We're planning an 8-day visit to London and have seen several B&Bs in Vauxhall, south of the Thames that have excellent reviews for around $1,000 less than comparable lodging in Central London. Two questions:
1 - is this a safe area?
2 - how much longer does it take to get to the sites in Central London - is the cost savings worth it?
Are the b&bs close to a tube station? If so, easy to get into all the main sites from that area.
I’ve never stayed In Vauxhall, but can’t imagine it’s not safe. Maybe not high on things to see or restaurants, but if $1000 less, I would certainly consider staying there as that $1000 can go a long ways towards things to see/do.
I’ve stayed nearby in Lambeth and it was just fine. Don’t be limited by Tube stations, excellent bus connections in this area. You simply just aren’t that far from Central London sites.
I'm staying in South Bank (a bit north of Vauxhall) when I head to London in March and have planned out my itinerary meticulously (okay, maybe not, but I've spent a lot of time on it). Anyway, most of the sights are within walking distance or a quick tube or bus ride away. The area around there is very vibrant with a lot going on and has become very popular in the last decade or so.
Actually, I was thinking of Vauxhall when I was first looking for hotels, mainly because all the Georgette Heyer books I read when I was younger talked about the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens so much. Lots of history there.
@Mardee: reading The Convenient Marriage right now and Vauxhall figures prominently. Now you have me thinking! Had not thought of that location as a place to stay previously.
@OP: hoping you report back on your experiences after.
Do you know the address of the property? Use Google maps to find the closest tube station. Have the property owners conveyed the address? If they are hesitant that would be a red flag to me.
From Vauxhall underground station to Westminster station and Parliament Square is 15 minute bus ride or a 20 minute tube ride with one change. From Vauxhall to St James Park which is closer to the Palace is 15 minutes on a bus or 20 minutes on the Victoria Line.
Lastly and from Google:
Down-to-earth Vauxhall is known for its gay nightlife, with long-established bars and clubs along Kennington Lane and under the nearby railway arches. Green spaces include Vauxhall Park, with tennis courts and a model village, and the Pleasure Gardens, hosting regular cultural and community events.
Vauxhall is alright. It's handy for a really nice part of London (Pimlico and The City of Westminster across the bridge) and is a short walk down into Lambeth.
On the safety side, I'd rate the area around the station as medium edgy. I don't think of it as dangerous from a personal safety point of view, but there may be some "interesting characters" floating around that area.
Vauxhall is a big area for gay nightlife, the most well known pub / club is The Eagle. There's several small underground club venues in the arches by the station. It can be busy at the weekend with folks out partying.
The MI6 building is in Vauxhall so you may bump into James Bond or Q.
Debbie, I didn't either until after I booked my room at the PI County Hall, and started researching the area. I first noticed Lambeth, which is related to a musical I designed costumes for years ago called "Me and My Girl." Then I spread out and saw Vauxhall. I want to explore both areas as much as I can while I'm there, but some might have to wait till next year.
The good thing about Vauxhall is that it's on the Victoria Line. It's really quick to get to Green Park or Oxford Circus, or one of several other stations where you can interchange with other lines. Of course the best tube line is the one that goes where you're headed, but the Victoria Line is my favourite because of the speed, frequency, decent trains and nice stations.
