Driving to Madame Tussauds

[Catlover1705]

Hi everyone, We're planning on driving from Dorset to Madame Tussauds on Friday, my DH doing the driving. I've looked at parking and Bloomsbury Square NCP looks reasonable and walkable but how horrendous will it be in terms of traffic jams and is there a better option re parking. Thank you.

Thanks for all your advice, I think parking at Richmond will be less of a risk and in our comfort zone x

Madame Tussaud’s is so rubbish. There thousands of wonderful things to do in London. I’d park outside congestion charge. Park on shorter street car park by tower bridge then you can see St Catherine’s dock, tower bridge and The Tower of London and then get a bus along to Big Ben then walk through st James park to see parts and pelicans to Buckingham palace. With lunch and ice cream stops along the way that’s a million times better than Madame Tussaud’s. Can’t believe people still go there

Because it's her Grandsons treat.
Don't be nasty

Yes I agree. I feel sorry for their kids if they have them. Most people put their kids/grandkids first and don't mind going to places they wouldn't necessarily choose themselves.

Very true!

I think lots of Londoners are just a bit puzzled by MTs but if it's what your grandson wants to do then why not. We drive through central London sometimes and the traffic really varies from ok to awful with seemingly no reason. Parking near MT would be difficult/ expensive so I think parking on the outskirts and tube in is best. Have a lovely time!

MT is worth seeing. You can potentially park in pay and display bays in Regent’s Park which is very close. But I’d definitely recommend getting the tube to Baker Street. Much less stressful.

Pre book MT to avoid too long a queue. If you drive in you will spend your day in traffic jams. Parking is well nigh impossible and don’t forget to pay the congestion charge. I assume your car meets ULEZ standards?

I agree, get the tube in. Maybe Ealing or Acton.

enjoy your day at MT I think it’s a good thing to do with kids

if you’re happy w the train/tube, def park near whichever edge of London you reach. We love quite near MT and it’s a solid hour plus of London driving from the outskirts in. But if it’ll be more peaceful for you to park nearer, you’ll find a space via JustPark or Parkonmydrive that’s close and convenient. The Bloomsbury option sounds like the worst of all worlds!
ive never been to MT… always put off by others - maybe now is my time to go! Likewise Hamleys! Have a lovely time

Definitely park outside and train or tube in.

The weather is meant to be lovely.
I hope he loves all the things he’s chosen to do.
Go to M&M world if you really want to upset the mumsnet glitterati.

Some miserable people on here! Have a lovely time OP doing all the things your grandson wants to do. You sound like a fabulous grandparent.

Don’t listen to the comments changing your plans. MT is great for kids, i went to the blackpool one at 10/11 when it was Louis tussauds (and it was shockingly bad ) but we loved it.

Most places in London are easy to get to if you can navigate the tube system

I used to love Madame Tussaud’s when I was a kid. Yes to tune in like everyone said. Also check in advance if 2for1 London or any work benefit schemes you belong to have half price tickets for that and any other attractions. And if you like chain restaurants they often have deals on too.

Why are so many grumpy people on this thread?!
I have such happy memories of days out like this with my grandparents. You’re going to have a great time together and it’ll be a lovely memory for him.

OP, you could park in the centre but you’d still end up on public transport between the different chosen locations, so you may as well spare yourself the extra drive and park further out.

If you’re parking in Richmond as you mentioned, it might work well to do things in this order:

District line from Richmond to Victoria, 10 minutes walk to Buckingham Palace.

Walk through St James Park (really lovely park with interesting birds on the pond) to Westminster where you’ll see Big Ben.

Jubilee line from Westminster to Baker Street. Madame Tussaud’s is literally next to station.

Bakerloo line (or bus) from Baker Street to Oxford Circus, 5 minutes walk to Hamleys.

15 minutes walk or a couple of stops on bus to Lego store. There is an M&M’s place next to it which kids seem to love.

From there, you are 15 minutes walk, via Trafalgar Square, to Embankment station where you can go back on the District Line to Richmond.