[S2000&CooperS]

Hello everybody, I PM'ed Paul with these questions but others are welcome to chime in here if you'd like....

This coming September a few of us from the Washington D.C. area are traveling to England to see the sights and also hop on the QM2. Will the plant have tours at this time? Are there any special requirements (other than infants not allowed from what I hear)? What is the best way for us to go about getting reservations? There would be around 7-8 people. Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[MoonPie]

Hey Mike!

Good luck with this, hope you get some responses!

J was pleased to have been hit on the head with a small spark from one of the robots during our tour!

[gabe]

Quote: Originally Posted by MoonPie

Hey Mike!

Good luck with this, hope you get some responses!

J was pleased to have been hit on the head with a small spark from one of the robots during our tour!

This may help:

http://www.motoringfile.com/2003/06/...lantInOxfordUK


I'll actually be documenting my own tour in several weeks on my site - can't wait:

http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/02/...he_uk_via_mini

[z3bum]

Greetings!
So far, I have three people and two MINI Coopers (rented from MINI Rentals) for the week of September 6th. We are heading to Paris first, then using trains to get to the UK where we'll pick up MINIs and go to Oxford. After a plant tour on the 7th, we'll have a few fun filled days zipping through the English and Welsh countryside. On the way home, one of us will sail on the Queen Mary home, the rest flying back.

So, sound like fun?? Anyone want to join in? The more the merrier. Also, for you UK folks, suggestions on places to stay, things to see and twisty roads to drive on would be much appreciated. And of course, for those of you wanting to take off work... come drive with us!
Mike Whitley
DC Metro MINI Fall 2004 UK Tour
ps. If this works out, I'd like do set up some more tours in other countries as well. Using MINIs of course!

[AprilWhine]

A word of warning about the MINI rental place: I returned my MINI three days early, and not only did I not get any of my fee returned, they charged me for insurance then charged me again for a curbed wheel. I cannot recommend them, I don't believe they are honest.

[Paul]

Some MINI dealers do rental now, I know the dealer in Northampton does, but not sure if they can cover people from overseas etc. Might be worth checking.

Of course, all details for booking are in the FAQ, remember now there's a £3 "charge" for the tour. FAQ & DIY

I'm due to take another tour this week (if I can get baby cover!) and I might write a piece if it's changed much, but they do not allow photography now, unlike when I did this early tour: http://www.mini2.com/news/news56.html July 2001! How time flies.....

[Martin L]

Shamster can point you in the right direction for MINI hire and he's managed to negotiate a decent rate too

[AprilWhine]

Yes, Sham had a much better deal for a MINI rental, and he had an MCS too.

[MickPad]

You can email the plant at oxford.plant-tours@bmwgroup.com I am in the process of organising a tour towards the end of this month. They are very helpful in sorting out a date, I'm sure they will be able to get you a tour in September.
Have fun

Quote: Originally Posted by S2000&CooperS

Hello everybody, I PM'ed Paul with these questions but others are welcome to chime in here if you'd like....

This coming September a few of us from the Washington D.C. area are traveling to England to see the sights and also hop on the QM2. Will the plant have tours at this time? Are there any special requirements (other than infants not allowed from what I hear)? What is the best way for us to go about getting reservations? There would be around 7-8 people. Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[SoggyCornFlakes]

Quote: Originally Posted by AprilWhine

Yes, Sham had a much better deal for a MINI rental, and he had an MCS too.

But you had an automatic

I believe Wollastons will do overseas as Michael did suggest visitors could use them for the up coming Cotswolds Run

[Goonery]

Hello all,
I'd just like to point out that I am not the official factory tours booking office. Please do not hesitate to ask for help or advice, but I've just had my 20th request to book a tour in less than 2 weeks.
Those of you who I have already replied to will get their tours organised, any new requests will be forwarded to the tours department, or replied to with contact details.
Sorry, but I already have another job here , there are only so many hours in a day

[Moris]

Hello all

just read all the FAQs about the factory tour, but there is a point that is not clear at all: are these tours "on demand", due to the number of requests BMW receive, or are they on fixed basis ? And in the last case, is there a calendar of the tours planned for 2005 yet ?


Thanks in advance

[TonyM]

As I understand it the tours happen twice every day except at weekends. If you contact the factory telling them when you would like to go on a tour they will let you know if space is available on that tour, otherwise they will give some alternative dates.

I think the only limitation is that the maximum number of people on a tour is 30.

Its well worth doing if you get the chance

[cdn jcw]

Hi,

I just finished booking my tour for Feb. 25. Some things you need to keep in mind:

1. They hold tours Monday to Friday
2. Monday - Thursday, there are 2 tours - 9:30 and 13:45
3. Friday, there are 2 tours - 9:15 and 12:45
4. Cost is 3 GBP
5. Best to book in advance

Attached is the pdf I received from them last week that gives a bit more information.

Hope this helps you.

Anne

[Mac&Mini]

My wife and I have booked a tour for a Friday afternoon in March. We are staying in London that week, and want to do this as a day trip. Tricky part is that we have theater tickets in London that night for a 7:15 curtain.

