Great Western Coffee Shop

Provisional Itinary ...

Next week, I need to be:
* in YORK from 08:30 until 18:00 on Wednesday
* at Kew from 10:30 until 18:00 on Thursday

I live in Melksham and would like to use public transport; not necessarily looking for the very cheapest (but not made of money), and expecting to be staying away on Tuesday and Wednesday nights (hotel near York station?). Expecting I'll need to use road transport from Melksham.  Can't be sure of journey - evenings may be delayed so can't commit to any train.

I have come up with a 125.70 off peak return from Chippenham to York, which is valid via London, plus an extra tube ticket out to Kew.   Am I allowed to arrive at King's Cross at 08:59 on the 07:00 from York, and not leave Paddington until 19:00 or so that evening?

didnt know you lived there mate  ;D

Yeah, yeah ....

Seriously, any advice appreciated ... now for TWO people, neither with a rail card

a) Are we OK for a longish break of journey in London on the York - London - Chippenham route

b) What are the restriction on an off peak York - Chippenham with regard to evening peak trains out of Paddington?  I recall that a Peterborough - Melksham off peak IS valid on services between 16:30 and 18:30 out of Paddington, even if a Paddington - Melksham isn't.

Why not get Grand Central between York and London?

^61 off peak return

That is a VERY interesting thought ... problem being how to get from York at 18:00 one evening (and I may be held up) to Kew for 10:30 next morning.  It would have save a little, though ...

1900 York - London Kings Cross?

Yeah ... the 'kicker' is in the 'but I may be held up' ... walk out of the place I'm working at 18:00 and I would make the 19:00 ... get held up there to 18:45 (and these are the people who are paying me for the day!) and I'll see its tail-light disappearing ... it's a tough call - I fear that work schedule is going to have to win out over the pleasure / try something new aspect.