Leeds to Hastings at Christmas

[GEFAFWISP]

So, the Mrs' and me have been invited to a family wedding in Hastings on the 28th of December.

More specifically it's in a place called Brede, about 4 miles out of Hastings. We live in Leeds and after some thought I've decided rather than fly to Gatwick then try and brave public transport or deal with the nightmarish train journey to Hastings, driving would be the sensible option.

Now, I've always been one to just avoid travelling at Christmas at all costs for obvious reasons so I'm not sure what to expect travel wise from traffic to roadworks.

The route I'm planning on is A1 down to Huntingdon > A14 to Cambridge > M11 to Epping > M25 to Sevenoaks > A21 to Brede. 253 miles all in.

Is this the best route? Maps tells me it should take between 4 - 5 hours depending on traffic but I expect that'll be worse around Christmas.

Planning on driving down on 27th then back on the 29th, any input / advice would be much appreciated!

[DRFC1879]

That's the route I'd take too (from Donny).

Given the fact that most people will be off work at that time but those traveling to spend the seasn with family will probably do it before Xmas and head back over a period of a few days afterwards the traffic might not be too bad.

[Voldemort]

I'd check the traffic maps five minutes before going use the M1 if the A1/14/M11 had any problems, otherwise as you were.

[Red Devil]

Kent/East Sussex is my home turf.

You're going to have to leave the A21 at some point to reach Brede.
When you reach the traffic lights at Flimwell there are two options.

Either
Go straight ahead on the A21 - https://goo.gl/maps/MBxnQyzodHT2
When you reach Cripps Corner the White Hart will be on your right.
Go straight on at the cross roads - https://goo.gl/maps/NnMDM6RFMZv

Or
Turn left onto the A268 - https://goo.gl/maps/dEh3KvPsuG42
Exiting Hawkhurst go left on the B2244 - https://goo.gl/maps/wq8nVadD5op
At Cripps Corner turn left after the overbridge - https://goo.gl/maps/o3U1FRHtHcD2
The White Hart will now be on your left, so turn right at the cross roads.

Personally I always choose the latter option when heading towards Hastings.
I hate the A21 with a passion. The Tonbridge to Hastings section is dire.
The current Tonbridge to Pembury dualling works (which you can't realistically avoid) are a PITA.
From these to Flimwell it's just nadgery with plenty of double whites and poor sightlines.
If you're stuck behind a dawdler who has over indulged at Christmas it will drive you nuts.
There is only the brief respite of the Lamberhurst bypass to bring relief and a safe overtake.
South of Flimwell it's only marginally better.

The sooner I can get off it (or peferably avoid it altogether) the better AFAIAC.

[GEFAFWISP]

Thanks for the responses guys, much appreciated.

RedDevil you are a saint! I will definitely take your advice and detour through Hawkhurst.

[Red Devil]

One thing to add. The traffic lights in Hawkhurst (where you will be turning right).
Hope they don't change to red as you approach as the crossing A229 arms are on separate phases.
The wait can seem an eternity. The NSL B2244 is adequate compensation though.

[dcb]

DRFC1879 said:

That's the route I'd take too (from Donny).

Given the fact that most people will be off work at that time but those traveling to spend the season with family will probably do it before Xmas and head back over a period of a few days afterwards the traffic might not be too bad.

I doubt it.

The days between Xmas and New Year vary from horrendous to worse, in
my practical experience over the last few decades.

Many folks spend Xmas with one set of relatives and New Year with the other set,
resulting in crazy traffic jams between the two dates.

Added to that, the A21 is woeful, well worth avoiding.

Suggest don't bother with such a long journey, when the world and his wife will be on the road.
Is nine hours of utter aggro worth it ?

[James 33]

I live in Hastings and Red Devil is right the A21 will definatly be the worst part of that journey.

[Shnozz]

I've literally just returned to Leeds from a wedding in Edenbridge. Was easy to train to Kings X and then train from London to Sevenoaks in 25 mins. Pick up a car there? If the flight is cheap and easy enough and you don't have clothing issues with the luggage then at least the hire cars are plentiful.

[GEFAFWISP]

I've had a look at the public transport options but what's putting me off more is the time of year, I know driving is going to be pretty awful as well but the thought of being reliant on public transport, especially around London during the Christmas period, it just isn't something I like the idea of!

I have looked into the prospect of hire cars but given my age (under 25) the prices are all fairly high and when coupled with flying / train plus the hotel I've just written that option off unfortunately.