Summer 2012 Olympic Games travel, viewing and celebration options

Those who are looking to get involved with the London 2012 Olympics this summer are going to be able to choose from a plethora of options. There will be an impressive number of gatherings associated with the Games. Although these will be based primarily in the Londonmetropolitan area, gatherings will take place throughout the country.

Transport

Those with tickets travelling to the London area for the Olympic Games will be able to take advantage of a special offer from National Rail, the ability to purchase train tickets before they go on sale to the general public. During the Games, there will be more than 100 extra trains added on a daily basis, and service will start earlier and end later than normally scheduled.

In and near London, service on the London Underground (Tube) and Docklands Light Railway will commence 30-45 minutes early on Sunday, and final trains every day will leave central London about 90 minutes later than normal. Additional trains will be provided on both services, and local bus service will also see increased service during the Games.

Make sure you plan to arrive early for your events, as security delays could last up to an hour at some facilities. Those travelling to the Canary Wharf Tube station could expect delays lasting 90 minutes due to its proximity with the O2 Arena and the basketball and gymnastics competitions taking place there.

There are also some options for those living outside London to view live events in or near their home cities. Football contests will also be contested in Newcastle upon Tyne, Manchester, Coventry, Cardiff and Glasgow. Other sports will take place in Dorset (sailing), Hertfordshire (canoe slalom), Essex (mountain biking) and Buckinghamshire (rowing and canoe sprint).

Other ways to enjoy the Olympics

Those staying at home will receive access to all 5,000 hours of competition through various BBC channels, online and via interactive TV and other platforms. This will allow you to focus your viewing time on events that interest you, whether that is volleyball or table tennis.

If you were not successful in purchasing a ticket to an London 2012 Olympics event, join others at your local pub. According to a survey from Orchid Group, more than two-thirds of British people without tickets plan to watch events at a pub. This is an especially good option if you are interested in watching events such as football, volleyball, basketball, athletics and gymnastics.

Those looking to make their way to the London 2012 Olympics, with or without tickets, will surely have a good time participating in the celebrations taking place at Hyde Park and Victoria Park.

Hyde Park will offer free daily access with the exception of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, as access to Celebration Concerts those evenings require a paid entry. Free musical performances will be available for your enjoyment every other evening during the Games. There will also be six giant screens available to watch competitions, including every medal event. Additionally, you may try your own hand at sports such as handball, athletics, hockey and equestrian.

Victoria Park will also offer evening concerts and cultural entertainment. In addition, two giant screens will be available to watch events. Sports that may be played here include hockey and archery. Although entry to the park is free, paid access is available for an observation wheel 40 metres high with sensational views of the Olympic Stadium and London’s skyline available.

Disclaimer

Please note that these hints and tips are provided for your interest and ease of reference only. We cannot accept any responsibility for any advice or information contained in them.