How do I get from Heathrow to Waterloo station with 3 small children?!

twinmummy12071209

Hi,

Does anyone know which is the best option getting from Heathrow T1 to Waterloo station?

I want to avoid the tube really as it may scare my 3 small children and I'm thinking it will be a nightmare juggling our bags,3 children and a buggy!!!!;)

Any recommendations? I've never been to London before so haven't a clue what I'm doing??!!! :huh:

Thanks

Abby

Lemonade_Pockets

Tube is by far and away the easiest (without kids).

You could get a coach to Victoria Coach station, and then a bus from there (i think its 211) i doubt if this is going to be easier tho with kids etc en tow.

Taxi

I assume because your going to waterloo station this isn't your final destination, it maybe easier to get home another route by missing out waterloo!

dacouch

Good point lemonade.

Whats your final destination as you may be able to bypass central london

hewhoisnotintheknow

how old are your children

twinmummy12071209

Waterloo is our final destination. We are planning to stay at a hotel which is near here. Is that not a good idea? Is this not a good place to stay in London? Any recommendations? We'd like to visit the London Eye,Hamley's,Buckingham Palace and have a river cruise up the Thames. Is there a better place to stay?

I have twins who are 2 and a 1 year old.

Thanks

moonrakerz

Sorry to say this, but do you think 2 two-year olds and a one-year old are old enough to appreciate any of this ?

simongregson

It would be easier to stay somewhere along the picadilly line, as you can get the tube straight from heathrow, south kensington area road is quite good for hotels and quite safe.
You can then use the tube to get to the centre, either district line or picadilly line, or the bus.
Try to time you arrival to avoid rush hour if you take the tube, and try to minimise luggage. Get Oyster cards for your travel.

I've just read the age of your children, it might not be the most practical break, but having said that anything is possible :-)

twinmummy12071209

Yes,I think I am beginning to change my mind now. Like you say,they are too young to appreciate any of it and I think the stress of getting around may make for a not so enjoyable birthday. Maybe in a few years time.

Thanks for your replies. :T

flea72

tbh, pushchairs are a nightmare on any transport system in london, and thats just for a single buggy, let alone transporting 3 children in them.

Also not many venues are pushchair friendly, and they take them off you on arrival, so you are forced to carry your kids around. It also seems that planning depts in london like steps, as most buildings are up a few flights, and then have lots more once inside. You spend half you day, carrying the buggy, rather than pushing it! (lifts are few and far between, espec on the underground)

also, children that age are not going to enjoy anything you are planning on doing.

personally i think you would be better off heading to the seaside with them, once the weather gets warmer, as toddlers tend to prefer that sort of holiday

Flea

dzug1

To get to Waterloo you can get a bus from Heathrow bus station (285 I think) to Feltham station, and then a (surface) train to Waterloo. I can't recall any significant steps on that route, outward. Coming back there's just one footbridge to cross

The bus has plenty of room for luggage - it has air passengers in mind.

flea72

dzug1 wrote: »

To get to Waterloo you can get a bus from Heathrow bus station (285 I think) to Feltham station, and then a (surface) train to Waterloo. I can't recall any significant steps on that route, outward. Coming back there's just one footbridge to cross

The bus has plenty of room for luggage - it has air passengers in mind.

no-one recalls significant steps, until they have to lug a pushchair up them, lol

but just getting on a bus, with 3 children under 2, is going to be a task in itself. its hard enough to find space for you hand luggage on a bus, let alone fit 3 kids on a lap

Flea