I read through some of the more recent pages and came out more confused, but maybe I'm over thinking this. Our party will be two adults and a 12 year old and our trip is next summer (2024).
1. We fly into Gatwick and then need to get to Gospel Oak, Tufnell Park, or Kentish Town stop. All three are roughly the same walking distance to our final destination. Does one have a more direct route from Gatwick? Do I buy the tickets in advance? Does it matter which website/app I use? This could be tricky given we won't know the exact time we will land, get our luggage, clear customs, etc.
2. We will need to get from one of those same three stops to Southampton for our cruise. Does one have a more direct route to Southampton on a Sunday morning? Do I buy the tickets in advance? Does it matter which website/app I use?
3. For general travel within the area while we are in London, I assume that we would just buy tickets/swipe our card when we are going somewhere versus buying tickets in advance. Would that be an accurate assumption?