21 replies to this topic

[SoCalMusicLover]

We're going to have 24 hours in London, and need to get some last minute supplies that we don't want to carry with us on the plane.  These include:

Trolley - Want something sturdy enough for 2-4 pieces of luggage, but relatively cheap(under 15 pounds), since we're probably not bringing it back with us.

Wellies - I have to buy a pair of male wellies.  Again, something cheap because I'm probably not bringing back to U.S., unless they're really cool looking.

Pillows & Towels - Cheap, cheap, cheap.  Definitely just for the week of Glastonbury.


We're planning to visit Tesco in Shepton Mallet to pick up drink & some food, but would prefer to get some of the above items in London, if possible.  Especially as we might need them on Monday night, when we're camping at Stonehenge campground.

Any suggestions of where to shop for these items in London?  We're staying near Waterloo station, so central London is probably the most convenient.  I guess what we need is the UK version of KMart or Walmart.  Where we can get some crappy made in China stuff, that isn't designed for long lasting use.

We'll be in London in about 60 hours.  Thanks!!

Edited by SoCalMusicLover, 16 June 2011 - 06:21 PM.

[HurrahBrother]

Unless you luck out, a Trolley at that price, will not last the journey to where you are camping.

At a push, find a Maplins (a bit like tandy/radio shack, in fact they bought out most of the radio shack stores when they pulled out of the UK)

http://www.maplin.co...riteria=trolley

Some pound shops have pretty OK hand towels. Not too big but big enough and fold up small. Usually a pair for £1 I use one myself.

Just get a pillow case/slip and stick your spare clothes in it. Again pound shops.

Wellies, hardware store would be the best for price

You could get all of them but the trolley at a very large tescos, Sainsburys or Asda. Depends on where you are in London, some 8 million people live inside the M25 and most consider themselves as in London (or at least Greater London).

[Abster]

Stonehenge campground....

Where's that then???? I've never seen this

P.s I live within the M25 and consider myself "Fake London" we have red busses, in Zone 6, 0208 dialing code and use to have met police but I'm tech in Surrey!!!

Edited by Abster, 16 June 2011 - 07:06 PM.

[junkdeluxe]

SoCalMusicLover, on 16 June 2011 - 06:20 PM, said:

We're planning to visit Tesco in Shepton Mallet to pick up drink & some food, but would prefer to get some of the above items in London, if possible.  Especially as we might need them on Monday night, when we're camping at Stonehenge campground.

You haven't said how you're travelling around? Hire car? Train? Coach?

Either way you're leaving getting drink/food a bit late at Shepton Mallet, I'd get as much as you can before you get anywhere near Glastonbury.  You're best picking up supplies at any of the big supermarkets you'll pass on the way (Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda) which should have most of the other things you need as well except for the trolley. Best bet for that may be a big DIY/Garden Centre place like B&Q or Homebase.

If you haven't read it yet, take a look at the Fine Guide for any other tips: http://www.glastonbu...f/FineGuide.pdf

Best of luck to you mate - hope you have a storming Glasto!

[J_J_]

Hi there,

I can't answer all your questions, but the closest equivalent to Walmart in the UK is Asda (who I believe are now part or fully owned by Walmart). Their larger stores stock clothing and bed linen/household crap, in addition to food, drink etc. Central London doesn't (to my knowledge) have many large supermarkets, but this should show you where the larger Asda stores are.

Another place you could try for cheap items is Elephant and Castle - it's a less-than-desirable neighbourhood quite close to Waterloo. You may find a Poundland or similar there - it's a chain of cheapie stores. I haven't been there for a while, but there might still be a shoe store in the dodgy shopping centre there.

Another place that you should find cheap linen and towels is a chain of shops called Primark.

Unfortunately, it's probably easier to find women's wellies, as so many people buy them for festivals that they are available in many fashion-type shops. For mens, look for Millets - they are a high street shop that specialises in camping/outdoors gear.

