What would be the best way to get from London (West End hotel district) to Wells for a day trip. We will be in the UK the week between Christmas and New Years. Driving a car is not a problem but I would prefer train or other options if they exist.

Since we drove to Wells I can't tell you how to get there by any other means but I will tell you that you should make every effort to get there. The scisssor arches in the Cathedral, as far as I know, are unique and the Cathedral precinct with the Bishop's Palaces is a joy to walk around. If you can manage try to stay in the area and visit Glastonbury and Stourhead.

There is no rail service to Wells, and no direct bus service from London to Wells. You could take a train to Frome which is about 15 miles from Wells and then a local bus or cab from there. But it would be pretty difficult to do this as a day trip from London in the winter by public transport.

If you really want to get to Wells you are best to rent a car for the day.

You could take train from London to Bath(London Paddiogton Station to Bath Spa, takes about 1 1/2 hours),there are frequent buses from Bath to Wells (about 1/2 hour).The bus stop is near the train station.

I'd go via Bath rather than Frome, as Frome is no longer a stop on the main line from London.

The bus service from Bath to Wells is hourly and actually takes 75 mins, but this would still be your best route by public transport. Here's the bus timetable link:

http://www.firstbadgerline.co.uk/tt/173frmme.htm

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Steve_James: Thanks for that info re Frome. The last time I used the Frome train station was a few years ago. But I really still think trying to do this as a day trip in the winter with such short daylight hours and the possibility of rail delays will be pretty tough. Not impossible mind you - but a LOT of train/bus travel. Even if you made good connections it would be a minimum of a 3 to 4 hour journey each way.

Another reasonable option would be to take the train to Bath and rent a car there for the day. Then you could see easily Wells, and Glastonbury too. Then return the car and take the train back to Paddington.

About the time of bus from Bath to Wells, local buses do take longer (but more frequent), if you happen to catch Netional Express,it takes a little more than half an hour.

Thank you for your help, looks like renting a car is the best way to go. The idea of including Glastonbury is intriguing too. Cheers!

Next summer monthly from June to September you can travel in first class with full meals, steam-drawn, for about 150 pounds return with Cathedrals Express. Please see http://www.steamdreams.com/index.html

ben.haines@:btinternet.com

I'm with the person who suggests that you stay in the vicinity a couple of nights. It really is a beautiful area with a lot to see. J.