Logistics for booking return trip to London: Help please!

[skittl1321]

Hello! I am traveling on Anthem of the Seas this June. We have most everything sorted, but I am stuck on the return trip because there are too many options, and I'm terrified of making the wrong choice.

 

We are traveling with 2 adults, and 2 children (age 5, and 7), and flying out of Gatwick the day after we arrive in Southampton, staying at the Premier Inn North Terminal.

Here are some things that stress me out:

1) Is it better to take a train, coach, or car to our hotel by Gatwick?

2) How do I know what time to book it for, since I cannot guarantee the time we are able to get off the ship? 

3) Will it be difficult to find an uber to the train station after getting off the ship?  Google maps says it is a 30-45 minute walk, is it actually walkable to the train station if it is difficult to find a car?

4) Do I have to pre-book tickets, or would it be easy to take a train?

 

We are hoping to go back into London for the some of the day, although worried our kids will be too exhausted (again, worried about advance planning; because with kids you just don't know; although, it doesn't seem like there is anything near the airport area, so we kind of don't have a choice but to go to touristy area of London).  Do we go to the hotel first and hope for early check-in/bag storage, or do we take a train from Southampton to London Waterloo/Victoria, store our bags there, tour, and then take a train to Gatwick? 

 

Other  things I'm considering- once I figure out how to get to Gatwick, maybe we take a train to Brighton instead and just have a wander around?

Or book a private transfer from the cruise port and stop by Windsor? But I worry we will just be too tired to enjoy it.

Please help!  Thank you so much. 

[ziggyuk]

For Gatwick I would take the train but just be aware there are still occasional strike days to contend with, they are announced well in advance though so check online.

 

It sounds like you are not in a hurry, so unless there is a need to get off the ship first, book a later morning train and maybe even have some lunch is Southampton.

 

You can call an Uber with the app if you want, but the journey to the train station is very short and the saving will be tiny over a regular taxi. There will be lots of taxis outside the ship so I would personally not bother with Uber unless it's a currency thing, I guess if you won't have UK£ an Uber might make it simpler.

 

It is walkable to the station and I have done it many times but with cases and two young children I would just take a cab, it is not expensive and for 4 people it's well worth it.

 

Personally I would go straight to the hotel and leave the bags in storage, or if you have taken a more relaxed exit from the ship just check-in and freshen up.
 

I guess it all depends on how much time you have after the cruise and how much you want to pack in, if I have the time, I tend to go for the relaxed option rather than rushing from place to place.

 

EDIT

PS, I recommend booking train tickets in advance on Trainline.

https://www.thetrainline.com/

Edited April 8 by ziggyuk

[skittl1321]

I used Trainline to book our tickets on embarkation day, so I do have an account there.  Advance tickets just opened.

 

Does the Southampton train station have luggage storage if we choose to have lunch in Southampton to take a later train? That would allow us to book advance tickets without worry of not being able to use them, and that certainly is the most affordable option. We don't travel with much luggage, but would have 2 large cases and backpacks each, so not great for wandering around.

Thanks for your advice.  We aren't in a hurry, since the flight is the next day, but we also have limited time in England, so want to do something to make the most of it, while not totally wearing the kids out.

[ChristopherTracy]

I don't remember Southampton having luggage storage - I have the same problem as I want oboo ka cheap train and in the end booked an 11am knowing that I'm probably going to get there and wait for an hour and it isn't a big station with good facilities, its a bit crappy tbh.

 

I wouldn't be going into London with kids that age from Gatwick - I might go to Brighton on the train though that's a good plan. Forget Windsor, its nowhere near.