On our upcoming trip to London, we've decided to take a day trip to Warwick Castle. No tours. No hire cars. We're taking the train. Perhaps not the best way but there you have it. My questions:

1) Is it worth buying train tickets early from the US? Or can you buy tickets early from the station? (As we're a family that often runs late, a ticket in hand would be nice.) If we bought them on the train, would there be a surcharge?

2) It's suggested we go out of Marylebone on the Chiltern Railroad. Is that it for direct service?

3) How strict are they about the times you are on the train vs. the time on your ticket? I'm thinking it's not a problem but have an airline mentality.

Thanks!

Go to WWW.thetrainline.com or www.networkrail.co.uk fortimetable information

The subject of getting to Warwick was discussed here: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34456605

Train is the best way to get there. Buy the ticket in the train station on the morning you travel; there is likely to be a penalty fare if you board the train without a ticket. Since you will be buying a day return ticket, it doesn't matter which train you catch.

We took the train to Warwick. Go to Marylebone Station (Bakerloo Line), go to the window and ask for a combo ticket for the train and castle (you save a pound or two). The ride is pleasant, takes about 90 min. You get what is called a cheap day return ticket for travel after 9:30 a.m.

Go to www.thetrainline.com and check on the times for trains.

You can catch any train...you are not restricted to a specific one with day return tickets.

Thanks guys! I like the way everybody helps out. I'll try the thread.