Queries: walking distances and overnight accomodation.

[hairyhandedfool]

I am making plans for a nice long round trip across the country, but I wondered if anyone knows of any cheap B&Bs close to the following stations (ideally within walking distance).

Sunderland
Scarborough
Boston (Lincs)
Great Yarmouth
Witham
Eastbourne
Exmouth
Par
Gloucester

I'm sure I can find something, but I would like to make it as cheap as possible as I'm likely to only be using them for 8-10 hours overnight.

Also, does anyone know how long it would take to walk between Blackpool South and North (I know it's not far, I just haven't done it before), between Southend Victoria and Southend Central (again I know it's not far, but not exactly sure how long to leave to get between them), between Fenchurch St. and Cannon Street (I might end up using the tube) and finally between Yeovil Pen Mill and Yeovil Junction (I suspect a taxi or bus might be better here).

Oh and finally, is three minutes enough time to change trains at Hull. I know it's under the recommended time, but if I miss the train I have a two hour wait for the next one (it's either that or missing breakfast:cry.

Any assistance appreciated.

 

[ainsworth74]

Oh and finally, is three minutes enough time to change trains at Hull. I know it's under the recommended time, but if I miss the train I have a two hour wait for the next one (it's either that or missing breakfast).

Yes but you'll want to get your jog on (and obviously hope that the service you're arriving on isn't delayed at all) also try and get as far forward on the arriving service as you can as the access to all the platforms is from the buffer stop end of the station. What service are you arriving on and departing on?

 

[MidnightFlyer]

Blackpool North-South is just under 2 miles, so maybe 40 minutes give or take.
Southend Victoria-Central is half a mile.
Fenchurch St-Cannon St is 0.6 miles, or two stops on the westbound Circle / District line.
There is a bus link between Yeovil Jn and Pen Mill.
I should imagine if you alight at the front of the train, 3 minutes should be an OK connection at Hull, especially with any slack timings on the inward service.

 

[Oliver]

Why not look at the map? http://www.bing.com/maps/

Here's the times for Yeovil.

http://www.travelinesw.com/swe/TTB/JP02__000069ca_TP.pdf

 

[hairyhandedfool]

Yes but you'll want to get your jog on (and obviously hope that the service you're arriving on isn't delayed at all) also try and get as far forward on the arriving service as you can as the access to all the platforms is from the buffer stop end of the station. What service are you arriving on and departing on?

Thanks, I had the feeling that would be the case. It'll be the 0902 from Scarborough (arr. 1027) and the 1030 Hull-Kings Cross on a Friday.

Blackpool North-South is just under 2 miles, so maybe 40 minutes give or take.
Southend Victoria-Central is half a mile.
Fenchurch St-Cannon St is 0.6 miles, or two stops on the westbound Circle / District line.
There is a bus link between Yeovil Jn and Pen Mill.
I should imagine if you alight at the front of the train, 3 minutes should be an OK connection at Hull, especially with any slack timings on the inward service.

Thanks, I was thought it was closer than that in Blackpool, 41 minutes train to train might be a bit too close for comfort.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Why not look at the map?....

I like to have a bit more idea what I'm in for and other peoples experiences can be useful to decide things.

....Here's the times for Yeovil.

http://www.travelinesw.com/swe/TTB/JP02__000069ca_TP.pdf

Unfortunately the link doesn't work.

 

[ainsworth74]

Thanks, I had the feeling that would be the case. It'll be the 0902 from Sunderland (arr. 1027) and the 1030 Hull-Kings Cross on a Friday.

I think you mean from Scarborough

The likelihood is that you will arrive on platform 7 and the Kings Cross service will be on platform 2. Not guaranteed mind you but Hull Trains normally use platform 2, Northern use 2, 6 and 7 (with services to/from Bridlington/Scarborough using 6/7 primarily unless they continue onto Sheffield/Doncaster) and TPE use 3, 4 and 5 and I believe that EC use 5, 6 and 7.

