Visiting London at the moment

[ByTheLightOfTheSilveryMoon]

DD and her friend, both ASD in their 20s, are due to visit London next Saturday to see a show and a couple of shops on Oxford Street. Just a day trip.

This trip has been planned within an inch and they are both very much looking forward to it - it's a 3.5 hour train ride away.

Both myself and friend's parents are becoming increasingly concerned Bout the protests but I'm wondering if we're just being a bit precious as this is the first time either have ventured out so far.

Can I ask for any opinions please, isolated line parent/carer here

You're being precious. Should be easy enough to avoid protests. We're going next weekend.

The main issues they will have is rain, train cancellations, tube works and roadworks normally caused by Thames Water.

I don't think they're in any danger from the protests, but there could easily be something which closes a tube station (Oxford Circus often closes temporarily for overcrowding anyway) - perhaps show them how they can find an alternative route if needed - presuming they're quite fit and in sensible shoes, they could walk from Oxford Street to most of the major stations anyway.

The CityMapper app is great for travel around London - well worth them downloading that.

I kind of figured I was, it's just hard when second guessing yourself all the time

I am in London this weekend. Came out of the National Portrait Gallery into the thick of it but it was fine. Very busy and noisy but we managed to get a tube from Embankment right by Trafalgar Square no problem.

There are tube closures next weekend I think so just make sure they can find an alternative. Walking is best if it’s doable as there were some roads closed today so no buses.

Ahh I wouldn't say you're being 'precious', just concerned.

But other than possible train disruption, I'm sure they'll be fine.

Make sure they download the TFL Go app on their phones.

Neither of them want to get the tube so will use buses/taxis. I will have a look at that app and go through it with DD that is

Neither of them want to get the tube so will use buses/taxis. I will have a look at that app and go through it with DD that is

Tell them to also checkout the Uber Riverboat taxis, they're a great way to travel and quite reasonably priced.

I think that's my main worry - if roads were closed so no bus/taxi option. DD is capable of walking the distance required but I'm not sure she'd cope with the traffic/people etc. I'll make sure we go over that as well thanks

They'll be fine. London is busy and loud. They could feel mental overload with the hustle and bustle. They may want some plans for if they get separated and to consider noise cancelling headphones.

Londoner here- I've come across many protests in my time here, and been part of a few. I've never seen anything violent or untoward. I think this is rare, I wouldn't worry about it.

Their 20 ????

My 13 year old manages to navigate London , I’m sure she will be fine.

Did you miss the mentuon of ASD in the OP? Are you generally this self-righteous and judgmental about autism?

@Vriddle

didn’t read that bit .and yes youngest is autistic have plenty of knowledge thanks.

still think at 20 they will be fine,

try not to be offended on behalf of other people , get yourself a life other than being a virtual signaller on mumsnet.

OP, there are always cafes and museums where they can find a quiet corner to relax if they are feeling overwhelmed.

They will have no trouble avoiding any protests, I should think. I hope they have fun!

You say they don’t want to use the tube - but it can be by far the fastest and most straightforward if there are delays to buses because of road closures and the protests. Saturday is armistice day and there are events associated with that too. I would make sure they know how to use the tube in case.

If you have an autistic child, you’ll know the mantra “if you know one autistic person, you know one autistic person”. There’s no need to be rude or condescending to someone who’s trying to be helpful.

OP - I took my two DSes to London last week and didn’t notice any significant difference, except for near parliament square, which was busier than I remember. Maybe show your daughter a map, and explain that the roads that run parallel to the main thoroughfares are generally quieter. I also always advise mine that if they are worried/anxious/confused, they can call me and I’ll help them work out. I hope she has a brilliant time.

With all due respect, I was offended by your post. You don't know my DD and surely if your youngest is autistic then you understand that everyone is affected differently. Just because DD is in her 20s doesn't mean she's had the same life experiences as her peers. Far from it in fact. You are probably right in that she will be fine, but please don't assume that is purely down to her age as I find that quite ablest.

We've been here all day and have avoided all protests without even really trying - we saw one man in a coffee shop wearing a pro-Palestine hat but that's it. She'll be fine, try not to worry.

Avoid Oxford Street, advise them to go shopping further west like South Ken or Westfield Shepherds Bush. Avoid T Square, Whitehall and the Westminster Estate. Stations are being occupied, but the BTP are on top of that.

I would encourage them to use the Tube I know they don't want to but if they don't like crowds they might have to. If they don't like noise ear defenders or noise cancelling headphones might help? Don't get on buses in central London they take too long, especially around Westminster and the West End.. Experienced black taxi drivers are good at avoiding traffic hotspots, but are pricey.

No need for a new app, if she already uses Google maps or the iPhone equivalent that will work fine in London as they do abroad and everywhere else.

Thanks @DodgyDiagram she is so excited, I think she's also quite proud of herself for even attempting it. They have done all the planning, researched the best routes etc and have fabulous seats for their show. I just hope she doesn't need to speak to anyone other than her friend as that would definitely put a spanner in the works!

Next Saturday is the Lord Mayor's Show. The procession takes place in the City, but might have a knock-on impact on traffic and bus routes that run into the West End.

Oh they’ll be grand, you just walk around them

Check train cancellations though

Headphones or earplugs if they are likely to be overwhelmed by sound - that said my dd coped ok if she's on a mission, she regularly takes the national express and goes to Covent Garden (opera)