The direct East Midlands Trains service from Kettering, Northamptonshire, to London normally takes about 80 minutes. However, this route is being suspended during the May bank holiday due to engineering works and visitors to the company website are being offered an alternative route.
This alternative route covers 300 miles, involves 7 changes, 5 bus trips and an overnight stay at a bus depot. Total journey time, 18 hours. Not bad, but probably quicker by bike!
East Midlands Trains are apparently planning to offer a three hour alternative route, but this is not yet available on their website.