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Road directions
From the M2, Junction 4: Go down the A278 until you see the Bowaters roundabout, take the 1st exit towards Gillingham then turn right when you see the Kwik fit and Barnsole Road. Carry on going down Barnsole Road until you see a small roadabout then take the second exit. You then go down Gillingham Road (then turns into Ingram Road) and find a parking space. From Gillingham Road you can see the level crossing.
Parking
Windsor Road, Balmoral Road and Franklin Road are now residents-only parking and the Traffic Wardens patrol frequently; Aldi car park is customers only and time-limited (clamping for non-customers and those who overstay). Suggest park Maple Ave., Cavendish Ave. or Granville Road if going by car.
Public transport
From the station get the route 182 (Twydall bound) and get off at Livingstone circus. The level crossing is only a 5 min walk from the bus stop.
Alternatively, instead of catching bus turn right, then right again into Railway Street, out of station forecourt then continue on Railway Street (over Chatham Docks Branch, presently not in use) to T-junction Ingram Road, then turn right and footbridge is a few yards from this junction
Amenities
There are no toilets in the area unfortunately. There are a few fish and chip shops along the road that are friendly and cheap. There also a newsagents shop adjacent to the level crossing.
Accommodation
The nearest hotel is the King Charles hotel which is a bus ride away. Get on the route 182 (or 101 in the evenings) from Livingstone circus and get off at King Charles hotel stop.
The light is good from 12pm, any earlier and the morning sun can ruin pictures of the depot. The trains pass in both directions to and from London. Plus you can see a few depot movements during the day. There is a footbridge near the level crossing which provides excellent view of the depot and the Chatham mainline.
