Broxbourne to visit London?

[swilshire]

Could we stay at the Chestnut Marriott in Broxbourne as a base to visit London?

I could use Marriott Rewards points and help our budget a bunch if we could catch a train or drive part of the way in. I can live with some inconvenience to get much better lodging than we can afford to rent in the city.

Is this doable or a bad idea?

Thanks,

Sheila

 

[mikki.young]

You can get trains into Liverpool Street from Broxbourne. It's about a 30 minute journey which is not bad. Liverpool Street has Central Line and Circle line tube lines which will get you most places in London.

 

[Dimplenose]

I don't know that part of the world but the hotel looks nice. The train seems to take about 30 minutes to get into Liverpool Street Station. From there you'd be able to access the tube to any part of London.

(You can check on this site http://nationalrail.co.uk/index.html)

I live about 30 minutes train ride south of London and find it better value to buy a one day travel card which includes the tube and buses in central London rather than just the straight train ticket. It costs about £3 more. I don't know if you can get a multi-day ticket - I'm sure the staff at the train station can advise you.

Libby

 

[mark&sue]

Or you could drive and park at tube stations but they cost to park. Certainly doable if it means you don't need cash as such.

Marriotts are usually very nice as well.

Let us know what you decide


Susan

 

[Madjock]

I live the next stop on from Broxbourne. It's a good base for outside of London and certainly doable. There are fast trains which are the Stansted Express trains (bear in mind that during rush hours these trains are packed) and then there are slow all stopping trains but plenty of choice. I wouldn't advise taking your car, the further into London you get the worse and more expensive parking is.

The Broxbourne Paradise Wildlife Park is also a place that's worth a visit if you have children and if you have a car you could also drive into Cambridge from Broxbourne, it takes us about 45 minutes so from Broxbourne it would be about an hours drive but worth a visit if you have time.

 

[swilshire]

Thanks for the great info. I need to check on the train fares. A cursory glimpse made me think we might eat up most of our savings with the fares, but I know there are various passes available. I just need to figure out if there is a great deal that won't cost a mint for the six of us. Any suggestion on the best rail pass to use from that area for three to five days?

Sheila

 

[Madjock]

Sheila, here is the link for the railway for that route. There are different options including mention of a pay for 2 and 4 travel which might save you a bit. Also if you look under leisure there are lots of 2 for 1 offers on London attractions.

http://www.onerailway.com/templates/Generic.aspx?id=1852

 

[snoopygirl79]

I thought I'd also just say that I found that area a convenient place to commute to London. I used to live in Harlow which is a stop (or 2) further down the line, and it was always pretty easy to take the trains into London. Some of the trains weren't in the best condition but I'm sure they've improved them since then - well I hope they have!!

Have a great time!!

 

[Dimplenose]

How old are you children? Depending on their ages a family railcard costing £20 gives discounts on off peak travel - it may well pay for itself. (Off peak are usually train that arrive in London after 10am). There are details of it in Annmarie's link.

Libby

 

[swilshire]

My kids are 8, 13, 19 and 21.

Thanks again for all the help. I'm just so overwhelmed with this planning since I know NOTHING about the area. I haven't been having fun with this! Usually the planning is half the fun.

Sheila

 

[Dimplenose]

I'm sure that once you've sorted out the accommodation the planning will become fun.

Unfortunately anyone over 16 is classed as an adult on the trains so I'm not sure how much help the rail card would be - it would probably be worthwhile but your extra adults would still have to pay full price.

Don't lose heart - it will be worth it in the end.

Libby

 

[Madjock]

I live about 15 minutes drive from Broxbourne and I work in central London so if there is anything I can help you with or any information you would like me to try and search out for you just drop me a PM, I'm happy to help.

 

[jonkatony]

I live in broxbourne, The marriot is close to broxbourne station, cheshunt station and theobalds station, The marriot is next to the brookfield centre for shopping.
Broxbourne and cheshunt go straight into liverpool street station. the marriot is close the A10 which goes onto tottenham, crosses the m25. I work in east london and it takkes me about half an hour to drive in.