Cheapest way to get to TVR Blackpool and back from down sout

[marz92]

Looking for the most cost effective way of taking and returning my Griff to Blackpool to get work done on it.
Looking for late summer early autumn, travelling from nearby Swindon in Wiltshire. Wanting to get the carpets, interior done with D&C Trim, allowing for a month timeframe with them (to include other bits and bobs). At the moment I am allowing 4 hours travelling time with the Griff over a 200 mile journey, taking in the costs of fuel (£60 - £70 approx - one way) and the return rail fare is £85.70 (use within a month and allowing to travel back up north to collect the car). If I needed to stay over for any reason, I have discovered that there is a Premier Inn around the 'corner' from the old factory, if booked up well in advance can come to £29 plus £22 for 3 course 'Berni Inn' style dinner and full english breakfast in the morning.

Question is..... to any of you down south who have done the trip, is this the cheapest option? Or does anybody travel with a trailer 'empty' one way and is willing to take and bring my car back for a better price?

Opening the 'floor; to suggestions, hits and tips. If only Blackpool was closer!!!!

[Jimmydk]

I am originally from Lytham, near Blackpool and take my T350 back up north for work (I am in London, car in Surrey in sis garage). It is currently at D&C.

The cheapest way I think is to buy a single in advance for your trip home. Maybe get a lift to Poulton and then take train to Preston and from there down south.

On the way back you only need a couple of weeks notice - take an early sat morning train (7am) up to Preston and then change to Poulton and get a cab or have a stroll there.

You should be able to get train for about £30 each way + a bit more for getting to Poulton. Really no need to stay over unless you really want to.

Hope this helps!

[Timja]

I'm meant to be going up on 29th July, back on 31st July to visit friends... although i don't have a trailer or a car to tow one! But if you are really stuck i'm happy to drive it up and get the train back as i have to do the journey anyway. Probably a bit too early though as you will miss out on driving your car in August, plus you probably don't want someone you don't know driving your car!

[Hoover.]

ste have i done it wrong doing to Power,,, drove up n got a open return.

[marz92]

Guys,

Thank you for the feed back, I will look at the alternative train situation, but may be difficult for me to do on weekends, with regards to letting someone else drive my motor that I haven't met, I think I can safely say that will be a NO NO!! Any more thoughts I still welcome your comments. Thanks

[TVRWazzock]

Paul,

I could follow you up in the Tam and bring you back if you want

Alternatively, have you tried these in Calne:
http://www.swautotrimming.co.uk

I used them recently to replace my back window and they did an excellent job, and he knows TVRs.

Also have you tried Dulfords:
http://www.dulfordauto.co.uk

I will be getting my interior redone at Dulfords next year. They are excellent aswell and easy to get to.

Edited by TVRWazzock on Tuesday 14th June 07:08

[gifdy]

I'm trailering my car up to D&C next month and then bringing it back about 4 weeks later, if the timings work out I could bring yours back/up and split some of the costs. Drop me a PM if you want to consider it.

[ChrisnChris]

I did a similar journey a couple of years ago, although from Fleet Hampshire and to Green Star Racing. Fleet-Waterloo. Waterloo-Euston. Euston-Preston. Preston-Blackpool South. About 4 1/2 hrs IIR.

I bought an advance return ticket from Raileasy, drove up very early one wednesday morning (wednesday was the cheapest day to travel) arrived in Blackpol @ 08.00 & caught the train back.

Caught an early afternoon train the next wednesday, arrived in Blackpool @18.00 ish. Got back midnight ish after stopping off in Preston at relatives for a sarnie.
I think the ticket cost about £55 (the journey from Blackpool to Fleet was cheaper than from Fleet to Blackpool)

[marz92]

gifdy said:

I'm trailering my car up to D&C next month and then bringing it back about 4 weeks later, if the timings work out I could bring yours back/up and split some of the costs. Drop me a PM if you want to consider it.

Thanks for this..... It's looking like I will either do this project late in the autumn or then there is always next spring, then again I and er'indoors could always take time off and have a few days and explore the Lake District by taking her car as well. Which ever way there seems to be no cheap option. it's a long way to go, I could find someone closer to me, but some how D& C boys seem to get the glowing reports and after all know all the TVRs inside out, better than any one else.

[marz92]

[quote=TVRWazzock]Paul,

I could follow you up in the Tam and bring you back if you want

Very kind! But due to the travelling cost with petrol and time, I reckon the train could take the strain

YHM!

Edited by marz92 on Tuesday 14th June 19:08