Best route to Crystal Palace, London?

[danyeates]

Hi,

I'm going to visit some family at the weekend who live near Crystal Palace. Most of the family live in north London so I know my way around quite well up there, but I don't really know the south too well.

What's the best route to take? Google Maps says M3 into Richmond and then south from there, but that looks like it might be busy.

I was thinking of maybe M3, M25 (Gatwick), then up the A3? Does that sound sensible? Any other routes I should consider or roads to avoid? I haven't been there for ages so I can't remember what route I've taken previously. We will either be leaving Southampton way at 17:30 on Friday or 9:00 on Saturday.

Thanks for any help.

Dan

[CarlT]

If you go up the A3, why not go A31 then A3 - that way you avoid the M3 and M25!