ChrisA87 - thanks, I was aware of the VFR route through the Luton zone, haven't looked at Stansted AIP entry though, v.useful. Re: Stansted, I have read a lot about them often rejecting VFR transit requests but I admit that all threads I read were quite old.
soaringhigh650 - please note that I am not asking how to do the transit itself. I am after specific advice from those who recently flew VFR through one of these two zones and got the clearance (or are controllers and want to tell me to stay away or come at a specific time to be more likely to get through).
H88