Would you recommend buying rail tickets for london -> manchester when I actually get to the UK, or should I shell out big bucks for an advanced ticket? I tried looking up itineraries online at the nationalrail and virgin websites and the timetable choice I want is not selectible – only the really expensive tickets are available online. I’m wondering if all express 2nd class tickets to those trains at those certain times are already completely sold out or if they’re just not selling the tickets online.

I’ve been offered a pretty expensive "britrail" pass, but I would only use that once for this 1 one day trip. I don’t think that’s worth it, but I also don’t know how "open" it will be on May 13th, when I want to travel to Manchester from Heathrow airport around 1 PM. I need to know if I need advanced tickets or if I can just buy one when I get there. If you know anything about UK rail, please let me know!! Thanks so much!!