To be honest you're probably fairly safe with that connection as there is padding for Northern services from the Yorkshire Coast Line that terminate at Hull. Normally they arrive about 3/4 minutes early so you probably will have about the recommended connection time (even if you don't officially from the public timetable).

 

[hairyhandedfool]

I think you mean from Scarborough ....

Indeed.

....The likelihood is that you will arrive on platform 7 and the Kings Cross service will be on platform 2. Not guaranteed mind you but Hull Trains normally use platform 2, Northern use 2, 6 and 7 (with services to/from Bridlington/Scarborough using 6/7 primarily unless they continue onto Sheffield/Doncaster) and TPE use 3, 4 and 5.

To be honest you're probably fair safe with that connection as there is padding for Northern services from the Yorkshire Coast Line that terminate at Hull. Normally they arrive about 3/4 minutes early so you probably will have about the recommended connection time (even if you don't from the public timetable).

Okay, thanks.

 

[CaptainHaddock]

I know I've mentioned them on other threads but if you want to go cheaply you can't do much better than Travelodges. So long as you book at least 3 weeks in advance you should be able to get a room for £19 midweek in most locations. Sure they're not for everyone, but if all you want is a bed and a bathroom they're ideal.

That said, in seaside resorts such as Scarborough and Yarmouth there should be plenty of cheap B&Bs at this time of year. Directly opposite Scarborough station there's a little crescent called West Square with some very cheap and cheerful B&Bs. The one on the link below for example gets decent reviews.

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_...otel-Scarborough_North_Yorkshire_England.html

 

[scarby]

In Scarborough the Victoria Hotel is right outside the station:

http://www.thevictoriahotel.biz/

Front room I guess you might even be able to hear trains departing.

Otherwise loads of cheap B&Bs down Columbus Ravine, which is about 15-20 minutes walk away.

 

[Essexman]

Allow 15 minutes to walk from Southend Central to Victoria.

Quickest to get tube from Tower Hill to Cannon Street rather than walk from Fenchurch Street.

3 minutes OK at Hull. Several times I've used the 3 minute stop on trains from Bridlington to Sheffield to run to concourse & buy food.

 

[Oliver]

Unfortunately the link doesn't work.

Sorry, it's one of those links which is session specific. It runs from Jnc to Pen Mill every half hour. Go to Traveline and do "plan my journey".

 

[142094]

Sunderland is a tricky one - don't know any B+Bs other than the ones that used to be in Seaburn. South Shields (which is only a short Metro or bus trip away) has lots of decent ones on Ocean Road (all of which are very handy for South Shields Metro and the curry houses across the road, not to mention Colmans fish and chips and the sea front).

So basically, don't stay in Sunderland and get yourself along to South Shields (the Blackpool of the North East!).

 

[pendolino]

Oh and finally, is three minutes enough time to change trains at Hull. I know it's under the recommended time, but if I miss the train I have a two hour wait for the next one

Missing your train would be a good enough reason to visit Bob Carver's legendary chippy (5 minutes from Paragon station). Pattie and chips with lots of onion vinegar for me please.

 

[hairyhandedfool]

Thanks to everyone who has given help so far.

I know I've mentioned them on other threads but if you want to go cheaply you can't do much better than Travelodges. So long as you book at least 3 weeks in advance you should be able to get a room for £19 midweek in most locations. Sure they're not for everyone, but if all you want is a bed and a bathroom they're ideal....

They're certainly is a good choice in some places, I might make use of a couple.

In Scarborough the Victoria Hotel is right outside the station:

http://www.thevictoriahotel.biz/

Front room I guess you might even be able to hear trains departing.

Otherwise loads of cheap B&Bs down Columbus Ravine, which is about 15-20 minutes walk away.

Note made.

...3 minutes OK at Hull. Several times I've used the 3 minute stop on trains from Bridlington to Sheffield to run to concourse & buy food.

That's good to know.

Sorry, it's one of those links which is session specific. It runs from Jnc to Pen Mill every half hour. Go to Traveline and do "plan my journey".

No worries, I had a look and it seems to have reasonable journey times.

