London and Windsor in 3 days
Aug 1st, 2009, 03:34 AM
#22
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I hesitate to take issue with the ever-entertaining and knowledgable Flanner, but... speaking as a middle-aged British bloke, and a very experienced driver - I don't think it's unreasonable to caution people who (by their own admission) have never even been to London before, let alone driven there, that:-
(1) The traffic congestion into/out of London is frequently severe, especially in rush hour periods. A recent drive I did from Surrey to North London (about 30 miles) took almost 3 hours.
(2) Navigating on unfamiliar city streets is difficult for the uninitiated. There is no "grid-iron" pattern and if you miss your junction it can be stressful and difficult to get back on track. The level of geographical knowledge of a first-time London driver is going to by orders of magnitude lower than a local resident.
(3) Car parking is in short supply and is eye-wateringly expensive apart from at w/ends or suburban areas. On-street parking carries the risk of being towed away or clamped if you fail to understand the often byzantine local rules about permits/meters/time of day etc...
(4) Central London is subject to the Congestion Charge, which can make a self-inflicted difficult and expensive day out even more so.
I would happily agree with Flanner that a day trip from Potters Bar to Windsor by car should normally be perfectly OK, but... the clear implication from the OP was that he/she was planning to drive by car direct to the usual "tourist sights" in Central London - hence the chorus of warnings.
(1) The traffic congestion into/out of London is frequently severe, especially in rush hour periods. A recent drive I did from Surrey to North London (about 30 miles) took almost 3 hours.
(2) Navigating on unfamiliar city streets is difficult for the uninitiated. There is no "grid-iron" pattern and if you miss your junction it can be stressful and difficult to get back on track. The level of geographical knowledge of a first-time London driver is going to by orders of magnitude lower than a local resident.
(3) Car parking is in short supply and is eye-wateringly expensive apart from at w/ends or suburban areas. On-street parking carries the risk of being towed away or clamped if you fail to understand the often byzantine local rules about permits/meters/time of day etc...
(4) Central London is subject to the Congestion Charge, which can make a self-inflicted difficult and expensive day out even more so.
I would happily agree with Flanner that a day trip from Potters Bar to Windsor by car should normally be perfectly OK, but... the clear implication from the OP was that he/she was planning to drive by car direct to the usual "tourist sights" in Central London - hence the chorus of warnings.
Aug 1st, 2009, 04:27 AM
#23
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I am a she 
(now you will say driving will give me even more issues hehe). The principal question is if driving from Potters Bar to Kings Cross on Saturday and Sunday and then take the tube would be possible to do.
Thanks for your help, Gordon!
(now you will say driving will give me even more issues hehe). The principal question is if driving from Potters Bar to Kings Cross on Saturday and Sunday and then take the tube would be possible to do. Thanks for your help, Gordon!
Aug 1st, 2009, 07:13 AM
#24
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Driving to Kings Cross IS driving in central London. Last time I was in London I noticed more cars around the tourist sights on weekends than on weekdays when the congestion charge is in effect. Even the taxi driver was complaining about traffic in London.
You're received good advice. If you want to see London, stay in London. When is your trip? Have you looked at laterooms.com?
You're received good advice. If you want to see London, stay in London. When is your trip? Have you looked at laterooms.com?
Aug 1st, 2009, 07:28 AM
#25
Driving in or not - there is still the issue that you are paying <u>£130 a night</u> to stay out in Potters Bar. That just doesn't make any sense at all IMO. None. Now, IF you were paying £50-£60 a night it might (just "might") be an option. But you are not getting a bargain plus are staying all the way out on the M25.
