uncledge

Hello all, I have more than a few questions for our upcoming 11-day trip to London beginning this Wednesday.
As we'll be going to The O2 for a tennis tournament on 4 different days, and would like to use different modes of transportation, could anyone please tell me how to get from our apartment near St.-Katherine's dock to The O2 by way of tube, boat, bus, DLR, etc. avoiding as many stairs as feasible.
We're arriving at Heathrow, probably buying 7-day Oyster cards (still debating whether we will need the paper travel card for the 2-4-1 vouchers). I believe the Oyster cards will be good for all modes transportation with the exception of the river bus which gives you a discount if you have an Oyster.
If we journey via tube from Heathrow, change at Earl's Court for the District Line and get off at Tower Hill tube station, approximately how many stairs are there?
If you've stayed near St. Katherine's (we're staying at 28 Nightingale), what bus routes were best for getting to Borough's Market, Bloomsbury and Leicester Square areas.
Lastly, any other transportation recommendations, restaurant and other thoughts much appreciated.
Thank you!

janisj

Your flat is not 'near' the marina . . . It is IN the marina complex.

When you take the tube in from LHR don't change at earls court. The transfer is much easier at Hammersmith. You literally simply step a few feet across the same platform.

But - from tower hill station you will have quite a hike down a long flight of steps an then over to the marina and wandering through the whole marina to get to the bldg. Trust me - that is not an easy trek with any bags at all. I would 100% use a pre-booked car service from LHR to the flat. Will cost £35 to £40 but Monet WELL spent.

Check justairports.com.

janisj

Re borough market - I've always just walked it

For getting to the center (St Paul's, the Strand, Trafalgar Sq, etc - the #15 bus runs right in front of the Tower and is very easy.

There are MANY places to eat/pubs w/I the marina.

uncledge

Thanks Janisj, I'll look into booking a car. Moot point regarding the tube from Heathrow since we will use car service now, but I believe I read Hammersmith isn't stair-free at the moment. Hope you enjoyed the Niner game!

Has anyone taken the Clipper service or any other mode of transportation to The O2 from the St. Katherine's Dock area?And do I really need to make a reservation for the Clipper if used as a commuter?

janisj

That typo -Jeeze . Should be MONEY well spent.

I didn't exit at Hammersmith this trip but I really can't see how the Piccadilly to District line could be anything but step free since they use the same platform.

Hopefully jamikins or Patrick_London or someone else will see your thread and have better info about getting to O2. AFAIK the DLR would be the easiest/least complicated land-based mode.

Had a FABULOUS time at the game - 45 yd line club level seat

PatrickLondon

>>And do I really need to make a reservation for the Clipper if used as a commuter?<<

Not normally. Each boat has a maximum permitted capacity, and they have to stick to it, so it's possible that on major event nights you might have to wait for the next boat, but I've never been to an event at the )2, so I don't know. I've never heard of reserving in advance on the Clippers, though you can of course buy tickets in advance. In any case, you can always get the Jubilee Line between North Greenwich and London Bridge, which is not too far a walk across Tower Bridge (or a short ride on bus RV1).

>>I believe I read Hammersmith isn't stair-free at the moment.<<
Not between platform and street while they're repairing lifts or something, but the District and Piccadilly Lines use the same platforms, so changing between the two is no problem.

Rubicund

We stayed at the Tower recently and took the Clipper down to the O2 and the Cable car. It's quick and easy and no stairs. Borough Market is easy walking from St Katharine's.

Cross Tower Bridge and you've got a good choice of restaurants. Try:

Le Pont de la Tour
Cote at Hays Galleria

or

most of the restaurants in St Katharine's are of a reasonable food standard.

uncledge

Thanks PatrickLondon and Rubicund. I've never stayed in this area of London so your information is helping me know what is walkable and the better choices for getting to The O2. I'm hoping we go a few different ways--to experience DLR, the Jubilee Line and the Clipper service.
And thanks Janisj for calling in the troops to help me out! But then I would imagine you would help out a Niner fan from before Joe's days.
Anyone else have suggestions or comments?

jamikins

You have had good info on transport options so I will throw out a couple food recommendations..

Dickens Inn is near your flat and serves good pizza in a lovely pub.

Bodeans BBQ is a short walk just west of tower hill tube stop and serves up our favourite ribs in town! Go early or be prepared for a queue!

uncledge

Thanks you jamikins. I'm sure we California people will be ready for some great ribs after our journeys throughout the city. We're actually meeting our apartment rep at the Dickens Inn so I'm grateful they have good pizza.