To think you check you can get home?

They made a mistake and they’re probably embarrassed. Don’t think too badly of them.

I don't understand why they didn't check train times for coming back. It's fairly obvious that, even if there was a service operating, it wouldn't be a normal timetable, so it would be mad not to check.

Oh, yawn.

@ItOnlyTakesTwoMinutes - you don't have to learn anything. Just engage brain.

I agree that I'd check if there were trains on boxing day.

But I'm totally baffled by all the people who, in those circumstances, are saying that they'd expect the person to get home/leave and stay in a hotel no matter what. I'm really not a doormat but circumstances like this call for kindness not cruelty. I'm also not Christian but what's being proposed by a lot of people is the antithesis of the spirit of Christmas.

I would understand if it was a close friend or relative and this was standard behaviour for them, but for anyone where I didn't have positive evidence to the contrary I would always rather assume things were an honest mistake. Never assume conspiracy where a cock-up can explain it.

Why the fuck would I ever go out of my way to learn how to look after a dog I don’t have? 😂😂😂

@ItOnlyTakesTwoMinutes - not sure you need to have a dog to know you shouldn't leave it alone for 12 hours - love.

All right love, I don’t have one, was just wondering.

Of course not 🙄

It depends on the type of train. Local commuter train is as you describe (Northern Rail). A return trip to London would either be pre-booked times or open return. Although with an open return you risk not getting a seat.

I think it's really nice to invite someone who would otherwise be alone to Christmas lunch. If you have a biggish group one more makes no difference to the group but means a lot to the otherwise solitary person. My family have done this over the years as needed for recently bereaved/separated friends or acquaintances, teen friends who are estranged from parents. One more to ten or eight is fine.

Wouldn't be delighted at leaving someone alone in my home for hours though. This isn't because of fear of identity theft (like one poster - bizarre, if I thought they were criminal wouldn't have them in the first place) but because I hate the idea of someone idly poking through my stuff. Probably because all my family are blatant rakers!

Yes, an open return is available everywhere.

If they bought it in person at a ticket office, they'd be asked if they wanted an open return or a specific date, so they'd be advised about 'no trains'.

If they booked online, they would have to choose 'single' or 'return' and select open return. That's usually more expensive.

It's hard to believe they were unaware of the closure of rail lines on the 26th.

It's been 'national news for weeks leading up to Christmas.

It was hard to avoid the 'there are no trains over Christmas' on the news on radio and TV.

And there is also a lot of work being done on lines so anyone travelling is advised to check this when booking (and info is online.)

And....the website usually always says 'check for holiday dates' or check for work affecting the journey.'

I'd have assumed your guest knew this because the return trip would be part of the ticket-buying process.

Round my way, you'd either buy a same day return, or an open return, valid for 30 days. I realise that might not be the same everywhere, as rail ticket pricing in the UK can be so variable.

@Cosyblankets Can you not leave a dog for 12 hours?

You sound a lovely person for hosting someone who would have been on their own for Christmas. There must be loads of people who end up alone for one reason or another, which is really sad.

The extra day sounds a bit annoying, but I guess you got a free dog sitter for the day!

I disagree. I’m absolutely fine about bus and train drivers not working, though the rail maintenance crews are. I’d prefer it if retail staff didn’t have to work, too.

I'd have assumed your guest knew this because the return trip would be part of the ticket-buying process.

I agree.

Late to the party, but I do think the transport issue about how long guests stay is partly yours. 50-50, really.

There has been a lot in the media about no trains or fewer trains over the holiday (partly because some train companies are refusing to work overtime as they used to).

For several years now there have been no trains on the 25th a nd 26th.

I'd have assumed your guest knew this because the return trip would be part of the ticket-buying process.

Well they don't need to figure something else out do they? OP has accepted the situation. As most reasonable people would at Xmas

Who was looking after the dog in your original plans to be out for 12 hours?

@Ayechinnyreckon
You think it’s rude to suggest they go to a hotel, but apparently, they don’t find it rude to overstay their welcome. Not sure what to tell you, but it doesn’t sound like this situation was part of the original plan. With no trains running, they’ll need to figure something out. Are there any other stations nearby, or maybe a different train line that could at least get them closer to home?

In fairness, the busiest lines often have engineering works between Christmas and New Year because it’s such a disaster to have the trains cancelled on a normal day.