How to get around London, Please?

lemonade_lifestyle

We are heading down to London on the 22nd July and staying until the 26th (escaping just before the opening ceremony!).
There is myself, my husband, 1 x 16yr old (only just turned 16 so may be eligible for 11-15 oyster card) and 1 x 8 yr old.
We are staying at the Travelodge in Teddington.
We plan on trying to use public transport for most of our journeys during the 5 days. I have looked on the TFL website and have now got a little confused.
Teddington is in Zone 6, it is an overground train service run by South West trains. If I bought a travelcard valid for zones 1 - 6 will it be valid on this service? Also will it be valid for buses in and around Teddington?
Which is better travel cards or oyster cards?
Do I need to buy a travel card for the 8 yr old ?
Do i need to get an oyster card for 16yr or will a child travel card work?
I am really trying to get as much out of our trip for the least amount of money so really appreciate anyone's input on this.
Thanks in advance

wealdroam

I will answer a couple of your questions and leave the rest for others.

lemonade_lifestyle wrote: »

Teddington is in Zone 6, it is an overground train service run by South West trains. If I bought a travelcard valid for zones 1 - 6 will it be valid on this service?

Yes it will it will be valid on all train services within zones 1 to 6, but make sure you stay within the zones 1-6.

lemonade_lifestyle wrote: »

Also will it be valid for buses in and around Teddington?

Yes it will be valid on all bus services within zones 1-6.

dzug1

lemonade_lifestyle wrote: »

Teddington is in Zone 6, it is an overground train service run by South West trains. If I bought a travelcard valid for zones 1 - 6 will it be valid on this service? Also will it be valid for buses in and around Teddington?

No it isn't an 'overground' service - it's a National rail service. The distinction is important for you as it determines what fares your kids will pay.

Your 8YO will need a child rate travelcard to travel on South West Trains but would travel free on London Overground services

Your 16YO will have to pay adult fares but would pay half fare on London Overground. The 11-15 Oyster card would help - but remember it costs a non-refundable £10 and takes 3 weeks to get. He seems to be eligible for it.

Bowling_4_Gold

wealdroam wrote: »

Yes it will it will be valid on all train services within zones 1 to 6, but make sure you stay within the zones 1-6.

Apart from Heathrow Express and Connect services (after H&H) and High Speed to Stratford.

Yes it will be valid on all bus services within zones 1-6.

All greater London buses. Theoretically one could take a bus from Slough towards London (or vice versa) using a Zone 1 Travelcard.

lemonade_lifestyle

Thanks.
Excuse my mistake with overground and national rail, lack of concentration.
So I will buy 3 adult travel cards for zones 1-6 and myself, husband and 16yr old will be free to travel throughout London including national rail service from Teddington. If i purchase ticket for 8 yr separate for national rail part of journey, he will then not need a ticket when using underground and buses? Is this correct?