spudley

We have stayed numerous times in Bloomsbury, which we loved, but were considering staying out by the Canary Wharf & Docklands for a 3 day weekend for budgetary reasons. Seemingly there are some fine properties at reasonable prices BUT we are concerned that it is too expensive and inconvenient to get into the city from there. Any opinions or suggestions would be really appreciated!

PalenQ

Not expensive to get in because the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is like a Tube line and with the Oyster Card guaranteed inexpensive - about a 15-minute or so ride to the Bank or Tower Gateway tube stations - Bank has connections with various Tube lines. Time-wise takes longer but expense not a factor I believe.

RM67

You can use an Oyster Card on the DLR/Jubilee Line so travel shouldn't be prohibitively expensive, but being in Docklands does increase your journey time to a lot of the attractions, especially, those in the West End, so that's what you need to bear in mind.

If you use the Tfl trip planner it will give you a rough idea of the transit times and you will be the only one who knows whether you can live with that or not.

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/

The other thing to bear in mind is that it can be relatively quiet at night, less dining opportunities right on your doorstep etc, but again some people think the trade off worthwhile to get a cheaper or better quality property.

PalenQ

Canary Wharf does have one of the biggest shopping malls in London IME - supermarkets, loads of restaurants - not sure how late it is open but no problem getting provisions if you want to dine in.

flanneruk

Canary Wharf is in Z2, so there's no added transport cost (in theory) compared to staying in Mayfair. And - by tube - it's not really any longer to get to the West End than from the tourist ghetto round Gloucester Rd

Trouble is, it IS a long way by taxi, it's architecturally a suburb of Dubai, and the eating facilities are geared to overpaid yobs grabbing quick lunches or charging overpriced designer food to some poor investor's management costs. And if you're the sort of person who likes going back after daytime sightseeing for a quick shower and change before going out to a concert at the Barbican - it's all a schlep. And not that many of the yobs'boozers are open Sats and Suns.

If you plan only to visit the City or Greenwich, and fancy forex-dealer Sunday brunches, it might work. Otherwise: that's why it's cheap at weekends

spudley

Thanks for the help, sounds like a reasonable and doable option for sure. Canadian dollar exchange is brutal right now, and trying to find some ways to economise!

di2315

We stayed on the southern Thames bank opposite Docklands a few years ago, because we wanted to spend most of our time looking at maritime interests. The Docklands Maritime Museum is great, also the landscaped area to the east of there - Thames Barrier Park, I think it's called.
Transport from Canary Wharf would give you easy access to Greenwich and its attractions. There's also a great walk along the Thames embankment on the southern bank.
Di

PatrickLondon

For any property you're looking at, get and check on the map the exact postcode, in relation to public transport.

"Docklands" is a very vague term covering a wide range way out as far as the City Airport and beyond, taking you well into Zone 3. Anywhere I understand as "Canary Wharf" will indeed be in Zone 2 (and therefore not cost you any more in tube or bus fares than Bloomsbury), but estate agents are somewhat generous in their estimate of what the term covers.

janisj

As Patrick says -- the exact post code will make a BIG difference.

Michael

Toward the end of the this trip report is a section on our stay in the wharf area, with a mention of restaurants where we ate:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ondon-2013.cfm

spudley

Read your trip report Michael, thanks for sharing. Couldn't get to your airbnb through your link for some reason, but will check out the area. Also found your info on driving interesting as we are planning to drive for a week in the Cotswolds.
Thanks all, for the insight....I am going to revisit Airbnb in area, as well as priceline for some of the nicer hotels.

Michael

You might be able to find the AirBnB through the general listing, limiting the search by geographical area.

Michael

You're right. It looks like the listing disappeared.

spudley

Just as an update, managed to find acceptable and affordable accomodation at the "Princes Gardens" in Kensington at the University, so staying there for the first 6 days. Then moving to Fairford in Cotswolds for 7 days, finishing with 3 nights in Bath. Thanks again for guidance!

janisj

No need to put " " around Princes Gardens -- it is an actual street (and garden square). Close to the South Kensington tube station and much more convenient than in Docklands.

Fairford is a nice village. Be sure to visit the church -- really lovely, and look for the cat headstone in the churchyard. Burford id just up the road w/ another wonderful 'wool church'. Bibury is very close so definitely take a look. And the Cotswold Woolen weavers are in nearby Filkins -- a must whenever I'm in the area http://www.cotswoldwoollenweavers.co.uk