M25 - should I go clockwise or anti clockwise?

[BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz]

Boring thread alert

Travelling from the far north down to Brighton at the end of August and my sat-nav has two routes. One clockwise and the other anticlockwise on the M25.

I've never driven on the M25 before - am a comfortable driver on motorways etc so the actual driving isnt concerning me, but the potential for delays/tailback etc is something I'd like to try and plan ahead for.

So.....which way should I go?

Check traffic conditions on the day. Clockwise will mean you have to pay the Dart charge.

Rule of thumb, if you're coming down the M1, go anti clockwise, if the A1 take the M11 and go clockwise over the Dartford bridge, you can pay online in advance.

Are you coming down the M1? If so anticlockwise. But.....you might get held up by Heathrow/m4 traffic. There are no services for ages and ages either.

Yeah I will be starting on A1 then have the option of M1 or M11 - so need to commit fairly early in the day which route to take.

I think I'd do M11 as soon as possible then clockwise.
I've found the section from M1 Junction anti-clockwise often has heavy traffic and the part where I've most often encountered delays is the Heathrow bit.
But satnav on the day might be a better bet.
If you're going through the Dartford crossing register online and link your credit card so it takes payment automatically.

I have this internal debate regularly, for a comparable journey that looks like negligible difference - so it’s a real gamble re traffic.

On the whole, for your journey I prefer anti clockwise. It’s a nicer drive, I think.

If you are coming down the A1, take the A14 then M11. The new A14 is brilliant - no roundabouts and a fast road. Your sat-nav might think you're travelling across a field though...
Then go clockwise (over the QE2 bridge).

Thank you all.

I've another question. If we then decide to go up to London for the day (I want to spend the day in and around Hyde Park), is it completely daft to drive? Should be just train?

Boringest thread ever Love it.

Yes take the train. Parking, congestion charge, traffic. Plus you can zonk in the train on the way back.

Yes, take the train from Brighton to Victoria - approx 1 hour.

If you are doing London from Brighton , unless you have rail cards it will be cheaper , and IMO easier to drive up and park at the O2 and either take the tube or Thames clipper from there .

I'd go Heathrow way.

Wider roads no toll.

I right at the top of the m25.

Train London to Brighton is best option by far (and vice versa obv!)

Where in the north are you coming from. If one option is to go A1 > M11 and clockwise then I'd go that way for sure. The west side of the M25 is awful in my experience (speaking as someone who lives in NE outer London and used to regularly visit relative in Surrey).

Traffic can be horrendous and unpredictable on either side. It's touch-and-go as to which way's quickest.

Get Waze on your phone and it will route you the best way as you go. I use it on routes I know inside out and it regularly saves me from traffic.

Coming from Alnwick (Northumberland)

Have you sorted parking in Brighton? It's a nightmare on the day.

@Floralnomad

If you are doing London from Brighton , unless you have rail cards it will be cheaper , and IMO easier to drive up and park at the O2 and either take the tube or Thames clipper from there .

This is definitely not the easier option! And depends on how many people are travelling whether it’s cheaper or not. Wouldn’t have thought there’s much difference for a couple travelling off-peak once petrol’s taken into consideration.

Brighton - Victoria and then either bus or walk to Hyde Park would be the easiest.

M11 and Dartford Bridge. Remember to load the Dart charge beforehand. Less likely to hit queues that way.

Just check your sat nav on the day. On a good day I'd say A1, A14, M11 rather than M1 as in my experience there is less traffic- but depends on time of day also.

@Hollyhocksarenotmessy

Have you sorted parking in Brighton? It's a nightmare on the day.

Parking spot included with our holiday rental. Thank God!

Live on middle of M25, go up M11, and down to Brighton on M23 regularly. I like Dartford Bridge, but for this journey I would definitely recommend anti-clockwise, round past Heathrow, past Leatherhead, then M23, A23 to Brighton.

I'd do M11 and pay the toll.

@JoveWhenHeSawMyFannysFace , it would certainly be easier for me than getting on a train !

@Floralnomad you may have specific circumstances that make it easier, but for most people that would definitely not be the easy option.