Misery of the Gatwick to London train

London is one of the world's biggest, brashest and most exciting capital cities, but many travellers arrive in a state of profound depression. You can see them leaving the train terminals at Waterloo, Kings Cross and Victoria with a despondent gloom dragging their faces down toward the pidgeon poo covered walkways. The reason for all this doom and gloom must surely be the view from the train which brings them from Gatwick airport to the heart of the 'big smoke'. The view as you rattle through the suburbs of Redhill, Croydon, Norwood and Lambeth is sadly one of unremitting gloom. It really doesn't show off the capital in a good light. Still, it is perhaps a fraction better than the experience of leaving London' other airport, Heathrow and heading west along the M4 motorway (perhaps on your way to the lovely sights of Windsor, Bristol, Bath or Devon and Cornwall). The first experience of England for visitors who opt for this trip is a nasal assault and the view of a filthy landfll rubbish tipping site right next to the airport. Come on England, clean up your act. In 2012 when the whole world looks on England is going to feel pretty embarassed if nothing is done. First impressions count.