My parents are at the stage where a 5+ hour car journey is no longer a viable option and there are no flights from Manchester to Gatwick (nearest airports) so we're looking at other alternatives as we'd really love for them to join us for Christmas this year. Last time they came by train but the journey across London & multiple changes with luggage really took it out of them so wondering if there's any other smaller airports or possibly considering coach (can you move around in a coach or is it just much the same as driving ie sitting for long periods which is an issue).
What do other people do who don't live near families? Or do we just have to accept that we will only see them when we can make the journey up to them?