Travelling to London with wife and 3 children - Any advice or recommendations

[Dr0pB3ar]

Hi Everyone!

In a very happy turn of events, I am moving to Cranfield (a small town outside of London) from Perth with my family (wife and 3 children, 2, 4, & 6)where I will be studying on a fully funded scholarship. It's been quite a few years since I have travelled extensively and have never taken such a large trip with my whole family. I have a few unknowns at the moment, which I know could be solved with a bit of googling, but if there is someone on here that has done something similar it would be great to hear of you thoughts/experiences.

Hasn't been finalized, but we are likely going to fly PER-DXB-LGW with Emirates (QFF Classic Award) getting in 2100 on a Thursday night. We are looking to stay somewhere cheap near Gatwick that night, then shuttling in somewhere near central London somewhere nicer for a few days, then taking a train to Milton Keynes.

Here are a few of the questions rolling around in my head:
# Does Emirates offer complimentary checking in of child seats/prams etc. I remember we did a trip a few years ago and think QF included it. For this trip we are travelling on 5 full fares; 2 adults and 3 children.
# Any recommendations for a cheap and convenient place near Gatwick.
# Anyone know of a good quality driver/shuttle service. We don't mind paying a bit more for it as we are going to have 5 checked bags, 5 carry on's, 3 child seats all weighing over 200Kg. Will need something like this to get to where we stay on the first night, and then another to get into London the next day.
# Any recommendations for somewhere family friendly yet "fun" near London, we are looking at spending 3 nights, would like to have 2 bedrooms and are budgeting up to about 400gbp a night. Have had a bit of a look at airbnb and some hotels, but there is just SOOOO much out there.
# Any idea how the train system works there to go from London to Milton Keynes? I know they have a virgin train but there are A LOT of different ticketing options and don't want to get it wrong. If there is any other ideas other than train would be happy to hear that too.

Thanks in advance for your help. The AFF community has been helpful to me many times in the past!

Cheers!!!

 

[MissBurrill]

I'm wondering if you would be better off purchasing new car seats once you arrive? It is my understanding that only seats with an Aus Standards sticker can be used in Aus. I suspect the UK would have similar legislation. That would make your luggage slightly less awkward.

Congratulations on the scholarship! I recently commenced my Masters and am enjoying studying again.

 

[Dr0pB3ar]

You are probably right regarding the car seats, just thought it would be nice to have one less expense over there if it can be checked in for free. Good luck with the Masters!

 

[RAM]

Hi Everyone!

In a very happy turn of events, I am moving to Cranfield (a small town outside of London) from Perth with my family (wife and 3 children, 2, 4, & 6)where I will be studying on a fully funded scholarship. It's been quite a few years since I have traveled extensively and have never taken such a large trip with my whole family. I have a few unknowns at the moment, which I know could be solved with a bit of googling, but if there is someone on here that has done something similar it would be great to hear of you thoughts/experiences.

Hasn't been finalized, but we are likely going to fly PER-DXB-LGW with Emirates (QFF Classic Award) getting in 2100 on a Thursday night. We are looking to stay somewhere cheap near Gatwick that night, then shuttling in somewhere near central London somewhere nicer for a few days, then taking a train to Milton Keynes.

Here are a few of the questions rolling around in my head:

# Does Emirates offer complimentary checking in of child seats/prams etc. I remember we did a trip a few years ago and think QF included it. For this trip we are travelling on 5 full fares; 2 adults and 3 children.
How old are your children? We found that 4,6 & 7 yr olds were very good pack horses AND loved to be able to push their own luggage trolley 'like' the big kids/adults. Speed may not be high but much more enjoyable for all involved. Otherwise do it in a relay where (if staying as I suggested) 1 adult goes with oldest (if able to push their own trolley) to the hotel, checks in and leave 1st load in the room(s). Comes back and does 2nd load with everyone (hopefully) 2 trolleys with the two adults and 1 trolley with oldest child.

By the end of our first holiday (took 2x as much luggage as needed - next trip for 4 weeks away was only 2 large not huge suitcases including all ski clothes and walking boots) we could load a train in Austria/Germany in under 1 minute including getting up the 3 steep stairs. Kids are much more able than most parents give them credit for. The youngest two were in charge of two carry-on bags each, parents each had 2 suitcases and the 7yr old took the smallest suit case and 1 carry-on.


