Travel from Sheffield

New Players
1

Good evening!

Im looking to attend E4 but Ill be solo traveling and Ive not been to the site before. Can anyone offer some tips? I know theres the facebook group for requesting lifts but Im wanting to make sure I have a way there if lifts etc fall through. Want to know its actually feasible to get to the site on my own steam worse case.

Thanks!

2

Hallo,

If you get the train, there’s a free coach from Banbury station to the site that runs Thursday and Friday…and then three times from site to Banbury station on the Sunday after time out

It’s usually a good way, also, of getting some OC natter in with folks on the journey to/from

2 Likes
3

This page of the wiki includes details of the shuttle bus and also taxi numbers in case of delays. https://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/empire-wiki/Dadford_Road_Campsite

Tips:
(including some stuff that probably seems obvious)

  • If you can’t find a lift, you might be able to get some/all of your stuff driven down for you still.
  • Getting a lift part way might be a viable option and possibly cheaper, if you can face the logistics challenge since train options take you through the bigger towns and cities anyway.
  • If using public transport, don’t skimp on the warm clothing (no matter how tempting) to travel lighter. Especially for e4 you’ll need them in the evening/overnight!
  • If you can comfortably wear some of your costume for the journey, you’ll save on weight in any bag(s).
  • The shuttle coach drops off a ways from the camping zones and there’s some up hill trudging (short but fairly steep) to reach the site proper. If you find you need help carrying then do ask, Empire players are usually a helpful bunch OC.
  • Have some sort of carry bag if you’ll be bringing or buying any weapon(s) - “normal” people are prone to spot a sword at distance and not stop to wonder that it looks somewhat chonky.
  • Wrap weapons for transport. I put a bit of old bed sheet around each one to avoid the risk of latex sticking to each other if it’s hot. Also helps to blur the shapes if on public transport and save you awkward conversations.
  • Don’t be shy to ask (in advance) about borrowing stuff from other players. Today there were asks for cloaks, pouches and even belts in Navarr’s unofficial discord and players have been finding bits to lend.
  • It’s worth checking if any caterers still do pre-pay meal cards these days. Used to give a discount compared to getting individual meals; still more expensive than feeding yourself but less weight to carry if you’re travelling solo.
  • There are also player groups selling food for IC coin if you’re looking to cut down real-world costs.
  • Allow more time than usual for changes/connections when on public transport, if possible. Especially if you have to travel with all your gear.
  • It’s worth asking around for other players also using public transport from your area if you have no lift. Can’t hurt to tag along with someone who has done the route before.
2 Likes
4

Caution on taxis (for Dadford)

If you’re set on taxi/Uber, you’ll get charged more than you would because of it falling out of most of surrounding areas licensed areas

…and a lot of them will drop you at the very top of the campsite, which is about 1.5km walk to the top end of the Navarr IC camping area. (Which doesn’t seem much until you’re lugging kit or the weather goes to hell or you’re dodging the cars driving onto site)

2 Likes
5

…not mentioning that you’d be covered with half a ton of dust from walking along that “road”.

6

There is a Facebook page as well, that has updates about the coach between the station and the site, and you can also ask for other people in the area if there is the possibility of a lift.

When you join the Facebook group, please remember to fill in all of the questions to allow a speedier access onto the page.

If you do end up getting the train, then please arrange to arrive at Banbury train station at least 15m with the times on the wiki as posted above to allow you to get from your platform to the coach. The times listed after the departure times of the coach.

I would advise against taxis for the reason given, and also the coach is free where the taxis could cost up to ÂŁ50.

If you do end up using a taxi, then you need to tell them that they need to take you all the way to the bottom of the track and not drop you on the road if possible. You will just need to be a bit more firm with them.

We look forward to seeing you at Empire. This is our last event at Dadford Road, and next year we will be in Cambridgeshire at the new site.