Newsies, Wembly, travel? and take in another show?

[garjobo]

Kyvai - thanks for all that advice. my daugher is set upon Hamilton however..its not the reason we are going to london so is the cheap, side seats..hopefully wont be a total waste of time? But yes, personnally MaryPoppins and BTTF and Les Mis ( aware not as good as it has been ), would be my choices..but im only the one paying so dont get a say!!

[londonmzfitz]

Dec 8, 2022 13:17:50 GMT garjobo said:

Londonmzfitz, thanks for the simply easy to follow guide re Gatwick to Wembley, very keen with daughter in hand, budget and timescale to keep it running smooth as possible - particulary as time going all these strikes are looming but i think will miss thankfully.

I will be checking - but will also ask here, never been to Gatwick, easy enough to find the Thameslink ( thats definately the one to go for..no matter how busy? ), pay upfront ( cash on train / better get a card..as coming back to gatwick later in week? ), and then easy to walk to Metro tube North - spelled out for you? im a simple folk! - and again pay for that tube? do i have to exit and enter to pay..or..just pay when i get off a Wemberly..how will it know i crossed over at Farringdon?

Too late re hotel, already booked, wasnt too bad. Its the flights for us that was bad really.

There will be signposts at Gatwick for trains to London, you want the Thameslink (it's been a while since I flew into Gatwick but I think it's really easy to find) - costs - google Thameslink or www.trainline.com - shows as being £12.90 for a single journey for an adult, depending on time of day.  You'll need to buy a ticket before you get on the train, there are automatic ticket machines at the station, you can't buy tickets on the train.  I'd get a single rather than a return in case you find you want to go via Victoria on the way back.

The Thameslink train will arrive at Platform 4 at Farringdon.  At this part of the station there are only 4 platforms - there's signs directing you to the Metropolitan Line  (District line tube trains run from the same platform) - you walk up a few steps and over a clear panel walkway to Platform 2 - Westbound trains - you need the Metropolitan line train running to Amersham, Chesham, Watford, Rickmansworth or Uxbridge; all of the Westbound Metropolitan tubes stop at Wembley Park Station.  However you will need either your debit card or an Oyster Card for your onward journey here - you will see the touch-tap machines on the platform at Farringdon, you don't need to go through the barriers or anything.  The Tube lines (East and West bound) and Thameslink (North and South) run side by side, so there's no maze of tunnels or anything like that, just have to walk up and over.  I hope that's clear-?

At your destination (Wembley Park) you "tap out"  (the barriers will be closed and won't open unless you do)- there is a maximum limit for expenditure on the tube/buses so it's not an expensive way to travel at all!  If you are concerned I'm travelling through Farringdon tomorrow and will take some pics - dm me your email and I'll send the pics to you.  

You'll enjoy the view from London Bridge into London Blackfriars especially if it's at night.  Make sure you have a window seat.

[garjobo]

Thanks once again Londonzftiz. I will note all the above, as that is the way we will be travelling. I've asked too many questions, thanks for all your replies. Hamilton tickets are not cheap! final purchase! 6 shows into 4 days..yep! ( a few being Newsies )..now lets hope illnesses stay away and dont spoil things!

Thanks once again Londonfitz for going into that details, there is no need honestly to go to any trouble regarding pics, really, you have been more than helpful as it is.  i will be viewing/youtube etc before to get gist of it as well - wanting it to be straight forward as possible - printed out already your post and adding to the endless tickets/document collection etc i now have! travelling is not fun!! but we will enjoy the adventure and hopefully the musicals! ( not really being a fan ( Showman x6 cinema best it got )but so long as my daughter enjoys it thats the main thing )

[londonmzfitz]

No problem at all. Just a thought, if you don't have luggage and want to sight see before checking into hotel, then the Thameslink from Gatwick also stops at London Bridge - a few steps to Tower Bridge and walk along the Thames, there are some Christmas Market stalls up around there, and Hays Galleria is pretty, few restaurants there too. And of course Borough Market looking pretty with Christmas lights. And the Jubilee line tube from London Bridge runs into Wembley Park too, so another option of travel.

Also, just to keep in mind, there is a multi screen cinema at the Designer Outlet in Wembley Park, Cineworld, so if your feet hurt and you can't face the journey into Central London, there's that ...

[garjobo]

More useful info which I will note although do have a bag..daughter Insists! Strike ..very apt seeing as seeing Newsies. Daughter will get first hand of strikes. I now hear don't travel on Thames link for time when going!!! Taxi to wemberley! Hummer.. bit worried. I take it somehow easy enough to get to Central London...and then plenty options to get to we.bley??

