UK visit next summer & I need advice

Sundiesel · August 02, 2015, 12:32:32 AM

Early next year, my wife, Sandy, finally joins me in the ranks of the retired and we're planning a trip to the UK in June/July/Aug. Primarily so she can visit the remains of her family. She's originally from Stoke.

We've already got some of the usual museums and other attractions sorted out, but I was interested to hear your views on what "modeling/railroading" events/attractions we should attend. Exhibitions, museums, collections, displays, etc. The National Railway Museum in York is the only museum we have listed so far.

Also, do you have any tips on reasonably priced rental cars? Which companies & where they're located? We hope to pick up a car close to Heathrow or in London and drop it back about 6 weeks later.

My thanks in anticipation,

Cheers,
Rob
Australia

Bealman · August 02, 2015, 02:09:09 AM

G'day Rob, and welcome to the NGF!

Having visited the UK three times in the last 5 years, I can recommend Shildon Railway museum not far from York, the narrow gauge railways of Wales - the Festiniog especially, and of course Pecorama at Beer, Devon.

I have documented my adventures on this forum if you wish to take a look.

Regarding car rental, I always pre-book here in Australia, and use Europcar because I get Virgin loyalty points through them.

D1042 Western Princess · August 02, 2015, 07:23:52 AM

Hello and welcome to the forum, Rob.

Apart from those places mentioned by Bealman, and I second his opinions of them, we have around 120 preservation railways, museums and other railway attractions, and that is before we start on model railway attractions, narrow gauge and so on, so to list them or even recommend a few will be difficult.
You haven't said if your wife also enjoys the railway side of things so I am trying to find places where, if she doesn't, there are things for her too.
York is a lovely city to visit with its National Railway Museum (www.nrm.org.uk) and parts dating back over 2000 years (of the city, not the railways!

) while Swindon has a great railway museum dedicated to the GWR situated actually in the old railway works. Parts of the works have been converted into a major shopping centre (Google Swindon Outlet) and much railway interest still remains with gems like cranes, pictures, plaques and even a full sized main line steam loco dotted about as you walk around. (www.steam-useum.org.uk)
One trip not to miss which runs throughout the summer is the steam hauled excursion train over the former GWR main line from Bristol to Paignton and on to Kingswear. You would need to book in advance, it's very popular. The run itself takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the West, including the famous 'sea wall' section at Dawlish, an unforgettable experience and one I never tire of even though I have been there countless times. (see www.torbayexpress.co.uk)

You could easily spend a few days in Bristol alone with so much 'Brunel' there; don't forget his 'Great Britain' ship, a full day out on its own. (www.ssgreatbritain.org.uk)
And then there is Didcot, a former GWR engine shed now home to the Great Western Society and has one of the finest, working, tributes to GWR steam, including full sized working broad gauge (Brunel's original 7 foot railway) replica trains. (www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk)
Essentially there is just so much to see and too little room to tell you all about it. I can but scratch the surface but these would be amongst my 'must see' in your place.

Bealman · August 02, 2015, 07:35:09 AM

I just remembered... Railway Modeller magazine always publishes a booklet of British railways attractions in one of their summer issues, which may still be available here in Australia.

Whereabouts on the South coast are you, if you don't mind my asking, Rob?

George

MikeDunn · August 02, 2015, 10:41:04 AM

Your dates should include when the Tyseley Loco Works hold their first Open Day of 2016 - see http://www.tyseleylocoworks.co.uk/ for details of this year's stuff (and archive too). It's normally across a Saturday & Sunday, and tends to have Halls, Castles & Manors together with visiting engines (Princess Elizabeth is based there these days, they've hosted Bittern at a previous Open Day, Duchess of Sutherland has been several times, they have a pair of Jubilees (one under restoration, one pending Clun Castle to finally finish). Lots to see if these pique your interest.

D1042 Western Princess · August 02, 2015, 10:49:46 AM

I'm not quite sure how but I forgot to mention the Severn Valley Railway, and of course Swindon's finest EVER loco Class, the Westerns, which are based there

.
OK, I admit some might not agree with that comment about the locos, but the trip is nice and well worth making.

PLD · August 02, 2015, 11:54:25 AM

June to August is generally the quietest time for the model railway shows but busy with full size railway gala and events... If your visit stretches to mid August, one I'd recommend that encompasses both is "Midland Railex" the model railway exhibition (and more) at the Midland Railway Centre in Derbyshire. not too far from Stoke...

Jerry Howlett · August 02, 2015, 01:29:14 PM

As a non UK resident now I can only approve of the suggestions listed. However re Car Hire, I visit the UK about 4 / 5 times a year and use Rentalcars.com for all my UK car hire. If it is available to you search for "Insurance for Car hire" my policy cost £49 and is valid for a year. This company WILL pay out in the event of a bump dent scratch etc. The car hire companies love to charge you £6- £10 per day to "cover" your insurance excess, when you hire a car there is always an "uninsured amount on the car you rent" so they want to sell you a very pricey extra. With the policy I use IF YOU have an incident the car hire company will charge your credit card but in 2 incidents in the past 10 years I have recieved payment within a month from the policy. Hope this makes sense.

Jerry

D1042 Western Princess · August 02, 2015, 01:45:58 PM

You could hire a car, but don't forget the Britrail pass which is excellent value for money.

red_death · August 02, 2015, 10:35:36 PM

Hi Rob

If you are near Stoke in early June then you might want to pop down to Burton-on-Trent for DEMU's Showcase exhibition (4/5 June IIRC) if diesel and electric modelling are your kettle of fish.

Cheers, Mike

Sundiesel · August 03, 2015, 01:10:40 AM

Gentlemen,
"Thank You" for all the great suggestions.
Some of them are already being worked into our schedule and I expect more will be, in the weeks to come, as all this info will help us to make our UK holiday all the better.
I'm really looking forward to this trip as it will probably be my last big overseas adventure. A highlight of the adventure will be our return journey, where we hope to travel from London to Hong Kong all the way by train.
Once again, "Thank You" for both the information you've provided and your time/efforts in providing it.
Its very much appreciated.
Cheers,
Rob

Sundiesel · August 03, 2015, 01:23:22 AM

George,
"Moruya".
Cheers,
Rob

Tom U · August 03, 2015, 02:29:32 AM

I am envious of that 'London to Hong Kong by train' plan. Should be a great adventure.
Hope all your plans work out and you have a great time (and the problems and frustrations along the way all add to the memories).
Cheers, Tom.

Bealman · August 03, 2015, 03:09:50 AM

Rob

Nice neck of the woods. Enjoy your adventure!

George

DELETED · August 03, 2015, 08:14:19 PM

I can't comment much on the museum stuff as I'm so out of the way but if you want a recommendation for hire cars I can say I used to use Avis for years for business. When it came to a decent length hire out of my own pocket "thrifty" gave me a brand new BMW 525 diesel M sport estate for just a tad less than than most quoted for a bog-std 4 door saloon so it sometimes pays to shop around compared to the big names. On a 1,500 mile return trip it was darn good on fuel also!