I've saved heaps of money buying my train tickets in advance online...the trainline allows you to book tickets to any UK destination and has some great offers if you book far enough ahead. The website is easy to use and you can arrange to have your train tickets sent by post or you can collect them from the station, whichevers easiest. For families, you can buy a Family Railcard which entitles adults to save 1/3rd off all future fares when travelling with children..which is a massive saving if you use the train for a long journey.