[londonmzfitz]

Ah, you now have to look at coaches from Gatwick ... National Express, book a single so you have the option of trains back to Gatwick. You might want to book in advance rather than turn up and hope to get on - with train strikes the coaches will be busy! National Express from Gatwick will take you to London Victoria Coach Station, which is probably a 10 minute walk to Victoria tube station. Then it's a Victoria line tube to Green Park, then Green Park on the Jubilee Line to Wembley Park. You get to walk past the Theatres with Hamilton and Wicked! There are some better places to eat nearer the tube station than around the coach station in case you need food when you arrive in London.

[garjobo]

Thanks once again for the reply and useful information. This is turning into a bit of..hassle to say the least. Well, to be honest, i was as the strike days do not fall going out...im thinking of 'risking it' re the Thameslink. Recommendation is not to travel between 13th and over xmas....but, with you knowing London, do you think will be ok re gatwick -getting into London? Possible reduced service, bit more of a waiting time perhaps. But overall, do-able?

Basically, i sense Wembley is some distance from Gatwick...so long as can get into central London should we be ok. Not impossible regardless of whatever 'strikes' are thrown at us.  I hear Tubes strikes voted to carry on...hopefully not over before xmas...else i would assume that would be a total distaster!

[Dr Tom]

You are fortunate in that there are routes to Wembley by rail, by tube, by coach, by bus, and even by taxi. Strikes don't normally shut down the whole transport network. I'd recommend pulling up Google Maps just to get a sense of distances.

For people at airports, even on strike days, the authorities generally find a way to get everyone out of the airport. It gets rather crowded otherwise. Personally, I would try to not carry too much baggage (anything you forget or need can be purchased in the UK, sometimes for less than it would cost to check in an extra bag), but that's just me. But I'm also quite experienced and spontaneous with travel.

[garjobo]

Thanks Dr Tom, thats good to know it wont be like a ghosttown upon arrival.

[sophie92]

Dec 10, 2022 9:50:39 GMT garjobo said:

Thanks once again for the reply and useful information. This is turning into a bit of..hassle to say the least. Well, to be honest, i was as the strike days do not fall going out...im thinking of 'risking it' re the Thameslink. Recommendation is not to travel between 13th and over xmas....but, with you knowing London, do you think will be ok re gatwick -getting into London? Possible reduced service, bit more of a waiting time perhaps. But overall, do-able?

Basically, i sense Wembley is some distance from Gatwick...so long as can get into central London should we be ok. Not impossible regardless of whatever 'strikes' are thrown at us.  I hear Tubes strikes voted to carry on...hopefully not over before xmas...else i would assume that would be a total distaster!

Even on rail strike days, there will be both Thameslink and Southern trains between Gatwick and London. On strike days, there will be a reduced service but there are still plenty of trains, and they start later (not before 07:00) and finish early (usually between 17:30 and 18:00). The only days with no Thameslink trains running are Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

(I commute from Gatwick to London)

[garjobo]

Well thats also good to know Sophie. Typically, if all goes well, cramming in a(nother) 2.30 show of newsies and then 'rushing' to Gatwick for late flight..the possible early stopping of Thamelink at 6pm! could be an issue. It will be an adventure for a newbie in london. Hopefully, simple enough to get from theatre to subway to london and then to gatwick with or without relying on the express. ( giving ourselves 2hours or so go do that ).

[garjobo]

I see that the last Tube from Wemberly is....5pm!!! is that correct? Just looking now, re getting from one show to another..couple cases, ideally, 6pm to get into London..and also..getting back to Wemberly from London..around 10.30pm at night!!! is this not possible via tube?

[garjobo]

Kit66 (thanks for that, thats a bit of a relief to hear ). I contacted London, re Oyster card ( totally getting lost in all the info to be honest..different card for daughter 14, cant use on gatwick express..separate child caredor.....and then theres some £25 deal or £20 ...too much info thats the problem! ) and then..have to get the Oyster card posted out! ( theres strikes on!! )

[garjobo]

HI Kit66, I got a reply back from transport there, to say cannot be purchased from gatiwck; below part of reply,

For standard Oyster cards you need to visit Transport for London directly on tfl.gov.uk/fares/contactless-and-oyster-account - you need to create an account with them in order to purchase the oyster cards, however, they will be shipped to your home address, you cannot pay and then pick them up at Gatwick.

But in the same reply, mentioned, 'you can get one in person from gatwick..."

So, i take it, no panic, i can just get one after getting off the plane ( im assuming there will be no queues!! ) , and then my daughter can get a young persons one 'added'.

All want to know really is, can this 1 card, be used for the gatwick express AND then also be used for any tube or bus i get for the next 3 - days in/our London and Wemberly.

[garjobo]

thanks for the replies. Viewed the video, but , he seemed helpful enough, but didnt really answer the questions. But thats ok, i have enough advice im sure, case of just getting there and see what happens i think!

[sophie92]

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.

[londonmzfitz]

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!

[garjobo]

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.

[garjobo]

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.

[londonmzfitz]

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.

[garjobo]

Dec 27, 2022 21:12:00 GMT londonmzfitz said:

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!!!