Dale

Yup, that's my question. I could utilize a timeshare for a week (read free, it's pd. for) for a very nice accomodation in Balcombe, West Sussex. My family wants to see London. This trip would be for next Winter, so sightseeing the country sites would not be desirable anyway. London is the thing they want to see. Would that commute be too tiring? I think we are going to go for it, just wondering what people on this site, particularily British who are familiar with that sort of commute, would think.

gracie

IMO, a bit too far. Especially if you may be staying out late-ish for shows, etc...you'll have to see what the Londoners think, but I recall tube service ending around 1230 AM. Guess you could consider renting a car and driving, though suspect that parking etc could get to be pretty painful. Can you exchange the timeshare for something in the city?

jenjen

Another good reason for not getting suckered in by timeshares. I bet if you hadn't spent that money buying a time share in the first place, but had invested it, you would have more than enough money to pay for a nice hotel in London which is what you really want to do instead of trading for a week in the middle of nowhere in winter in a place you don't want to be. When will people learn that timeshares are the worst deal in the world?

Dale

Ouch!! I guess it's my own fault for opening myself up on the internet, but actually I'm quite happy with my timeshare, thank-you, Miz jenjen. It is great for beach and ski vacations, which is what I bought it for! Yes, you are right, Europe is more of a problem with it, but I didn't buy it with Europe in mind. (This is the first time I've considered trading there.)

We weren't planning on any nightlife activities, so that is not a problem. Also thought it would be very quiet at the timeshare. It is a lovely manor house (formerly the home of Queen Victoria's daughter). Also it has two bedrooms and a kitchen. So these are assets. By car, it is said to take two hours, by train 45 minutes. Perhaps this is too far, but thought the train ride might be kind of fun for the kids (13 and 15). I've been to London three times, but my family has not seen it yet. Just renting an apartment in London is certainly also an option for us. Just to clarify my position...

Ann

Plenty of people commute much further each day and it is a direct line into London. You could perhaps vary it by going to Brighton and/or Chichester one day. I live an hour from London by train and often go for a day. Tiring, but you should sleep well!

ron

Dale, I have stayed in central London and as much as 45 minutes from central London. To me, the advantage of staying central is when the late afternoon weariness hits me and I can easily get back to my room, take my shoes off, brew up a pot of tea, have some biscuits, relax for an hour or two, get freshhened up and head out for the evening. If I am staying far away, I can't do that so I have to find a tea room or coffee shop or quiet, smoke-free pub for the break. In your situation, I don't see any problem with your accommodation.

Tony

Whats all the fuss about? There are about 3 trains per hour, and you sit and read the paper for 45 minutes - just like most people do every day commuting. If each of you get a Weekly ticket your kids will be doing it on their own by the second day, along with hundreds of other teens on their way to school.

Joyce

Dale, we are staying at Brantridge.I have done some considerable research, as we plan on using public transportation. Actually it is 10 miles from Gatwick airport and I found that Balcombe is an 11 min train ride from Gatwick. Since there are fast rains to London you may not have such a long ride. also have you tried to trade to Allen House , Kensington. We too enjly our timeshares and have traded to several States,friends have traded to Portugal , Malaga, just more of a second home than a hotel. Any question feel free to e mail me direct. Joyce

Dale

We decided to go ahead - "brave the commute" and stay at Brantridge Park: The extra room, peace and quiet and swimming pool won out. Thanks for the responses!

Jean

Dale,
We stayed at the Europa Gatwick Hotel (I think that was the name) in West Crowley in West Sussex. We took the hotel transport to the train station and from there, the train into London. It really was not bad at all. We actually kind of enjoyed the train rides into the city! We did not do the late night life, so it wasn't a problem for us.
Enjoy your trip!

joyce

Hi Jean we will be in that area in May, did you train to any where other than London. I have been looking at ways to get around on public transport. Thank you, Joyce

Jean

Joyce,
We did not take the train to anywhere except London. We did do a bus tour to Bath and Stonehenge. Sorry I can't help you!

kat1

I realize the original post is almost 3 years old, but I'm hoping Dale or others will assist me. My family and I are staying at Brantridge Park in April. I am trying to figure out whether we should rent a car (prefer not to) or whether we can get by with trains, buses and cabs. I have tried to figure out train schedules, but am having little success. Because of the substantially better price (over $200 per ticket less) we are flying into Heathrow. Any suggestions on how to get to Brantridge by train - or can anyone recommend a car service? Any assistance would be appreciated.

Thanks - Kat1

TaniaB

Dale,

Sounds like Miz jenjen knows someone who had a bad timeshare experience, probably someone who bought junk and expected to trade into luxury.

After 15 years, timesharing hasn't lost its charm with us. After 7 years' use, the timeshare has paid for itself. Now, for the cost of maintenance fees, it's been nice exchanging into beautiful 2 bedroom resorts in the US, Canada, the Caribbean, and Europe.

I've had great experience trading into Europe, Paris, Rome, Venice... I've heard Brantridge Park is a wonderful place. We've got an exchange planned to Kilkonqhar Castle in Scotland in July 2005. Kid and I will do castles while hubby golfs.

Timesharing does not limit us. We cruise frequently as well. We've also added days in other cities in conjunction with timeshare exchanges. For example, we flew into Florence for 4 days then took the train to Monaco for a one week exchange. Fabulous!

Enjoy your trip!

janis

(kat1's questions have been answered on another thread)

TaniaB: You will LOVE Kilconquhar. I especially love the flats in the main house - they are huge and very well appointed. And the location is terrific for sightseeing -- and golf of course. Be sure to tell your husband to play some of the local courses besides the "biggies at St Andrews and Carnoustie. Crail, Lundin Links and several others are absolutely wonderful. You will be close to Falkland Palace, all the fishing villages, St Andrews, Etc. Plus you could go to Leuchars and catch a train for a day trip into Edinburgh. Also, you can catch a boat from Anstruther out to the Isle of May. This would be a 1/2 day trip and if the weather is nice you'll have a great time exploring the old abandoned light houses, and seeing about 20 species of sea birds. Getting up close to Puffins is quite an experience

TaniaB

Thanks janis for the suggestions. Looking forward to seeing those puffin birds.

Your suggestions concerning London were a great help to us when we were there almost two years ago.

Are you the same janis who posts on tug?

janis

No - that's not me. What is tug?

TaniaB

www.tug2.net is a site for timeshare owners and users. The best on the subject I've ever encountered.

Happy reading!