Day trip to Bristol, UK
 

Hello all,
I'm visiting my daughter in London over Christmas and we're taking a day trip to Bristol. Being a money conscious student, she's suggested taking a bus. I wonder if a train would be more scenic. I'll only be there 10 days so I want to enjoy (read: ahhh) as much as I can.
Any thoughts on train vs. bus?
And if you'd like to chime in with any ideas about London during Christmas or a day in Bristol, please feel free!

Thanks!

My preference is always the train. On occasion, when there are no trains for a logical route I'll take a coach but very seldom. The views are generally better, more space and, on a personal note, I simply dislike coaches, although I like buses in cities and for local transport. The train, as you imply, will likely be more expensive. Try to get discounted advance tickets on nationalrail.co.uk.

>>Being a money conscious student, she's suggested taking a bus. I wonder if a train would be more scenic.<<

The train would be faster -- the bus would cost less . . . and NEITHER would be at all scenic.

Don't get me wrong - some coach and train trips can be scenic. But this one won't be.

To give you an idea, using Tuesday Dec. 20th, these are the least expensive fares I found doing a quick search:

Coach: 2 1/2 hrs, £16 rt
Train: 1 1/2 hrs, £40 rt advance

If you can go on a weekend the train may be less, £27-38 (advance purchase, but may be subject to delays).

"...some coach and train trips can be scenic. But this one won't be."

I'm going to disagree with that statement. The train route goes through some lovely countryside.

Thanks! And thanks, MmePerdu - I was hoping so.

Some countryside views - but Reading/Didcot/Swindon is not exactly scenic-central.

For a day trip -- I'd personally take the train simply because it would save 2 full hours RT. But not for the scenery.

However if the train fare is a budget buster -- the motorway travels through much of the same countryside.

Thanks, janisj!

Definitely take the train for the reasons janisj gives -much faster and IME more comfy than buses and could be as cheap if you book discounted tickets way in advance- www.nationalrail.co.uk for that (Bristol Temple Meades is the main station)

I did a day trip to Bristol by train and the station is just a short walk from the old port area that is now all gussied up - museums nearby,etc.

For lots on British trains and discounted tickets check www.seat61.com - discounted ducats come in first class too and at times not much more and if so go first as IME there is a world of difference between the classes (as in British society in general!)For general info on trains check also www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com.

Buses go on busy freeways - not much more scenic than the train line out there or just as scenic as to me the British countryside is always quaint.

Why Bristol? Nice rehabbed old town but I'd chose many others if not done them - like Oxford or Cambridge, Salisbury and Stonehenge and especially Bath or York.

Lots of info, PalenQ. Thanks!

Why Bristol? My daughter chose the town and I'm grateful she did - because as you point out, there are so many choices.
I do know she's been to Bath, Oxford and Stonehenge.
However, we haven't set anything in stone yet. Before we do I'll make sure that Bristol is her final answer. I don't really have a druther. I'm just happy we have a chance to travel together. I'm fairly certain we'll enjoy anywhere.