. Nearest transport link is Combe Lane tram stop. Trams run to there from East and West Croydon stations. Both are possible, but East Croydon is more convenient. The tram journey is about 8mins from E Croydon to Coombe Lane and it takes 13 mins or so to walk from here to Conduit Lane.
East and West Croydon stations are linked by tram, bus or a 13 min walk. Forget South Croydon, Selhurst and Waddon Stations. I believe you pay/swipe card before boarding trams.
Via Victoria
Trains to East Croydon from Victoria take 15mins. From there it is tram to New Addington, alighting at Coombe Lane.
Assuming the tour leaves at 9am, a possibility would be the 08.06 Portsmouth train from Victoria.
Via London Bridge to East Croydon
The direct train takes 31 mins because there are more stops. Unfortunately there isn't a conveniently-timed train. The 8.05 gets to E Croydon at 8.36, which would be a bit tight for a 9am start (but possible by taxi).
Via London Bridge to West Croydon
The Overground goes there directly from Shadwell, Canada Water etc, but it is not running on Saturday, which is annoying. I wouldn't recommend bus replacement services. The 7.40 direct train from L Bridge to W Croydon arrives at 8.18, which would leave ample time to get to Conduit Lane.
My suggestion would be to meet at East Croydon by, say, 8.30 and share a taxi to Conduit Lane, which would be a short journey and would avoid a longish walk from the tram or bus stop. There are loos and a cafe at Conduit Lane - IF they open early enough.
Another alternative
would be to join the tour at Oxted, where the station is practically next door to the first dance spot. The 8.53 direct train from Victoria arrives at 9.30, which would allow for up to an hour more in bed and almost no walking.
Hannorah
I'm really sorry that this is probably irrelevant to you, but I've now reached the limit of my concentration and I'm not sure which is your nearest station.
NB - everyone
The tour ends at Northwood's home pub, the Royal Standard in Central Croydon, CR0 1SS. I believe that no one is staying for the feast, so there is little point in returning to Conduit Lane after that, although coach transport will be available. I suggest that we walk to one of the Croydon stations from the pub for the return journey (although I'd probably catch a bus, since the Overground isn't running)
The first dance spot is at Oxted at 9.30. There is a Wetherspoons and another cafe for breakfast, but the dance spots aren't very exciting, one being in a supermarket car park. I believe the Northwood guys rely on this as an ideal opportunity to collect money to subsidise the tour. Thereafter the route is scenic as we are transported along the byways of the Kent/Surrey borders. The final pub is, well, unusual...... We could have a competition for the most apt adjective.
There is usually a collection for the coach driver towards the end of the trip.
In the unlikely event that you have read through to this point, I look forward to seeing you on Saturday. I do hope that you enjoy it at least enough to justify such an early start.
S x
Date: Mon, 5 May 2014 22:19:29 +0100
From: rachel.sheridan@cantab.net
To: rebeccasuch@hotmail.com
CC: team@towerravens.org.uk
Subject: Re: [Tower Ravens] Saturday 10th and Monday 12th
Update - having checked the info that I do currently have, 9am-ish in Croydon is correct, but as detailed as it gets. I've poked the guys and hopefully they'll reply soon!
R
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