Help planning trip to London in December

[AnnieMB]

We will be visiting London in December just before Christmas to go to an event at Excel. We usually stay in Farringdon and travel on the Elizabeth line which is straightforward but looking at alternatives to try and avoid crowds as much as possible. We are coming from the North of England and wondered about driving to north London to a hotel with parking or possibly staying nearer to the Excel. Budget wise probably looking at a Premier Inn or in that range. We need to be able to get back to the hotel late Saturday pm. One adult, one older teen. Any ideas?

@AnnieMB

It might be worth checking out the prices for the train on the Trainline, in case you can consider it as an alternative.

Which mainline station would you arrive at? I'm assuming Euston or King's Cross. Connect with the Docklands Light Railway to get to Excel - I think that your teen might like that.

What are you hoping to see at the Excel?

Is there somewhere else in London you would like see too, while you are here?

At that time of year, I would suggest getting the bus along Oxford Street/Regent Street/Trafalgar Square, for the lights.

Thanks for your reply. We're coming to watch the London Horse Show. Train is a possibility but we've had stressful times in previous years due to strikes etc. Teen loves the show and staying in a hotel but not keen on the tube or busy places (most likely has autism) so not sure we get the most out of staying in central London. Maybe the train and the nicest hotel I can afford is the way to go?

@AnnieMB

The show sounds fabulous!

It looks as though they have arranged a discount on prices for the hotels which are closest to the Excel itself. One of those hotels might be especially suitable for you, as you will be able to walk to the event.

If you have spare time and want to go into town, you could get the DLR to Tower Gateway and then pick up the hop-on/hop-off bus at the Tower. That will take you on a little trip around the sights, but in a contained way which might be manageable for your teen.

https://londonhorseshow.com/plan-your-visit/travel-parking-accommodation/

https://content.tfl.gov.uk/standard-tube-map.pdf

https://www.bigbustours.com/en/london/london-routes-and-tour-maps

Two options

1. The O2 at North Greenwich has a Holiday Inn nearby. (Also other hotels) You can take the Cable Car to cross the river and take the DLR one stop to Excel. The O2 has restaurants and shops. It may be £££ if there is a major event.
2. Stratford, it has a Premier Inn but car parking is £16 per day. I think it’s doable by Jubilee Line to Canning Town and DLR to Excel but there appears to be weekend maintenance so check. The Premier Inn is right by the shopping Centre and the Station has multiple options for travel.

Thanks I'll check these options out

There's a Premier Inn and a Holiday Inn Express right beside Canning Toen station.

So just one stop to the excel and you have the choice of Jubilee or DOR into London.

Both are nearly always reasonably priced in comparison to other London locations.

I stay there regularly on work trips.