The things we do.....

[mickeyforpresident]

Hi Everyone

Not posted on here for a while (we last went to WDW) but are needing a Disney fix and can't afford Florida for a while.....

So, we're looking at DLRP in August. The first thing we're trying to arrange is to link the trip with a trip to Legoland, Windsor. This left us thinking that it might be nice to grab the Eurostar at St. Pancras rather than Ashford. This then left us with is it possible to see a West End show the night before we travel to Paris.

I've researched that the nearest tube station to The Alephi (where Joseph is on... long story regarding DS (10) being obsessed with this show becuase he's doing it at school) is 20 mins away. Now i'm the world's most paranoid scardy cat and i'm not sure if this is possible with DS10 and DS4. I guess i'm more bothered about if it's safe?

Anyway - has anybody any experiences of staying at St Pancras and doing anything Londony?

Many thanks for all your help, MfP

 

[Emergency Kitten]

Hi
I work in London and although in the City now, used to work in the west end (near the Strand) so know the area pretty well.

I have in the past combined a 'London' day and night out with a hotel and then an early eurostar to Paris. ok, that was using Waterloo, but the principle remains the same. I'm not entirely sure what you mean by the fact that the nearest tube is 20 minutes away - 20 mins from what, exactly? where you would be staying?

Anyway, the nearest and probably most useful tube for the Adelphi on the strand is Embankment, where you can get both district and circle lines. Alternatively there is Charing x which is on the northern and bakerloo lines. So you'd be very well connected. Don't forget you also have the option of black cabs, which are very plentiful along the Strand, and you can fit five in a cab with space next to the driver for luggage/buggy etc.

you also have the option of Covent Garden (very near) if that would help with being on a different tube line.

If you are well prepared it doesn't need to be scary. its certainly 'safe' enough as long as you follow a few basic rules. Know where you are going, and try not to stand around looking clueless. Don't have expensive kit on show (cameras, etc) and make sure you keep wallets etc in a zipped inside pocket. Turn backpacks round so they're on your front, and clamp handbags under your arm. With the children, your older one will be fine but you may want a wrist strap or similar for the 4 year old. Possibly overkill, but worth it for peace of mind perhaps?

If you are only in London for one night then Oyster cards may not be necessary, but they are an option - you can buy a PAYG oyster for three quid deposit and then put a few quid on each card to use for your travel - but with four of you you'd be spending £12 before you even start on fares. For a one night stay you may as well put that £12 towards a cab fare back to the hotel.

I'd say its entirely possible to go to Legoland, then into London, see a show, overnight in a central hotel, then to St P in the morning. Depending on how early your train is, be advised that cabs can be a bit few and far between first thing - I recall a panic getting from Euston area to Waterloo in time for an early train! there are tubes, though, from very early. Or you could stay somewhere very near St P so as to minimise potential for delay on the way to the station.

Good luck! Its not too scary really. Shout if you've got any more queries.

EK