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AIBU?

to be thinking of booking a weekend away to London in August?

90 replies

LucyLikesDiamonds · 28/06/2020 14:03

Is this insane?

We had to postpone our wedding and are hoping it can go ahead beginning of August (tiny ceremony) but I've yet to have this confirmed by the ceremonies team.

All being well we would love to go away for a weekend but I'm torn what to do.

I realise that things aren't going to be normal for quite some time but just to have something to look forward to would be a bonus, however, I'm worried that August is too early to start thinking about going away anywhere.

How do you visualise places like London will cope with the new restrictions?

Anyone who lives that way or commutes, what is the situation on the underground, bus travel etc?

We normally go two or three times a year so know our way around quite well, I don't suppose there will be as many tourists as usual and if the weather is good there's loads of great outdoor places to visit, eat etc, just reliant on the weather.

Not sure what to do, is it worth it?

YABU to even think about this or YANBU to wait a few weeks and see what the situation is.

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Am I being unreasonable?

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BlackCrow · 28/06/2020 14:14

I can think of better destinations for a relaxing short break, if you want to stay away from other people and off public transport! Why don't you book a nice hotel somewhere where you can go for country / beachside walks?

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Tellmetruth4 · 28/06/2020 14:19

If she wanted to go for beachside or countryside walks she wouldn’t be planning on going to London!

I think it will be fine, the tubes and buses are still running but you have to wear masks. The pubs, restaurants and most of the attractions will also be open by August with restrictions in place.

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Goatymcgoaty · 28/06/2020 14:19

We are thinking of going up next weekend and staying in a hotel with the kids. Seems ideal timing - first in the hotel, so no one will have dribbled on the pillow since March Grin. I’d rather go while the reinfection rate is low (compared to the “I dread to think” scenario that might play out in the autumn).

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LucyLikesDiamonds · 28/06/2020 14:20

Yes, you're right but we just love it down there.

Don't necessarily want relaxing and when trying to think of alternative places we always come back to London.

We could look at a plush hotel for a few nights but I'm just not sure where.

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Flyingagainstreason · 28/06/2020 14:20

Tubes are empty at non peak times. You can rent bikes for everywhere. Bars and restaurants will be open. Even if they aren’t the top ones are doing take outs! I mean how fun to eat from Nobu sitting in green park with a glass of something nice.

I live here, it’s actually quite pleasant at the moment! I cycle everywhere now. And tbh you can just walk wherever you want if you’re central.

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LucyLikesDiamonds · 28/06/2020 14:22

@Goatymcgoaty you'll have to come back to this thread and tell me how it went Grin

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Katjolo · 28/06/2020 14:22

London is a good choice. Masks need to be worn on tfl. Less tourists would make it even quicker to get around, see the sights etc.

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Flyingagainstreason · 28/06/2020 14:23

And I imagine you can get a super swanky hotel for not much!!

As I said I live here, and I was thinking if the prices are ok of actually treating myself to a couple of nights in my favourite hotel!

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GrishainDisguise · 28/06/2020 14:23

We are going to London in August. If nothing else, it is a change of scenery. We hope to go museums and parks. We chose a hotel with self-catering facilities just in case.

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LucyLikesDiamonds · 28/06/2020 14:26

@Flyingagainstreason that's what I had envisioned, we love the parks, St James' and Kensington Palace Gardens and if the weather is great we love nothing more than spending an afternoon at one or the other.

I can imagine it's quite pleasant at the moment without the usual crowds, although I don't actually mind that.

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Gatr · 28/06/2020 14:28

Its worth noting many of the theatres arent open (lots have cancelled shows uo till christmas)

Personally i would consider it but if you have a good cancellation policy, where should the situation chage you can get your money back eg you are told to isolate as part of thr track and trace, local restrictions are put in place or restrictions change in general

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Gatr · 28/06/2020 14:28

But only if *

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LucyLikesDiamonds · 28/06/2020 14:30

@Gatr good advise.

