Easiest way to Manchester from Watford

pollyanna24

Planning a weekend away.

The options are drive, coach or train. 

For coach and train, I have to go all the way into London just to get a train or coach out again, so I was thinking car would be easiest (and probably) quicker (and maybe even cheaper!), but I'm not sure how easy it is to park in Central Manchester for a weekend.  Never been and if it's anything like London, not easy (and expensive!).

Or is there an easier way to get there by public transport without having to go into London first?

baser999

Try checking out Google maps which will give you various route options - car, public transport, even walking 😂

Wonka_2

There are direct trains - Watford Jcn to Manchester Piccadilly - just not many. So you need to see whether the times/costs fit with your plans.

As you say parking's not easy/cheap if you're in the centre unless your hotel/accommodation includes it 

p00hsticks

Wonka_2 said:

There are direct trains - Watford Jcn to Manchester Piccadilly - just not many. So you need to see whether the times/costs fit with your plans.

I think you can also get the Euston trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Milton Keynes and catch an onward train to Watford Junction from there. 

pollyanna24

Thanks everyone.  The Milton Keynes option sounds interesting.  I could get a train to there from Watford.  Annoying bit is the weekend I'm going, there may be strikes which would involve a coach coming back which I think goes to Victoria.

I quite like the idea of driving.  Just have to look into parking now.  Surely they have NCP car parks that I can park in for a weekend.  Just need to see what the cost might be.  Does anyone know if I have to pre-book these car parks?

Ozzig

Does where you are staying not have any car park recommendations in the getting here section of their info?

City centre parking is expensive, personally, I'd avoid the outer car parks as in the past when I've parked late at night you return to an almost empty plot with your car being the only one there.

The trams are pretty good, so parking further out could be an option, for example, Q-Park Waterside in Sale is 15/20 minutes on the tram into the city centre and they have shutters rather than just a barrier on the entrance/exit. 

baser999

Try the GoPark app where you may find parking available on someone’s driveway

pollyanna24

I have had a look at what the hotel's website says and it says:-

Parking
On-Site Parking Available
Parking is available at NCP Chorlton Street at a discounted rate of £20 per 24hours....

This sounds quite good actually.  £40 parking plus petrol.  Probably cheaper and less hassle than a train (or coach if there are no trains).

Discounted rate makes me think I will have to ring up and pre-book.

Ozzig

Chorlton St is pretty central, pay by app offers £19.95 6-24hrs.
https://www.ncp.co.uk/find-a-car-park/car-parks/manchester-chorlton-street/

I don't think NCP has very regular patrols, so stating the obvious, nothing on display in the car etc 
Doesn't happen often, but my car had its rear window smashed (estate) a couple of years ago in the NCP under GMEX - took an hour for the NCP attendant to arrive to tell me no CCTV, but he did provide a bin bag to tape over the hole.

I try and look for manned (personed?) car parks where possible now.