AIBU to go to London alone?

[Texfactor]

Hi Mumsnet!
You've all been so brilliant in the past with advice & suggestions.
Weekend in Camden planned for weeks & weeks with one of my best friends from another part of UK. She has today been struck down with horrendous sickness bug. Feel so gutted that she can't make it. She's in a really bad way. Really feel for her.
Hotel booked. Family looking after DD. Neighbour looking after dog.
I have nobody to take her place due to the short notice but feel like I really want to go but feel a bit bad..and guilty...but also still bit excited & like I'm 25 again. Want to make the best from an unexpected & cramp situation...
Am nearly 40. Exhausted. Single parent. Never get 'weekends off'
I am currently doing O.L.D... Should I try & meet up with someone in the eve?
Really into health & fitness so thinking gym, maybe yoga In the day.
Am taking DD up on the train tomorrow to my sisters. Free woman from 3pm... WWYD?
Not sure why I feel guilty. AIBU to still go?

Where is the hotel? In Camden itself? If so do the markets, Regent's Park if you want a run. Where were you going to go to the gym? Is it part of the hotel? If so use it but as part of your bigger day. If not we can all suggest you FAR better things to do than paying for gym use on a precious weekend away!

So jealous! Go, have a brilliant time!

Go go go!

I'm a single mum too and have become an expert at solo travel.

Whatever takes your fancy. Museums, markets, park, pub terrace people watching....

This is the universe telling you you deserve it and to go for it! You will meet lovely people just having a chat.

I had the same dilemma in July but with Blackpool. Booked a hotel and train tickets for me and a mate and she couldnt go so I went on my own and absolutely loved it! Just what I needed. Everyone I knew thought I was bonkers but a lot said they wish they had the guts to do on their own . Go ! Make sure your phone is charged though and have a bit of independance you won't regret it :) I cant wait to do it again !

Gogogogo! And have a wonderful time but do check in and out with a friend if you do old

Fuck yeh - do it do it do it!!!!

Do it!

Hi all
Wow such brilliant suggestions - thank you ! Am Defo going. And yeah, why do I want to go to the gym? !!
I'm there from 3pm Fri Til Sat eve. Now meeting an old friend for dinner Fri night which is great. Staying in Camden next to Stables market.
Thanks again for the encouragement & suggestions

Id be packing. This city is fantastic. The weather will be awesome. Enjoy.

There's an exhibition on at the Natural History Museum called Colour and Vision that sounds really interesting. Kew Gardens will also be amazing at this time of year, or Chiswick House.

I go to London about twice a year on my own. Have done for years. I've gone several times to Amsterdam on my own, twice to Paris and have gone to Antwerp and Utrecht on my own.

Have a fabulous time!!!! I am also a lone parent (living in London) and I think it's a great place to do things alone. Take an umbrella and a light jacket as the hot weather we've been having on the way out and it's meant to be raining a bit tomorrow.

Go go go and have a great time! I haven't been to London for about seven years (live in the wilds of Scotland now) and this thread is making me want to plan a trip.

If it's still warm go for an outdoor swim - pond at King's Cross or Hampstead Heath.

Go and have a swim in one of the Hampstead ponds.

Triyoga is in Jamestown Road, which is a five minutes walk from the Stables.
Lots of lovely drop-in yoga classes on Saturday.....

Hi MN
Everyone should do this! I've just extended my stay at the hotel which is a fab as my sister can have DD for another night. Went for a run in primrose hill this morn (the views! The views!) & now mooching around (I never mooch anymore-I sprint usually!) I'm sipping coffee, not downing it cold. Oh the joy.

Sounds fantastic, Texfactor. My favourite on-a-shoestring solo pastime in London is to stroll from Kings Cross through the really interesting & beautiful Lambs Conduit Street/Inns of Court area down to the Strand and on to the South Bank via Hungerford Bridge. There's loads to look at, both buildings and people. I love solo travel and London's the perfect place for it. Enjoy the rest of your stay, whatever you decide to do.

Totally envious and living vicariously!

So happy you're having such a nice time!!
I had much the same thing last year. Planned to meet my sister in london, it was for a week and neither of us live in the UK, so had a flight booked as well as hotel. She had to cancel and i dithered about going but went ahead in the end. I had a great time! So much to see and do during the day, went to proms one evening; theatre another. There's a lovely cinema, picture house I think it's called, near Piccadilly circus. I enjoyed it so much I booked a solo trip and went again this year and plan to again next summer!!!