Parking in London for an operation

[WildOnce]

DS2 is due to have an operation next month at St Thomas’s. We live in Kent so had planned to drive up the night before and park somewhere as the thought of taking a post op toddler on a train isn’t appealing. we have hospital accommodation.

Parking looks scant though so not sure. Anyone done similar?

Firstly, ask the hospital - there is some parking available onsite, but IIRC it's expensive (but certain categories of patient can get charges waived or reduced, or at least that used to be the case)

IIRC, there isn't any free on-street parking anywhere nearby (all residents permit or limited hours via P&D/app)

So options:

• look for a "hire my driveway" type spot
• google for carparks and choose the nearest you can afford
• park further away - are you the only driver? If so, how far are you prepared to wrangle the toddler by bus/tube/taxi to get back to the car? If there's a second driver, then of course they can go and get the car and pick you up on the fly

There's a car park beneath the NT and an Apcoa just behind it, which is reasonably priced. It's a short walk away along the southbank but presume that's okay for whoever's parking - they can drop parent 1 and DC off and go park if everyone walking together is an issue, and pick up in same way after.

Also, have you tried this site?

YourParkingSpace - Find & Book Hourly, Daily & Monthly Parking

I've not used it, but had a nosey on your behalf just to see what the local options were for longer stays, and it did have some possibilities. Try it with your actual dates

Don't forget to factor in congestion charge, and ULEZ if applicable. Will be worth it though for the convenience and comfort.

Ask the hospital. Parking is limited and expensive at St Thomas's but there may be special arrangements for parents staying in hospital accommodation.

I would second Pinkdelight3's suggestion of the National Theatre car park. It's relatively cheap (£28 per day), bookable in advance and 10 minutes walk from the hospital. There are drop off points at the hospital so one parent can be dropped off with your DC while the other parks.

Hope all goes well.

Thanks all, I hadn’t thought of the national theatre! I’ll look into the NT otherwise I can borrow a family members drive in Harrow and get a cab in or something.x

I use JustPark all the time for London.

Where are you coming from in Kent? It’s pointless to park on a drive in Harrow and take a cab. It will take ages as you will be travelling right through London (possibly even as long as travelling from Kent). If you can’t find parking near by (and close to south bank is hard), it would make more sense to park somewhere in south East London where no parking restrictions and then take a can from there.

Have you tried parkopedia? That’s a really good website. It suggests some 24 hour parking at Waterloo (Brittania parking group). Or it allows you to book a private drive.

I'd consider parking on the line that goes to Waterloo east, so drive part way and train the remaining journey in, on the way back use a taxi if the train is too much

This is the place just behind the NT - https://www.apcoa.co.uk/parking-in/london/south-bank-london/

Don't go all the way to Harrow from Kent then back in (and out) again by cab, that's crackers!

The cab would be free (family) and at about 6am so quiet. Busier on the way out of course but the. I’m not keen on driving through London with just me and toddler.