Originally Posted by
mad_rich
Phew, it's not easy, negotiating UK rail fares. Are you sure you can't fly into Manchester? ;-)
Indeed. Thanks all of you for your valuable feedback in addressing my concerns. After learning about BA strike, no trains on Boxing day, Heathrow Express not operating: Railpass is out. Working on other options, maybe even cxl trip alltogether (refundable ticket, so not the end of the world).