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Original poster

Going to London for 3 days, alone

116 replies

LondonAloneAmIOk · 17/07/2023 18:00

DC (aged 9) will be away for the week with Scouts, so was planning to do the middle 3 days in London. Which is about 250 miles from me.

I was super excited, leisurely train down there, wander around once I’ve dropped my bag at the hotel, eat wherever I want at whatever time I want. I can have the spicest food or fish if I want it (neither of which my DC eats).

Then back to the hotel to watch Netflix on my laptop and have a long leisurely shower. Sleep.

Have breakfast in the hotel, head to some museums and art galleries, eat wherever I want again. Maybe catch a matinee or evening show. Back for a shower and a sleep before heading back home again after breakfast the next morning.

But my parents keep telling me it’s unsafe to do it alone, and I should take a friend or one of them. But that means changing dates or compromising what I do. They keep saying it's unsafe to be a lone female in such a big city and I should consider a hotel closer to home or going down by bus because someone will know I'm there and I'm missing if I go missing.

If I want to spend 3 days not talking to anyone but hotel staff I can or if I want to stroll back to the hotel at 10pm (I probably won’t) I can, or if I want to sleep in until 10am I can. If I want to forget to brush my teeth or wear the same clothes as the day before I can, because I won’t have a 9yo watching me.

I very rarely get so long away from my DC. Last time I got this amount of time away from them I was still with their dad and they went away together for 3 days/2 nights.

I am happy to share my hotel details with them, and I will turn location settings on on my phone which my sibling knows how to use and track, but I really want to go alone but now I'm doubting myself and thinking I might be better off not going.

OP posts:
TakeMe2Insanity · 17/07/2023 18:02

Go! You’ll have a lovely time.

SuperLoudPoppingAction · 17/07/2023 18:03

If you're going to London in the 1870s, you might consider a chaperone.
Otherwise, you'll be fine.
I'm much more worried in my small town at night than I am in London with lots of people around.
I wouldn't want my family tracking my movements either.

Nowitstarts · 17/07/2023 18:04

I live semi rurally about an hour outside London and and love a solo trip in for the Theatre etc

The only part where I feel a bit unsafe is the trip home from the station at this end. I never feel at risk in central London, even at night, feel very safe walking or on the tube.

LooseInTheCity · 17/07/2023 18:04

They’re being ridiculous.

8 million people live in London and half of them are women, most of whom happily and safely get around the city.

Enjoy your break!

DressQuery · 17/07/2023 18:05

Ridiculous! You’ll have a great time. I’m very jealous.

Magicshoppingtrolley · 17/07/2023 18:05

Go!! I would love to do this! I used to get to go once a year with work and would love wandering round or catching a show in my free time.

YallaYallaaa · 17/07/2023 18:05

Your parents realise that women live in London, right?

Zippedydodah · 17/07/2023 18:05

Go!
I’m much older than you and planning a few days in London in October or November so I can wander around the V&A, Nat Portrait Gallery etc without anyone moaning that they’re bored (DH…)
I will do whatever I like for a whole 72 hours at least and I can’t wait!

Yarnorama · 17/07/2023 18:05

London is fabulous for a solo trip!

You will have a great time, don't listen to her!

Nowitstarts · 17/07/2023 18:05

I feel excited for you OP, you'll have a fabulous time and honestly a lone woman doesn't stand out at all in London.

JassyRadlett · 17/07/2023 18:06

Oh I came onto this thread FULL of ideas of what you could do with a glorious three days in London to yourself! What a joy and a luxury - and I say that even though I live here!

Your family are being ridiculous, and I suspect you know that. The bits of London you're likely to be staying in and visiting are incredibly safe. Loads of people around at all hours. I feel much safer in central London than walking through my (leafy, affluent) suburban streets at night, because it's so much quieter near home.

Please don't let their weird prejudices stop you! And if you can get tickets to Operation Mincemeat then definitely go, it's exceptional.

corlan · 17/07/2023 18:06

Go and have a wonderful time!

Bimblepops · 17/07/2023 18:06

That sounds like an absolutely perfect mini-break! You’ll be absolutely fine in London, lived here all my life, never had a problem. Hope you have a brilliant time!

