I'm thinking about overnighting in Stratford in order to enjoy a RSC play while in London next summer. I had considered getting a tour of Oxford that ends up there and perhaps breaking off from the group rather than returning to London. (Astral Tours does a nice Cotswolds Connection tour that includes these areas.) But, I wonder if I might leave my luggage in London as we leave the next night for Fort William on the Caledonian Sleeper. Do the train stations have luggage storage? Or maybe my hotel would be kind enough to store my luggage for an extra 24 hours? Any suggestions?

Most hotels will keep your bags - but maybe not for 36+ hours like you will need. I'd just take it to Euston Station and leave it w/ left luggage there. Then you can pick it up just before boarding the sleeper.

I've left luggage at hotels for as much as three days while I took short trips elsewhere. They've always been very kind about doing it.

Thank you both for your replies. Now I know there are some options. I hadn't heard of "left luggage". Is it sort of a lost and found area or do you actually pay to leave your things in a secure or locked area?

At Euston it's a secure, staffed reception desk:
http://www.excess-baggage.com/contact.php#euston

From there the simplest way to Stratford is to take the 18 or 205 bus to Marylebone station (by tube you'd have to walk to Euston Square station and change en route).

to clarify -- "left luggage" is the British term for where one leaves their luggage - either lockers or a luggage storage facility. Very few places will have lockers, most are staffed storage rooms. And yes you do have to pay - usually per piece soif you can condense things when you leave them it will save a bit.

The cheapest choice will be you hotel - but if they can't/won't hold it for you, just use Euston. Also you aren't boarding the sleeper until late at night - so it might be more convenient to have it there at the station.

Thank you so much! Patrick, you've even given me the bus to take. You guys are great.

Thanks for the link, Patrick. I've always wondered where it was possible to leave luggage in London.

Given the world in which we live, even the places with lockers will be staffed, these days. Expect to have your bag scanned, and one of those magic wands waved around inside it (in other words, don't leave your dirty knickers on top)

Just to point out that the original Post was dated 2006.

thanks prue - I didn't notice the age of the post. The link for luggage storage locations still seems to be valid.