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Best mode of transportation from Cheltenham to Harry Potter World, then to Gatwick Airport??

Hello!

I'm hoping you can help us, as this is our first trip to the UK (we'll be there July 2-9) . On our last full day there, July 8, we will be coming from Cheltenham to Warner Brothers Studio Tour in Leavesden. After the tour, we will be going to Gatwick Airport to stay the night before flying back home to the US. I'm thinking that the best option of transportation might be driving, since we have 5 people (2 adults, 3 kids) and 5 bags. Google Maps says it's 2 hours to drive to the Tour, and another hour to go from the Tour to Gatwick airport. Would driving be the best solution for us, and if so, what is the traffic condition like on the A40 (to Tour) and the M25 (to Gatwick)? If we don't drive and take the rail, then where would be put our luggage? Thanks in advance for your kind advice.

Tina

Posted by
8889 posts

Yes car. Because (a) I assume you will already have a car, and (b) The studios are on the edge of Watford, the only access is car or the shuttle bus from Watford Junction station, which is OK from central London, but bad from Cheltenham, and (c) you will probably have bags with you.

I use https://www.viamichelin.com/

  • Cheltenham to Leavesden, that says 142 km, 01h55. A40+M40+M25. I would allow +30 minutes for stops, and +30 minutes for contingency (M25). A40+M40 should be flowing, M25 keep your fingers crossed.
  • Leavesden to Gatwick. 97 km, 01h08, M25+M23. No way. Not for nothing do they call the M25 the largest car park in the world. Allow 2 hours.
Posted by
6113 posts

You are travelling on a Saturday, so there will be less traffic. I would allow 2.5 hours minimum to get to HP then 1.25 hours round to Gatwick. These are minimum times and if there is a traffic incident, the times could be longer.

There is luggage storage at WB Studios.

If you got the train, it will take c 2.5 hours to WB plus travel time to the station and waiting time and cost £63.80 per adult single. There would be one or two train changes depending on what time you travelled (service via Birmingham).

Getting to Gatwick will take probably 1.5 hours by train and cost between £8.50 and £18.50, single per adult, depending on the type of ticket that you purchased and how far in advance. The cheaper the fare, the less flexibility you have.

Posted by
3 posts

Thank you so much for your kind responses! Looks like a car is the more reasonable option. It will be our first time driving on the left side, so we're quite nervous about it!

Posted by
32519 posts

Ages of the children?

A40 is notoriously slow many days around Whitney.

A40 has roadworks near Oxford.

What size car will you get that will hide all your luggage and still have room for all 5 of you?

What will you do with the luggage while you are visiting Harry, Hermione, and Ron?

It is M25, M23 to reach Gatwick from Watford. Expect delays on the M25 at least at from the M40 to the M4 and Heathrow, and then near the A3 and the M3, then at junction 9 for Leatherhead and possibly in the run-up to the junction for the M23 and the Brighton Road. - - that is if there are no accidents. Don't offend the gantry cameras if the variable speed limits are in operation on the M25.

Expect slow trucks and cars on the steep hill on the M40 approaching Stokenchurch.

For the train option:
Train from Cheltenham to Birmingham New Street Station by Cross Country Trains is one stop. Change to Virgin Trains West Coast at New Street and you will stop at Birmingham International, Coventry and Watford Junction. From New Street Virgin run three trains an hour to London Euston, one each stopping at Rugby, Milton Keynes Central and Watford Junction, so you need to be sure that your train stops at Watford. Then just out of the front of the station, cross the bus station to stop number 4, and the Knight Bus will whisk you down the road to the Tour.

To Gatwick, back to the station, then train to London where you have a choice. Either walk a few minutes or take a bus one stop to St Pancras International Station and Thameslink train direct to Gatwick. Or Victoria Line tube to Victoria station, upstairs and into Victoria Station, and then either Gatwick Express or Southern train direct to Gatwick (nonstop on Gatwick Express or one or two stops on Southern).

As you see there are significant difficulties with both trains and cars connecting these three well separated places.

Posted by
3 posts

Thanks Nigel! This all came about because I booked too late for the WB tour from London and it sold out.... so now need to make my own way to the WB Studios. Looks like the car is the less painful option of traveling to WB. Is there ample car parking at the WB studios, or will parking be a challenge too?
Our kids are age 16, 10 and 10, and we've reserved the "Vauxhall Corsa or similar" which I hope should have enough seating and space for 5 carry-on bags. We don't have this car brand in the US, but we did some research and it should carry everyone and everything.
My husband is not thrilled about driving especially back to Gatwick. Do you suggest a large city to drop off the car and take the tube back to Gatwick?
Thanks so much for everyone's advice!

Posted by
4495 posts

Get a Passat or Vauxhaul Insignia for 5 with bags-- you can't go smaller. Note that you will have issues parking and maneuvering these Camry-sized vehicles.

There's no tube to Gatwick but the trains work well, actually better with bags.

Just drive later in the evening to avoid traffic. Dumping the car short of Gatwick could be done but really more complicated. It's possible dropping the car in St Albans which has direct trains to Gatwick might work but someone is going to have to walk to the train station from the rental car agency.