Badminton - Traveling to the Event from the US

[UrbanHennery]

I live in WA state. I’ve been to LRK3DE multiple times in the last decade. I’d really like to go to Badminton in 2025 or 2026. I’m a fairly intrepid solo traveler - I might be traveling alone, tho a friend that is also a well-seasoned traveller may choose to come with me.

I’m trying to determine if this is a thing I/we can easily just do, or if I/we should buy a package for the weekend that includes lodging / tickets / transportation to and from the venue. I’d love perspectives from anyone that has been post-COVID.

[FitToBeTied]

If you are comfortable driving on the wrong side of the road, Badminton is a pretty easy drive from London. I’ve always stayed in London and drove out. You can take a train to a bus also.

It’s doable although I would say going to Burghley is easier.

[Willesdon]

Burghley is easy by train from London, the weather is often better, the terrain is more interesting and the shopping just as good. I live only 20 minutes from Badminton so I attend most years.

If you do Badminton, I suggest you find accommodation as soon as possible. There isn’t a large supply in rural Gloucestershire and it books up early, ready for the next year. Once you have that sorted out, trains, car hire etc will fall into place.

Don’t forget that flights into places other than London exist, such as Birmingham. Or indeed, Dublin, Ireland, and hop over on Ryan Air to the UK.

Send me a PM if you want more info.

[Willesdon]

P. S. We don’t drive on the “wrong side”. 78 other nations drive on the left-hand side! It is very easy to swap, either way. Narrow and wriggly rural roads are more of a problem.

[Janet]

@Willesdon

It is very easy to swap, either way. Narrow and wriggly rural roads are more of a problem.

Having just come back from 3 weeks in Britain, I concur on both points, and will add - driving IN London.

[Janet]

My experience is 20+ years old, and I only went for XC day, but here are my 2 bits.

I was already in London, with lodging, for a 3 week (IIRC) businss trip. One of the weekends was Badminton. I took a train from London (crowded but no over crowded) which was met by a bus (included in the fare) that took us straight to the entrance. I don’t remember the cost, but it wasn’t unreasonable.

But I don’t think that would work well if you wanted to be there for the whole event.

[Old_Mac_Donald]

Thank you! We don’t drive on the wrong side, we just don’t drive on the right side.

[UrbanHennery]

Thanks all! Long term I’d like to do them both. Badminton just works out better schedule wise for me the next couple of years. Guess I better get on it if I/we want to go in 2025!

[Baybear]

Hi I’ve been to Badminton for the past 3 years. In a nutshell, it’s amazing and a lot of fun. #1 is splurge and get the membership passes for all 4 days. It’s very economical and let’s face it, its nice to be in a covered area should the skies crack open. Its quite affordable as the membership does not include any VIP perks like Kentucky or MD 5*, however, you can upgrade to the Portcullis Club. The way the arena is set up you can see dressage, some XC and show jumping from the membership tent. No tickets needed for grandstand seats for dressage, but yes for SJ - those sell out fast.

Accommodations: Badminton is in a pretty rural area. Chipping Sodbury and Wooten Under Edge are pretty close as is Tetbury. Last few years we’ve been staying a country hotel about 15 minute drive. A kind taxi driver gave us the “best route” to avoid traffic, it’s kind of a close our eyes and drive haha. The best bet for accommodations is to check out the Badminton website- they have a link for accommodations which also shows the distances to/from Badminton - it includes hotels and B&Bs. They also have a glamping option - which has a bar/restaurant nearby - great atmosphere and food too. I think there might be camping hook-ups if that is something you wanted to look into as well.
The first year, we picked up rental at Heathrow, now we taxi to our hotel, and pick up rental in Chipping Sodbury - I think one year they were able to bring car to our hotel, and we return at Heathrow. Depending on flights - you could fly into Bristol and pick up rental there.

Oh - Bath is also an option to stay and drive to Badminton. Bath is well worth a visit anyway.L Last year we went to Bath after Badminton and stayed at a Doubletree Hotel, not a charming old hotel but excellent location, parking next door, great lounge area and restaurant, and could walk to the Roman baths and other popular Bath sites.