In 2010, London received a whopping 14 million international visitors. With the Olympic Games in 2012, this figure will increase significantly.
If you are visiting London specifically to see the Olympic Games, then this article is for you. Here, we consider the salient points in creating a perfect Olympic vacation in London.
EDF energy is hosting the 2012 Olympics across various venues in London. The following is a list of the main venues and their location in the city, accommodation in the area, and proximity and ease of access to Gatwick, Heathrow, Waterloo, and St Pancras – we have chosen these airports and stations as they are the most frequently used by international visitors.
Olympic Stadium
This is where the athletics events will be held (all the favourites: Men’s 100m, Men’s long jump, etc).
Located in Stratford.
Directions
Relatively easy to reach from Heathrow: take Heathrow Express to Paddington Station. Join the Bakerloo line (underground), change at Oxford Circus. Join Central Line (underground), take to Stratford, – and arrive at destination.
From Gatwick, take the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station. Join the Victoria Line (underground), take to Highbury & Islington. Join the London Overground, take direction Stratford, – and arrive at destination.
From Waterloo, take the Jubilee Line (underground) to Canada Water. Join the London Overground, take direction Stratford, – and arrive at destination.
From St Pancras take the Piccadilly Line (underground) to Highbury & Islington. Join the London Over ground, take direction Stratford – arrive at destination.
Hotels
There are a great selections of hotels in the area, and because it is located in the far east of the city, the hotels are considered to be outside the city. A cheap hotel near London is always better than a hotel in the city centre, by way of price at least. However, these hotels will fill up fast, and many are fully booked already.
A great alternative would be to stay in one of the Lancastergate Hotels London. These hotels are very well located for access to the Olympic Village, but they are of enough of a distance that bookings are not yet full for 2012. They have direct connections to the Olympic Stadium, on the central line, and although it is 12 stops on the Underground, there are no changes – it is a direct route.
The Aquatics Centre
The Aquatics Centre is located in the South East Corner of the Olympic Park, so the same location as the Olympic Stadium. Follow the details for Olympic Stadium.
Earl’s Court
The location of the Volleyball events. Located at Earl’s court.
Heathrow
Take the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station. Join the District Line (underground), direction Earl’s Court. Disembark at Earl’s Court. Arrived at destination.
Gatwick
Take the Gatwick Express to Victoria. Join the District Line (underground), direction Earl’s Court. Disembark at Earl’s Court. Arrived at destination.
Waterloo
Join Jubilee Line. Change at Westminster to District Line. Disembark at Earl’s Court.
Victoria
Take District Line to Earl’s Court. Disembark at Earl’s Court.
Hotels
Earl’s court is conveniently located near the Notting Hill Gate and Lancastergate Hotels, London. A comfortable area in which to spend your nights.
The majority of venues are located in the Olympic Village, which correspond with the above instructions for both the Olympic Stadium and the Aquatics Centre.
