London

[96tommy]

i am visiting London in a couple of weeks and intend to stay a couple of hours at the following stations:

• Clapham Junction
• London Bridge
• Stratford
• South Kenton

Please could tell me how the staff at these stations are with spotters and the sigining in process.

I am considering getting an oyster card for the days I am there, would this help in getting through the ticket gates?

Thank You

 

[transmanche]

I am considering getting an oyster card for the days I am there, would this help in getting through the ticket gates?

If you're planning on spending time on the platform, I wouldn't recommend using an Oyster card. Oyster applies a maximum journey time, so you're likely to be hit with two maximum fares for having two 'incomplete journeys'.

 

[jnjkerbin]

From experience, I've never asked at London Bridge or Clapham Jn and I've never been stopped. Generally Southeastern don't seem to mind. I can't talk for SN or SWT though.

Joe

 

[wintonian]

If you're planning on spending time on the platform, I wouldn't recommend using an Oyster card. Oyster applies a maximum journey time, so you're likely to be hit with two maximum fares for having two 'incomplete journeys'.

Unless perhaps you have already reached your cap for the day?

 

[Urban Gateline]

Unless perhaps you have already reached your cap for the day?

No, you still need to keep touching in and out properly when using PAYG credit, otherwise a Maximum fare (or two) may be charged, regardless of the "cap" being hit or not!

With regards to Clapham Junction, best is to go before 3pm to avoid the STM security! They tend to be a bit heavy handed if you haven't gotten permission or signed in!

 

[bronzeonion]

If you want to stick around for abit at a station just touch out but remain inside. Desirably one of the standalone YELLOW readers or if not just touch out at the barrier and if a memeber of staff bothers to confront you about it just simply explain yourself.

 

[wintonian]

Remember that plt 1 & 2 (LO) are now a compulsory ticket area so you are technically required to have a ticket valid for travel on LO services if you wish to cross the big red line and descend the stairs or use the list to the platform.

 

[Bevan Price]

You might find it easier to buy a one day travelcard covering the zones you wish to visit. Valid on all trains, trams, underground, buses in the specified zones, and usually operate ticket gates without problems.

Not had any problems with photography at Stratford or Clapham Junction - just behave sensibly - stand away from platform edges, do not use flashguns, and (preferably) avoid use of tripods.

 

[96tommy]

Thank's, I think travelcards are the way forward for me. I was having a quick look before and will probaly need get a Zone1-9 railcard for the both days, just incase I decide to wonder off to somewhere else. Will I be able to buy one in York before I get to London? I guess I can just use them to get onto the platforms even if I'm not travelling. I take it ticket machine don't 'swallow' them..

My plan for my first day is King's Cross (where I arrive) - Bethnal Green - Clapham Junction - St Pancras. On the second I will go to Acton MainLine and most liely London Bridge before returning back to London King's Cross for a train back to York.

As anybody ever had any trouble or bother at bethanl green or Acton Main Line. It is the first time I am travelling to London alone so just want to be prepared before I get to places. At St pancras I plan to have half an hour on the 395's platform, I have done this before and normally just ask but I will be getting there about 5pm and don't know hat they are liek during rush hour.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

No, you still need to keep touching in and out properly when using PAYG credit, otherwise a Maximum fare (or two) may be charged, regardless of the "cap" being hit or not!

With regards to Clapham Junction, best is to go before 3pm to avoid the STM security! They tend to be a bit heavy handed if you haven't gotten permission or signed in!

Will keep that in mind, at the minute looks like 14:00 - 16:15 I will be there... Last time I went I signed in but this was 12:00.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
A slightly different plan

Clapham Junction 9-11:30
London Bridge 11:45-14:30
Bethnal Green 14:45 - 16:45

I have then got to get a train from Kings Cross - York between 7/7:30. Can anybody recommend anywhere to go? I was thinking either st pancras international or stratford international?

 

[yorkie]

York station can sell a Travelcard. I'd recommend that over using Oyster.

Are you going alone? Not sure I'd want to go to certain places alone. Far safer with a group (and less chance of getting bored). Also some security staff can be incredibly rude & intimidating at those sort of places.

St Pancras vs Stratford Intl? That's like comparing York vs Stevenage, or comparing a diamond with a slab of concrete. Only go to Stratford Intl if you're a huge fan of concrete. St Pancras every time!

 

[96tommy]

Are you going alone? Not sure I'd want to go to certain places alone.

What places like?

 

[Charlie2555]

What places like?

I think some places in East London could be a bit dodgy after dark but I have been to London many times alone and have never got bored/ had any hassle. I think all stations or at least most have CCTV now which is always comforting and most larger stations are staffed.

 

[96tommy]

Thanks! A friend has managed to put me up for the night so have now got 2 days down there (8am - 6pm the following day)

 

[MidnightFlyer]

What places like?

You'll be fine on Clapham Jn and London Bridge, and South Kenton too I'd imagine. From your plan, I'd say Bethnal Green is the least 'safe', however if you don't stay around after dark you'll be fine, just be cautious though, it's unstaffed and isn't London's most desirable suburb!

 

[96tommy]

Thanks! Bethanl Green is the one i have felt most "un-safe" about. Are there generally other spotters there? If so, I would probaly just hang near them.....

 

[Charlie2555]

Thanks! Bethanl Green is the one i have felt most "un-safe" about. Are there generally other spotters there? If so, I would probaly just hang near them.....

I've only been there once and there weren't any spotters but that was when it was getting dark. There could well be other spotters there when you go. It had loads of trains but you could only get decent photos of the trains which went through the station rather than around it- most longer trains were cut off! But it's good fun anyway and I enjoyed my time there!

 

[Peter Mugridge]

I've used Bethnal Green quite a few times; never had any problems. The best views are from the London end of the London bound platform - but beware of the Sun angle if it's a clear day.

 

[96tommy]

Whats Acton Main Line station like??? In terms of safeness that is..

Thank You