Expert: Emoor - 6/1/2004

Question
Hi Emoor.  We're from Australia and will be travelling to London at the end of the year.  We are driving through from Scotland to Europe in our own car so will unavoidably have a car with us.  I know they are a hindrance in London itself and we're therefore looking to stay somewhere outside of London, and just travel into town by train.  My question is ... is it better to get the train from outside London (which appears to be expensive) or would it be practical to drive to one of the stations in the outer zones, 5 or 6, park there and catch the Tube into town?  Is there free parking at the outer stations and is it safe?  Do you know of any particularly safe or unsafe areas we should go to or avoid?  I'm sorry I have so many questions but I've never been to London before and local knowledge is always best.  Thanks for your help.

Lisa

Answer
You are correct that a car is a liability in London.  As to where you should leave the car while you tour London, that depends on the type of accommodations you want.  If you prefer B&B type housing, stay outside of London where you can park free, say at a B&B in Sevenoaks.  Take the train into London Bridge Station.  If you are staying at a hotel with its own parking, you are better off to drive into London and park the car while you are there.