We will be taking the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station, and want to leave our luggage with their Baggage Consignment and begin sightseeing around Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, etc. Has anyone used this service and, if so, do you have any feedback on how it worked? At the end of the afternoon, we would plan to take the Bakerloo Tube to Waterloo Southwark Station, whch is near our hotel. What do you think? Would it be better to take a taxi?
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
If you are going to Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, etc. That is roughly half way to where your hotel is (but see below).
I would suggest going straight from Paddington to your hotel, dropping the bags off there, and then going on to Hyde Park etc. That way you don't need an extra journey at the end of the day to pick up your bags.
take the Bakerloo Tube to Waterloo Southwark Station
Which do you mean, Waterloo or Southwark? They are two different stations. Waterloo is on the Bakerloo line (amongst others), Southwark is on the Jubilee line only. See tube map here: http://content.tfl.gov.uk/standard-tube-map.pdf
Paddington is also on the Bakerloo line, so Paddington to Waterloo is direct, but Southwark would involve a change.
I hope you have read up about Oyster Cards and pay-as-you go. That is the best and cheapest way to get around by tube and bus.
Posted by
Paris
9589 posts
Agreed that the Left Luggage company in London is perfectly reliable but expensive. They charge by the item, so it can get expensive quickly. I agree with others that it may be better to go to your hotel first and drop the bags, then head back out for sightseeing. Saves you the money as well as the time at the end of the day.
Posted by
Truro, NS, Canada
3941 posts
I believe the cost last time we used them (in 2014) was 7 GBP PER bag...we had something like 3-4 bags (carry on and small day bag) - so that adds up really fast (especially since at the time the pound vs our Canadian dollar was really bad). Other than that, no issues.
Posted by
Land of La
8679 posts
Save your money and go directly to your hotel. Though the left luggage is perfectly reliable, it's costly and who wants to back track.
If you room is not ready your hotel will store the luggage free of charge. From there hop back on the tube and start your exploration of London.
Get your Oyster Card at Paddington.