Visiting London

[cjbrooker]

Hello,

I'm looking to visit London for a few days sightseeing in May/June half term with my wife and 3 young kids (aged between 5 and 10).
I'm looking for recommendations/options for a site (CL, pub stopover, campsite, anything) with good close (walkable for small legs, possibly a short taxi) links to central London via train, underground or bus in under 1 hour, ideally around 30 minutes.

We're in a motorhome so don't need EHU or shower/toilet block. Just a space to park for a few nights.

Also really looking for somewhere west side of London as I'm travelling from the west country. I'm aware of Abbey Wood and Crystal Palace Caravan Club sites but they are on the east side or south of London.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

TIA

 

[Trevor Wbm]

I've been trying to plan a similar trip. The closest I've found so far is Eurocarparks at Bayswater Road, right next to Hyde Park and Queensway Tube station. Haven't tried to use it so don't know if it's practical. Also - remember the ULEZ, if you're not Euro 6 compliant you'll have to pay to get in. You can check that here: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle/

According to the SearchforSites app, you can book on line at £30 for 24hrs, or call 0207 563 3000.

 

[LesW]

Quite a few possibilities shown on the Search for Sites website, some within walking distance of public transport into London.

 

[Landy Andy]

Living near London, but North, my advice would be not to go too far into London, but get near public transport to get you in to the centre.

Something like this. Only found as a google, not tried it.

Chertsey Campsite

Book our highly-rated Chertsey campsite from as low as £13.70 p/n. View pitch availability and book online now to kick-start your Surrey adventure!

www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

50 mins, to the centre. Some sites may be on quicker train lines.

 

[cjbrooker]

Also - remember the ULEZ, if you're not Euro 6 compliant you'll have to pay to get in.

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll look into it. It looks like it's not in the ULEZ though so no charge to drive to it.

My original idea was to stay at Hoe Farm CL site near Woking with is next to a mainline station to Waterloo but they are having drainage work done so aren't open for a few more months.

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[March Hare]

Hi, I’d recommend looking for places to stay around the stations near the end of the Metrpolitan Line, for example Chorleywood, Little Chalfont, Rickmansworth which are on the Herts/Bucks border. They’re very easy to get to from the M25/M40, and about 45 mins direct into Baker Street Station, then change (or walk) from there. Also, The Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio tour is very close to Chorleywood. The only thing I don’t know is whether the Station Car Parks have any height restrictions on them, so you’d need to double check.

 

[Trevor Wbm]

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll look into it. It looks like it's not in the ULEZ though so no charge to drive to it.

Yes, but get in before October when it gets a lot bigger - it's the one in Brum that starts on 1st June, got them mixed up.

 

[WillH]

I stayed at Welwyn Garden City once to attend the GBBF.

 

[grumps147]

You said all options, open to non members .. https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-...land/london/crystal-palace-caravan-club-site/

 

[Wizz]

Kelseys Campsite, Woollett Hall Farm, N Cray Rd, Sidcup DA14 5ET.
10 minute walk from Bexley station.
22 min train ride into London Bridge Stn, 30 mins into Charing Cross.

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[Kannon Fodda]

On the Western side of London, with the C&CC you have Chertsey, Walton on Thames, and further out Horsley. All will be outside the London Emission Zone restrictions. All are over a mile walk to the nearest rail station which will eventually get you to Waterloo. Walton on Thames would use Hersham rail station which is at least mainline and should be the shortest rail trip, perhaps 30 minutes. Chertsey rail goes an indirect route and it can be better to change trains, but will still take approaching an hour if the timings are wrong. Walton on Thames site is a way from any amenities. Chertsey has a big pub closeby. Horsely will also be a bit remote.

 

[Charlie9038]

<Broken link removed>

This is near Hersham train station rather than Walton on Thames CCC. Near a small Tesco.
Chertsey C&CC is not too far from Chertsey station. Think this will be best option for you depending on trains.
If your Euro 6 Crystal Palace CC is the best option as in London.
Enjoy

 

[lorger]

We have used Abbey wood CMC site twice and it’s ideal for visiting London, 5 minutes to train station then about 30/40 to city.

 

[Riverbankannie]

If you are having a tiring day sightseeing, the last thing you need is a long train ride and then walk or taxi back to van.
I would look into getting a family room in inexpensive hotel, you might find that the cost of pitch, 2 taxis, 4 return train tickets add up to similar and would make the whole experience more enjoyable. London at night near the river is magical.
The last time I stayed there with son and daughter-in-law in law and baby, we got an Airbnb apartment very reasonably and right in the West End.
For example, i found this one with good reviews near the river for around £300 for your stay last week in May

Rental unit in Greater London · ★4.76 · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 bathroom

Perfectly Located Contemporary 1 Bed Apt #1

www.airbnb.co.uk

 

[Riverbankannie]

If you are having a tiring day sightseeing, the last thing you need is a long train ride and then walk or taxi back to van.
I would look into getting a family room in inexpensive hotel, you might find that the cost of pitch, 2 taxis, 4 return train tickets add up to similar and would make the whole experience more enjoyable. London at night near the river is magical.
The last time I stayed there with son and daughter-in-law in law and baby, we got an Airbnb apartment very reasonably and right in the West End.
For example, i found this one with good reviews near the river for around £300 for your stay last week in May

Rental unit in Greater London · ★4.76 · 1 bedroom · 2 beds · 1 bathroom

Perfectly Located Contemporary 1 Bed Apt #1

www.airbnb.co.uk

You would also save on meals by going back to room in the day for tea so that you could then go out again after dark.

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[Bernie P]

Horsley C&CC site is really nice (especially if you like a spot of fishing huge carp in the pond). 10 minute walk to the station then 55mins on the train to Waterloo

 

[Bernie P]

You would also save on meals by going back to room in the day for tea so that you could then go out again after dark.

You go seriously extravagant and splash out £500/n and stay at the Shard. Took the missus there one night seriously luxurious, Glass walled bathroom!!! (to the outside)

 

[Ivory55]

3 kids under 10 dragging around London sounds fun. I think the hotel suggestion very good, somewhere to run to if they get tired and bored.

 

[Camdoon]

You would also save on meals by going back to room in the day for tea so that you could then go out again after dark.

3 kids under 10 dragging around London sounds fun. I think the hotel suggestion very good, somewhere to run to if they get tired and bored.

Agree with this.

We live 70 miles outside London but there are parts of it that I can get to faster by public transport than many Londoners.
You will see far more if centrally based than on the outskirts. Children that age cannot last too long without food and rest.