travelling by train - does my 3 year old need a ticket?

[strongblackcoffee]

I am just about to buy an online ticket, but I cannot find an answer to whether I need to buy a ticket for my 3 (and 2) year old DS. It's with Southern Railway - can anyone tell me the answer before I stick a fist through my computer screen..?

hmmm, sorry, Christmas stress appears to be getting to me...

Not unless you want to guarantee them a seat I don't think. Unders 5s travel free.

Under 5's are free. Assume that is with all companies.

under 5's free.

it can be cheaper to buy a family railcard, pay for one child, and get 1/3 off adult fare though.

Thank you thank you [breathes sigh of relief and sips more wine]

It's not worth a rail ticket this time - it's only Cardiff to Bristol, it's £3! Apparently I can't reserve a seat, so I'll have to battle with the xmas eve crowds, but at least I won't get fined for my non-paying children

Excellent, now I can buy my ticket and get on with the next job! Thank you very much