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Heathrow to Canterbury on Coronation Weekend

Arriving at Heathrow on May 7 and need to get to Canterbury for our RS tour. Bus, train, tube directions seem clear enough (we’re experienced with NYC subways), but I’m wondering about crowds, congestion, closures in London. I’m awaiting a quote for car service thinking maybe 2 bleary eyed travelers won’t do well navigating crowded public transit. Any thoughts or advice welcome.

Posted by
2468 posts

Just curious, are you taking the RS Southern England tour? I am on an earlier tour and will be leaving London Heathrow on May 9. I’ve told that crowds won’t be that heavy after the Coronation (May 6).
I’m sure you will get good advice from folks here on the forum.

Posted by
5326 posts

Windsor is the national focus location for events on 7 May, although Central London will no doubt still be busy.

Posted by
14 posts

Yes, Judy B. Our Southern England tour begins on May 8.

Posted by
5700 posts

From what can be seen so far (and we are still 2 months out) May 6 will be the key day in London itself. Details are still quite fuzzy.
Apart from the concert in Windsor the focus on 7 May is local neigbourhood events.
I would imagine some streets will still be closed in London (although the city is very well versed in re-opening and clearing up as soon as things have happened), but there is no reason to think that there will be public transport closures that day. People will either be heading home or heading to Windsor, so you are heading against the flow of human traffic.
People as close as Kent will have day tripped the previous day.
I would hazard a guess that you will find things eerily quiet in your direction of travel- a bit of the morning after the night before.
If all you are doing is taking the tube to St Pancras, then the High Speed Javelin train to Canterbury, I don't see any problems. In the last week or two before you arrive keep checking the Transport for London website, definetly pre book your train ticket London to Canterbury train and check the South Eastern Railways website for any last minute updates. And check back to the forum if you have queries in the last week or so.
If you are just transiting London as I think you are you shouldn't be using a bus anywhere, or am I missing something?

Posted by
4802 posts

Several years ago we were faced with the same situation transportation wise and we opted for a car service. The train fares were somewhat cheaper, but the hassle factor was steep. Nothing like having a driver meet you in the terminal, wisk you to the car, and take you to Canterbury.

The driver we had drove quite safely, was most helpful loading our luggage, and commented on various things along the way. The car was clean, roomy, and well maintained. We would not hesitate to use the same service again. We've found that using a service based at the destination works well as they seem to know the best routes to take. The name of the service we used is Canterbury Airport Transfers. The web site (if my notes are correct) is taxicanterbury.co.uk/contact. The email is firstclasstravel@live.co.uk. Shoot them an email, outline you needs, and see what you think about their quote.

Posted by
14 posts

Thanks so much! All this info is very helpful! I’m very excited about traveling again.