London from South West

[MarchionessOfMayhem]

Hoping to do a few days in London this year. We are based in the South West and wondering whether to drive or train it? And where to stay on a budget? Ideally a hotel that offers breakfast. Would love some recommendations! Thanks 🙏

I’ve got a friend who drives in from Cornwall & leaves her car at https://www.sabaparking.co.uk/car-park/hatton-cross-station-car-park-tfl, then gets the Piccadilly Line into the centre.

I go by train and book 3 months out when cheapest tickets are released. I doubt they are very cheap anymore. I would look at hotel prices as they are very fluid but I've had good stays at the holiday inns, Premier inns, novotel at Tower Hill. Often breakfast is added so check what you are booking.

You could look at the sleeper train as that gets you in very early morning with showers at Paddington. Might save you one night's accommodation (although sllep carriage is a supplement). Depends where you are on the line...closer to Penzance the more value you get as you get on early.

My son drove for his London break but stayed at an air b and b outside of London and took train in each day. Overall it was cheaper as there were 4 of them, but the train took a big lump out of their sightseeing time.

I've also flown from Newquay. Took train into Central London which took about an hour. I think there's a faster, more expensive train if you prefer.

Is your car ULEZ compliant? If not you will being £12.50/day if you use your car anywhere in London.
I assume you won't want to be driving around in Central London, but it depends what else you are wanting to do whilst there as to whether a car might be useful.

Train to Waterloo - it’s very central and near major attractions. Stay in a Premier Inn.

I’ve stayed at Chiswick Premier Inn which is handy for M3 (A303 route) and M4. Parking was £12 for 24 hours at the hotel. Not cheap but less than train and more reliable. It’s a 15 minute walk to the District line through a very nice area.

Also done Hampton by Hilton and Premier Inn at Park Royal. We parked for free on a residential street as recommended by the hotel as car park was full, weekends only.