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AIBU?

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Original poster

To want to take two kids to london?

80 replies

moogoom · 04/08/2017 18:16

I want to break up the school hols with a trip around london, kids never been and now they are both 9 i really want to take them. We live in a small town snd run out of much to do in the summer, since we are not going away at all i am looking at cheap days out. Only problem is my dh and mil all say its too dangerous and dont want me to go. They keep rattling on about it every moment. Am i crazy or has london really changed into syria?

OP posts:
milliemolliemou · 04/08/2017 18:54

Oh FFS. 8 million people live in Greater London. As Double says - they're clearly all living in boarded up houses with shotguns at the ready and never going to work on buses and tubes.

Don't know how far away you are but worth travelling light (small backpacks for you and kids with cash/cards in trouser pockets ?) Worth getting to popular places early viz Science Museum, V&A and British Museum - clearly you'll do your research anyway to see what extra exhibitions are on (some you really do have to book ahead for and pay).

Oyster cards/contactless is just the best. Could you AirBnB one night?

I'd be more wary of pickpockets/card machine scammers along, say, Oxford Street. And the prices of sandwiches in the touristy areas and inside the museums themselves .....

Bear2014 · 04/08/2017 18:58

Err my kids live in London and have an idyllic life. Not sure what they think is going to happen?! Have your DCs never been to any cities?

Callamia · 04/08/2017 19:00

Tell them to put the Daily Mail down. London is a wonderful city for children, there's so much for them to see, and they're at a brilliant age to really get into things.

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 04/08/2017 19:05

We live in London and we sometimes venture out without full body armour.

Seriously, the journey to London is probably more risky than the visit.
Remember your DC will be free on public transport and if you use the same contactless card all day then your public transport costs will be capped to a max of around £7

pringlecat · 04/08/2017 19:42

It could be difficult to do London with 2 DC if none of you know London and you're on your own - you need to train everyone to know what to if one of them gets stuck on the other side of the tube doors and you get separated etc. But if you're taking OH too and/or your kids are the sensible kind, it's fine.

Life goes on. London is open. And it's bloody brilliant. Come visit!

YouRat · 04/08/2017 19:44

It's London not Syria.

oldlaundbooth · 04/08/2017 19:44

They're 9!?

Of course you can go.

I thought you were going to say that they were tiny.

Ragusa · 04/08/2017 19:48

We live in London... definitely don't come, it's feral. Feral, I tell you. Riots. Crazies. ....oh ok, it's really just like everwhere else :)

Original poster
moogoom · 04/08/2017 19:53

Haha love your posts. I used to live in a very rough area of a busy city but now live in a box in the middle of a field. If you hang around here too much, you could become infected with daily mail mindset quite easily.

OP posts:
That1950sMum · 04/08/2017 19:56

Ignore them, they're bonkers. Your children will love it. Its not like you're taking them on a walking tour of Beirut.

TheFaerieQueene · 04/08/2017 19:57

Well said OP.

London is the best city in the world and I am grateful to have always had a home there. Enjoy you stay.

DropZoneOne · 04/08/2017 20:00

I took my DD 9 to London at Easter, only a few weeks after the Westminster attack. We went on London Eye, walked across the bridge to see Big Ben, went to the Shard. Did loads of things, she had great fun. I travel to London for work regularly, didn't cross my mind not to take her when she asked.

There's loads of stuff going on for children over the summer.

Don't rush for a tube train. There'll be another along in a coupe of minutes and you can all get on together. Friend of mine had a panicked few minutes when one child rushed forwards onto the tube but the other child and mum were seconds behind and the doors shut! All worked out ok but no one needs that stress!

catrin · 04/08/2017 20:04

Yet another person bringing up a child in London. Your mil and dh are divs. Bring your kids. Every bugger else has the last few weeks.

PenelopeChipShop · 04/08/2017 20:15

I thought you were going to ask about really little children. Honestly, it's a hassle with a toddler, busy tubes, buggies and stairs, crowds etc. But nine year olds will be fine and love it.

Emeraude · 04/08/2017 20:15

DropZoneOne I took my very young class to one of the central London museums a few days after the Westminster attack and it genuinely didn't even occur to me that people might be worried until I read a panicky thread on here about their kids going on a trip a few weeks later, or similar. Millions of people in London function every day!

Welshmaenad · 04/08/2017 20:18

I accompanied DD's school trip to the west end not long after the borough market attacks. We felt very safe. Go and enjoy.

K1092902 · 04/08/2017 20:20

Statically your DH is more likely to be killed in a car crash on the way to work then he is in a terrorist attack. Does that mean he isn't going to go to work on Monday? I doubt it.

strawberrysodasmiles · 04/08/2017 20:22

Get yourself some boxes of Kellogg's and cut out the free/buy one get one free vouchers for entry into loads of attractions!

SnowiestMountain · 04/08/2017 20:31

We're going next week! Confused

viques · 04/08/2017 20:35

Your only problem is where to go and what to see! If they have never been before. I think you need at least two really busy packed days. I would try to do Houses of Parliament ,Big Ben,Trafalgar Square,Downing St, changing of the guard. that would be a morning. then pm Hamleys, Leicester Square and Covent Garden. Then decide Museums or HMS Belfast/Tower of London/Monument. The Kensington museums will be packed but amazing, as will the British but there are other museums eg imperial war or Greenwich which are also great but not quite so crowded. I think I would let the weather decide, wet museums, dry Tower of London etc. I think the museums are all day, honestly, there is so much to see and if you do the Kensington you have both Science and Natural History to get through. if you can fit in a river trip so much the better, don't go for one of the tourist boats, just get one of the river boats.
don't forget to find a really cheesy postcard for your mil and DH. Ps if your kids like fancy cars then it is fancy car spotting season in the Kensington/Sloane square/Harrods area.

Ragusa · 04/08/2017 20:36

In fact, it is your duty to take your kids to London.I was once them and when I got to adult age I ran, ran, far away from the Daily Mail readers and the small-town worriers....

Original poster
moogoom · 04/08/2017 20:36

Great tips viques

OP posts:
Nononononono33 · 04/08/2017 20:37

My ma and I went to London in July for Wimbledon. Recent events were at the back of my mind beforehand and even on the train on the way down, but we wouldn't have cancelled. In the event it was absolutely fine, I felt safer than ever, and rather proud to be visiting our capital and supporting it (if that doesn't sound weird).

Violetcharlotte · 04/08/2017 20:38

You'll be fine, we live about 45 minutes from London. I took mine there loads of times when they were younger (they're teens now so take themselves!) I even took them to Notting Hill carnival by myself, had a great time.

Guitargirl · 04/08/2017 20:39

Am i crazy or has london really changed into syria?

I have been sitting on my hands to try and not post something rude in reply to this but seriously what a fucking ridiculous statement.