We were supposed to go earlier in the year and managed to get refunds on everything, eventually.

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LucyLikesDiamonds · 28/06/2020 14:31

@Flyingagainstreason might need to check out the more luxurious hotels rather than our usual Premier Inn.

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bigcatlittlecatcardboardbox · 28/06/2020 14:32

We live in central - it's quite nice at the moment and I imagine will be better in August. Still relatively quiet and there's a nice sense of neighbourliness, (despite our neighbours having parties every night...).

As pp said restaurants are doing take away, as are the pubs, and we have so many lovely green spaces to enjoy them in. I've got tables booked at my three favourite places over the next four weeks, so things are reopening.

You just might not be able to do any of the 'touristy' things. But there's much more to London than Oxford Street and Waterloo embankment Grin

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zingally · 28/06/2020 14:35

I don't think it's an unreasonable idea... I'm thinking of doing the same thing, but more like end of Aug/beginning of Sept.

I usually go down to London a couple of weekends a year, to take in a few shows and just mooch around. Of course, shows are unlikely to be up and running by then, but you never know, some might.
Hotel prices will probably be less than usual as well, so I could swing a night or two in my favourite swanky hotel. Usually only book a day or two ahead, so will see what the virus is doing, and how I feel, MUCH nearer the time.

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LucyLikesDiamonds · 28/06/2020 14:35

@bigcatlittlecatcardboardbox that's a thought, I imagine restaurants and pubs etc will be much harder just to pop into, rather we would need to pre-book at many places.

Love sitting at Byron's in Kensington watching the world go by - I'm a cheap date!

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canigooutyet · 28/06/2020 14:35

Go for it.
Public transport you have to wear a mask, but get the hotel in a decent area and you can avoid it. Lots of tube stations also have hand gel.

Get looking on hotel sites now, many have got some amazing deals. I live here but I've still got a 4 star hotel booked soon for a fraction of the cost, a weekend in July and some nights in August. Love my teen but I need a break from him haha.

Only downside is there will be a reduction in the facilities available, but the one I've booked on their opening night have said guests won't be disappointed even with the reduced price. Before I booked I emailed a couple of specific queries I had.

Even travelodge are going from £40 a night depending how long in advance you book.

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TheLette · 28/06/2020 14:36

I live in zone 2/3. I haven't traveled into central London since March and don't plan on doing so anytime soon, the tube doesn't feel like a good place to avoid a dangerous virus. Local high streets are heaving with people on furlough etc so not a nice place to be. I personally would go somewhere else. If we go out for the day we drive away from London and find somewhere nice in the countryside.

Also if you like cultural stuff check if places are even open. I've been checking the Tate website and there's nothing yet about when they are opening.

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milienhaus · 28/06/2020 14:38

Shows are definitely not going to be back for August/September, and I would count on museums either... but restaurants and pubs should be running and if you just want the parks then sounds reasonable enough.

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LucyLikesDiamonds · 28/06/2020 14:38

@canigooutyet I need to be more adventurous with my hotel choice really, as it's a special occasion.

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milienhaus · 28/06/2020 14:39

*wouldn’t

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canigooutyet · 28/06/2020 14:39

Self catering isn't needed. Take aways have been open in London throughout lock down. Just Eat, Deliveroo and UberEats are all working.

Although greedy bastards McDonalds have delivery at £4.99 on Uber which through their own pricing should be free or 49p at most.

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UltimateWednesday · 28/06/2020 14:41

I'm not planning to use the Tube any time soon, but if you just want to wander around London (by far the best way to see it anyway) there'll never be a better time.

Restaurants and bars, not so sure but if you stay and eat in an hotel, I've have thought you'll be fine.

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DisobedientHamster · 28/06/2020 14:41

Go for it! Sick of fucking countryside and beaches and fucking walks. Sounds a great idea.

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