Trip to London and feeling anxious, help!

[Beebatron]

DH randomly booked a hotel for me in London as I've had a rotten time recently and I've wanted a solo trip to London to do museums etc for a long time. However now he's done it I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and anxious, so for those of you who live in London can you help me get my head around using the tube? Do you just use contactless or will I need an oyster card? I'll also need to get a bus from Archway to Highgate cemetery on Tuesday morning and I've never used a London bus. Do you use money or contactless?
Sorry for the silly questions but I'm feeling quite anxious and overwhelmed about it all!

Archway to Highgate Cemetery I'd get the C11 bus. Or a cab, it's not that far and worth the reassurance. Use FreeNow or Gett

I'm going to go against the grain op and advice you to get an oyster card or a daily travel ticket. If you don't know London and dither at the barriers you will be a target to dip. It doesn't matter if you lose your oyster or day ticket. It does matter if you lose your bank card.

London is fabulous - the tube is easy - just follow the colours in the street map. However, people move fast and you aren't street wise it will show. It doesn't matter if you aren't but keep safeguards in place. ID in different places (bum bag, cross body), cash in two places, etc, bank cards in different places).

I have never been to Highgate Cemetery. More a SW London person. Do see if you have time to visit Regents Park. It is lovely.

An Uber will be about £10-12 from Finsbury Park to the cemetry

bus £3.30 return
tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/results?InputFrom=Finsbury+Park&FromId=1000083&InputTo=Highgate+Cemetery%2C+Swain%27s+Lane%2C+London%2C+UK&To=Highgate+Cemetery%2C+Swain%27s+Lane%2C+London%2C+UK&ToId=51.56692886352539%2C-0.14707089960575104
Highgate is lovely, they'll be plenty of people willing to help with directions.

I often go to places I don't know in London, I don't have any of the apps mentioned I just Google them and click Directions. And decide which option I fancy- the bus is nicer than the tube but can be slower. Have a great time OP.

Please feel free to ask someone for help (obviously use your judgement in doing so). I am often asked for directions and am delighted to help.

Definitely worth getting onto a guided tour of Highgate Cemetery if you can-the guides really know their stuff and are usually pretty eccentric (in a good way)

Wear light weight clothes it's going to be very warm if you're going this week

Hi OP,

I live very near Highgate cemetery - it’s one of my favourite places in London.

The tour of the old cemetery is quite hilly / uneven under foot - let your guide know you have mobility issues as they may be able to point out shortcuts or places you can sit down. The new side of the cemetery is much flatter and easier to walk around.

Lots of nice cafes in Highgate and in Finsbury Park for eating out. Have a wonderful time!

I'll also need to get a bus from Archway to Highgate cemetery on Tuesday morning and I've never used a London bus. Do you use money or contactless?

This isn't very far if it's a nice day and you're physically able I'd walk. Have a nice drink or food in The Flask after ☺️

C11

I'll also need to get a bus from Archway to Highgate cemetery on Tuesday morning

This isn't very far if it's a nice day and you're physically able I'd walk.

It isn't far, but it is quite a steep hill. I am physically able, but generally take the bus up and walk back down. And look out for Dick Whittington's cat on the way. (I realise this is too late for the op, but might be useful for anyone else who comes across this thread.)

Well I did it! Got the bus from my hotel and everything. Quite proud of myself really as a few years ago my anxiety was too bad to even consider a trip like this. Highgate was incredible, got genuinely choked up by it. Worth the wait for sure. The tube is so easy once you get the hang of it too and now there's contactless for everything. My feet have completely given up the ghost now though so quite looking forward to getting in to my own bed.
Thanks for the help everyone I had a lovely time.

Well done, OP!

I love going out and about in London, I even love the Tube, so I'm always pleased to hear of someone else having a good day out there.

Glad you had a great day

Wonderful!
This and another thread on screen time for toddlers have reminded me how useful accountability and advice can be. Being able to run through the options, find out how something works through other people’s experiences in advance can be really empowering.
Put your feet up!

Aah well done, OP! Beautiful day for it too!

But you will probably be travelling against the commuter crowds.

Make sure you use the same contactless card all day, to get the daily cap price.

If the tube or train barrier is open, tap anyway. If it doesn’t register you tapping out it will assume you went to the very end of the line and charge accordingly.

Which museums and sights will you visit? You will have a FAB time!

That’s great, OP!

Haha missed your update! Glad that you DID have a fab time 👍🏼

Well done OP!