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Author Topic: Bradford-On-Avon  (Read 18211 times)
DevonTrains2008
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« on: April 14, 2010, 21:12:03 »

Hi

I am looking for a day out on Saturday in Bradford-on-Avon and was wondering will there be enough to do and if it is a nice town to visit?

I will hopefully be travelling on the 09:54 Exeter St David's to Westbury, arriving at 10:59, changing to the 11:08 Westbury to Bradford-on-Avon, arriving 11:19 and return on the 15:47 Bradford-on-Avon to Westbury, arriving 16:01, changing to the 16:23 Westbury to Exeter St David's, arriving 17:33.

My other question is are any of these trains likely to be busy or am I pretty much guaranteed a seat on all of these trains (I am especially concerned about the long distance trains)

Look forward to replies - Many thanks

DevonTrains2008
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Chris from Nailsea
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« Reply #1 on: April 14, 2010, 21:27:01 »

I have no experience of the trains, but I can say that the town of Bradford-on-Avon is lovely - having visited it several times.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bradford_on_Avon and http://www.cotswolds.info/places/bradford-on-avon.shtml  Wink

I recommend the Barton Farm Tithe Barn buildings, and the various craft shops there, and the old town centre, including the Kennet and Avon Canal  lock and bridge.

Also several good pubs and restaurants for lunch.

Have a good day!  Grin
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Timmer
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« Reply #2 on: April 14, 2010, 21:28:55 »

Bradford on Avon is a great place to visit which I often do, but I wouldn't say that there is a huge amount to do once you have had afternoon tea in one of the tea shops. There are some small specialist shops to look around. If you like walking you can take a walk along the canal to Avoncliff which is nice.

With regards to seating Westbury-Bradford on Avon, sadly there have been a number of short formed 158s running on the Cardiff-Pompey route over the past few days so if you are unfortunate to catch one of these short formed 158s it could be a bit of a squeeze. I'll leave it to others to let you know about loadings betweent Exeter and Westbury.
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moonrakerz
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« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2010, 22:26:48 »

Even when the trains aren't short formed the Westbury/Bradford trains can get VERY crowded. If you are really fussed about getting a seat I would suggest you get the 1119 from Westbury. This is an SWT (South West Trains) train from Waterloo to Bristol, as it is following the FGW (First Great Western) service it normally has tons of space.
Your train back to Westbury will probably be very busy with shoppers from Bristol/Bath going home.
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DevonTrains2008
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« Reply #4 on: April 14, 2010, 22:40:06 »

I am more interested in the section of the journey on HST (High Speed Train (Inter City class 43 125 units)) from Exeter St D - Westbury and vice versa but may consider using the SWT (South West Trains) service - thanks for that!
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JayMac
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« Reply #5 on: April 15, 2010, 00:31:23 »

Your HST (High Speed Train (Inter City class 43 125 units)) to WSB» (Westbury - next trains) and return shouldn't be a problem seating wise. And I concur with Timmer that a walk along the canal to Avoncliff is worthwhile. So maybe get a return from Exeter to Avoncliff then return from there to WSB. You will need to look at your times again though!
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inspector_blakey
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« Reply #6 on: April 15, 2010, 02:33:13 »

Not sure if you're old enough, but if you are then (1) apologies! and (2) there's a very nice pub on the river in Avoncliff called the Cross Guns which could be worth a visit depending on the time of day!
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Timmer
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« Reply #7 on: April 15, 2010, 06:05:46 »

weather looks good for Saturday.
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DevonTrains2008
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« Reply #8 on: April 15, 2010, 10:11:17 »

Thanks for the replies.

How long is the walk (in miles) and how long will it take (hours/minutes)

Look forward to replies

Many thanks

DevonTrains2008
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Tim
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« Reply #9 on: April 15, 2010, 10:21:56 »

Bradford is a nice town.  The Tithebarn is very impressive (you will recognise it if you ever watched Robin of Sherwood) and it is next to the river and canal.

If you walk along the canal to Avoncliff, it will take you about half an hour or so (it is about a mile and a half of towpath walking).  The cross Keys Inn very close to the aquaduct and station is recomended if you fancy a pint.  If you are plannign to walk only one direction, check the train times as not all servcies will stop at Avoncliff (which I think is a request stop) and it might be safer to get the train out and walk back to Bradford. 
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devon_metro
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« Reply #10 on: April 15, 2010, 20:47:47 »

The chippy just outside the station is pretty decent.
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tramway
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« Reply #11 on: April 16, 2010, 12:11:07 »

If you've had the 'Boatman's' then you'll have trouble walking.

http://www.thelockinn.co.uk/breakfast
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devon_metro
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« Reply #12 on: April 16, 2010, 12:27:34 »

If you've had the 'Boatman's' then you'll have trouble walking.

http://www.thelockinn.co.uk/breakfast

Bargain!!!!
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DevonTrains2008
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« Reply #13 on: April 16, 2010, 17:19:03 »

the Icelandic ash cloud isn't going to mean tomorrow's Paddington line trains from Exeter will be packed, I hope?  Huh
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inspector_blakey
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« Reply #14 on: April 16, 2010, 18:25:34 »

Air Southwest's aircraft have a capacity of about 18 people from memory, so I think you might be OK.
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