Travelling to UK for Badminton - any tips/advice?

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jessicara

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Hi! Sorry if this is in the wrong place - please feel free to redirect me if I am!

I'm a horsey Aussie planning on travelling next year from May to August and thought visiting Badminton Horse Trials may be a fun way to kick off my trip. Was just wondering if some locals may be able to share some tips or ideas of where to stay and how to get around during the event.

Super appreciative of any help or even just a hello! :cool:
 
Following. I will be doing the same thing in 2017. Sorry to hijack your post jessicara! :)

I was doing a bit of reading on the tents and things that they have available to book. There are a few options on the Badminton website. http://www.badminton-horse.co.uk/index.php/tickets-2/camping-site-2/

If anyone could offer any suggestions or advice on those, that would be amazing.
 
NaeNae87 said:
Following. I will be doing the same thing in 2017. Sorry to hijack your post jessicara! :)

I was doing a bit of reading on the tents and things that they have available to book. There are a few options on the Badminton website. http://www.badminton-horse.co.uk/index.php/tickets-2/camping-site-2/

If anyone could offer any suggestions or advice on those, that would be amazing.
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No worries, go for it! I saw those but unfortunately I'll be travelling light and on a budget so I think I'll be stuck with hostels out of town and hopefully catching a bus or the like in each day.
 
Definitely stay at the Thames Head Inn. I worked there for a long time and they are the loveliest people on earth. Only about 15 mins from badminton too! If you want a list of things to do and places to see in the Cotswolds just let me know.
 
Starzaan said:
Definitely stay at the Thames Head Inn. I worked there for a long time and they are the loveliest people on earth. Only about 15 mins from badminton too! If you want a list of things to do and places to see in the Cotswolds just let me know.
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Looks lovely, thanks! A list would be great too if you don't mind!
 
Badminton is in the sticks and not brilliant on public transport. If there is a bus link Bath to Stroud that might be your best bet (I will see what I can find out for you).

Bath is the nearest big town/city and a nice place to visit. Tetbury is pretty but not much to do unless you like antique shops ��

Most people either drive or get on organised coaches to badminton.

If you can find a B&B in either Badminton itself or Acton Turville or Luckington then it is walkable from there - but to be honest you will likely find B&B booked up by now.

Might just be easier to camp on site to be honest
 
ihatework said:
Badminton is in the sticks and not brilliant on public transport. If there is a bus link Bath to Stroud that might be your best bet (I will see what I can find out for you).

Bath is the nearest big town/city and a nice place to visit. Tetbury is pretty but not much to do unless you like antique shops ��

Most people either drive or get on organised coaches to badminton.

If you can find a B&B in either Badminton itself or Acton Turville or Luckington then it is walkable from there - but to be honest you will likely find B&B booked up by now.

Might just be easier to camp on site to be honest
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Thank you so much! Unfortunately camping probably won't be an option for me as I won't have the gear (though I wish I could). Unfortunately being 20 I'm probably also unable to hire a car from most companies so I'm probably limited to staying in a hostel in Bath (or anywhere else nearby) at this stage and hoping to find a bus!! Luckily I don't mind spending a bit of time on transport, I'm used to a long commute every day anyway.
 
If you are wanting public transport then it looks like the local 41 service linking Yate to Malmesbury is your best bet.

http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/buses-malmesbury-timetable-changes.pdf

You should find somewhere cheap to stay in Yate (it isn't a nice tourist town!), anywhere on the route from Malmesbury to badminton will be more rural and only B&B type accommodation (likely already booked up). Angel house in Sherston, carriers farm in Sherston are a couple of suggestions.
 
ihatework said:
If you are wanting public transport then it looks like the local 41 service linking Yate to Malmesbury is your best bet.

http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/buses-malmesbury-timetable-changes.pdf

You should find somewhere cheap to stay in Yate (it isn't a nice tourist town!), anywhere on the route from Malmesbury to badminton will be more rural and only B&B type accommodation (likely already booked up). Angel house in Sherston, carriers farm in Sherston are a couple of suggestions.
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Brilliant, I'll look into it! Thank you so so much for this, really appreciate it.
 
I hate to say it but public transport in the UK (outside London) is pretty hopeless, my EU friends never quite believe me until they try.

You might find that buying a very cheap tent etc is actually the most cost effective and least time consuming thing, places like Aldi, Argos, maybe Tescos that time of year... often have v cheap stuff (I got a tent for £19.99 and a sleeping bag for £6.99 a couple of years ago), as you aren't needing it to last it should be fine (especially if you wait until you know what the weather will be like)
Being on site is fantastic, and definitely worth trying.

Good luck, I hope you have a fantastic trip, maybe post back here when you're done with some pics?
 
Counterpoint said:
I hate to say it but public transport in the UK (outside London) is pretty hopeless, my EU friends never quite believe me until they try.

You might find that buying a very cheap tent etc is actually the most cost effective and least time consuming thing, places like Aldi, Argos, maybe Tescos that time of year... often have v cheap stuff (I got a tent for £19.99 and a sleeping bag for £6.99 a couple of years ago), as you aren't needing it to last it should be fine (especially if you wait until you know what the weather will be like)
Being on site is fantastic, and definitely worth trying.

