Our Greater London Megathread

schemingbohemia · 06-03-2018 11:41am

Hard to do without knowing what you're interested in. There are tonnes and tonnes of options.
Just keep in mind that while many museums are free you will have to pay for any special exhibitions - these can be quite pricey but are usually really good. The Victoria and Albert Museum always has interesting special exhibitions on and the British Museum usually has some good ones and some of theirs are free. I enjoyed the Imperial War Museum last year.
Just check out Time Out for details.

miss choc · 07-03-2018 10:07am

So I'm going to London next week staying in Shepherds bush with relatives and fancy a day trip to Windsor. Anyone know the quickest and direct way there I'm guessing either Paddington or Waterloo. Anyone done the trip how long should I give the castle so I can get to see other parts of windsor would I have time for surrounding areas I would plan to leave SB at 10.30 so it would be 12 by the time I get to the main station or on a train so probably be 1/1.30 when I get there they may close early so want to head there first. Is it far from the station and nice recommendations for cafes please.

lovelyhurler · 08-03-2018 11:12am

Was in Windsor last summer (heading to legoland Windsor).
Train from Paddington (with a change at Slough) takes about 30 minutes IIRC.
Train station is literally opposite the castle.
The town itself is compact and everything is easily walkable, and well geared toward tourists.
We didn't get to see too much as we were getting the shuttle bus out to Legoland.

miss choc · 08-03-2018 11:26am

Thats great thanks it's mad the direct train from Waterloo is slightly slower than the indirect from Paddington I'm trying to gauge time. As I'm coming from Shepherds Bush via Hammersmith I'll need to get bus in and then tube to Paddington I'm guessing 2.5 hrs in all to get to Winsdor then trying to figure how long to take inside the castle and sightseeing for Winsdor and Eton. I won't be in a mad rush back I'd say trains back to Slough/Paddington are fairly regular. I don't think I'll get to Windsor by 12 so hoping I've enough time

exiledelbows · 08-03-2018 12:00pm

You can get a direct tube from Shepherds Bush Market, Goldhawk Road, Wood Lane or Hammersmith (depending where in Shepherds Bush you are) to Paddington. Only takes 20 minutes max. Should leave you with plenty of time in Windsor.

miss choc · 08-03-2018 12:16pm

Coming from Askew rd so 266 is only bus to Hammersmith sometimes can be slow waiting for it but only take 15 mins in when you do get one then get H&C tube to Paddington. I'd say the trains are fairly frequent to Windsor for tourists. If I leave at 10.30 I might get there for 12.30 and I'll go straight to castle allow 2 hrs there

exiledelbows · 08-03-2018 12:45pm

Wherever you are on Askew Road you'd save time just walking to Goldhawk Road or Shepherds Bush Market and getting H&C from there.

miss choc · 08-03-2018 12:56pm

True and save on an oyster bus journey checked its a 20 min walk from my aunts to shepherds bush market tube but at least I can get straight on tube to paddington if I see a 266 though straight away I'll hop on that. Sometimes quicker walking

shrapnel222 · 08-03-2018 2:23pm

miss choc wrote: »

So I'm going to London next week staying in Shepherds bush with relatives and fancy a day trip to Windsor. Anyone know the quickest and direct way there I'm guessing either Paddington or Waterloo. Anyone done the trip how long should I give the castle so I can get to see other parts of windsor would I have time for surrounding areas I would plan to leave SB at 10.30 so it would be 12 by the time I get to the main station or on a train so probably be 1/1.30 when I get there they may close early so want to head there first. Is it far from the station and nice recommendations for cafes please.

castle visit probably takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, but best way to save time is to buy your ticket beforehand as the queues can be mental to get in, especially around that time. not a huge amount else to see in Windsor. an hour walking around is plenty, then find a nice spot by the river or in the park and relax.

whomitconcerns · 08-03-2018 2:57pm

shrapnel222 wrote: »

castle visit probably takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, but best way to save time is to buy your ticket beforehand as the queues can be mental to get in, especially around that time. not a huge amount else to see in Windsor. an hour walking around is plenty, then find a nice spot by the river or in the park and relax.

all thats in windsor is the queens extra clothes and things...Ive been..its not somewhere I would be recommending as a must see tbh. Its a big grand house and celebration of the queen

miss choc · 02-04-2018 2:04pm

Ticking off day trips from London looking at these two both same price anyone been to either and which would you prefer?

Oxford, Stratford-Upon-Avon & Cotswolds Discovery. Shakespeare and Spires

Or

White Cliffs Of Dover, Canterbury City & Kent Coast Day Tour

Mardyke · 04-04-2018 11:20pm

Do Ryanair sell cheaper Stansted Express tickets anymore?

godtabh · 30-04-2018 10:00pm

Trying to rent a car in Gatwick but there is a massive variance in price.

