Timing and Transportation from Sheffield?

Question

I'm planning ahead for an October 2017 25th wedding anniversary trip to the UK (it will be our first trip), and could use a little advice.  My husband and I are planning on splitting the costs of part of the trip (lodging and car rental) with my brother, who climbs boulders and wants to stay around Sheffield for the climbing.  My questions are as follows:

Is coming over in October going to be a problem, weather-wise?  I'm not sure how Autumn in Sheffield compares to Autumn in south Texas.  :)

Should we rent a car, or can we get around using the rail system and other forms of public transportation?  Obviously driving on the "other" side of the roads will be something of a challenge for us, but we would like to visit London, Bath, Stonehenge, etc. and don't want to be too limited about getting there.

As you can see by my questions, I have very little knowledge about the area, and would be grateful for any advice.  Thank you!

Andrew · Accepted Answer

Hi there

October will be fine a little windy, a little rainy a little sunny.

Looking at the places you want to visit, you be best off doing them by train. I would certainly avoid driving in London or the M1 motorway which gets very busy! London is also the easiest place to get lost when driving and parking can be very expensive.

East Midlands trains operate two trains an hour between Sheffield and London in under 2 hours. .

If you are basing yourselves in Sheffield, Bath can be reached via London or via Bristol. Great Western trains run two trains an hour between London Paddington and Bath Spa in under 90 minutes. Via Bristol Cross Country run trains every hour from Sheffield to Bristol Temple Meads and with a change there it will take about 3hrs 15 minutes.

Stonehenge is accessible via Salisbury, There is an excellent bus tour from Salisbury station to Stonehenge which takes in all the local sights and includes the admission fee. South West Trains run 2 trains an hour between London Waterloo and Salisbury, the journey time is under 90 minutes.

All trains I have mentioned are comfortable, offer wifi and refreshments. If you intend to do a lot of travelling, i recommend getting the Brit Rail England pass which will save you a lot of money and offers maximum convenience and flexibility. If not buy individual tickets in advance online for the best deals !

David S · Answer

The U.K.'s rail system is dense and frequent and generally faster than congested journeys on our crowded roads. The fastest trains from Sheffiield to London St Pancras take only 2 hours and they are frequent.
For Stonehenge you catch a train to Salisbury and then board the Stonehenge tour bus outside Salisbury Station.  For visitors the Britrail Pass bought before arrival is excellent value
www.britrail.com
www.nationalrail.co.uk (timetable information)
www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk (Sheffield to London St Pancras rail services)
www.southwesttrains.co.uk (London Waterloo to Salisbury rail services
London Paddington to Bath and also local services from Salisbury to Bath  www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
Cross country services avoiding London   www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk
www.traveline.org.uk (Local buses)
if you are going to a particularly isolated area with no rail service you can always hire a car for the odd day Many major car hire companies such as Avis can arrange for the hire car to meet your train

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Timing and Transportation from Sheffield?

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