Kings cross help.please

[Bemyclementine]

Taking the dc to London and having a mild panic that I don't know where to go when I get off the train (yes I do have anxiety...)

We want to get the tube to either green park or Hyde Park. Probably Hyde Park.

I've tried doing a journey planner but I can't seem to get it to tell me where to go.

Picadilly line to Hyde Park?, where do I get on it?? Sorry, I'm useless!!

Also - perhaps you need a bit of a plan; Diana fountain and playground both excellent. Fountain pretty central in the park, but if you’re going for the playground closest tube is Queensway. You could easily do both in a day. Google maps directs you around the park. Green park a short walk too from hp corner.

It's an easy transfer if you follow the signage. Take it slowly, read the signage.

I'm always astonished that people just don't read signs!

It helps to know whether your direction is north or south, east or west.

For Kings Cross to Green Park, you're going either South or West (depending on which line). THe Victoria Line to Green Park (light blue) is probably the quicker of the 2 lines that go through Green Park.

But also remember, London is a very crowded city. A lot of us are trying to get somewhere with a limited time, and it helps if everyone is aware of the shared space.

So if you need to stop to consult an app (the TFL app is great for mapping the Tube system & specific stations) step towards a wall. Don't stop in the middle of a space or passage or walkway! Don't stop in the archways onto platforms, or even worse, at the stops of stairs/escalators. Stand to the Right!!!

And if you are in a group, remember the maxim "Walk narrow or walk nimble" That is, don't walk four abreast in narrow passageways or walk 4 abreast slowly ... Walk single file, and if you get lost, step aside. Don't just stop.

And let people off before you try to get on - buses or Tube. Science has proved, this is quicker for everyone.

And have a great time - London is probably the most amazing city in the world.

The absolute best advice I can give anyone is that when you're struggling step to the side to regroup.

It's a lot easier than having a dozen people ram into your back.

Pay for everything on your debit card on the gate reader. Send the kids through first with instructions to take 5 big steps and you follow.

TfL staff are brilliant.

OK sorry I habent read it all, we managed it OK but now can't find a bloody TOOTBUS to get on. Walked to buck Palace, then to nearest stop, its closed.

Bus 390 goes straight from Kings Cross to Hyde Park Corner (ends up in Victoria). If you can all manage bus stairs, kids will love it I'd think.

OP, don't panic as it's a relatively straightforward journey you need. Piccadilly Line is clearly marked (including Westbound) which will take you to both Hyde Park or Green Park. (Victoria for Green Park too).

If you use the entrance to the left, just outside the station, you only have 2 escalators to go down once inside the station and it's very obvious where to go. IIRC there's lifts on both levels to take you down to the Picc Line, which might be easiest with kids.

Once on the platform all the trains will likely be marked Heathrow and all of them will stop at the stations you need.

Ah sorry, didn't realise you've already done the journey, but hope you're OK!

King's Cross underground is massive so be aware of that.

Walk out of the barriers at the station and look right. There's a lift and stairs. Go down there that's the underground.

When you're in there's signs everywhere pointing to Piccadilly line (dark blue). Follow them and then at the platform there are big signs with the stops on them. Go on the one with The Hyde Park stop. Get off at Hyde Park and follow the signs saying Way Out.

Oh sorry you're there!

Get City mapper and it'll take you to the next stop

If your DC are Harry Potter fans, look out for Platform 9 3/4 and linked shop - there's always queues of people around it.

Thanks all, it was FINE (thanks to all your help!!).

We have had a great day, seen ALL the sights, been on buses, tube, boats, walked....abd best of all, DC were AMAZING. It was a big deal for them, country kids who barely go into our local town.

Brilliant! So glad you all had a great day

You'll be fine. How old are the DC? If older than about 3 or 4, you can get them to 'help' you find where to go and make it fun for them too. We're not from London but by nursery age, mine loved helping find the entrance to the station by recognising the Underground roundel logo, looking for the signs to the line we needed (I told them the colour they needed to spot) and so on. Involve them and that takes your mind off the panic! You can't get properly lost. If you make a mistake just turn around and ask anyone for help.