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 not being precious, ignore that.
I should think a lot of the roads will be closed & traffic will be even worse than usual.
The Disney store to Theatre Royal is walkable but you’d be best to do her a map using the back street ( the big marches tend to stick to the big main roads)
Ive just been looking at Disney to theatre - I’ve missed what station you’re coming in to & how you’ll get to Oxford st?

There's a Disney exhibition at Excel I understand * missed point of thread

We live in London and went central the weekend just gone. No issues at all. Just avoid the Whitehall area if you're worried.

Is there still a Disney Store in Covent Garden?

Update after googling: no! Sorry

OP I don’t think you’re being precious at all. You are carefully and sensibly planning. I also wanted to say well done for supporting your DD to do this - there could be a temptation to worry and advise her against trying. I hope she and her friend have a great time.
I’ve just been in London this weekend - but away from the central areas so nothing I can add really.

I’m a Londoner, should be fine but I’d advise walking back streets - we do this on normal days as Oxford street is an arse to walk down (crowds).

For reassurance, the back streets will have shops, housing, offices etc just aren’t on main road.

Could you possible explain the route please? I am getting a bit lost with google maps. If they have a list of street names I think that would be easier.

Oh the temptation is strong to simply say no, you're not going

Is she comfortable/confident with using Google Maps on her phone? I'd plan to use that to walk from Disney to Theatre Royal. City Mapper is also good, but Google Maps is perfectly fine for walks. If she doesn't want to use the tube then she shouldn't. The tube is quick, but Oxford Circus station can be hell on a November Saturday and the last thing she needs is trying to cope with a new form of transport where you're trapped if you change your mind or something bad happens.

Pro tip: I'd advise downloading a map of Central London to Google Maps on her phone in advance while on home Wi-Fi. That way she'll still have access to it if her 4G is a bit iffy.

There’s a strike on some of the travel network this coming weekend:-

https://tfl.gov.uk/campaign/strikes

Get her to take a power bank and charger, Caffè Nero etc allow you to charge if you buy coffee there.

I would strongly advise them to be careful with bags, phones whilst out as there have been pickpockets/bag snatchers in busy areas.

I’ve googled it and will do my best to list route!

from Disney store walk behind it to A5204 to Tottenham Court Road.
Turn right into Tottenham Court Road (will have people but won’t be frantic busy).

OR then cross Tottenham Court Road onto Gower St and walk down to theatre.

Google says about 40min walk - it’s prob quicker, but defo quicker than walking down Oxford St crowds on a normal evening or sat.

plug the above into a map and it should make sense (there are turn offs that would make it even shorter but this message is already long/confusing!)

there are eateries shops etc along the routes - they aren’t ‘dead’ roads.

I would strongly advise them to be careful with bags, phones whilst out as there have been pickpockets/bag snatchers in busy areas.

That's standard advice at any time in London. There will always be pickpockets and bag dippers in busy tourist areas.

Don't carry valuables in a backpack
Use a cross-body bag and keep it at the front
Keep your bag securely zipped and fastened
In a cafe, don't put it on the floor or hang it on the back of the chair. Keep it on your lap.

Yes but it’s worse around Christmas time as the thieves know more tourists/shoppers will be out and maybe less on their guard.

I’ve known and been the victim of this and it’s no fun. Where I worked last year we were warned (central London) that thieves were on escooters and mopeds targeting mobile phones to steal.

If they were generally concerned there will be loads of police around to ask. Or just normal people who would help. But I think it would be ok. It’s hard to explain just how many demonstrations there are in London ALL the time. I know these are big but it’s well under control.
My dd was on the south bank last week with a friend last year and they noticed a man following them. So they walked up to a group of women - my age apparently - and told them. These lovely women glared at the man then walked my dd and her friend to the station.
I think this will do them good. If they’re lost or worried they can just ask someone.

The new route for the Palestinian March tomorrow has been announced. Sorry I don't know how to link but you can Google it. I would advise your daughter to avoid Park Lane, Hyde Park Corner, Grosvenor Place, Victoria, Vauxhall Bridge Road, Vauxhall Bridge.

Protesters have been told to use Oxford Circus, Bond St, Marble Arch and Hyde Park Corner tube stations. So those areas will be busy late morning before the march and late afternoon after it.

Hi OP, I've just sent you a DM.

Did your DD and her friend come to London today? Hope all goes well for them.

DM'd you back @HerculesMulligan

They did! And are currently in the theatre as we speak They decided to omit the DIsney Store for this trip and go straight to M&M World before heading to the theatre. No problems, they have both done amazingly well.

So well that they are already planning an overnight trip next time - I am quite anxious over how much they are planning on spending in the Disney Store in that scenario - in terms of both time and money

Glad to hear it's going well and wishing them a safe journey home.

Checking in and hoping it all went very well indeed.

Thanks @HerculesMulligan yes, they had a fabulous day thank you. Managed a couple of slightly tricky situations very well and really enjoyed themselves. Thank you so much for your support

OP you must be so proud of them and imagine what a boost to their confidence this has been for them! Well done them!

So pleased for you and them OP! Well done for supporting them, this must have been a challenge for you too ❤️