To think DH cant come to this

Some hotels charge a small surcharge for a second occupant. As long as you don't seek reimbursement for that, you should be fine.

Honestly, thousands of people including schoolchildren use the tube in London every day, I think you'd be ok! Take DH if you want to but don't worry about travelling around London on your own, it's absolutely fine

I’d definitely take DH along for the company. It’s pretty normal for spouses to tag along and stay in the hotel whist their partner's working.

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

Personally, I can’t stand going to London. I find it too noisy and overcrowded although we go there regularly to visit the adult DC. I will go on my own but much prefer to travel with someone for company.

I think there are a few points here to consider:

1. @KatieBr do you want him to come? Does it not disrupt staying with your child or is the kid old enough to be alone for one night?
2. Would he give you the flexibility to do what you want on the time away from work? or would you find your self babysitting him or being dragged to do things HE wants to do in London?
3. What are the locations you have to visit? Any of us Londoners in MN can help and it's not that hard!
4. AND finally... bloody hell, some people here sound like my late MIL, she used to diss London so much my DH looked for jobs anywhere in the UK but London until he realised his mum was talking bollocks and finally moved to London

Not in my company

People do it all the Time

Surely @araiwa is making a point that we can’t know OP’s employer’s policy on the matter. The sarcasm has been lost as it’s not quite what OP was asking which was more “what’s the norm?” I think? Lots of people join their partners @KatieBr. I’ve joined my DH on his work-related travels and him on mine but I’d check with your company anyway just in case.

I can’t help focussing on the fact you say you were ‘fine with going to London’ until your DH introduced the idea you should feel differently. It smacks of control dressed up as concern. It’s not great to have either someone else’s limitations limit your own confidence or someone else gaslighting you that you’re not capable so they can come along and keep an eye on you. I hope it’s not one of those two reasons (especially the latter), if it is then I would tell him he can’t come!

London is fine to explore on your own, no one bats an eyelid if you want a table for one and contrary to many people’s ideas a lot of people will help you out if you’re not sure where to go, plus there are loads of apps like City Mapper which help. You’d be absolutely fine on your own.

My DH and I have done this many times - never considered it as an issue in any way. Who would know? I would just do it and wouldn’t give it another thought. Don’t book a single room though!

Is your DH normally this controlling?

More like he's cheap and didn't want to pay for me! It gave me a bigger budget to spend whilst he was working though and I may have had a few visits to Tiffany......

This is ridiculous. Children in Year 7 take the tube independently in London. Does he have form for being controlling?

To add, I did a solo mini break to London last summer. Bliss.

I stayed in Covent Garden, went on a bike tour of London, went to the theatre, made a trip to Kew garden, walked round Chelsea and Kensington. It was lovely. I traveled exclusively by the tube and the Uber clipper (boat up and down Thames).

please don’t let you strange, sexist, belittling husband limit your world! It’s 2024 - women can use public transport unaccompanied😂

I'm sure its OK for your H to come.
This thing about the tube is really weird though. You know that large numbers of people get the tube into and through central London every single day? What do you (does he) think is going to happen?

I have travelled down to London by myself a number of times, both for work and leisure.

Don't worry about getting around - it's really easy to navigate, and I say that as someone with absolutely no sense of direction and a terrible working memory (autistic, ADHD, dyspraxic). The tube map is easy to read and google maps is really reliable for live bus information.

I have been to the theatre alone, I have gone to pop-up events and designer sample sales; London has such a good atmosphere, even just mooching around the shops or going for a walk around a park is a nice way to spend a day. Last time I booked a table at Hawksmoor and took myself out for a Sunday roast and cocktail. Nobody batted an eye!

Yes just read this update from OP. What a weird thing for the DH to say. London is just another city, maybe bigger but so what?. With all the usual mix of lovely, average and not so nice people. If you keep your wits about you, there's no issue at all.

On 3 weeks of the year.

You husband sounds like and undermining arsehole!!

school kids get the tube in central London. I go for business all the time. It’s very easy!

why would you not be able to navigate a simple form of public transport?

Don't be ridiculous.

Lots of companies allow this.

It is kinda hilarious that the OP’s husband seems to imagine that every woman in London is accompanied by a male escort every time she steps beyond her front door.

Or maybe not.

(I suspect he’s both envious and fearful of this new opportunity for you, @KatieBr, and is using ‘the dangerous Tube network’ as his most persuasive argument for being taken with you. Just so you don’t begin to enjoy too much freedom.)

My cousin does that - home and abroad. Just pays for transport and meals.

Why would you husband think a grown woman wouldn't be able to handle the tube?

Hang on, child free implies that you have a child. Does he want to leave your child with someone else so he can come and babysit you?

If you’re happy for your husband to come, great but don’t be intimidated being in central London alone. Just use Google maps. My 13 year old and his mates wander round there all the time safely and happily. Whereabouts are you staying we can prob help you get around

Or just northern? (i say that as northern myself)

reminds me of that video compliation of coronation street characters being horrified by the concept of someone going to "THAT LONDON!"

LOL I kinda meant the reception desk staff - not sure what they like to call themselves these days!

Is your husband controlling? or does he just think you are feeble? Would you question your husbands ability to navigate London with your guidance?