Sorry I can't answer all your questions... but I know what it's like shopping for specific items in a foreign country Hope others manage to fill in the blanks!

Have a safe trip, and a wonderful time at Glastonbury

[SoCalMusicLover]

In reply to statements above.

Stonehenge Campsite is supposedly the closest "camping" to Stonehenge.  We made reservations months ago, but they're fully booked now.  They're a few miles from the stones, but they're having a shuttle service for the solstice overnight party.  They have a website, that's how I found them.


Not worried about food/drink at the Shepton Tesco, as we're arriving on Tuesday afternoon, which will likely be ahead of the majority of folks who won't start arriving until Tuesday night.  We plan to head over there at around 6:00 PM Tuesday, and I couldn't imagine them being out of stuff that early.


As for transport, we're going by train to Stonehenge, then by bus to Shepton Mallet.  We're getting dropped at the showgrounds on Wednesday morning.  Point is, we won't have our own transport, and would prefer to pick up any last necessities in London, so we don't have to worry about finding things in Shepton.

[pehaw]

SoCalMusicLover, on 16 June 2011 - 07:49 PM, said:

In reply to statements above.

Stonehenge Campsite is supposedly the closest "camping" to Stonehenge.  We made reservations months ago, but they're fully booked now.  They're a few miles from the stones, but they're having a shuttle service for the solstice overnight party.  They have a website, that's how I found them.


Not worried about food/drink at the Shepton Tesco, as we're arriving on Tuesday afternoon, which will likely be ahead of the majority of folks who won't start arriving until Tuesday night.  We plan to head over there at around 6:00 PM Tuesday, and I couldn't imagine them being out of stuff that early.


As for transport, we're going by train to Stonehenge, then by bus to Shepton Mallet.  We're getting dropped at the showgrounds on Wednesday morning.  Point is, we won't have our own transport, and would prefer to pick up any last necessities in London, so we don't have to worry about finding things in Shepton.

Reserve one of these http://www.argos.co....t%3ETROLLEY.htm  online at Argos - choose collect in store at the Holborn branch (use postcode SE1 8RL)

Its only a mile or so to get to the store. http://maps.google.c...3,0.038581&z=15





You don't have to pay for it until you pick it up.

Edited by pehaw, 16 June 2011 - 08:24 PM.

[SoCalMusicLover]

Thanks.  It's reserved until closing on Friday.  But that is a slight problem, as we won't be in London until Sunday morning.  I might have to re-reserve it before our flight.

[StoneCircle]

SoCalMusicLover, on 16 June 2011 - 08:36 PM, said:

Thanks.  It's reserved until closing on Friday.  But that is a slight problem, as we won't be in London until Sunday morning.  I might have to re-reserve it before our flight.

May be worth getting pillows and towels there too, saves time looking for other stores! A large towel is nice as a rug on the bed too! I have tried the inflatable ones and be warned they are quite small, the pair for £3.49 would be comfier for you.      

Towels
http://www.argos.co....niture|14417894
Pillows
http://www.argos.co....niture|14417894

[musky]

Since you're travelling around a bit before the festival I'll assume you have access to a car. In which case a trip down the Old Kent Road might be an idea. It has an Asda down there (about 3 miles from Waterloo), and before you reach there you'll pass a Tesco and an B&Q (a diy store that sells trolleys - it'll set you back more than £15 though).

[SoCalMusicLover]

musky, on 16 June 2011 - 09:08 PM, said:

Since you're travelling around a bit before the festival I'll assume you have access to a car. In which case a trip down the Old Kent Road might be an idea. It has an Asda down there (about 3 miles from Waterloo), and before you reach there you'll pass a Tesco and an B&Q (a diy store that sells trolleys - it'll set you back more than £15 though).

Nope, no car access.  This is my 3rd trip to Europe, and I've only used public transport.  We'll be taking the train from London to Salisbury, and then buses to Stonehenge, followed by buses to Shepton Mallet on Tuesday afternoon.

