Those that have travelled to Great Ormond Street.....

[notsuchayummymummy]

I have been there once with DC1 and used public transport. I now have a baby to take in tow too - so will drive up. We will be travelling from the south west - does anyone know where I should park on the outskirts in order to be able to use public transport for the balance of the journey. Sorry I hope I dont come across as DIM - just a bit of a country bumpkin at heart lol!

[dizzyblonde]

I used to travel up there quite a bit with toddler and baby and always travelled by train from Guildford and then got a taxi from Waterloo. It was easy to push a buggy into the taxi. Driving into London is a nightmare especially if you're not used to it and parking is horrendously expensive.
You could possibly try Surbiton as a bit closer. Where in the south west are you coming from?

[Snuppeline]

I always take the train into waterloo with a pram and then hop on a taxi. Its always quick and relatively easy. However, my other half drives in and he parks in the car park which is just off Russel Square. Its off Southampton Row. Its rather hidden so make sure you google it and get the address correctly before setting off.

[ellisbell]

I don't think parking is much good at Surbiton. If you want to be close in try Raynes Park, it has an expensive car park www.merton.gov.uk/transport-streets/parking/carparks/raynesparkcps.htm and a good train service to Waterloo. However it's popular with commuters so I don't know what time it fills up. Alternatively Virgina Water may be suitable www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/vir/details.html

Both stations have been used by people I worked with

[notsuchayummymummy]

Thank you very much for your replies - very helpful . Last time I travelled up I was 35 wks pg and anaemic (fun) and took the option of coach - as I did not want to be on tube/trains at rush hour with toddler and bump. Should hopefully be easier this time. We are trying to keep the cost down as there is likely to be more than one trip - and an inpatient stay - probably in a confined space of time.
We will be travelling from Dorset/Hants border. Virginia Water looks a good option so far but will keep looking.
Many many thanks once again.

[dizzyblonde]

Farnborough may be good, has lots of parking and good services to waterloo. Would not advise tube to Great Ormond Street- too many changes but a short taxi ride.

[argylesocks]

good question, we're actually going there tomorrow. we're driving but i'm really nervous about how much traffic there will be in the morning. we're driving up from the south east. Is it a horrible idea to drive?

[Henrythehappyhelicopter]

We usually park right outside of the hospital, we go in and get a permit from the reception desk.

We have also parked at the Brunswich shopping centre WC1 which is two minutes walk.

[Blu]

If you do drive, don't forget to pay the Congestion Charge.

[MrsSnaplegs]

I know it may seem far out but the Portsmouth train goes straight to Waterloo
If you can travel off peak (after9?) then a day return isn't too expensive. Or we have the greyhound bus which goes from Portsmouth harbor to Victoria for a really cheap fare. greyhound

[notsuchayummymummy]

argylesocks - how did you get on? Plan to book my train tickets today - just not sure whether to go for farnborough or virginia water?

Henrythehappyhelicopter - is there usually ample space at brunswich? See other than traffic that would be my other nightmare - no where to dump the bloody car!!