Brighton to Liverpool and back in a day with 10yo DD

[WyrdByrd]

We're planning to go next Monday and see the Andy Warhol exhibition at Tate as we both love pop art, but it's a bit of a trek - just over 4 hours each way, assuming no train problems .

Logistics mean the dates we can go are limited so doing it on an INSET day and we'll both have to be in work/school the next day (DD is pretty resilient and can doze on the train).

My mum is 75 and having kittens - nothing unusual and I'd normally take very little notice, but Dad and DH also telling me I'm bonkers.

I'm torn now - we did a longish train journey last year which was absolutely horrific but we survived and it's not likely to happen again, is it?

WWYD? I feel like a prat for even worrying about it tbh, but an starting to wonder if they all have a point.

I'd stay over and get an early train back if you can get a couple of hours off work. Even if you make half the journey back I think I would want a rest.

It would mean DD having an unauthorized absence from school.

Tbh I'd do it, but it's another no-no as far as DH is concerned.

Have fun. It's a long journey, buy you know that. It's an adventure! What's the worst that can happen? You need a travelogue due to cancellations, snow etc. which is very unlikely. Your daughter will have a great day.

Depends on your DD and how she behaves on the train.

I live a couple of miles from you (IIRC) and tbh, the train to London is quite long enough for me to be stuck in a confined space with mine personally

Merlin that's exactly what I said - if we were driving it I'd totally see her point!

Saucy she's great on the train, a bit iffy it's crowded but hopefully have timed it ok to avoid that, although coming home might be a bit worse.

We have just discovered the joys of Monopoly on the iPad so that should keep us out of mischief most of the way.

sounds madness but not dangerous or anything, just very badly planned. bit late now but surely an overnight trip would have been a better idea?

Unfortunately an overnight trip isn't feasible as it costs over three times as much for accommodation on a Saturday, and can't do it in the week as she'd have to miss school - the exhibition runs between the end of October half term & the start of Feb one which is a massive pita.

Sounds fine to me ,but then I live in the SE and have done Alton Towers as day trip ,Disneyland Paris as a daytrip and Blackpool as a day trip and that's with me driving.(trains make me sick) . Have a nice day !

next time, just look out for deals on travelodge etc, either in london or brighton. theres always something around. enjoy the trip anyway

there is still one for 38 quid next sunday - prices go as low as 19 though if you keep an eye out

How was daytrip to Paris flora? That's something I'm considering for next year .

It's certainly a manageable journey for a 10 year old. She will cope with the tiredness the next day. Enjoy.

Go for it then. Take loads of food and thick coats/hats/gloves in case a train is delayed and you have to hang around a cold station.

Sounds like an adventure:

Sounds like a thoroughly enjoyable adventure to me! If your dd gets tired she can snooze on the train home but certainly, it's a perfectly do-able journey in a day.

PS. I'd just warn you about the hell that is Victoria tube station during the morning peak though. Might be worth changing at East Croydon onto the First Crapita Connect (or Thameslink as I think it has reverted to) train straight onto Kings Cross. Then tube to Euston.

We don't get to Victoria until 11.25 so hopefully will be ok.

It sounds like an adventure. The alternatives would be expensive, you'll enjoy it and sleep on the way back.
Have fun!

It'll be fine by 11.15. Or as fine as it ever gets!

On the face of it, it does sound a bit loopy but when you explain it, it sounds like a long but doable day. Particularly if your dd will doze on the train. You could wear dc out more with a full on trip to Chessington.

Actually she's doing Go Ape the day before so she might end up sleeping both ways!

I think because I'm not that organised on a day-to-day basis, my parents & DH assume I take the same laissez faire attitude to travelling, even though I've been taking DD on daytrips & weekends away by myself for years.

Mum did muse that she wouldn't be so worried if DH (who hates modern art) was coming with us. I felt compelled to point out that his being in possession of a penis didn't automatically make him a better/safer travelling companion.

She was not amused !

Probably just as well you haven't got an early start then!

I'm actually really anal about planning fun stuff, days out, holidays, parties etc.

I did extensive research into times, routes, costs, dates. Have checked walking distance from Liverpool Station to Tate to Pizza Express to Station, ordered by Pizza Express vouchers from clubcard & got them stashed with my tickets.

The boring stuff I take a more laid back approach to.

Sounds like great fun to me and quite an adventure for your 10 year old daughter.

Don't listen to the naysayers. What's the worst that could happen: a delayed train, a bit of tiredness the next day?

Just go and have a wonderful day with your little girl.