So I'm hopefully having a day trip to Bristol early next year, and assuming I want to be there from 11 until 4, my options are:

Methods and costs of travelling from Harrogate to Bristol

Method	Journey time (each way)	Leave/Return	Approx Cost (pounds)
Drive	Around 4 hours	Leave: 07.00 Back: 20.00	40
Train	4 Hrs 40mins	Leave: 05.45 Back: 22.00	135
Train 2	Overnight stay	Leave: 17.00 day before Back: 21.43	110-120
Fly	1hr 10 mins	Leave: 06.45 Back: 20.30	50

The timings column is the timing of the major transport leg, and the clock times are the times I physically exit/enter our house. The costs are guesses, including any extra bus fares, taxes, parking, ....

I know that the environmental damage that flying causes - but honestly it has almost every other criteria in it's favour. I think even driving would work out more expensive if you factor in road-tax and wear and tear, and that's before considering that I would be depriving the family of a car for the day.

.. I also love flying. :)