I guess if I have to spend 20 to get something which will make my life easier for that week, then I'll just do it, and perhaps I could sell it on the way out Monday for 5 pounds to recover some of my cost.

[fur_q]

SoCalMusicLover, on 16 June 2011 - 09:24 PM, said:

Nope, no car access.  This is my 3rd trip to Europe, and I've only used public transport.  We'll be taking the train from London to Salisbury, and then buses to Stonehenge, followed by buses to Shepton Mallet on Tuesday afternoon.

I guess if I have to spend 20 to get something which will make my life easier for that week, then I'll just do it, and perhaps I could sell it on the way out Monday for 5 pounds to recover some of my cost.

But you can get a 172 bus from Waterloo to the old Kent road, it will only take about 15 mins off peak (get it from outside the sainsburys on Waterloo road,across the road from the station, destination will be marked Brockley rise)

This will take you to the old Kent road b&q (they have a range of trolleys) diy.com

Next to tesco is an Asda (owned by Wallmart but not as big as the American ones) they will have towels and pillows  and are as cheap as you'll find

And further up from these shops (a 10 min walk back towards central London) there is one of the largest and most well stocked Argos stores in central London.

I live close to old Kent road and work in Waterloo so any other questions just ask.

[fur_q]

Sorry missed that you needed wellies,

Next to the Argos on old Kent road is a shop called sports direct, their websit says that they sell wellies link I haven't been into that shop recently but just over the road from Argos and sports direct is a Tesco supermarket, I was in there tonight and noticed they had some cheap wellies.

[Hermia]

If you're looking for cheap pillows and towels, other than the above suggestions, Primark might be worth a look. It's cheap, won't last more than 2 weeks and there's Primark stores everywhere in central London.

Wellies could be quite pricey in London. I would suggest just going straight to a camping store like Millets and Blacks etc because if you buy real cheap wellies with the potential outlook it could end badly. I'm sure looking on their websites would give you their nearest location to where you're staying.

[Staberinde]

SoCalMusicLover, on 16 June 2011 - 09:24 PM, said:

Nope, no car access.  This is my 3rd trip to Europe, and I've only used public transport.  We'll be taking the train from London to Salisbury, and then buses to Stonehenge, followed by buses to Shepton Mallet on Tuesday afternoon.

I guess if I have to spend 20 to get something which will make my life easier for that week, then I'll just do it, and perhaps I could sell it on the way out Monday for 5 pounds to recover some of my cost.

Train to Salisbury!!!! The train stops at Andover where I live. Maybe you should get off there and I can give you a lift!

How many are you, I'm taking a load of gear so I can fit two in. I think I saw you post in Camp Triangle, you're a mate of JT's arn't you? I'm in CT as well, spending the night at Ascombe Farm camp site on Tuesday

If you do decide to come in the car with me from Andover then don't do any shopping till you join me and I'll take you down to the local shops for food beer and (if needed) a trolley. Hmmm, need a roof rack now!

Will PM you my mobile and email address.

Hopefully you are booked on the train at London leaving fairly early.

[TheBigJT]

Last year I went to Decathlon in London - close to the Canada Water stop
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/

Says they are open Sunday from 11-5

I bought a trolly there, it's a bit higher than your budget, but it worked very well for me.  Quite sturdy as I hauled it to Bristol on the train, Glastonbury on a bus and then to the site in a taxi before walking it in.
http://www.decathlon...rolley-3403394/

A couple other tips.  
I brought a large hockey equipment bag with me (folded up in my backpack) and I used that to constrain and organize my gear into one big "thing" to tie onto to the trolly.  
Also, buy some bungee cords (I got those at Decathlon too) to attache the stuff to the trolly.

I bought a tent there (Decathlon) as well that I was very happy with, they had these on sale in the store last year for I believe 79pounds
http://www.decathlon.../t4-2-35289227/

I believe they also had a selection of Wellies too....pretty much any camping stuff you can think of.
I also hit up a "Pound Store" and bought a number of small items (memory fails exactly what...)

