h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

In the area of London south of the Thames the tube is virtually non-existent. The result, and in many ways the cause for this, is a proliferation of suburban rail services running out of such stations as Waterloo, Charing Cross and Victoria down to the coast.
As mentioned during rush hour these trains can get very busy but they are no worse than the tube in North London and at least you can get some interesting views of things like Battersea Power Station.
These trains in the day time are without doubt far superior to the tube. They do actually run pretty much on time and are very pleasant.
I once got on a train of this type and ran into members of the Scottish band Belle and Sebastian who really enjoyed the ride because it was on a slam door train. This was a quaint novelty to them as outside of South East england such old (but far more comfortable) carriages have stopped running. Unfortunatly this is fast becoming true on these lines so try them while you can.
This area of suburban rail also offers the world famous Clapham Junction Staion. Imortalised in TV, Film, unfortunate rail disaster and by its role as the busiest railway station in Britain.
So don't be put off of seeing South London because there is no tube. To do so would mean missing out on the beauty of Hampton Court Palace, the spectacularly picturesque Richmond park and the retail overload of the Bluewater shopping centre. Pick up a London Connections map and you will see a wealth of rail routes covering the area well.