# Any recommendations for a cheap and convenient place near Gatwick.

• Look up Premier Inns - God's gift to families. They are the "McDonalds" of accommodation, about 700 across the UK, offer the same room for the same price anywhere in the UK whether 1 or 5 people. Have two single trundle beds that come out from under the large bed and then a couch that converts to a single. Used for our family of 5 (until the 3 got too big and argumentative) for 6 years. Costs around GBP35 per night if you book far ahead or take up a special offer (sell off capacity every 2 months for next two months etc). Get on their mailing list - they have 5 around LGW including one over the road from the North Terminal. N Term is free above ground shuttle train (buses really but done like a train) from S Term.
• Even better (as far as our children are concerned) if 1 adult has the full breakfast then children eat free. So if the two of you have breakfast is cost GBP 18 for your family to have a huge (healthy) breakfast - eggs any way, sausages, bacon, hash browns, 5 x danish pastries, 6 x bread, 6 x cereal, 4 x yoghurt, 3 x stewed fruit.....Often, even now with 3 teens, nobody wants lunch. It is eat as much as you like.

# Anyone know of a good quality driver/shuttle service. We don't mind paying a bit more for it as we are going to have 5 checked bags, 5 carry on's, 3 child seats all weighing over 200Kg. Will need something like this to get to where we stay on the first night, and then another to get into London the next day.

• If you fly into LGW and stay at the LGW North Terminal Premier Inn then that saves you 1 transfer cost. I am not sure that many of the shuttle services would be able to take all that and 5 passengers. Especially as it sounds like your children will need to be in car seats themselves? I would take up the suggestion of finding how much to buy 3 car seats in the UK. MUCH LESS HASSLE and may save your sanity.

# Any recommendations for somewhere family friendly yet "fun" near London, we are looking at spending 3 nights, would like to have 2 bedrooms and are budgeting up to about 400gbp a night. Have had a bit of a look at airbnb and some hotels, but there is just SOOOO much out there.

• As above, go Premier Inn at GBP 35, or if kids are too large then get 2 family rooms - book them as 1 adult 2 children and 1 adult 1 child that way there is an extra bed made up in your room if sibling rivalry rears its ugly head.
• Spend the extra GBP 365 on having fun and tiring them out.
• Depending on ages, suggest a 3 day London Pass - so no queuing for tickets AND you can go in and out multiple times. Say look at Tower of London and want to eat at the sub way 75 yards from the entrance (or the Chinese restaurant 10 yards further away and in the little arcade) for example. If too young then the London Zoo & London Acquarium & possibly the London Eye. Otherwise the LP (very interesting and fun to go inside Tower Bridge or HMS Belfast for example - needs planning).
• For London Pass - book online but then do not press 'proceed' or 'pay' whatever it is. Close the page. In a day or two you'll get an email offering you a 20% discount (worked every year for me). DO NOT buy the 'travel pass' with it as after 9.30am children travel free on London buses and the Tube - look it up should still be going on.

# Any idea how the train system works there to go from London to Milton Keynes? I know they have a virgin train but there are A LOT of different ticketing options and don't want to get it wrong. If there is any other ideas other than train would be happy to hear that too.

• Time for google and perhaps a call to the UK Tourist authority offices here in Australia.

Thanks in advance for your help. The AFF community has been helpful to me many times in the past!

Cheers!!!

...see above

 

[Colin 2905]

# Any idea how the train system works there to go from London to Milton Keynes? I know they have a virgin train but there are A LOT of different ticketing options and don't want to get it wrong. If there is any other ideas other than train would be happy to hear that too.

The train ticketing options are fairly straightforward, once you read the explanations of the various options and get your head around it. If you want flexibility, it costs extra (sometimes a LOT extra), but if you can commit to a specific date and time, you can usually pick up "Advance" tickets at reasonable prices. eg; For the EUS to MKC trip you're considering, you'd be looking at at least £36.25 for the five of you (< 5's are free) on Virgin, on an Off-Peak service, taking 30 minutes. Or Advance Singles on Midland could get you all there for £15, taking 35 ~ 40 minutes.

Have a look at London Midland Trains | Check times, buy tickets, get information and more

 

[cgichard]

For simplicity in booking UK trains across the various networks, book through Loco2.com Also look at 'The Man in Seat 61' website .

