Commute from Colchester or Manningtree
Discussion
If anyone on the Essex/Suffolk border commutes from either of these stations into London; I'd certainly appreciate some information:
I used to commute from Ipswich (and many, many years ago from Manningtree) and now looking to move back to either Colchester or possibly Manningtree area.
The same questions apply to both stations
- What's the car parking situation like (Colchester I know looks awful)?
- Can you get a seat around the 07:00 time?
I'd prefer to be in Colchester but most of the nice housing areas (eg. Lexden) are just too far to walk to the station, but I don't see that the station has adequate parking, so I can't figure out how everyone gets to the station each day!
All opinions and info gratefully received.
I used to commute from Ipswich (and many, many years ago from Manningtree) and now looking to move back to either Colchester or possibly Manningtree area.
The same questions apply to both stations
- What's the car parking situation like (Colchester I know looks awful)?
- Can you get a seat around the 07:00 time?
I'd prefer to be in Colchester but most of the nice housing areas (eg. Lexden) are just too far to walk to the station, but I don't see that the station has adequate parking, so I can't figure out how everyone gets to the station each day!
All opinions and info gratefully received.
My missus does it everyday.i drop her at 7 and she normally gets a seat on the 7.08 train. Non intercity! You won't get a seat on the intercity.
Parking? Not sure as I drive to halstead after. But it is always busy round there.what about the new houses up round turner rise near the hospital?
Parking? Not sure as I drive to halstead after. But it is always busy round there.what about the new houses up round turner rise near the hospital?
I live around Nayland and moved to area 2 years ago. Tried Colchester station for 2 days and gave up. I can actually get to Marks Tey station just as quick, always get a parking spot and is cheaper than Colchester for trains and parking. Ok there are less trains to Marks Tey but it's a mindset adjustment, that's all. 40 mins to Stratford and 45 to L'Pool St. Always get a seat!
I'm on a earlier train so getting a seat and parking is never a problem, however on the odd occasion i have jumped on a later train they are very busy, albeit i have always found a seat. That situation will only be exacerbated further down the line (eg Marks Tey, Kelvedon), as i'm sure you appreciate, as all those trains also stop at Colchester first.
With regard parking, in recent years i've switched from the car to either cycling or a moped, - as the traffic around North Station is horrendous and incredibly frustrating.
There are plenty of new developments going up in and around Marks Tey, Colchester, Horkesley, Rowhedge etc so if you're looking for something new, they'll be plenty of choice in the next 12-24months i'd guess.
With regard parking, in recent years i've switched from the car to either cycling or a moped, - as the traffic around North Station is horrendous and incredibly frustrating.
There are plenty of new developments going up in and around Marks Tey, Colchester, Horkesley, Rowhedge etc so if you're looking for something new, they'll be plenty of choice in the next 12-24months i'd guess.
Thanks for the replies so far.
I was born and raised in Colchester, so I'm pretty familiar with the area. The moped/cycle option does look like the only sensible transport to/from the station. All the time I've been working in London I've always either lived near to the station (like now, Hove) or been able to easily drive+park (Ipswich) so Colchester does appear to present a unique challenge.
I've lived in Colchester, East Bergholt and Ipswich so I'm pretty knowledgeable about the location and villages along that bit of the A12 - therefore, if I might change the question, if *you* had £650k and needed to commute into London what would be the ideal location.
Criteria:
£650k or less
detached
land or garaging
prefer older house
if its in a village, must be a large village (pub/shop etc)
My children are in Suffolk so no more than 40mins from Ipswich.
I was born and raised in Colchester, so I'm pretty familiar with the area. The moped/cycle option does look like the only sensible transport to/from the station. All the time I've been working in London I've always either lived near to the station (like now, Hove) or been able to easily drive+park (Ipswich) so Colchester does appear to present a unique challenge.
I've lived in Colchester, East Bergholt and Ipswich so I'm pretty knowledgeable about the location and villages along that bit of the A12 - therefore, if I might change the question, if *you* had £650k and needed to commute into London what would be the ideal location.
Criteria:
£650k or less
detached
land or garaging
prefer older house
if its in a village, must be a large village (pub/shop etc)
My children are in Suffolk so no more than 40mins from Ipswich.
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/prope...
In the middle of Fordstreet on the Halstead Road, 2 miles to Marks Tey & £50k left to sort out the decor !
In the middle of Fordstreet on the Halstead Road, 2 miles to Marks Tey & £50k left to sort out the decor !
I live in Boxted. 10 minutes drive to North Station, used to be 8 minutes till they messed with the Northern approach road junctions. Semi rural even so, I can turn right out of my drive and it's just fields. I generally get one of the stopping trains around 7.30, takes an hour but I always get a seat. Only chance of getting one on the 7.30 intercity though is on a Friday during the holidays or the summer half term! I generally don't mind the commute, get a lot of reading done but it gets pretty painful after a night out in London after work.
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