Cheap companies have low ratings. The big boys have high ratings but 3 times the price.

Any recommendations? Will have separate rental insurance.

Ponster · 01-05-2018 4:48pm

Can you share some dates and a budget and we can all have a go at trying to find something for ya?

godtabh · 01-05-2018 4:50pm

Ponster wrote: »

Can you share some dates and a budget and we can all have a go at trying to find something for ya?

The 10th for 3 days. Around €40?

flexcon · 01-05-2018 4:57pm

godtabh wrote: »

The 10th for 3 days. Around €40?

Ryanair.com.

i have used them 4 times in the past 7 months. Twice through work and other 2 personal in Spain and Croatia. I even brought the car through Bosnia & Herzagovnia.

In work we have discounts through Hertz, AVIS and RhinoCarHire. Ryanair are still cheaper.

When it comes to the rental companies I wouldn't worry about it. You are going through Ryanair.

When it comes to your insurance - I guess you mean you have your own excess cover. I have the same with AXA. They just hold around €1000 on your card.( I am sure you know how that works)

Overall - Just make sure it is Full to Full fuel and unlimited KM's

P.S I would rent cars roughly 7 or 8 times a year and have gotten to know many car rental companies. I was even involved in a claim.

Ponster · 02-05-2018 6:57am

Often you'll find that in Gatwick that the major companies all have airport pickup and so you'll pay a surcharge for the privilage. if you're willing to use a shuttle to ferry you to and from the car rental location you'll find better deals.

I tend to use www.novacarhire.com to compare prices because they are Irish and they do a very good job at giving you the exact price that you'll pay at the desk (if not prepaying) ensuring that you aren't surprised by any extra insurance that you may be expected to purchase. Nova suggest that you can get a compact car for 18e from Easirent (fairly reliable). This goes up to 27e if you opt for the optional full insurance.

www.rentalcars.com, another brooker, gives more or less the same price but unlike Nova don't let you know who it is that you'll be renting from until you purchase.

Prominent_Dawg · 17-07-2018 11:10pm

Which airport is the best for easy access to the central London?.. Luton airport seems to be the cheapest to fly to, does anyone know if theres good transport to central London from here?

Shpud2 · 17-07-2018 11:11pm

London City (LCY) would be your best bet I'd say.

Boxcar_Willie · 17-07-2018 11:14pm

Luton is too far out - bus to train station then train to Kings Cross.
London City is probably handiest , otherwise use Gatwick and train to Victoria or London Bridge.

Mint Sauce · 17-07-2018 11:20pm

London Airports outside of London.

North of London.

Luton. Transfer bus just to get to the train station, then commuter train, but it does pass through several London Stations.

Stanstead. Express train to Tottenham Hale and Liverpool Street.

South of London.

Gatwick. Commuter to Croydon, Clapham, and Victoria. Express to Victoria.

London Airports in London.

Heathrow (west). Few options including Express train to Paddington, and Piccadilly Line on London Underground.

City (east). Docklands Light Rail, into the City.

Prominent_Dawg · 17-07-2018 11:42pm

Flights to the city are like 200 euro and 10 euro to Luton, is it expensive to travel from luton to central London or what the cheapest way to fly to city (LCY)

PM me nudes · 17-07-2018 11:47pm

Completely depends where you stay.

Stansted has trains to Liverpool St

Gatwick has trains to London Bridge, Blackfriars and Victoria

Heathrow is on the Piccadilly tube line but takes about 50 mins to Green Park

Luton has trains to city thameslink I think, definitely Blackfriars

LCY is extremely handy, can get flights with CityJet for around 100 or a little less all in, including 23kg luggage

Don’t forget to factor in extra travel costs depending on airport. £17 from Stansted to the city, only £8.40 off peak from Gatwick to the city for example

n!ghtmancometh · 17-07-2018 11:47pm

Can get 757 bus from Luton Airport into Baker Street/Marble Arch or Victoria Coach Statin in Central London for about 15 pounds return. Takes about an hour depending on traffic.

gelsthe · 17-07-2018 11:51pm

Heathrow. Direct tube into all major sights, points of interest... more frequent flights too.

theteal · 17-07-2018 11:58pm

LCY is best for for the city, small airport and DLR line is connected. Can be pricey though.

I’m loving Southend of late. Airport is tinchy so you can be off the plane and at train platform in about 3 mins, then 50ish mins into Liverpool Street. That’s similar to Stansted but just a much better airport.

spurious · 17-07-2018 11:58pm

Heathrow would be the handiest as it's on the Tube, but if I am in no particular rush, I get either the easybus or National Express from Gatwick/Luton or Stansted and save on the fares.

