I'm in the preliminary planning stages of 16 days in England and Scotland the last two weeks of June- flying into London and then home from Glasgow. We will be flying into Gatwick and arriving at 8 am. We would like to stay 2 nights/3 days in London before taking a train to the Stonehenge area and pick up a rental car there that we will use for the rest of the trip. I'm guessing that will be in the Salisbury area. I don't want to spend a fortune staying in London and would be fine with a nice b&b. I'm trying to determine the best area in London that will optimize my time coming in from Gatwick and then needing to get a train to Salisbury 3 days later. Thanks.
Posted by
San Diego, CA, USA
237 posts
I've only been to London once so I can't offer a comparison but we stayed near the Victoria Station area and that worked really well. Victoria is train/bus/tube station so it's central for coming and going and the Gatwick train should go straight there from the airport. The Pimlico/Belgrave area near there is pretty and full of great little restaurants, pubs and shops so you don't have to "go out" at night to eat beyond a block or two unless you want to. It is walking distance to the Palace and Westminister (although in opposite directions) so it's good from some sites, but no neighborhood is going to be near everything. London is really large so expect to use public transport to get to various areas around the city and different sites. If you have some central focus - say theater - that may drive your neighborhood decision but if you just want convenience I think this is a good choice. Good luck!
=Tod
Posted by
Fort Wayne, IN, USA
83 posts
I agree with Tod about Pimlico/Belgrave area of London. I stayed on Belgrave Rd and found it to be very central or easy to travel to all things I wanted to see. I would also recommend Darlington Hyde Park near Hyde Park. Although I haven't personally stayed there I would like to and it gets good reviews. Many B&B's in London are just small hotels that serve breakfast not like the B&B's in the states that are homes and very comfy. Have a great trip. I will be in London for a few days in June but am on a tour with my mother so didn't have a choice in lodging which is much more expensive than I normally would stay in. Have a great trip.
Posted by
Texas
144 posts
Several years ago I used priceline.com at got a 4 star hotel a between victoria station and sloane square. Nice area and easy tube access. I put a bid out there and total cost was under a 100$ a night including taxes.
Posted by
camano Island, USA
97 posts
We have stayed in the Lime Tree Hotel quite near Victoria Station...and it is one of Rick Steves favorites. Good breakfast served every morning....included in the cost of the room. Wonderful pub just at the corner for dinner too. Buses and taxi's to any place you want to see.. London is a pricey city...but there are lots of places that really don't compare to your home in Ancaster.... so just go for it! All Best, Mollie B
Posted by
London, UK
180 posts
We have stayed at the Lime Tree Hotel and would never stay there again. Nice area but there are so many other choices.
Posted by
NC, United States
970 posts
Trains to Salisbury leave from Waterloo station. I'd focus on hotel cost and convenience rather than being near Waterloo. Salisbury station is a long walk from the town center, so check if Stonehenge tour buses leave from the station. Else, be prepared for a cab or a long walk.
Posted by
Springfield, Illinois
29 posts
Nancy....I sent a P.M. Thanks Todd