Nimbus

We are planning a family trip to Londinivm to visit a couple of places, but primarily the NHM. Since the train prices are too high, I'm looking to drive down and stop over at a Travel Lodge or similar which is in easy reach by tube to NHM. We are not sure of the date yet, but may be next Saturday/Sunday or Sunday/Monday. Does any one have any suggestions on how to do this, or where to stay?

Thanks

what would scooby do

The Ibis on Lille road near earls court (Rates from £78) is a 5 min bus ride - no 74 IIRC

Ray T

driving in from N S E or west? and would presume safe parking ?

Nimbus

Driving in from N (M1). Somewhere safe for parking would be ideal.

SJ_Skyline

Nimbus, YHPM (forgot to add, Parking is fine where I suggested)

AsifScoob

I go to the NHM on a Sunday. Get there early (10 - 11am) and you can park for free across the road.

Otherwise stay by any Picadilly line tube station and it couldn't be simpler. Even a non Picadilly line tube will just mean a change or two.

If I was going to spend the whole day there on a weekend, then I would choose a Sunday, drive there, park across the road and take a packed lunch, as the cafe is easily the most expensive in the whole World.

What I do, as I tend to only go there for a few hours, is to walk out, cross the road and head toward Gloucester Road Tube. There is a Nando's en route so I eat in there. Couple of pubs also and a few shops.

You can also get on the tube so easily and go straight into town, or anywhere!

Asif

The Zohan

I would ignore a lot of the hotels along Exhibition Row as they are mostly flea-pits - literally or real expensive.

i do like jurys inns for cheap but good quality accommodation http://www.jurysinns.com/

There is one in Chelsea which is not very far from NHM.

another nice one is by the London Eye.

Chip

We regularly stay at the Millenium Gloucester hotel which is a 5 min walk to the museums and 50 yards from Glos Rd tube. Usually pay around £100 booking last minute.

Loads of pubs and good eating places there as well. Hereford Arms is a great pub and Black and Blue great for steaks etc.

Chip

Ray T

Got to add traffic is a nightmare around exhibition road at the mo, as it is being dug up now for this shared space experiment. If you tube it use the foot tunnel from the station as the pavement crossings are blocked.

Nimbus

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll take a look at these and discuss with the wife

SJ_Skyline

God help you if she goes for my curved ball - but I'll buy you a beer in the local if she does

Nimbus

As an update, we will be be going to down to London this weekend, but for this trip will only be going for the day, therefore no overnight accommodation needed. Thanks for those who gave suggestions. We may look at these when we plan any longer trips to the Smoke.

Cheers