As an example, in Sept I am going over for a concert - return flights to Stansted 32 euro , return bus Stansted to Waterloo Station 10 sterling.

PM me nudes · 18-07-2018 12:04am

Heathrow can also be quite pricey to be fair, and that tube journey feels like it never ends!

I'd definitely get the National Express bus from Stansted if flying there as the train is a rip off and Liverpool Street is notorious for having signal faults on its lines, meaning no trains.

Having had nearly 20 flights between Dublin and London since January, I'd go with Gatwick or LCY every time. But as I've said, other airports are handier for other destinations. If you don't tell us where in Central you're going, we can't really say what's best

theteal · 18-07-2018 12:08am

Yeah, nobody that lives here/is frequent visitor gets the tube from Heathrow, youd waste half your weekend on that journey. There are much quicker trains.

Prominent_Dawg · 18-07-2018 12:20am

PM me nudes wrote: »

Heathrow can also be quite pricey to be fair, and that tube journey feels like it never ends!

Lambeth

Boxcar_Willie · 18-07-2018 11:20am

You can do Gatwick for €40 return then £8 for your train into Victoria , takes about 40mins.

18-07-2018 2:15pm

Prominent_Dawg wrote: »

Lambeth

Then i would go for Gatwick and catch the London Bridge/Clapham Junction train

Fogmatic · 18-07-2018 2:46pm

Just wondering if you looked at London City fares at the times/days that aren’t much use for commuting/business meetings etc? I’ve found some surprisingly competitive ones in recent years. E.g. in August last year I went Dublin-London around 8pm on a Friday, returning lunchtime on a Sunday (and I was confined to times that meshed with buses from/to Donegal). Also, did you factor in extras when comparing airlines? (Cityjet’s fares are all-in, and economy fares include a checked bag).

troyzer · 18-07-2018 2:52pm

Luton is fine. The bus to the train station is only five or ten minutes and then you can get a train straight to King's Cross. From there, you can go pretty much anywhere in London. It's not expensive. Use Trainline.co.uk and book return offpeak super saver tickets.

It's great if you're staying for a few days on holiday. For business? No. Go with City Airport or Heathrow. These places are more expensive but chances are if it's more business someone else is paying anyway.

coylemj · 18-07-2018 3:10pm

PM me nudes wrote: »

Heathrow can also be quite pricey to be fair, and that tube journey feels like it never ends!

Screw the expense, fly to Heathrow and get the Heathrow Express to Paddington.

PM me nudes · 18-07-2018 3:12pm

coylemj wrote: »

Screw the expense, fly to Heathrow and get the Heathrow Express to Paddington.

Considering they raised the cost of a flight to LCY as a problem, money must be somewhat of a deciding factor. To top it off, I don't think they'll want to pay over £30 return per person for a 15 minute train journey

off.the.walls · 18-07-2018 3:16pm

I tend to go through gatwick when I go to london, its only 20ish minutes on the gatwick express into the city. Well worth it.

grimm2005 · 18-07-2018 3:23pm

Depends on your budget to convenience flexibility really. Like others, I'd suggest London City if you want ultimate convenience but you'll likely pay a decent chunk more to get that close to the city.

Personally I normally use Stansted although have been through most at some point and also mix and match airports if it's cheaper or more convenient to fly into one and out of another.

The reason I choose Stansted normally is that it's usually very cheap to fly to (generally between €30 - 50 return) with plenty of flight times to suit and the train is quick, comfortable and frequent (about 45mins to central London and can be booked for under £20 return if booked in advance) or failing that there's frequent coach services about £10 one way if bought on the spot, also under an hour to the city.

Luton is okay but the connections aren't as good and there's less frequent flights.

Gatwick is alright as well but I find the trains are often prohibitively expensive (about £36 return last few times I flew, same price as GW express) and the bus takes far too long at around 90 minutes into London but there's plenty of flights to choose from.

Heathrow is just far too expensive to fly into so I pretty much never fly there and I've yet to try Southend.

Mint Sauce · 18-07-2018 5:45pm

grimm2005 wrote: »

Depends on your budget to convenience flexibility really. Like others, I'd suggest London City if you want ultimate convenience but you'll likely pay a decent chunk more to get that close to the city.

Personally I normally use Stansted although have been through most at some point and also mix and match airports if it's cheaper or more convenient to fly into one and out of another.

