Once upon a time we had a simple system of rail fares which everybody knew and understood and which was the same all over the country. Then came privatisation, and now each company has its own rules, and the rules keep changing, and no one really knows what's going on any more!

However, these basic guidelines may help:

- As a general rule cheap deals are only available on return fares

- The *very* cheapest fares usually require you to book ahead and make a non-changeable reservation

- You can generally get saver fares over the counter on the day of travel. These are more expensive than the ones you book ahead, but are not tied to a specific train.

If I was planning that journey I'd probably make enquiries by telephone - one can usually get more sense out of a human being than from a web site. The national rail enquiries number is +44 8457 484950. This may or may not work from outside the UK (let me know if it doesn't and I can always enquire for you)