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Original poster

Help for a non-Londoner please!

39 replies

WellWaitForItToPass · 15/09/2022 07:37

The children and I want to go and see the Queen lying in state, and watch the funeral
on Monday. We’d be going on Sunday and returning Monday morning.
We live 6 hours away and haven’t been to London before. Is it possible to drive there? Where do you park?

It might not be logistically possible but I’d like to find out. I’ve tried Google but it all seems quite complicated, and the kind of thing that people who live there could just say ‘oh it’s easy you just do xyz’ or ‘do not attempt this!’

Thank you!

OP posts:

AMessageToYouRuby · 15/09/2022 08:05

Where are you coming from? Have you ever been to London before regardless of kids? How old are Children?

There is no 'park & ride' scheme like I've seen in small towns as far as I know, probably because about several million people use the tube daily alone.

You could park somewhere like Brent Cross, thats free I think, take northern line into London bridge.

TheEggChair · 15/09/2022 08:08

I don't think you'll be able to see her tomb as it might be in a private area of the Chapel for security reasons.

AMessageToYouRuby · 15/09/2022 08:10

Sorry, just seen your update. London is a fantastic city, if you've never been I think even Queenie would say come here and do lovely things not queue for hours, stand in a horrendous crowd then head home.

Mumsnet will help you plan a trip, and I imagine there will be some sort of monument, or memorial area created relatively quickly for you to visit when you do come.

TheEggChair · 15/09/2022 08:11

Get a family railcard as you'll get a third off ticket prices.

Watch it from home but book your rail tickets and hotel now for your future London trip. The later you leave it for Christmas the more expensive 2it will be.

Iadorerain · 15/09/2022 08:14

Pick one place to go to and get there very early, there are lots of toilets and water in St James park which is next to the Mall, take a packed lunch.

saraclara · 15/09/2022 08:16

Good decision, OP. It would have been a massively stressful couple of days with nothing to show for it. The chances of seeing anything of the funeral would be close to zero after your spent all that time travelling.

If the pageantry etc has inspired you all to go to London, do it when you can really enjoy the sights, and when you can get a cheap advanced train ticket.

badbaduncle · 15/09/2022 08:17

Depending on where you are in the NW I would recommend driving to Crewe, parking up there and getting the train. Very easy, cheap trains if you don't get the high speed one and it makes things easy.

BendingSpoons · 15/09/2022 08:20

Good plan! On a normal day, there are lots of placed on the outer reaches of tube lines or on overground where you can park for free or cheaply and travel in. Come back and ask for advice for that when you do go!

TheEggChair · 15/09/2022 08:29

www.familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk/

TheFormidableMrsC · 15/09/2022 08:47

Goodness don't do this. It will be too late. I live in North Herts, it's 20 mins on the train direct to Kings Cross and I would suggest you did something like that for a London trip. Much easier to park and a couple of reasonably priced Premier Inns locally. Not this weekend though. My DD lives in London and even she is staying in.

Choconut · 15/09/2022 08:47

London is wonderful as a tourist - but not at any time when there is any sort of event on. We went up one time not realising there was a race of some sort going on and half the roads were closed and even though dh grew up in London (and so knows his way around) it was a nightmare. I think you've absolutely made the right decision to put off going for a bit.

TheFormidableMrsC · 15/09/2022 08:51

Sorry have just seen your update. Definitely plan a trip and you can do it with far less stress. The Queen will be interred at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. It is open to the public but I have no idea what future plans will be once she is laid to rest there. It's easy to get into London for me but no way am I going to do that this weekend.

Gronkle · 15/09/2022 08:57

If you go down at a later date then your options will be better. You can be much more relaxed and organised. You can either book rail tickets ahead and get a cheaper price or you can drive down and park at Euston station, it's reasonable rates and it avoids congestion charges, plan your route though as it is right on the edge of it so if you make a mistake you may get charged. (I used Euston station parking for the Olympics in 2012, so a busy time in London but now quite a while ago, so best to check it's still an option)

AuntieMarys · 15/09/2022 08:59

Sensible decision op. We are on our way there now 😱 but keeping far away from everything.

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