Has anyone purchased one of these tickets from London for day trips? <BR> <BR>We would like to do two separate day trips - one to Bath and one to Windsor and were wondering if you have to book ahead or just turn up on the day. Are there any special conditions such as travel after 9.30am like the One Day Tube Travelcards? <BR> <BR>We would love any advice or information

Tina, <BR>You can purchase Cheap Day Return Tickets on the day of your planned trip. Like the One Day Travelcards, Cheap Trips permit travel after 9:30 AM or anytime weekends and Bank Holidays. Since the first train to Bath is at 9:45 from Paddington, the Cheap Day is a viable option even though the trip takes about an hour and a half. The trip to Windsor, also from Paddington with a change at Slough, takes 35 minutes. There is a direct run from Waterloo to Windsor that takes about twice the time as the Paddington-Windsor run.

Try Great Western, the high speed rail line (www.great-western-trains.co.uk). They have inexpensive day return tickets to Bath that you have to buy the day before you want to travel.

FYI-though not directly related to your question. Grab one of the brochures for the bus trips at the train station to get an idea of the sites in Bath and WALK it. Everything is pretty much within walking distance and you'll save $$ and time. Also, unless you're really into period clothing, skip the costume museum-takes up too much time you can be spending exploring town. <BR>

British Rail offers cheap return same-day tickets. Check with them, say, at their office in Oxford Street or by telephone when you get there. One of the best I remember was from Euston Station to York and return. A long ride but plenty of time to explore the old city, see the Minster, the Shambles, the wonderful British Railway Museum, walk the city walls, etc., etc., etc.