can go to Stonehenge, we will be able to hop on a different train to go to Stonehenge (via Salisbury) & then back to London. We won't be committed to a ticket that will take us back to London from Bath only. Another thing I like about the pass is that it is PAYED for now. How long will you be in London? We will be there 2 weeks & have planned two "organized" tours & everything else on our own. But this choice really depends on you. If you do it on your own, check into the British Heritage Pass, again prepayed & if you go to enough places will pay for itself. Enjoy your trip!! Dru

Thanks for all of your responses! This forum is a great way to get info. I should've mentioned we wanted to go to Dover, Bath, Windsor Castle and Salisbury. We are planning on 4 days for day-trips. Are there any other recommendations? Thanks again!

Kandace <BR> <BR>I have used the BritRail and the SE Pass a number of times and find that they are terrific for taking day's out trips; Bath is NOT included in the SE pass. I believe the farthest point out is Exeter. <BR> <BR>You might want to consider Eastbourne as an alternative to Dover - the train ride is not as long and the walk along the coast with the view of the "Seven Sisters Chalk Cliffs" is magnificent. <BR> <BR>Another "alternative" might to to visit Hampton Court rather than Windsor unless you have your heart set of seeing the Castle (which is one of the prettiest and even more memorable if you arrive in time to see the Changing of the Guard). But Hampton Court does have more to offer in the way of "things to see". <BR> <BR>Another good half-day "out" would be Hatfield House, especially if you are a fan of Queen Elizabeth I.

I have used a flexi pass on each trip to London and would highly recommend it. I have used it on one trip where I just hopped on & off as I chose. On that trip I was in Oxford, Birmingham, Banbury, Morton on Marsh. Last Sept. we used it for Edinburgh, Chester, London, it also is good on the Gatwick Express. I found it cheaper than purchasing individual roundtrip tickets. The Britrail is a great,comfortable way to travel.