 

[VPS]

Good luck - if you're going to be travelling on trains check out this site - National Rail Enquiries - Official source for UK train times and timetables also keep looking because fares change regularly and sometimes it is only a few pounds more to go first class (probably not so likely with three kids though) and because you're close you must visit Bletchley Park - it's amazing

 

[Mr_Orange]

Good luck - if you're going to be travelling on trains check out this site - National Rail Enquiries - Official source for UK train times and timetables also keep looking because fares change regularly and sometimes it is only a few pounds more to go first class (probably not so likely with three kids though) and because you're close you must visit Bletchley Park - it's amazing

This. Don't use the Trainline or other booking web sites. Nationalrail.co.uk does the search for you then redirects you to the relevant train operating company's web site to complete and pay for the booking.

 

[david1]

NationalRail is great for trains! Book in advance, but check what type of ticket you are getting (specific service or not etc.). The UK train system is pretty good, but it can be a bit pricey.

Are you doing an Aero Masters at Cranfield? I have a friend who did that ~2 years ago, had an absolute ball, and is now working in Newcastle (UK!) for a small aerospace company and loving it. Best of luck!

 

[blueythecat]

NationalRail is great for trains! Book in advance, but check what type of ticket you are getting (specific service or not etc.). The UK train system is pretty good, but it can be a bit pricey.
....

Yes yes and yes. Book in advance and you'll certainly save a packet. I agree on the UK train system, it has a bad reputation, but I reckon it isn't too bad at all.

 

[andye]

Worth looking into the Family Railcard for discounted travel.

Family & Friends Railcard

Buying in advance is the key. Most sites are similar for ticket price but some sting you with the CC/ticketing fee. If you are looking for value and points on the tickets, this article is v good though a bit complicated

Getting cheap train tickets and maximum rewards!

We tended to take car seats as found the hassle of buying one (or a family member bringing one to the airport) more than we needed after a long plane journey. We did tend to do our travelling by hire car however. Were very impressed when we were given a new car seat (to keep) at EDI when our one misconnected

 

[Traveller1955]

I took the Euston to Milton Keynes Virgin train last October as part of RWC. Big crowds but went well no complaints so enjoy the train travel.

 

[Franky]

What fantastic advice given in response to a fairly complicated set of circumstances. Well done all.

 

[Dr0pB3ar]

Thank you all so much for the advice.

I now have my flights booked for the 7th of September with Emirates, which gets us into LHR at 1840. We decided to just pay up and get a chauffeur to pick us up and not have to worry about navigating trains with 3 tired cranky children.

As for accommodation, we are staying at the "Union Jack Club" which is right across the road from waterloo station. It is a not for profit hotel reserved for non-commissioned officers of commonwealth armed forces. Best part is we have a 6 days in a 3 bedroom apartment with full kitchen for 299GBP a night!!

I will definitely check out the link offered which checks out all the different rail carriers. I noticed though that virgin offers a door to door service for you luggage, given that we will have a total of 10 bags, it may be worth looking into, has anyone used this service?

I have heard that Cranfield Aero department is world class, they have an old world war two air strip which is still functioning and they do all sorts of cool mock air traffic disasters and stuff. I am there for the MBA though, which is delivered intensively over 12 months.

Thanks again everyone! You are an amazing community!

 

[Dr0pB3ar]

I was just doing a little more googling on things to do in London and noticed the "London Pass" has anyone used this as a way to sight see with a family? think it was worth it?

 

[Hvr]

I was just doing a little more googling on things to do in London and noticed the "London Pass" has anyone used this as a way to sight see with a family? think it was worth it?

I've used it as a single person and saved a bit of money. Also there are priority lines for pass holders which means you go to the front of the queue.

Download the book of attractions and see how many you could reasonably do per day and what you would save.

Remember that it starts as soon as you use it to enter an attraction so if you have a pass you're looking to start part way through your stay put it away until you're ready to activate it.

 

[Franky]

I am a former Navy person Dropbear, we too have often enjoyed the services of the UJC over many years, however when we tried to book for our last visit, we were advised that they no longer offered their services to Commonwealth Forces, unless you were still serving. I have been out for over 30 years now, will miss the convenience and atmosphere of the place, it is almost a museum in its own right. I think the issue is that some of the Officers only Clubs in London have closed, which has put pressure on the UJC, as well as the increase in 'former' service personnel from their own Defence Forces now making use of the Club with the large numbr of conflicts they have been involved in for some time. Best of luck with the stay there. Frank