My husband and I will be arriving at Heathrow on the morning of May 21. We have discovered that the tube employees plan to strike that day. We have reservations at Leeds Castle in Kent and are wondering how we can get there.
Our plan was to:
- Take the Elizabeth Line to Paddington Station.
-Take the tube from Paddington to Victoria Station.
-Take the train to Hollingbourne.
-Take a taxi from Hollingbourn to the castle (1.9 miles).
If we make to Paddington Station, what would be the best way to get to the Victoria Station without the Tube?
Thanks for any advice you can give us.
Jane
Posted by
Lake District, England
11607 posts
One option is to stay on the Elizabeth Line to Farringdon, then a Thameslink train heading for Sevenoaks or Orpington every half hour as far as Bromley South, change for Hollingbourne.
At times in the off peak you have to change Thameslink trains at Blackfriars.
The train from Bromley South is the one that started at Victoria.
This week TfL said there would be no Piccadilly Line, but in the event a shuttle ran from Heathrow to Acton Town, for the District line direct to Victoria. While that can't be promised next time it could be a valid on the day option.
You can use contactless as far as Bromley South (£16.30), so only 80p more than to Farringdon.
Then a ticket from Bromley South for £19.70 anytime day single, before any railcard discount.
If you have a valid railcard a ticket Heathrow to Bromley South is cheaper than contactless, at £13.15 any time day single or £10.95 Off Peak Day Single
Posted by
9 posts
The Thursday strike doesn't really kick until around midday so if you land early you might not be affected.
But where will your luggage be duirng all this? Do you intend to be back in London that evening?
Posted by
OP
30 posts
isn31c. Thank you for the thorough, informative answer. I appreciate your help.
me.crewe We are staying at Leeds Castle, so we will have our luggage with us.