How to trainspot at London termini?

[signed]

I'll be in London and would love to be able to capture some different trains (railstock variety in France is basically non-existent), but I don't really know what the rules are in the UK (in France, if there aren't any ticket barriers, and you don't disturb anyone you are basically free to roam and take pictures).

Platform gates are a lot more universal than here, I've read that you may need a platform pass to actually go onto the platform, is that still a thing? (I'm mostly looking at spotting in Euston, STP/KGX and probably Waterloo)

 

[AlbertBeale]

Most platforms at these stations have ticket barriers; some have staff instead (there are I think just a few instances where you can just walk on). At stations like these it's not generally easy to wander on and off the platforms at will without some sort of ticket. Having said that, there are some public places where you can get a view of some at least of the trains.

 

[hexagon789]

I'll be in London and would love to be able to capture some different trains (railstock variety in France is basically non-existent), but I don't really know what the rules are in the UK (in France, if there aren't any ticket barriers, and you don't disturb anyone you are basically free to roam and take pictures).

Platform gates are a lot more universal than here, I've read that you may need a platform pass to actually go onto the platform, is that still a thing? (I'm mostly looking at spotting in Euston, STP/KGX and probably Waterloo)

Most major termini will allow you to photograph/video if you make yourself aware to staff and ask permission. Usually you'll be sent to the duty office and asked to sign in and out on a register.

Some may ask you to watch a short safety video and issue you with a lanyard and/or hi-vis vest for the duration of your visit.

The official Network Rail policy is to welcome enthusiasts, but some stations/staff are less amenable than others.

 

[D6975]

London Termini are not very good places for watching trains. You are much better off at a station a few stops out. You’ll see all the passenger trains plus a few freights.

For Kings Cross, try Alexandra Palace.

For Waterloo, try Clapham Junction. (You'll see some trains from Victoria too)

For Euston, try Harrow and Wealdstone.

Buy a one day zones 1-6 travelcard to get to these places.

 

[ANDREW_D_WEBB]

Whilst London termini are generally very nice buildings, thew first few stations outside of termini might offer better photographic opportunities, the chance to see freight and also possibly meet other enthusiasts who will maybe know about 'rare' moves. In no particular order:

Stratford is good for half the stuff leaving Liverpool Street plus London Overground, Elizabeth line, DLR and two tube lines (also C2C at weekends). West end of platforms 9 and 10 are a good spot.
London Bridge - everything from Canon Street, Charing Cross plus terminating services and cross London Thameslink.
Clapham Junction - everything from Waterloo plus Southern stuff from Victoria. Also Overground and freight.
Acton Main Line, Ealing Broadway, West Ealing, Hanwell, Southall and Hayes and Harlington will get you all stuff from Paddington plus Elizabeth line and freight. West Ealing has a shuttle service to Greenford from platform 5 (only 1 diesel unit needed to work the service), Hanwell is a very pretty station in GWR colours, whilst Southall has a shed with steam locos sometimes visible.
Willesden Junction for everything from Euston plus lots of freight and Overground services. Stand on the footbridge outside the station. Not the best place for photos and not the nicest area of London. For photos suggest South Kenton which has all the Euston departures, freight and Overground.
Haringay is good for all departures from Kings Cross and Moorgate plus some freight.
Shadwell on the DLR is good for all departures from Fenchurch Street. Alternatively try Barking which also has Overground and some freight.
Rainham (Essex) has a footbridge for photos of all departures on HS1 (Eurostar and class 395 Javelins) from St Pancras.
West Hampstead Thameslink, Cricklewood or Elstree and Borehamwood get all non HS1 departures from St Pancras plus Thameslink.

There is a good amount of variety to keep the camera busy and very often something 'unusual' if you know where to look. Search 'Railway Herald railtours' for a listing of charter trains, often steam. If you know how to use realtimetrains it is also relatively easy to identify what might be unusual.

 

[signed]

Going out sounds to be a better idea indeed, especially since I will hold a Interrail pass for that trip. Thanks a lot, I'll scour RTT for my dates, try to spot interesting spots and report when I'm back home

 

[ANDREW_D_WEBB]

Going out sounds to be a better idea indeed, especially since I will hold a Interrail pass for that trip. Thanks a lot, I'll scour RTT for my dates, try to spot interesting spots and report when I'm back home

Bear in mind that some of the 'rare stuff' only appears on RTT a few hours before it runs and / or can fail to appear and / or runs extremely early or late!

Lots of freight is in the hands of Class 66s, but look out for class 59s on some services to / from Merehead or Whatley which go into Acton Yard.

Class 47s or 69s can appear on workings from Derby Litchurch Lane to Eastleigh or Wimbledon - these are usually dragging a Class 701 EMU.

Class 69s also appear on the Eastleigh - Hoo Junction circuit - 6Y48 in the morning towards Hoo Junction, returning as 6Y42 in the afternoon. Tends to be the same loco all week, but is also often used to move locos so fairly common to get a 'lash up'

 

[kacper]

At Waterloo it’s worth going to the station office to obtain a pass as the security there are known to stop people for train spotting