692 posts
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Post by sophie92 on Dec 11, 2022 17:59:51 GMT
If you’re going to be travelling from Gatwick directly to Wembley, you don’t want to get a Gatwick Express train, as they only go to Victoria and then it’s a bit of hassle to get down to the tube if you have any heavy bags/cases (to be honest I would advise never getting the Gatwick Express as it’s really not that much quicker than the Southern or Thameslink services for a quite a bit more money). If you’re wanting to go directly to Wembley from the airport, as has previously been mentioned, a Thameslink train to Farringdon and then changing to the Metropolitan line is the easiest option.
To add, if you are unable to get Oyster cards at Gatwick, you could buy paper Travelcards or use contactless cards, and then sort out the Oyster cards for the remaining days of your trip once your in London proper. And yes, you can use Oyster on any train services between Gatwick and London.
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1,252 posts
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Post by londonmzfitz on Dec 11, 2022 18:22:01 GMT
Sorry, been a busy weekend and only just thought to check this post! All as others have said and please remember, the station staff, at Gatwick, at Farringdon, at Wembley Park, are all there to help you! When you get to Wembley Park the staff are usually near the barriers and are very helpful. If that huge staircase down to the pavement concerns you there is a lift over to the right of the stairs by the ticket machines.
I really hope you = and your daughter - have a wonderful time. Don't worry about it all, just take things as they come, don't worry about travel, it will all sort itself out. You are having an adventure!
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Post by garjobo on Dec 12, 2022 0:01:52 GMT
thanks as always, noted the info. 4days for 6 musicals hence the slight 'ive overdone it' scenerio! one of those things when flying/hotel etc..making the most. but, yes, see how it goes in a few weeks time.
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Post by garjobo on Dec 25, 2022 19:28:57 GMT
An update, as i started this thread and was given some useful advice.
Gatwick - does not have access to buy a Oystercard. Also costs £7 and no refund.
Getting from Gatwick to Wemberly was indeed, as some said, simple enough, smelly old train and then onto the Pic or Metro line. No waiting times, and took about 1.15 in total.
Wemberley lovely.
Newsies ( saw it 5x in the end and stage door a few times - cast lovely ) , Newsies was amazing, my daughters the fan, i tag along, but this was one 5star show. It does depend on where you sit however.
Surprising, intermission its like musical chairs a free for all, people swopping.
As mentioned saw it 5x, sat in a few differnt areas, mostly Brooklyn. Naturally..whereever you sit you get the annoying coughing , the popcorn packets rustling - my god! that is annoying! - please refrain from selling these!! people just do..not..care.
Once sitting in Manhatten, until moved to Brooklyn again - you do get a overall view - but no question about it...without shadow of a doubt...you MUST get a seat nearer the front...first 4 - 8 rows...and Lincoln, to the side, front row ( daughter said was the best )...so, pay the extra. Honestly - the sheer impact of the dances particularly 1st half stunning.
&Juliet - the theatre - dreadful - zero leg room - awful - but good view. The show, not great..Newsies different level...&Juliet - all the 'casual' chatting between themselves and audience - not liking at all..BUT...30min in...it was...ok...a few nice scenes....everyone seemed to like it, mostly women has to be said.
Back to Future - note, stalls, very very little in way of slope..so get someone with a big head and even with a a kids booster seat they still wouldnt see. Muscial numbers instantly forgettable and lycra 80's dances routines and 50's all a little bit..well..its not Newsies level. But as a spectacle..my goodness..what a show! first rate on that level, and kid / and adult mouths a-gog.
Hamilton - cancelled - not that we were told and arrived along with mountain of others to be given a slip of paper with the words, 'sorry disappoint you'. My letter of complaint is in the post! disgusting no email or text could of been sent out. Zero excuse, it takes minutes to send an email to a 1000 or so people...no excuse for it..ruined the night.
Extra day, caught Newsies 3 more times.
Come Feb, plan Newsies, Wicked and Hamilton, money still on the Oyster card - so all in all navigating the tubes all very good, and people friendly.
Changed airports last minute to Luton, and used Bolt app..never used before..many 'rejections' from drivers not wanting to drive to Luton on xmas eve..time was tight..but thankfully 1 driver came good, £55 later and at the airport. Simples. Great stuff, and now a musical fan.
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1,252 posts
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Post by londonmzfitz on Dec 27, 2022 21:12:00 GMT
Glad you found your way around. Note for next time, Thameslink (the train you caught from Gatwick to Farringdon, I believe) also runs to Luton Airport (although there were strikes on Christmas Eve, Thameslink is usually a pretty well manned service) - from Wembley Park catch a Jubilee line to West Hampstead tube station, walk across the road to the Thameslink line (not the first station, the next one ..) literally 3 minute walk. Trains every 20 mins, from memory.
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Post by garjobo on Dec 27, 2022 22:13:59 GMT
Glad you found your way around. Note for next time, Thameslink (the train you caught from Gatwick to Farringdon, I believe) also runs to Luton Airport (although there were strikes on Christmas Eve, Thameslink is usually a pretty well manned service) - from Wembley Park catch a Jubilee line to West Hampstead tube station, walk across the road to the Thameslink line (not the first station, the next one ..) literally 3 minute walk. Trains every 20 mins, from memory. Yes it was easy enough, despite being week before Christmas. I did refer back to this forum a few times. I dont think we got the thameslink, chap at Gatiwick sold us wrong / another chap refunded us and gave us directions. We went from Gatwick to London Bridge - £17 for adult and child, and then from there Pic. line straight to Wemberly - around 12 stops....no issues really. Due to disappointment felt via Hamilton cancellation, i ( foolishly in terms of money at least! ) changed flights and extended till the xmas eve, even catching the 1pm Newsises show. Thameslink was the option...but..all things considered...due to literally having 2hours to get our bags from hotel, and to Luton in time for checkin...felt Bolt app the way to go. When drivers rejecting though was a worry. We are coming back in February, the idea being fly into Heathrow i think this time, Newsies couple times and a couple other London shows and then train to parents for a while. So, i will look at Thameslink, did like Luton airport. Actually was thinking instead of staying in Wemberly next time around perhaps inbetween Wemberly and London..all those stops on the Pic. line like Dollishill etc...so, anyone aware of a 'decent' area inbetween those stops...might be cheaper than Wemberly ( water always costst the most it seems!! ) ..but i suppose doubtful as heading South into London i guess..so maybe just stop at Wemberly again. HEADLINE FOR YA' All -Go see Newsies!!, get a seat closish even on the sides ( you can move interval anyway )..your missing out if you dont!!!
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