Couldn't escape if I wanted to.... (Waterloo Station)

Member Name: jasminesarah

Product:	Waterloo Station
Date:	24/08/08 (106 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Efficient, clean station, good base to explore the City

Disadvantages: Not enough seating, rubbish toilets!

Waterloo railway station is situated south of the river, so it is an obvious choice for those of us visiting London from the South West. In fact, all the train services appear to be operated by South West Trains. Situated only a short walk from the Thames, it is also a great starting place for a tourist holiday or day trip.

We arrived into Waterloo Station at just before lunchtime on a Saturday and it was bustling but not too crowded. Like most larger stations, the high ceiling contribute to a feeling of space. At Waterloo there are a variety of shops to take care of your need for snacks or gifts, we popped into a small branch of Marks and Spencers "Simply Food", and also noticed a mini branch of both the Body Shop and Paperchase.

However, when we arrived our main concern was to use the loo - and for this there was a 30p charge. I think that a charge to use toilets should mean that they are very well kept, but this was not the case at Waterloo. They were just as grubby as any other station toilets, with broken locks and dubious hygiene, but with the added insult of having to pay and squeeze through a very narrow turnstile. (Those of a more generous stature, or with lots of luggage - you'd better cross your legs.)

The station itself was very clean and tidy looking, with cleaners in evidence picking up litter and sweeping. It is not a particularly inviting place to spend any time though, as although you can purchase take-away snacks, there is nowhere to sit, aside from perhaps 2 or 3 benches that (on my visit) were already taken. This is particularly frustrating as the platforms are not announced for each train until usually about 10 minutes before departure, sometimes less. This means that if you've arrived early you'll spend your waiting time in the main hall of the station (staring at the departures board, willing it to change!) rather than on the platform. When we departed, we found that the train was waiting on the platform as soon as it was announced and we were able to get onto the train straight away. This part seemed very efficient. Some more seating in the waiting area would help!

From Waterloo on foot it is very convenient to get to attractions such as the London Eye (5 minutes walk) or the Tate Modern (20 minutes walk). By taking a pleasant walk across the river you could get to Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus in about half an hour. Alternatively, both the Northern Line and the Bakerloo Line tube leave Waterloo regularly. On our day trip we walked along the banks of the Thames to the Tate and then into Covent Garden for shopping, and then with tired feet we zipped back from Leicester Square on the tube in a few minutes.

Summary: An ideal starting point for your trip to London