Any advice on the following would be much appreciated:

1. Best (probably meaning fastest) transit from London to Oxfordn and return. Currently leaning toward British Rail from Paddington Sta.

2. We hope to arrive in Oxford about 10:00 AM, and want to walk about a bit (and maybe grab a quick lunch) before heading to the plant for our 12:45 tour start. Any "must-sees" within that short timespan?

3. Quickest way from central Oxford to the plant in Cowley? Taxi looks fastest (vs. bus), but no idea what the fare will be.

4. Our tour ends at 3:15, and I'd like a quick visit in the gift shop. How much time should I allow for the return to Oxford (for our train) and what mode (bus or taxi) is best from the plant. I understand that buses are easy to get there, but slow, while taxis are not usually "on hand" just outside the plant. I'm new enough to England not to know how best to summon a cab (I will have a UK-registered cell phone).

This "pregnant" Mini owner (my MCS should be delivered north of Boston, Massachusetts, shortly after we get back to the 'States) would be most grateful for any tips.

-Mac&Mini-

[Moris]

Some days ago I sent an e-mail to Oxford.Plant-Tours@bmwgroup.com to book a tour to the plant, but till now I haven't received any response yet .

Is this normal, I mean, do they usually take some days to answer you?


Thanks

[scooperman_uk]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mac&Mini

My wife and I have booked a tour for a Friday afternoon in March. We are staying in London that week, and want to do this as a day trip. Tricky part is that we have theater tickets in London that night for a 7:15 curtain.

Any advice on the following would be much appreciated:

1. Best (probably meaning fastest) transit from London to Oxfordn and return. Currently leaning toward British Rail from Paddington Sta.

2. We hope to arrive in Oxford about 10:00 AM, and want to walk about a bit (and maybe grab a quick lunch) before heading to the plant for our 12:45 tour start. Any "must-sees" within that short timespan?

3. Quickest way from central Oxford to the plant in Cowley? Taxi looks fastest (vs. bus), but no idea what the fare will be.

4. Our tour ends at 3:15, and I'd like a quick visit in the gift shop. How much time should I allow for the return to Oxford (for our train) and what mode (bus or taxi) is best from the plant. I understand that buses are easy to get there, but slow, while taxis are not usually "on hand" just outside the plant. I'm new enough to England not to know how best to summon a cab (I will have a UK-registered cell phone).

This "pregnant" Mini owner (my MCS should be delivered north of Boston, Massachusetts, shortly after we get back to the 'States) would be most grateful for any tips.

-Mac&Mini-

1. best way to get there is the coach (oxford tube) from London to Oxford instead of the train. u can go to the coach station near the town center. http://www.stagecoach-oxford.co.uk/oxfordtube/
2. usual sights to see in and around Oxford are the colleges and for all petrol heads go and see of the Morris sights.. Longwall Street is the garage where in 1913 William Morris produced the first 'Bullnose' Morris Oxford motor car. do a search on the internet for the actual locations of Morris buildings.
3. u can catch a bus to Cowley but to be honest u taxi will be quicker and easier.
4. same as above.

[minigolf]

Quote: Originally Posted by scooperman_uk

1. best way to get there is the coach (oxford tube) from London to Oxford instead of the train. u can go to the coach station near the town center. http://www.stagecoach-oxford.co.uk/oxfordtube/
2. usual sights to see in and around Oxford are the colleges and for all petrol heads go and see of the Morris sights.. Longwall Street is the garage where in 1913 William Morris produced the first 'Bullnose' Morris Oxford motor car. do a search on the internet for the actual locations of Morris buildings.
3. u can catch a bus to Cowley but to be honest u taxi will be quicker and easier.
4. same as above.

Anyone know how much to expect for a cab fare from Oxford train station to Cowley?

I'll be heading for an evening tour (19:00-21:30) on either 25 or 26 May.

[fl0r15t]

Quote: Originally Posted by minigolf

Anyone know how much to expect for a cab fare from Oxford train station to Cowley?

I'll be heading for an evening tour (19:00-21:30) on either 25 or 26 May.

It'd be at least a tenner, maybe £15. Most of the firms that wait there seem to be more expensive plus you'd be hitting traffic around the evening rush. There is a number 10 bus from the city centre (10 mins walk from the station) that'd get you close for a couple of quid.

If you are going back to the station afterwards then I would call Royal Cars (Minicabs), they are generally the cheapest in town if you don't mind a ten year old Avensis or simular. Or maybe some kind soul will offer you a lift!?

Andy
EDIT: That number 10 does take a frickin eon though, as it is called the City Circle and it isn't the nicer parts of the city either.

[mini5lover]

I have just been on a Plant Tour - brilliant.
The cost is £7 each, not £3 and the tours are 9 am, 1-45 or 6.30pm (three tours a day).
Monday to Friday.
I booked all mine direct with plant oxford by e-mail and only waited two weeks to go.