Still checking over flight options. For one, I would leave Heathrow at 10:35 a.m. on a Thursday. Assuming I need to get to LHR by at least 8 a.m., I would probably be better off taking the Express or Connect, as I imagine the Tube would be really crowded.
Your thoughts?
it all depends on where you are starting from
Oh, sorry!
Either having to take the Tube from Lambeth North to Paddington, or walking 10 minutes to Paddington.
If you can get from Lambeth North across the river and all the way to Paddington on foot in 10 minutes you should be in the Olympics.
If you are returning across the Atlantic at 10:35, you need to be at Heathrow at 7:30. An hour on the tube means starting at 6:30. It won't be crowded in the direction you are going, and certainly not at 6:30. Certainly not crowded by London tube standards.
Sandra, I don't know just how committed you are to your lodging in Lambeth North at this point, since your trip is in 2017. You would make your trip to Heathrow a lot easier if you could change your lodging choice to either:
A. Somewhere along the Piccadilly Tube Line, in Earl's Court, South Ken, Covent Garden, or Russell Square.
B. Somewhere near Paddington, walking distance to the Station, to catch Heathrow Express or Connect.
Rebecca, semi-committed. I'm trying choose a flight and make a decision on a place to stay at the same time.
Nigel, you are too funny!
Hey Sandra! By semi-committed, I assume you may have inquired about an AirBnB rental, or something similar, and penciled in some dates with them.
Just out of curiosity, what are the places to stay that you are making a decision on?
No, actually not. I'm trying to decide between the place I stayed last year (Capt. Bligh House), where I was very happy, and No. 63, Soroptimist's (recommended by Swan on this forum). No. 63 is a bit cheaper and within walking distance of Paddington. However, at Capt. Bligh, I had a kitchenette (they are all self-catering flats). With No. 63, the room is smaller, there's no kitchenette but there's a common dining area and a lounge, where, as a solo traveler, I might meet people to chat with.
While I really enjoyed traveling solo, there were moments when I did feel lonely. Luckily, I met up with a pen pal for tea, went on a day tour of the Cotswolds, and Skyped with my husband every couple of days. It did seem strange to only be talking to store employees, for e.g. Maybe I was a bit too cautious about being alone in the city.
I have thought about Airbnb, HomeAway, etc., but am afraid, again, that I would be quite lonely.
Regarding flight times, last year I left at 1 p.m. (actually we were delayed till 3). That was plenty early for me. NOT a morning person here!
I would be really tempted by No. 63 near Paddington for the location. But I totally understand the usefulness of a kitchenette. However, there are dozens of great take-away places (Indian, Mediterranean, Chinese) and sandwich shops near Paddington and No. 63.
Hi, Emma--Yes, I'm planning for late May-early June. But I didn't know the station was closed at the moment. Thanks!
When I left London on a Sunday last June, I was flying out of Gatwick and took the Gatwick Express. Was surprised at how crowded it was. I felt lucky to get a seat.
I stayed in Number 63 this past July for two nights. I ate breakfast with the soroptimists who were having an annual meeting and ate dinner at the Swan pub that is just two door's down. I loved the location. I arrived early with the intention of leaving my bag for the day. On arrival I was asked if I had breakfasted - No. They made me scrambled eggs. So nice. By then, the room was ready, and I set out for my day - which was a Globe matinee.
I chose to stay at the Sofitel (used miles) the night before an early flight to Zurich, earlier than your 10:30 flight. I was considering taking one of the fast trains from Paddington, but because I had no time constraints, took the tube from Lancaster Gate to Holburn on the Piccadilly line and then straight on to Heathrow. Anyway, Number 63 is convenient for either transportation option. I would probably opt for the Connect or Express is pushed for time.