There is a Tesco and an outlet mall in Street, you can get there via a short bus ride from Glastonbury.  
I was able to get some groceries there, as well as a couple small self inflating pads to sit on...which I used a lot.
Take an "S" hook for the inside of the door at the long drops....(you can use it to hang a small drawstring bag with your wallet, phone, bog roll, etc to keep them safe, off the floor and out of harms way.)

On site I ordered an air mattress, chair, water jug and sleeping bag from Joe Bananas, which I think is not there this year.  But, there were a number of camping shops all over the festival.  So, anything you can't get or forget can be purchased...slightly higher, but not too horrible.

If I were going back, I'd take less from the start and if I decided I was desperate for something, just buy it there.  I ended up with too much food and too much drink for one person to consume.  
Next time I'd just pack lighter and take a few snacks and that's all.

I hope that helps!
You will have a BLAST!
(Are you going to U2 tomorrow before you depart?)
JT

Edited by TheBigJT, 17 June 2011 - 04:25 AM.

[SoCalMusicLover]

TheBigJT, on 17 June 2011 - 04:24 AM, said:

I hope that helps!
You will have a BLAST!
(Are you going to U2 tomorrow before you depart?)
JT

No, and I'm bummed about that.  The only way I could do this on frequent flyer miles, was with a 6:45 AM flight out on Saturday, and I know with the time change and jet lag, I'll be hating myself in England if I don't get some sleep tomorrow night.  We have to leave home at around 5:00 AM.  Not to mention I'll probably still have some last minute packing to do Friday night.

You have a great time seeing them this weekend, and I'll do the same next Friday.

[cejx]

SoCalMusicLover, on 17 June 2011 - 05:12 AM, said:

No, and I'm bummed about that.  The only way I could do this on frequent flyer miles, was with a 6:45 AM flight out on Saturday, and I know with the time change and jet lag, I'll be hating myself in England if I don't get some sleep tomorrow night.  We have to leave home at around 5:00 AM.  Not to mention I'll probably still have some last minute packing to do Friday night.

You have a great time seeing them this weekend, and I'll do the same next Friday.

A cheapo 15 quid trolley will be more trouble than its worth, and you'll be struggling with the wheels folding back in on themselves or falling off altogether!  Best hit the 30quid mark.  Argos is your best one stop shop for bits and bobs.

[silvara]

We used this trolley from B&Q - well worth the extra money since it has good wheels, etc

http://www.diy.com/d...pe=hand_trolley

[incident]

SoCalMusicLover, on 16 June 2011 - 06:20 PM, said:

We're going to have 24 hours in London, and need to get some last minute supplies that we don't want to carry with us on the plane.  These include:

Trolley - Want something sturdy enough for 2-4 pieces of luggage, but relatively cheap(under 15 pounds), since we're probably not bringing it back with us.

Wellies - I have to buy a pair of male wellies.  Again, something cheap because I'm probably not bringing back to U.S., unless they're really cool looking.

Pillows & Towels - Cheap, cheap, cheap.  Definitely just for the week of Glastonbury.


We're planning to visit Tesco in Shepton Mallet to pick up drink & some food, but would prefer to get some of the above items in London, if possible.  Especially as we might need them on Monday night, when we're camping at Stonehenge campground.

Any suggestions of where to shop for these items in London?  We're staying near Waterloo station, so central London is probably the most convenient.  I guess what we need is the UK version of KMart or Walmart.  Where we can get some crappy made in China stuff, that isn't designed for long lasting use.

We'll be in London in about 60 hours.  Thanks!!

I would strongly recommend visiting Decathlon at Canada Water.

It's a sports supermarket with a heavy emphasis on Camping / Hiking / etc and will carry everything you need.

More to the point, their stuff is nearly all own brand, reasonably priced, and good quality.

You should be able to get everything you need in one trip, with better choice and higher quality than the regular supermarkets, and cheaper than in dedicated camping stores.