Anyone drive down to their interview??

[Glyn and Kathy 288]

So we got our letter for Glyn's interview today. Sept 24 at 9:30. We're contemplating driving down to a zone 5/6 tube station and then taking the tube the rest of the way in. I really can't stand another 3+ hour train ride each way.

Has anyone done this recently?? Which tube station did you park at? We're coming from Staffs and we're kind of clueless....but I thought I'd look and see if anyone here has any suggestions.

[Laura. 90]

I didn't drive to the interview, but I did drive down to the medical.

I parked in Leytonstone station car park (which was cheaper than I expected). Then got the Central line to Bond Street which is a 5 minute walk to embassy, with a Zone 1 to 3 day pass. It worked out great and was pretty stress free.

[Anna Grant 169]

If you're coming down from Staff, I would probably suggest driving down to Stanmore, Middlesex and coming in to Bond St directly from there on the Jubilee Line.

EDIT - I've just looked at your timeline in your signature. You have been ping ponging across the Atlantic, haven't you?

Edited September 5, 2013 by Anna Grant

[Laura. 90]

Damn, I was just too late to edit my post.

But after reading Anna's post, I realized I kinda over-looked the Staffs part. Leytonstone might be a bit out the way for you.

[Glyn and Kathy 288]

If you're coming down from Staff, I would probably suggest driving down to Stanmore, Middlesex and coming in to Bond St directly from there on the Jubilee Line.

EDIT - I've just looked at your timeline in your signature. You have been ping ponging across the Atlantic, haven't you?

Oh yes....and this had better be the VERY LAST TIME, or I may have to physically hurt hubby!

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

So we got our letter for Glyn's interview today. Sept 24 at 9:30. We're contemplating driving down to a zone 5/6 tube station and then taking the tube the rest of the way in. I really can't stand another 3+ hour train ride each way.

Has anyone done this recently?? Which tube station did you park at? We're coming from Staffs and we're kind of clueless....but I thought I'd look and see if anyone here has any suggestions.

I remember some in the past driving all the way in and parking in the Park Lane car park (under Hyde Park). There is a corridor in that is not within the congestion charge area. They said in early morning, the drive in was not bad. It is walking distance to the embassy.

Car park http://www.q-park.co.uk/parking/london/q-park-park-lane/marble-arch

Edited September 5, 2013 by Nich-Nick

[Glyn and Kathy 288]

Hmmm, I'll have hubby look at Stanmore and Park Lane...although since he'll be doing the driving I'm going to guess he'll go with Stanmore! Either way, it will be cheaper than two train tickets, a hotel room, and someone to watch the chicklet over night. I'm assuming my 14 year old USC can't come with us to the Embassy right??

[rjm_cmyk 75]

Just check out how long it is going to take you to get in from the 'burbs especially on the underground. Why not drive to Watford Junction where there is a car park and get a direct train to Euston and then tube or taxi it. I''ve got an 08:30 appointment and will drive in as it's easy to find parking albeit not cheap parking in town. Mind you I do live in Watford and know that part of London well.

[Glyn and Kathy 288]

I just wanted to thank everyone here for their suggestions. We drove down yesterday for hubby's interview. We left our house at 4AM and arrived at Stanmore Station at 7AM. No issues on the road but for some heavy fog.It cost £5 to park for the day. We had purchased visitor oyster cards and put £10 on each which was plenty...I think there is still £2.40 on each card so I have to send in for a refund.We obviously made it in way before we needed to be so after hitting Gould's pharmacy we went next door for coffee and a bacon sandwich. Stood in line at the Embassy and made it inside for 9.

Drive home was obviously a bit more crowded with traffic, but as we weren't under a time constraint we were very relaxed. Stopped once at the half way point and made it home by 4PM...exactly 12 hours later!

[Anna Grant 169]

I'm glad it worked out for you and I'm glad that my suggestion helped.