Good luck, I hope you have a fantastic trip, maybe post back here when you're done with some pics?
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Thanks for the tip - definitely worth considering, will have a few days in the country to sort some of this stuff out... Hmm! Bet it can't be worse than our public transport - I often had to give my bus drivers directions (that's if they even came) when I was a kid catching a bus out to the paddock.

Thank you, will definitely share some pics!
 
There is no bus that takes you right to badminton, its pretty secluded. You might need to pay for a taxi or try and find some nice person to help you get there. Its fab though, you will very much enjoy it :) just remember that there is an entry fee but you then also have to pay into the arenas, unless its saturday (cross country day)
 
equi said:
There is no bus that takes you right to badminton, its pretty secluded. You might need to pay for a taxi or try and find some nice person to help you get there. Its fab though, you will very much enjoy it :) just remember that there is an entry fee but you then also have to pay into the arenas, unless its saturday (cross country day)
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Hehe I think if I can get there I'll have a ball. Thanks for the tip too - is it usually wise to book in advance?
 
jessicara said:
Thank you so much! Unfortunately camping probably won't be an option for me as I won't have the gear (though I wish I could). Unfortunately being 20 I'm probably also unable to hire a car from most companies so I'm probably limited to staying in a hostel in Bath (or anywhere else nearby) at this stage and hoping to find a bus!! Luckily I don't mind spending a bit of time on transport, I'm used to a long commute every day anyway.
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There are options for camping, to hire "pre-erected" tents. There are also glamping pods (although not sure how expensive they are). A lot of people in Badminton village rent out rooms, and the badminton horse trials website usually put up a list of these.
 
lizziebell said:
There are options for camping, to hire "pre-erected" tents. There are also glamping pods (although not sure how expensive they are). A lot of people in Badminton village rent out rooms, and the badminton horse trials website usually put up a list of these.
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Glamping pods certainly sound as if they'll be out of my budget but I'll be sure to check out the "pre-erected" tents and the like when more info goes on the website...
 
I've been for the past 3 years and am hoping to go again next year. If you do stay out of town there is always a spare space in the back of my car, I drive for 3 hours to get there anyway, so a little detour wouldn't make much difference to me depending on where you choose to stay. I'm sure other HHO'ers would offer you a lift too :)
 
Counterpoint said:
I hate to say it but public transport in the UK (outside London) is pretty hopeless, my EU friends never quite believe me until they try.

You might find that buying a very cheap tent etc is actually the most cost effective and least time consuming thing, places like Aldi, Argos, maybe Tescos that time of year... often have v cheap stuff (I got a tent for £19.99 and a sleeping bag for £6.99 a couple of years ago), as you aren't needing it to last it should be fine (especially if you wait until you know what the weather will be like)
Being on site is fantastic, and definitely worth trying.

Good luck, I hope you have a fantastic trip, maybe post back here when you're done with some pics?
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Buy a proper sleeping mat, it weighs nothing and is essential. I would think it will pay off financially, and you can really get involved if you are on site, it is very "English" at its best.
 
Lammy said:
I've been for the past 3 years and am hoping to go again next year. If you do stay out of town there is always a spare space in the back of my car, I drive for 3 hours to get there anyway, so a little detour wouldn't make much difference to me depending on where you choose to stay. I'm sure other HHO'ers would offer you a lift too :)
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This. I live in South Wales and gave a friend from Bristol a lift to Badminton this year. She caught the train out to Yate and I picked her up there. I left the Motorway a junction early and then went through the lanes, it only took 10-15 minutes from the station. It was probably as quick as sitting in the queue of traffic from the 'correct' junction. I'd stay in Bristol, get a train to Yate and beg for a lift from HHOers there. I'd happily pick you up if I go (I normally do!)
 
annagain said:
This. I live in South Wales and gave a friend from Bristol a lift to Badminton this year. She caught the train out to Yate and I picked her up there. I left the Motorway a junction early and then went through the lanes, it only took 10-15 minutes from the station. It was probably as quick as sitting in the queue of traffic from the 'correct' junction. I'd stay in Bristol, get a train to Yate and beg for a lift from HHOers there. I'd happily pick you up if I go (I normally do!)
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Ahh, thank you both so much for offering!! Really appreciate it and may take you up on the offer depending on how things pan out. I think I'll keep an eye out as more info is released and wait until I have a better idea on my budget and time constraints (currently hunting for job number 3 for once uni is done and dusted).
Definitely happy to return the favour if you're ever in Aus!
 
Bonkers2 said:
Buy a proper sleeping mat, it weighs nothing and is essential. I would think it will pay off financially, and you can really get involved if you are on site, it is very "English" at its best.
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Hmm, sounds like it would really be worthwhile staying onsite... I'll see what I can figure out. Thank you!
 
jessicara said:
Hmm, sounds like it would really be worthwhile staying onsite... I'll see what I can figure out. Thank you!
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Hi. If you PM me (not that I've ever picked up a PM but I guess I'll find out how to) we could maybe help you with accommodation/transport. We live quite close to the horse trials and tend to go Thursday daytime, Fri eve to walk the course and Cross Country day. Sometimes we get tickets for show jumping too.
You'd have to get yourself to Bristol and then we can assist from there.
 
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