....So basically, don't stay in Sunderland and get yourself along to South Shields (the Blackpool of the North East!).

That may not be an option, but I'll bear it in mind

Missing your train would be a good enough reason to visit Bob Carver's legendary chippy (5 minutes from Paragon station). Pattie and chips with lots of onion vinegar for me please.

I had considered finding early lunch in that eventuality, I'll give that a look if I get the time.

 

[Greenback]

HHF, I don't know what your budget is, but have a look at The Royal Inn in Par. Right by the station, we stayed there a few years ago and found it very good.

http://www.royal-inn.co.uk/

 

[tony_mac]

For Scarborough you could try the Britannia Grand hotel.
I haven't been to that one, but they are generally rather run-down former grand hotels, but if you can cope with that they can be cheap (i.e. £25-£35, possibly including breakfast and dinner). They do have (faded) character, and are popular with coach parties - which is good if you like bingo!

 

[142094]

That may not be an option, but I'll bear it in mind

I'm guessing that you might be getting the early GC? If so you'll probably find a better selection of hotels in Newcastle and you can get a Metro from Monument/Central to Sunderland. The Premier Inn at New Bridge Street is a 5 minute walk to Monument, and there are other hotels near Central (including Jury's Inn which may be a bit cheaper than the Royal Station Hotel or Thistle).

You could also get the early morning Northern service from Newcastle to Hartlepool, departs 06.00 from NCL and gets into Sunderland at 06.19 (and you could use your Priv on that).
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

For Scarborough you could try the Britannia Grand hotel.
I haven't been to that one, but they are generally rather run-down former grand hotels, but if you can cope with that they can be cheap (i.e. £25-£35, possibly including breakfast and dinner). They do have (faded) character, and are popular with coach parties - which is good if you like bingo!

The Grand had a big renovation recently, and apparently it is quite nice now. Not sure of the prices though.

 

[tony_mac]

The Grand had a big renovation recently, and apparently it is quite nice now. Not sure of the prices though.

I had a look for next week, you can get b&b for £25.

Their prices for 1 person can be a bit odd - sometimes the bed,breakfast, dinner and wine works out cheaper than the room only.

I am tempted to go there myself now, I quite like the seaside in winter!

 

[142094]

I had a look for next week, you can get b&b for £25.

Their prices for 1 person can be a bit odd - sometimes the bed,breakfast, dinner and wine works out cheaper than the room only.

Not bad price actually (no doubt will be higher in summer)

I am tempted to go there myself now, I quite like the seaside in winter!

Direct train from Lime Street and you're sorted! Been to Scarborough a few times in winter - bit dead but most things were open. Best thing was not having to queue for fish and chips, and the fact that I was able to win some dosh in the amusements that paid for the trip from York, the fish and chips, a few pints and another trip back to Scarborough the month after.

 

[tony_mac]

Direct train from Lime Street and you're sorted!

That reminds me, I need to buy a travel cushion! Or get a job and travel in first

 

[Scotty]

Not many B&Bs in Boston! Try http://www.park-lea.co.uk/

 

[wheel]

and finally between Yeovil Pen Mill and Yeovil Junction (I suspect a taxi or bus might be better here).

You could walk from Pen Mill the bus station in town and then get a bus to Yeovil Junction. 10 minute walk max from Pen Mill to the bus station, which interestingly follows the line of the trackbed from the Pen Mill Station to location of the now demolished Yeovil Town Station, which was shut as part of the Beeching closures, which had it still been there, you could have changed trains at and then got to Yeovil Junction.

The route you walk is in Yellow on this map

http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/posters/YVP.pdf

Yeovil Junction isnt actually close to Yeovil, being in a different county, its a 1 1/2 to 2 mile walk along a country road with no pavement.

Your alternative is the 68 Bus operated by Southwest Coaches which runs between the two stations, timetable here

http://www.southwestcoaches.co.uk/images/timetables/68 service - aug 11.pdf

HTH

 

[ModChod]

For Gloucester you could try here: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_...House-Gloucester_Gloucestershire_England.html

Close enough to the station. I've never stayed there, but driven by plenty of times, nice little building and very favourable reviews above.

