To think DH cant come to this

In light of this, I'd definitely recommend going on your own. It's central London, not Mordor.

This made me snort laughing

@Hello98765 Where else in the UK can you see the same range & calibre of theatre and art?

Edinburgh.

Especially in August when it hosts the largest and most diverse festivals in the entire world.

The Fringe is only surpassed by the Olympics and the football World Cup in terms of ticketed events.

London who?

Same. Home educate and we’ve all gone before.

Check with your company on policies, but don't see a problem really.

Also, depends on your company but with ours there is a loose expectation of networking/socialising with colleagues while visiting so probably best to check with line manager it is ok.

We have sometimes have spouses joining us at after work meals etc and it can be a bit awkward when discussion work related topics or when the bill comes and the person who brought their spouse needs to be asked to pay for them separately.

She's already said she has free time which is why she wants her DH to come.

I find it a little too convenient that your partner has told you he "has to work immediately" on trips. Nearly every trip I've been on, there's been time to relax and enjoy an evening dinner/morning after/extra day at least. Often more. I would wonder why he doesn't want you with him?

100% fine

Its not scary but if you are not used to it then I don't see an issue with you husband tagging along. My DH did exactly this many years ago. My work had scheduled me on a late flight getting into London about 11pm at night. He paid his own flights and food. Next day I attended my course, he visited a few museums and at the end of the day we few back home again.

Really???

How does he think people commute every day? I was doing that from 16.

And I travelled all by myself, staying in hotels on business from when I was 20.

Why does he think you won't cope?

We do, and I normally get cross with Londoncentric nonsense. In this case though it’s objectively just as interesting to go to London as, say Berlin, or Amsterdam, or Rome…
It’s not suggesting it’s the only place with culture. It’s saying it’s got interesting culture to visit, as you would anywhere else you visited. Unless you never leave your home town/city at all, I guess.

I spent the weekend in central London with DD. We've been many times. What does he think happens to people who go on the tube alone?? 😂

Agree.

I think it must vary a lot industry to industry from the replies. I've travelled with my DH on work trips frequently and it's usual for maybe about half of those attending to have partners with them. In fact I've been to a few of his work events where trios (optional and paid for ourselves) are arranged for partners. Certainly not seen as unprofessional!

I'm the case of the Op it sounds like she's only expected to attend a daytime event so as long as he does his own thing then it seems likely it'd be fine. The issue of him seeming to consider her incapable is a different point though.

Someone up thread said Londoners will help you out. That's v true - I have been on the tube and lots of times people have asked me is this the tube to e.g. Knightsbridge etc

We might look serious but we're quite a friendly bunch 😀

I'm surprised that it's a controversial suggestion, too, and I'd say the same for all of the capitals of the constituent countries of the UK.

OP - I think it's fine for your DH to come, but I would say this. Maybe as it's the first one, go alone. It just looks a bit 'green' (not sure if that's the right word) taking your DH with you because neither of you have been to London before. Take him next time.

Be independent and enjoy being alone in a great city. London - especially central - is as safe as any other uK city and a piece of piss to navigate.

If that 'green' thing sounds judgy, I'm sorry. I don't judge you for both wanting to see London, but there might be people at your work being a bit eye-rolly if he comes on your first trip away.

Just my thoughts.

Personally I've never asked if my DH can come. I think it's looks unprofessional, like you're trying to get a free mini-break out of work. When a guy brings his wife it also says "cheater and she does't trust him" in my view (have definitely seen this with at least 2 of my managers). I wouldn't ask, just go by yourself, you'll be fine.

It's funny how defensive some people are about this.

No one has said that everyone should want to move to London.

Just that it does merit a one-time trip if you live in the UK.

Really not a radical suggestion.

If you like the idea then just tell your husband you've asked and the company said no! He'll never know

Lol ok
We have culture in the rest of the UK you know, and we don't live on McDonalds either

There’s also a big difference between “It might be less daunting if I am there with you” and “you can’t take the tube by yourself”.

Also, why does someone have to live in London to form the entirely reasonable view that the tube is safe and navigable for a lone adult woman? It’s not one of those things that is widely believed to be terrifying, like going on a rollercoaster or diving with sharks.

Every company I've ever worked for has allowed this

I frequently accompany DH on work trips. It’s always a double occupancy room so doesn’t cost us any more than extra travel/ food costs. Breakfast is usually included for 2 people.

I am floored that adults born and living in the UK have never visited London
I’ve never been and I’m 59
its not on my list of places I need to visit before I die.

I’m assuming all those posters suggesting that her DH is controlling live in London or are used to spending time there?

@PinkIcedCream I think people are questioning it because OP said she was fine going to London until he introduced doubt. It depends whether he’s saying “I’d love to come too if it’s OK” or “you shouldn’t be going on your own because you’re not capable/I don’t trust you”. If OP really wants to take him then that’s different.

Things can always be arranged if people are willing. It's not unheard of for partners to join their other half away in a hotel whilst working. It's not a big deal! HOWEVER! the main contention here is that OP does not sound like she wants her DH to come. This is the real problem. From the 1st post it came across as DH coming was a bit of an unwanted intrusion and a nuisance and that's a separate thread to unpack.