On Friday I was lucky enough to be taking the Eurostar to Paris... As the trip was long planned, I had bought my tickets from St Pancras as soon as booking was open in April but only for the London-Paris portion of the overall journey as I wanted to retain my flexibility on travel from & to Birmingham...
For mid-morning (Monday-Friday) and all Saturday and Sunday departures from St Pancras, this is possible because Virgin Trains sells a standard class Eurostar connection single ticket for £22.20. Monday to Friday, this ticket is valid on trains timed to arrive in London after 9.40 (ie on the 830 Pendolino onwards).
Of course, Virgin don't sell this ticket online so you have to go to the booking office at New Street and argue your way to getting them. First, take your Eurostar tickets then persist in asking for a London International (CIV) single for both legs of the journey. In theory, the ticket is a walk-on fare BUT as the booking office staff rarely sell them (and so tend not to know about them) it is best not to leave the purchase until the last minute...
Apart from the price, the great advantage is that this ticket is protected by European rail regulations which means that both Eurostar and Virgin are bound to honour their service provision should delays to the journey occur (ie should the Pendolino fail then Eurostar will put you on the next available train).
Another advantage is that at weekends, a £10 upgrade will get you First Class travel but only if you buy it on the train...
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