lcallow

Hello

I will be in London for 9 days in mid January. I plan to visit the crossness pumping station on Jan 21st (one of their rare open days - I have a reservation)

It is out in Abbey Wood - I have looked up transport options from central London and find that a combination of tube, train and bus will get me near there in about an hour and 30 minutes. I imagine that I can find a cab for the last portion to the station itself.

Does anyone have any suggestions for what else there is 'out that way' that would fit in with my being at the station from 1:30 to perhaps 4:00 pm. I am presuming that I may be just as well to cab it from Abbey Wood station as to take the bus for a short way then look for a cab?

also if you have any suggestions regarding getting there which may include something of interest along the way, I would appreciate your input. (I am a fairly early riser and don't mind setting out from Bayswater at 7 am or earlier)

thanks for any suggestions that you may have

Leonard

Dukey

Topping for you.

flanneruk

I can't even begin to imagine you'll find any taxis waiting at Abbey Wood station, (no rank), or patrolling the streets. Try googling "taxi woolwich" for a minicab firm you might get to meet your train.

Going or returning, go to the Thames Barrier. The visitor centre (input SE18 5NJ at www.multimap.com)is reasonably close to Woolwich station, which is on two stations towards London from Abbey Wood.

Then there's always Greenwich, another stop or two towards London. If you're interested in industrial archaeology or the Victorians, ignore all the Meridian hokery and walk through the tunnel to the Isle of Dogs. You could get back to town on the DLR from the north bank.

Alternatively, if you're interested in large-scale engineering, familiarise yourself with the whole Thamesmead project (www.ideal-homes.org.uk/bexley/thamesmead.html). of which Crossness now forms part. London has a long, and pretty inept, history of creating planners' paradises around its suburbs, and Thamesmead has a reputation of being another one that didn't quite work.

lcallow

thanks flanner

Looks like it won't be quite as simple as I thought, I will arrange cab ahead.

Have been to Greenwich but the idea of the tunnel and back on the DLR appeals to me and I may do that.

PatrickLondon

Check with the Crossness Trust. I know they only mention a minibus in connection with "steaming" days, but they will know who else has booked to visit, and what travel options there are. You might be able to team up with other people to share a taxi if necessary. There's a minicab firm at or near Abbey Wood station which must be used to doing this particular run.

I'd second flanner's suggestions for what's in the area.

If it's of any interest, I've some photos of a steaming day at Crossness in this set:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/patrick...7594204710194/