Plane to Train at Gatwick
#31
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 35
Re Thameslink from Gatwick to St Pancras - yes, using a contactless card (or contactless payment device) it's as simple as that - see this video (though only the first 30 seconds are really relevant for you).
At Euston you'll likely have to show your ticket (in whatever format it may be) before you can access the platform, as well as later showing it to the 'train manager' on board when they come round to check tickets.
At Euston you'll likely have to show your ticket (in whatever format it may be) before you can access the platform, as well as later showing it to the 'train manager' on board when they come round to check tickets.
#32
Moderator: UK and Ireland & Europe
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Biggleswade
Programs: SK*G, Lots of Blue Elsewhere
Posts: 13,613
The trains from Gatwick to St Pancras are middle-distance commuter trains, so just sit where you like. If you want a little extra comfort, the rearmost first class compartment is currently declassified (only on the Thameslink trains!) - this will be confirmed on the display in this compartment (among many other messages). Note that these will have destinations beyond London, mostly Bedford and Cambridge (with some slower ones going to Peterborough).
The walking route from St Pancras to Euston is signposted - when you come up from the Thameslink platforms, you turn right, cross over the road, head round the back of the Crick Institute and you're 5 minutes away.
Around Euston, the attractions aren't immediately obvious, but the British Library is excellent (the copy of the Magna Carta alone is worth it) as is the Wellcome Collection. You may also want to spend time around St Pancras, which is a magnificent building (Euston, sadly, is a far more functional station) and the canal area behind there and King's Cross which has recently been opened up and rebuilt. Some good lunch options round here too, with a street food market, some canalside pubs, and the excellent Dishoom. You can walk along the canal as far as Camden Lock very easily.
The walking route from St Pancras to Euston is signposted - when you come up from the Thameslink platforms, you turn right, cross over the road, head round the back of the Crick Institute and you're 5 minutes away.
Around Euston, the attractions aren't immediately obvious, but the British Library is excellent (the copy of the Magna Carta alone is worth it) as is the Wellcome Collection. You may also want to spend time around St Pancras, which is a magnificent building (Euston, sadly, is a far more functional station) and the canal area behind there and King's Cross which has recently been opened up and rebuilt. Some good lunch options round here too, with a street food market, some canalside pubs, and the excellent Dishoom. You can walk along the canal as far as Camden Lock very easily.
#33
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: GLA
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 2,966
The line between Euston and Glasgow doesnt ever get particularly near the coast, and theres not much by way of scenery until you hit the far north of England unfortunately.
#34
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 8,810
#35
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: London
Posts: 1,547
In the interests of pedantry.... The west coast line doesn't follow the coast for miles (which the east coast line does), but it does gets very near the sea - albeit briefly. At Hest Bank (just north of Lancaster) the line is barely 200 metres from high water mark. It is also close to the coast between Carlisle and Gretna.
#36
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 35
In the interests of pedantry.... The west coast line doesn't follow the coast for miles (which the east coast line does), but it does gets very near the sea - albeit briefly. At Hest Bank (just north of Lancaster) the line is barely 200 metres from high water mark. It is also close to the coast between Carlisle and Gretna.
#37
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Newcastle, UK
Programs: BA Silver, IHG Gold, Hilton Gold, Hertz 5*, Avis Preferred Plus, Amex Plat
Posts: 2,080