Advice wanted - travelling to London

gmb

Hi,

I'm looking for some advice from those in the know...

At the end of May I will be travelling to London. I have booked the Travelodge at the Docklands for one night.

My predicament is that I'm travelling from the North East and have no experience of driving through London. My query is - is it easier to get the train down? If so what London station should I be looking at and is it easy enough to get over to the hotel from there (and is that easier by tube/taxi)?

Or is it easy enough to drive through? Will the congestion charges apply?

Sorry for all the questions - I've tried searching but it seems as clear as mud!

Oh, I couple of final questions - Will I need any kind of injections, do I need a passport and is there any danger I will encounter "culture"? We don't have that up here and it sounds dangerous....

Thanks

dynamicbrick

Depends what you're trying to do?

Docklands is fine for driving to, from, and around... City (Square Mile) and West End is not.

Congestion Charge only applies in central London, not Docklands.

If you need to get into central London from Docklands, use a river taxi from Westferry Circus - it's the best way to travel, period.

Train from NE you'll come into Kings Cross, and best to get DLR to Docklands. Driving you'll come down the M1 and hit the M25. Go Clockwise to the A/M11 and then into Docklands that way.

London is very different from the NE - If you're staying in Docklands, do not - under any circumstances - try going for a pint in Newham (the neighbouring borough). You will die.

gmb

Thanks for that.

I've got no plans to drive around London once I'm there. I'm going to park up and leave the car well and truly alone.

Depeche Mode are on at the O2. I'll be meeting up with the other freaks!

bernithebiker

Keep your car doors locked, and try not to stop......

Mikey23

I personally would not contemplate driving into London if I didn't have to ... Any of the rail booking sites like raileasy will give you a good deal if you book in advance, travel off peak and you can include your tube. I would have though a few clicks would tell you how to get there. Enjoy the gig

raymondo60

dynamicbrick wrote:

Depends what you're trying to do?

Docklands is fine for driving to, from, and around... City (Square Mile) and West End is not.

Congestion Charge only applies in central London, not Docklands.

If you need to get into central London from Docklands, use a river taxi from Westferry Circus - it's the best way to travel, period.

Train from NE you'll come into Kings Cross, and best to get DLR to Docklands. Driving you'll come down the M1 and hit the M25. Go Clockwise to the A/M11 and then into Docklands that way.

London is very different from the NE - If you're staying in Docklands, do not - under any circumstances - try going for a pint in Newham (the neighbouring borough). You will die.

I'm from Newham - its lovely!

carrock

I drive in London a lot on business. No stress at all if you have a sat Nav. I'd check out if there is parking at the hotel and what the cost is. If it is £15 per night or more, which it can be, that may influence your decision.

Certainly quicker on train, 2 or 3 hrs as opposed to 5 in car. Book train ASAP for best price.

I have never felt intimidated but like any city probably areas to avoid.

the playing mantis

train. dlr and jubilee line will be your friends from then on.

CiB

carrock wrote:

I drive in London a lot on business. No stress at all if you have a sat Nav.

I go there occasionally and have never used a sat nav but for getting to Docklands you won't need one - it's so clearly sign-posted from a long way out that you can't miss it, esp if you come into town on the M11 and have a reasonable idea up front in your head of where you're headed. A sat nav will help and if you have one use it but don't feel obliged to splash out for one to drive to Docklands. A bored passenger with a map is much more useful, if you have one.

Ben6899

Let the train take the strain.

Northeast to Kings Cross is a piece of p1ss.
Kings Cross to Docklands is also a piece of p1ss.

Courage Monsieur

Train will be far less hassle (for once).

I hated driving in London, found it very slow and stressful, sold the car a few years ago.

gmb

Cheers for the advice.

Think I'm going to take the train option. It's probably not that much more expensive given the cost of fuel, plus I can have a few G&T's on the way down (as opposed to driving while the other half has a few!)

Stevo_666

Good idea, don't bother driving unless you're used to getting round London by car, it's much more relaxing taking the train. If you want to save a bit get the coach, National Express takes about 6 hours. (I used to do the NE to London jaunt quite a bit).

Just remember, once you're in The Big Smoke, make sure everyone knows you're from the North East and you'll get no trouble at all :P

CambsNewbie

Enjoy the show. Violator is still one of my favourite albums.

And the O2 is a great arena.

Mikey23

It's a big tenty thing...

gmb

CambsNewbie wrote:

Enjoy the show. Violator is still one of my favourite albums.

And the O2 is a great arena.

Cheers,

I've seen them quite a few times over the years and also have tickets for the new Leeds Arena which looks like a great venue. There's always a good smattering of violator material during the live shows (that must be the most disgusting thing I've ever typed when not using a search engine)