Crazy idea: I've got a 7 hour layover in Heathrow on two occasions. As much as I like the new T5, 7 hours is a bit much. I want to get out of Heathrow and find a pool in which to grab a swim, ideally making use of public transit and ideally with generous mid-day lap swimming hours. I know of pools out in Reading area, but that's too far.
Anyone with any recommendations?
I wouldn't even think of a car in London. It would probably take you longer in total time than public transport, unless you already know how to get to Crystal Palace (which I understand is a great pool). Then there is parking, etc.
Good luck, whatever you try. Let us know how it turned out.
There is a toll you have to pay if you drive into the core of London. I don't know where the north boundary is, the south boundary is the Thames. The idea is to discourage private automobiles from entering.
I'm comfortable driving around the suburbs of London, but definitely wouldn't venture in. Crystal Palace appears to be in the south suburbs and I might be able to avoid the congestion fee. It's a moot point, though, given that the daily cheapest rental car is going to cost me $80. I'd have to commit to like an 8,000M workout for me to even begin to approach getting my $$ worth.
I'm still toying with the idea of Heston Pool ... except now I'm worried about the safety of my laptop in the pool lockers. (I had a laptop and my passport stolen in the greater London area from a car in 2006 ... not an experience I wish to repeat).
I wouldn't even think of a car in London. It would probably take you longer in total time than public transport, unless you already know how to get to Crystal Palace (which I understand is a great pool). Then there is parking, etc.
Good luck, whatever you try. Let us know how it turned out.
There is a toll you have to pay if you drive into the core of London. I don't know where the north boundary is, the south boundary is the Thames. The idea is to discourage private automobiles from entering.
I'm comfortable driving around the suburbs of London, but definitely wouldn't venture in. Crystal Palace appears to be in the south suburbs and I might be able to avoid the congestion fee. It's a moot point, though, given that the daily cheapest rental car is going to cost me $80. I'd have to commit to like an 8,000M workout for me to even begin to approach getting my $$ worth.
I'm still toying with the idea of Heston Pool ... except now I'm worried about the safety of my laptop in the pool lockers. (I had a laptop and my passport stolen in the greater London area from a car in 2006 ... not an experience I wish to repeat).
