Ticket splitting works!
I've used a similar method from Exeter to Chippenham which saved me about ^30 at the time and, for some bizzarre reason,
NR» Enq came up with the return suggestion which prompted me to delve deeper as it quoted for 3 seperate tickets.
I got it even cheaper by the outward journey:
Out:
Exeter St Davids-Westbury
Westbury-Chippenham
Ret:
Chippenham-Bristol
TM‡Bristol TM-Exeter St D
All bought online and picked up from machine at
EXD» apart from the Bristol- Exeter as this was
XC▸ service which was an online ticket printed out at home.
Can't remember the exact amount but the direct fare was approx ^75 and the split ticket option came in at about ^40.
Only got asked to produce ticket for inspection between westbury and chippenham so could have been a lot cheaper!!!
As far as going to London Via Salisbury, this route always seems to be cheaper and, if you choose the right train, takes approx 45mins or so longer for usually about half the price.
If u r not in a rush it's the better option