London day trips - train or car ?
Jan 14th, 2008, 04:00 PM
#21
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I hadn't driven a stick in years.This last November we drove all over Italy, from tiny Umbrian towns to Lake Como, even surviving the flashing lights from the Italians. That said, while in England on the same trip, we took the train or bus to most of the places you mentioned. It was easy and convenient. I vote for the train or bus.
Jan 14th, 2008, 04:40 PM
#23
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I vote for driving the car. So much easier and less walking and steps. We are in the ?? age bracket , but have almost always rented a car. You could take the train to Bath , rent a car and maybe drive through the charming villages in the Cotswolds, then drive down to Salisbury etc and then turn in the car at Windsor.(or Heathrow airport closeby) This would mean possibly staying at a B&B for a night or two,,,(a great experience in itself). You DO need to feel comfortable driving on the left....it's never been a problem with us , and usually after a few minutes one gets use to it.
Having a car will allow you to drive through small villages, park, get out and walk the streets a bit, perhaps having a little lunch etc. (Bath, Windsor, and Salisbury are larger cities)
Having a car will allow you to drive through small villages, park, get out and walk the streets a bit, perhaps having a little lunch etc. (Bath, Windsor, and Salisbury are larger cities)
Jan 15th, 2008, 09:02 PM
#25
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A few facts to consider:
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Windsor
The train to Windsor leaves from Paddington with a change at Slough and it takes about 40 minutes to arrive at Central Station which is a 200 yard or so walk uphill to the Castle.
There is also direct train service from Waterloo to the Windsor and Eton Station which takes about 50 minutes. It is closer to Eton but about 600 yards to the Castle.
By car about 28 miles.
Our only visit to Windsor was made by car directly from Heathrow when we continued west after spending the morning in the castle. Parking was difficult.
Take the train to Windsor.
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Salisbury
Train from Waterloo is 1 1/2 hours. The bus to Stonehenge for the 10 mile ride leaves from the Station or from the bus station near the Market Place. I'd recommend going to Stonehenge on arrival if you choose the train.
It is 91 miles by car. I'd go to Stonehenge and then to Salisbury. The advantage to the car is that you could make a quick visit to Old Sarum, the original Salisbury. While interesting, it isn't worth a special trip in my opinion and was somewhat difficult to get to. Over a stile and up a rocky path.
I lean toward the train.
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Bath
The train to Bath leaves from Paddington and takes 80 minutes. The station is 600/800 yards from the Abbey, Roman Baths and the Pump Room, the center of town.
It is 118 miles by car from London. Too far I think for a daytrip unless you plan something else and make an overnight stay. Bristol, for instance, is about 10 miles further west and has a number of attractions. We have driven to Bath and returned to Salisbury in a day. So that's another alternative for an overnight.
Take the train if you want to do it in one day.
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The train times are from a 1995 addition of Daytrips London. If someone has more current numbers please correct. The mileage from the same source are unlikely to have changed.
-------------
Windsor
The train to Windsor leaves from Paddington with a change at Slough and it takes about 40 minutes to arrive at Central Station which is a 200 yard or so walk uphill to the Castle.
There is also direct train service from Waterloo to the Windsor and Eton Station which takes about 50 minutes. It is closer to Eton but about 600 yards to the Castle.
By car about 28 miles.
Our only visit to Windsor was made by car directly from Heathrow when we continued west after spending the morning in the castle. Parking was difficult.
Take the train to Windsor.
-----------------
Salisbury
Train from Waterloo is 1 1/2 hours. The bus to Stonehenge for the 10 mile ride leaves from the Station or from the bus station near the Market Place. I'd recommend going to Stonehenge on arrival if you choose the train.
It is 91 miles by car. I'd go to Stonehenge and then to Salisbury. The advantage to the car is that you could make a quick visit to Old Sarum, the original Salisbury. While interesting, it isn't worth a special trip in my opinion and was somewhat difficult to get to. Over a stile and up a rocky path.
I lean toward the train.
--------------
Bath
The train to Bath leaves from Paddington and takes 80 minutes. The station is 600/800 yards from the Abbey, Roman Baths and the Pump Room, the center of town.
It is 118 miles by car from London. Too far I think for a daytrip unless you plan something else and make an overnight stay. Bristol, for instance, is about 10 miles further west and has a number of attractions. We have driven to Bath and returned to Salisbury in a day. So that's another alternative for an overnight.
Take the train if you want to do it in one day.
----------------
The train times are from a 1995 addition of Daytrips London. If someone has more current numbers please correct. The mileage from the same source are unlikely to have changed.
Jan 15th, 2008, 10:33 PM
#26
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I understand that Zipcar is now in London. It is one of those car share groups. A bit like a rental agency, but you don't need to go to an office, the cars are parked all over town, you can rent for shorter periods of time (an hour or more, and usually up to 3 days). You'd need to check out how the rental costs compare to a traditional rental. Here in the states, the Zipcar rental fee includes gasoline.
You hold your Zipcard up to the windshield and the car unlocks and you use the key that is in the car permanently. Sounds weird, but it works great.
There is a sign up fee and an annual fee, so it may only be worth your while if you live near or travel to places where Zipcar is currently located. Check on the web.
I like using it here in the San Francisco Bay area because it is way more flexible than a rental. We almost used one last summer in London, but we decided to stay mostly in town and take the bus to Hampton Court (that place was lots of fun!)
You hold your Zipcard up to the windshield and the car unlocks and you use the key that is in the car permanently. Sounds weird, but it works great.
There is a sign up fee and an annual fee, so it may only be worth your while if you live near or travel to places where Zipcar is currently located. Check on the web.
I like using it here in the San Francisco Bay area because it is way more flexible than a rental. We almost used one last summer in London, but we decided to stay mostly in town and take the bus to Hampton Court (that place was lots of fun!)