The other place that sprang to mind was the Travelodge at the Gloucester Quays designer outlet - you have to walk through the city to get their, but Gloucester is no metropolis and it will give you a good excuse to go and have a look at the Cathedral (I'm not religous, but it is well worth a visti) and a wander through the Docks (which has sadly been turned into apartments)

 

[142094]

That reminds me, I need to buy a travel cushion! Or get a job and travel in first

I've done Newcastle - LIV before on the direct early morning service - couldn't walk properly for about an hour after I'd got off...

 

[hairyhandedfool]

Once again thanks for the assistance.

HHF, I don't know what your budget is, but have a look at The Royal Inn in Par. Right by the station, we stayed there a few years ago and found it very good.

http://www.royal-inn.co.uk/

Ideally I would've liked £25-30 or less a night, but in a few places I can't see that, infact Par and Witham seem the most problematic. I might have to adjust my plans somewhat, or make the trip a little later in the year than I would like to save up some more money.

For Scarborough you could try the Britannia Grand hotel.
I haven't been to that one, but they are generally rather run-down former grand hotels, but if you can cope with that they can be cheap (i.e. £25-£35, possibly including breakfast and dinner). They do have (faded) character, and are popular with coach parties - which is good if you like bingo!

I'll have a look for that, see what price I can get.

I'm guessing that you might be getting the early GC?....

Actually no, but nice guess.

....You could also get the early morning Northern service from Newcastle to Hartlepool, departs 06.00 from NCL and gets into Sunderland at 06.19 (and you could use your Priv on that)....

I could do that, I get free travel on Northern so price doesn't come into it. It's more a question of timing, I could possibly get a train/Metro from Newcastle in the morning.

Not many B&Bs in Boston! Try http://www.park-lea.co.uk/

Yeah I notice that one, it's about £30, which just fits into the budget, but if I can get that price down a bit I'd be happier.

....The other place that sprang to mind was the Travelodge at the Gloucester Quays designer outlet - you have to walk through the city to get their, but Gloucester is no metropolis and it will give you a good excuse to go and have a look at the Cathedral (I'm not religous, but it is well worth a visti) and a wander through the Docks (which has sadly been turned into apartments)

The travelodge seems like a good bet, I don't mind a short walk to get there.

You could walk from Pen Mill the bus station in town and then get a bus to Yeovil Junction....

....Yeovil Junction isnt actually close to Yeovil, being in a different county, its a 1 1/2 to 2 mile walk along a country road with no pavement....

I think the bus link is probably the best thing, I don't particularly mind walking down a road with no pavement so long as it has some sort of verge and it is fairly light out, I suspect it might not be when I get there though.

 

[Sapphire Blue]

Doing the Blackpool "loop" (either way) I always hop on a tram for at least some of the way.

 

[Greenback]

Once again thanks for the assistance.

Ideally I would've liked £25-30 or less a night, but in a few places I can't see that, infact Par and Witham seem the most problematic. I might have to adjust my plans somewhat, or make the trip a little later in the year than I would like to save up some more money.

Yes, I can see why that would be, there's not that much choice in the area around Par, and what there is can hardly be called cheap!

 

[hairyhandedfool]

Right, a slight re-plan I think has sorted things a little. The planned stop in Witham is now in Southend, Eastbourne's stop is now in Portsmouth and the nights in Exmouth and Par are now two nights in Plymouth.

 

[mind the gap]

Missing your train would be a good enough reason to visit Bob Carver's legendary chippy (5 minutes from Paragon station). Pattie and chips with lots of onion vinegar for me please.

Do they still have the dish of mint sauce on the counter? :grin:

 

[142094]

Actually no, but nice guess.

That's got me quite curious - what's in Sunderland at that time of morning (if you don't mind me asking that is)?

Our very own sprinterguy hails from the Sunderland area so he might be able to recommend a place to stay near the station.