The reason I choose Stansted normally is that it's usually very cheap to fly to (generally between €30 - 50 return) with plenty of flight times to suit and the train is quick, comfortable and frequent (about 45mins to central London and can be booked for under £20 return if booked in advance) or failing that there's frequent coach services about £10 one way if bought on the spot, also under an hour to the city.

Luton is okay but the connections aren't as good and there's less frequent flights.

Gatwick is alright as well but I find the trains are often prohibitively expensive (about £36 return last few times I flew, same price as GW express) and the bus takes far too long at around 90 minutes into London but there's plenty of flights to choose from.

Heathrow is just far too expensive to fly into so I pretty much never fly there and I've yet to try Southend.

If you get Southern Rail or the other operater on the route (Thameslink I think) into Victoria/London Bridge, I think its only half that, or even less. May take a little longer, about 40 minutes, and Southern only stops Croydon and Clapham on the way. Gatwick is also on the London Travel Network so Oyster can be used on London bound services.

The only downside is, that its Southern. Not the best rep.

srsly78 · 18-07-2018 5:54pm

London City is by far the best, none of the others are even in London.

LCY is so small you just get off the plane and straight onto Docklands Light Rail - no waiting around. Central London is only a few stops away.

The rail prices for the other airports are a bit of a scam. The special airport express train is often a tourist-trap - you can just get a normal train for half the price which takes the same route in many cases.

Mint Sauce · 18-07-2018 6:01pm

srsly78 wrote: »

London City is by far the best, none of the others are even in London.

LCY is so small you just get off the plane and straight onto Docklands Light Rail - no waiting around. Central London is only a few stops away.

The rail prices for the other airports are a bit of a scam. The special airport express train is often a tourist-trap - you can just get a normal train for half the price which takes the same route in many cases.

Heathrow is very questionable. Whilst it may not have a London Post Code, its telephone number is a London Code, and it is in a London Borough.

I wouldn't use the arguement of it being on the London Underground my self, because fecking Watford is on that!

Prominent_Dawg · 18-07-2018 6:13pm

Think London city with cityjet had only checked it with aer lingus

Tar.Aldarion · 18-07-2018 6:30pm

Gatwick is the handiest in my experience and cheap. Don't get the gatwick express, it's over twice as expensive as a southern train which takes 5 minutes longer.

PM me nudes · 18-07-2018 6:34pm

To add on, don't get the Gatwick Express. If you're arriving outside of peak hours, i.e between 9.30am and 4pm, and after 7pm, don't buy a train ticket. Tap your contactless debit card, it's £8.40 into the city this way, but £10.70 if you buy an actual paper ticket.

lovelyhurler · 23-07-2018 9:33am

PM me nudes wrote: »

To add on, don't get the Gatwick Express. If you're arriving outside of peak hours, i.e between 9.30am and 4pm, and after 7pm, don't buy a train ticket. Tap your contactless debit card, it's £8.40 into the city this way, but £10.70 if you buy an actual paper ticket.

I've a further question to this.
If you've got an oyster card can you use that now on this line?

The last time I flew into Gatwick (about 14 months ago), I wasn't able to use an oyster card for the train into Victoria.

Fogmatic · 23-07-2018 2:17pm

Prominent_Dawg wrote: »

Think London city with cityjet had only checked it with aer lingus

Yes, Cityjet among others. But not Aer Lingus, it seems. https://www.londoncityairport.com/airlines

But it's sometimes possible to book a flight *through* an airline that doesn't do that flight - at a cost. E.g. when I looked at a comparison website last year re Dublin-Paris, the price shown by Aer Lingus was modest and BA's very expensive, for the same flight, which was in Aer Lingus's plane. (It's a little complicated, and can catch people out - I have an explanation bookmarked somewhere).

Fogmatic · 23-07-2018 2:24pm

Found it
https://abcnews.go.com/Business/FlyingHigh/story?id=865304&page=1

Prominent_Dawg · 23-07-2018 3:25pm

Thank you I have noticed that with Aer Lingus and BA, the same flights will be priced completely differently depending which official website you book though which is strange

Padraig Mor · 24-07-2018 1:54pm

theteal wrote: »

Yeah, nobody that lives here/is frequent visitor gets the tube from Heathrow, youd waste half your weekend on that journey. There are much quicker trains.

Don't forget that the Heathrow Connect train has now been rebranded as TfL Rail and Oyster / contactless can be used, keeping overall price low with the daily cap. Not sure of time - think it's 30 minutes to Paddington?

PM me nudes · 24-07-2018 3:44pm

lovelyhurler wrote: »

I've a further question to this.
If you've got an oyster card can you use that now on this line?

The last time I flew into Gatwick (about 14 months ago), I wasn't able to use an oyster card for the train into Victoria.

Yup

Our Greater London Megathread

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