Travel
As many Harry Potter fans have already found, it is easy to get into Reading!
Here are a few different methods for you to try. More detailed directions will appear here one month before Accio. Meanwhile, you could also try the Muggle government's new integrated Transport Direct website to plan your journey by train, bus, coach or car within the UK.
You'll probably want to consider combining your attendance at Accio with one of the exciting range of tours offered by HP Fan Trips.
Those travelling from abroad may find it useful to visit VisitBritain.com to help plan your trip, including visa regulations.
If you fancy a trip to Devon to check out the Weasley's home at Ottery St Mary or visit Budleigh Salterton, we can recommend beautiful accommodation for your holiday at Honey Cottage - a beautiful thatched cottage in the village of Lapford in the heart of the glorious Devon countryside. Ideal for a self-catering holiday, or just a quiet weekend away.
Planes
|
Heathrow airport is conveniently close to Reading. However, rail links are strangely absent from the world's busiest airport, by a quirk of muggle planning. Instead, take the RailAir coach link to Reading station from any of the terminals 1-3. This will take you to Reading station in about 50 minutes. Follow the signs for 'Buses' and buy a return ticket (£17.50) at the bus counter, or on board. If you arrive at Terminal 4, you will need to take the (free) transfer on the Heathrow Express train.
Gatwick airport is well served by rail services to Reading along the picturesque North Downs line. Although further than Heathrow, the service is direct and takes a little over an hour. Other aiports in order of convenience by public transport are: London City, West Midlands, London Stansted, Bristol, Southampton and Luton.
|
Trains
|
Reading station is well served by direct services from many parts of Britain. It is theoretically reachable from London Paddington in 24 minutes. You can plan check train times and fares online at National Rail Enquiries. It is advisable to buy tickets in advance. Also note that some leisure fares are not available on fast services out of Paddington during the rush hour. Once you reach Reading, you will need to take the bus (see below).
|
and Automobiles
|
Reading is well connected by the M4, with convenient parking on the nearby M25, London's orbital motorway.
Although Reading is easy to find on the map, driving to the university is not straightforward. However, Reading University's excellent directions can be found here. Ample parking will be available on campus, free of charge.
|
Bus
|
From the station, take Bus number 9, 12 or 20 and ask the driver to wake you when you get to the university. The fare is probably £1.20, and no change is given on the bus. You can catch these buses from stops SJ and SK, just in front of the station main entrance, as shown in this map. There are 5 buses an hour during the day, and twice hourly at night (double fare). The timetables are available to and from the University. The bus takes about 10 minutes.
|
Horseless Coach
|
Last, and definitely least, National Express operate long distance coach services that dump you at the Savacentre in Calcot, some 4 miles west of the town centre. All is not lost, as you can catch a bus number 18, 25, 44 or 45 into the town centre, and change to get to the University. These run every 8 minutes during the day, and take about 35 minutes, but they get extremely thin on the ground in the evening, so check out the timetable.
|
Arrival
|
Once on campus, make your way to registration in the Palmer Building, following the signs or the Marauders' map. Here you will be greeted by a member of the welcome committee with your registration pack and accommodation keys.
|
|
|