Lo89 · 17/07/2023 18:07

I think they watch too many wild news stories I live in London and if your not involved in a seedy lifestyle your fine.

Just like anywhere there is always a possibility of just being in an unfortunate situation.

London is busy and vibrant you will have a great time 👍🏽

youaintmymother · 17/07/2023 18:07

One of my favourite breaks ever was a solo weekend trip to Berlin. You will love it! Go!

Moveoverdarlin · 17/07/2023 18:07

They’re being absurd. You’ll be fine!

rubyslippers · 17/07/2023 18:09

LondonAloneAmIOk · 17/07/2023 18:00

DC (aged 9) will be away for the week with Scouts, so was planning to do the middle 3 days in London. Which is about 250 miles from me.

I was super excited, leisurely train down there, wander around once I’ve dropped my bag at the hotel, eat wherever I want at whatever time I want. I can have the spicest food or fish if I want it (neither of which my DC eats).

Then back to the hotel to watch Netflix on my laptop and have a long leisurely shower. Sleep.

Have breakfast in the hotel, head to some museums and art galleries, eat wherever I want again. Maybe catch a matinee or evening show. Back for a shower and a sleep before heading back home again after breakfast the next morning.

But my parents keep telling me it’s unsafe to do it alone, and I should take a friend or one of them. But that means changing dates or compromising what I do. They keep saying it's unsafe to be a lone female in such a big city and I should consider a hotel closer to home or going down by bus because someone will know I'm there and I'm missing if I go missing.

If I want to spend 3 days not talking to anyone but hotel staff I can or if I want to stroll back to the hotel at 10pm (I probably won’t) I can, or if I want to sleep in until 10am I can. If I want to forget to brush my teeth or wear the same clothes as the day before I can, because I won’t have a 9yo watching me.

I very rarely get so long away from my DC. Last time I got this amount of time away from them I was still with their dad and they went away together for 3 days/2 nights.

I am happy to share my hotel details with them, and I will turn location settings on on my phone which my sibling knows how to use and track, but I really want to go alone but now I'm doubting myself and thinking I might be better off not going.

I cannot believe you’re doubting going
it sounds heavenly
so they usually sabotage your plans? Sounds really weird and controlling that they don’t want you to go away on your own
London is a wonderful and vibrant city - I visited as a teen alone as well as NYC
im currently on a solo trip. IMO once you’re a parent childfree time is a wonderful luxury and should be thoroughly enjoyed
have a fabulous time

MrsDanversGlidesAgain · 17/07/2023 18:10

OP - it's London, not cartel run Mexico. Go, and have a great time. Lived here most of my life, never had a problem. I assume you'll be in central London, where there are always people around, and contrary to what you might have been told, Londoners are pretty friendly and approachable.

jay55 · 17/07/2023 18:11

I live here alone, all the time, no bodyguard.

You do need to be aware of pickpockets and scammers in busy areas but you'll be absolutely fine.

Porageeater · 17/07/2023 18:11

They are being very daft. It’ll be great. I’m jealous!

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 17/07/2023 18:12

Sounds fab!!!

What do they think women who live in London do? Never walk around alone?

Knackeredmommy · 17/07/2023 18:14

You'll be fine! Enjoy yourself.

Original poster
LondonAloneAmIOk · 17/07/2023 18:14

Thanks everyone, all excited again now.

I've not had a holiday since 2020 either, DC has been on holidays with scouts and school so this is a little bit of something for me.

OP posts:
GarlicGrace · 17/07/2023 18:15

Your family's bonkers!

Like millions of women, I lived in London on my own for years. I commuted to work, explored all sorts of places, went out, got drunk, walked all over, went to restaurants, cafes and bars by myself as well as theatres, museums and galleries. I still miss London. It is, contrary to some expectations, a friendly city and overflowing with interests & culture.

Safety's the same as anywhere: don't leave your possessions unattended, keep your handbag closed, don't wander around parks at night (they are safe, but it would be harder to get help if you needed it) and don't get into cars with strangers.

Have a lovely time!

Bumcake · 17/07/2023 18:15

Your plans sounds blissful, do it and enjoy yourself.

I live in London and manage to get out unchaperoned very regularly, I’m not sure what your parents are making such a meal of.