21/04/2017
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre, with two main sites: one in Chelsea, London, and another in Sutton, Surrey. Understanding how to reach these vital healthcare facilities is crucial for patients, visitors, and staff alike. This comprehensive guide will detail the various transport options available for both locations, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.
Getting to The Royal Marsden in Chelsea
The Chelsea site is conveniently located in the heart of London, making public transport an excellent choice. While parking is a significant challenge in this affluent area, there are ample alternatives.
By Underground (Tube)
The nearest Tube station to the Royal Marsden in Chelsea is South Kensington. This station is served by three major lines: the Piccadilly, District, and Circle lines. From South Kensington station, it's approximately a seven-minute walk to the hospital. Simply head through Onslow Square towards Fulham Road, where the hospital is situated.
By Bus
Several bus routes pass directly by or stop very close to the Royal Marsden in Chelsea, offering a convenient way to reach the hospital. The following bus numbers currently serve the area:
- Buses that pass the hospital: 14, 211, 414, and 345.
- Buses with stops within easy reach: 11, 19, 22, 49, 70, 74, 319, 360, 430, and C1.
It is always advisable to check Transport for London (TfL) for the most up-to-date bus routes and schedules, as these can change.
By Bicycle
For those who prefer to cycle, the Royal Marsden in Chelsea is conveniently located near National Route 4, which runs along Chelsea Embankment. You can find detailed maps of nearby cycle routes on the Sustrans website. The Transport for London (TfL) cycling website also offers a journey planner to help you map out your route. The hospital provides secure bike parking facilities located between the Wallace Wing and Mulberry House, conveniently situated below the Terrace Garden.
Parking at the Chelsea Site
It is important to note that parking facilities at the Royal Marsden in Chelsea for patients and visitors are not available. The hospital is situated within a residents' parking zone, which makes finding parking in the vicinity difficult and often expensive, with only a few metered bays available. There are some disabled bays located in Dudmaston Mews. Due to these limitations, it is strongly recommended that patients and visitors consider using public transport or a taxi to reach the Chelsea hospital. This will undoubtedly be a more convenient and cost-effective option.
Getting to The Royal Marsden in Sutton
The Sutton site of The Royal Marsden, which includes the Oak Cancer Centre, is located in Surrey. While accessible by public transport, driving and parking are more viable options here compared to Chelsea, although still with limitations.
By Train
There are two main train stations serving the Royal Marsden in Sutton:
- Sutton Station: This station is served by trains running from London Victoria, London Bridge, London Blackfriars, London Kings Cross (via First Capital Connect), Clapham Junction, and Horsham in Sussex. For those travelling from the south coast, you can change at Horsham, and for connections from West London, change at Wimbledon. The hospital is approximately a mile and a half from Sutton Station, and it's an uphill walk. The journey can be made in about ten minutes by bus or taxi.
- Belmont Station: This station is on the London Victoria to Epsom Downs line. Belmont station is a quarter of a mile from the hospital. Trains run hourly, with increased frequency during peak travel times. Please note that there is no Sunday service at Belmont Station. The walk from Belmont Station to the hospital is also uphill.
For up-to-date rail timetables, you can consult the National Rail Enquiries website.
By Bus
Several London and local bus routes operate close to the Sutton hospital or terminate nearby. When asking for directions, request the Downs Road stop. Please be aware that bus numbers can change due to route updates.
- Currently, bus numbers 80, 280, 420, and S1 run along Brighton Road, Downs Road, and Cotswold Road. These routes connect with Morden underground station (Northern Line) and the train stations at Sutton, Tooting, Redhill, and Banstead.
- Bus numbers S3 and S4 stop directly within the hospital grounds. These buses run every 30 minutes during peak hours only and do not operate on Sundays. Both routes pass through Sutton town centre and stop at the train station. The S3 bus terminates at Worcester Park station, while the S4 terminates at Roundshaw.
A direct bus service operates from Sutton Station to the Royal Marsden Hospital. This service departs from Sutton Station and arrives at Downs Road / Belmont Station, with services running every five minutes, every day. The journey typically takes approximately 4 minutes.
By Bicycle
The Sutton hospital is situated near several cycle routes, including National Route 20 and routes detailed in the Surrey Cycle Guide No.3. You can view maps of these routes on the Sustrans website or plan your journey using TfL's cycling website. For those arriving by bike, secure bike parking is available through the barrier to the Visitors Car Park and then down the slope on the left into the Radiotherapy Car Park.
By Car and Parking
Parking spaces at the Sutton site are limited, and patients are encouraged to consider using public transport or taxis where possible. Sutton is part of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). If your vehicle does not meet the ULEZ emissions standards and is not exempt, you will be required to pay a daily charge of £12.50 to drive within the zone. Further information can be found on the TfL website.
For Sat Nav users, the postcode for the Downs Road (main entrance) is SM2 5PT, and for the Cotswold Road (Oak Cancer Centre entrance) is SM2 5NG. If you do not have a Sat Nav, detailed driving instructions are provided, including exiting the M25 at Junction 8 and following the A217 towards Sutton.
Parking Tariffs at Sutton:
The following tariffs apply for parking at the Royal Marsden Sutton site:
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| Up to 30 min | Free |
| 30 min to 1 hour | £2.00 |
| 1–2 hours | £5.00 |
| 2–3 hours | £6.00 |
| 3–4 hours | £8.00 |
| 4–5 hours | £10.00 |
| 5–8 hours | £12.00 |
| 8–24 hours | £14.00 |
For visitors who regularly attend the hospital, there may be options for exemptions or season tickets available for purchase from the Facilities office. Please refer to the Sutton parking FAQ for more details.
Accessibility Information
The Royal Marsden has collaborated with AccessAble to provide detailed accessibility information for all departments, wards, and services at both its Chelsea and Sutton sites. This information is invaluable for disabled patients and visitors, ensuring they can navigate the hospital with ease and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Is there parking at the Royal Marsden in Chelsea?
A: No, there are no parking facilities available for patients or visitors at the Royal Marsden in Chelsea. It is recommended to use public transport or a taxi. - Q: What is the nearest Tube station to the Royal Marsden in Chelsea?
A: The nearest Tube station is South Kensington, which is a seven-minute walk away. - Q: Is there a bus from Sutton station to the Royal Marsden Hospital?
A: Yes, there is a direct bus service from Sutton Station to Downs Road / Belmont Station, which is very close to the hospital. - Q: What are the parking costs at the Royal Marsden in Sutton?
A: Parking tariffs at the Sutton site range from free for up to 30 minutes to £14.00 for 8-24 hours, with various rates in between. - Q: Does the Sutton hospital charge ULEZ fees?
A: Yes, Sutton is within the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). If your vehicle does not meet the ULEZ standards, you will need to pay a daily charge.
Planning your journey in advance is key to a successful visit to The Royal Marsden. By utilising the information provided, you can choose the most suitable and convenient mode of transport for your needs, ensuring you arrive at the hospital feeling prepared and at ease.
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