I'm hoping people on the forum may have some tips or advice re my travel problems returning from holiday in June.

I arrive at Gatwickat 2.30 on a Monday afternoon. The earliest off peak train I can get home on leaves Euston around 7.15 pm and I have 2 questions:

Is there an afternoon peak period onGatwick Express or Tube? The Tube website details are confusing.

Does anybody know if there is a left luggage deposit at a Euston or have any suggestions on where to kill about 3 hours near Euston. Preferably without my case!

I hope somebody can help as I'm beginning to regret booking a holiday with gatwick as the only departure choice. Just You please note it is so difficult and expensive to get to agai wick from the North West.

The British Library is about a 20 minute walk from Euston (and you don't even have to cross Euston Road!). There is an area with wonderful illustrated documents from the medieval times, you can look at them via an e-interface (it's fascinating). plus plenty of other interesting first editions and letters.

In the other direction, and even nearer, is the Wellcome Institute which often has exhibitions of health / medicine topics.

If you fancy shopping, the shops at nearby St Pancras are much better than those at Euston.

RM.

I don't know how you are planning to travel from Gatwick to Euston. Personally I would not use the tube or Gatwick express, I take the Thameslink train direct from Gatwick to St Pancras (1 hour), then walk 5/10 minutes to Euston. There is no "off peak" on the tube, and for the Thameslink train there is a restricted peak-time in the morning but I'm not sure if there is one in the evening.

Using a regular train means much less up and down escalators and no faffing around with crowds on tube trains. Also you're virtually guaranteed a seat!

RM.

I've travelled down to Gatwick on two previous JY holidays to Austrian Lakes and Rome. I buy my tickets through the National Rail website between Manchester and Gatwick Airport. I tend to buy two Advance Singles as it works out cheaper (less than £40 for both journeys for the Rome trip last December), includes the tube and the Gatwick Express. However on both occasions I've stayed in a hotel overnight in both directions as Austrian Lakes was Sunday to Sunday and Rome was early departure and evening return.

James

Hello Eljay

I've travelled down to Gatwick on two previous JY holidays to Austrian Lakes and Rome. I buy my tickets through the National Rail website between Manchester and Gatwick Airport. I tend to buy two Advance Singles as it works out cheaper (less than £40 for both journeys for the Rome trip last December), includes the tube and the Gatwick Express. However on both occasions I've stayed in a hotel overnight in both directions as Austrian Lakes was Sunday to Sunday and Rome was early departure and evening return.

James

Thanks, that's really helpful as I'm still trying to fathom out the best ticket option. I'm staying overnight on the outward journey and am still considering staying again when Iget back. I don't really want to but it might be the easiest option.

I think there is a luggage deposit/ locker point at Euston train station, though it's run by a company and can cost about £8 (I looked into it myself at one point). The British Library near King's Cross has lockers that would fit a backpack for £2 (?), though I feel bad just using their lockers and not visiting/ contributing.

As well as BL, the Wellcome Collection is just across the road from Euston and it has some fascinating medical science-based exhibitions. They also have a free cloakroom and cafe (though it is quite expensive e.g. over £5 for soup). Euston Road stop is nearby if that helps with changing lines.

P.S. It can be so difficult getting to Gatwick (I am from the Midlands) - will you post when you've returned to let other users know how you found the experience/ offer any tips, please?

Hello,

I think there is a luggage deposit/ locker point at Euston train station, though it's run by a company and can cost about £8 (I looked into it myself at one point). The British Library near King's Cross has lockers that would fit a backpack for £2 (?), though I feel bad just using their lockers and not visiting/ contributing.

As well as BL, the Wellcome Collection is just across the road from Euston and it has some fascinating medical science-based exhibitions. They also have a free cloakroom and cafe (though it is quite expensive e.g. over £5 for soup). Euston Road stop is nearby if that helps with changing lines.

P.S. It can be so difficult getting to Gatwick (I am from the Midlands) - will you post when you've returned to let other users know how you found the experience/ offer any tips, please?

Hi Wesspan, thanks for the tips. I'm still mulling over the options for the rerun journey and will definitely share my experiences when I return in June. I have driven down to the south coast when my kids were young but the thought of driving to and from Gatwick alone is enough to spoil the holiday!

Hello,

I think there is a luggage deposit/ locker point at Euston train station, though it's run by a company and can cost about £8 (I looked into it myself at one point). The British Library near King's Cross has lockers that would fit a backpack for £2 (?), though I feel bad just using their lockers and not visiting/ contributing.

As well as BL, the Wellcome Collection is just across the road from Euston and it has some fascinating medical science-based exhibitions. They also have a free cloakroom and cafe (though it is quite expensive e.g. over £5 for soup). Euston Road stop is nearby if that helps with changing lines.

P.S. It can be so difficult getting to Gatwick (I am from the Midlands) - will you post when you've returned to let other users know how you found the experience/ offer any tips, please?

Hi Wesspan, thanks for the tips. I'm still mulling over the options for the rerun journey and will definitely share my experiences when I return in June. I have driven down to the south coast when my kids were young but the thought of driving to and from Gatwick alone is enough to spoil the holiday!

I totally agree. I drove to Gatwick from the Midlands last December - going wasn't too bad and I stayed the night before due to a very early flight but drove straight back on return. Plane was late and It took 4 hours to drive back. Not fun on your own. I am going to Heathrow tomorrow and have decided to have the luxury of being taxied both ways which in terms of cost is not much more than 2 nights hotel, fuels and meals. So that is another option.