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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Going to London tomorrow - what to do :(

453 replies

pinkunicornsarefluffy · 15/09/2017 11:52

Posting here for traffic, I am going to London tomorrow, train from here to Paddington, then Euston, then Watford Junction.

Having just seen the news about the bomb, I am now terrified. I rarely go to London and this is so scary. There will be 3 adults and 3 children aged 9, 10 and 13.

If we don't go, we lose £600, but what price your life or your kids life?

We are still thinking of going and doing bus or taxi from Paddington.

Has anyone got any advice on transport ?

What would you do?

OP posts:
user1495451339 · 15/09/2017 12:22

It is no more dangerous tomorrow than it would be on any other day. We take our chances at life everyday and just hope things are going to be OK.

1900LB · 15/09/2017 12:22

You will be fine! I understand coming from somewhere rural, it seems like a very big scary place at first. I live in London but my parents don't and hate it, they just aren't used to the busyness etc. and all danger seems magnified to them. Harry Potter is amazing so you're going to have a fabulous time!

HostaFireAndIce · 15/09/2017 12:22

I do actually understand people being nervous about going into big cities etc, but if you ever watch the news YABU. If you were happy to go last week, you should be happy to go tomorrow - the risk is absolutely no greater, in fact possibly a tiny bit lower as people will probably be on even higher alert.

ArcheryAnnie · 15/09/2017 12:22

pinkunicorns I totally understand both irrational fears, and managing anxiety!

I think you probably know your fear is irrational. But you have a choice of missing a fantastic day out and ramping up your anxiety, OR managing a difficult journey, and in the end having a brilliant day.

If you really don't want to get the tube, just get a Black Cab from Paddington to Euston, and that will cut out the tube entirely (and the crowds). You will only have trains to manage then.

(Seriously, the Harry Potter Studios is ace - much better than I'd expected.)

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 15/09/2017 12:23

As the news has developed it has been clearer that this was a smaller attack with fortunately no significant injuries. The odds of you being on a tube train when a random attack like this happens are extremely small.

I travel through Paddington everyday and I would be happy for my DC to make the journey you propose tomorrow.

If you really do want to get the bus rather than the tube, you can get the 205 bus from outside Paddington station to Euston. It is reasonably quick as there is a bus lane along a lot of the route. However, you can't pay cash for the bus so you will need either an oystercard or contactless bankcards for you, your DH and the 13 year old (the 9 and 10 year old are free on tubes and buses).

BeatriceBeaudelaire · 15/09/2017 12:23

Chill. Just because it happened today doesn't mean it's any more likely to happen at the weekend than at any other weekend.

ScarlettOH · 15/09/2017 12:24

You're being ridiculous but by all means, don't go - less clueless tourists cluttering up the underground is a bonus as far as I'm concerned

Original poster
pinkunicornsarefluffy · 15/09/2017 12:24

Thanks for the helpful replies regarding buses, trains etc.

OP posts:
PollyFlint · 15/09/2017 12:25

First of all, millions of people live or work in London and travel on the Tube every single day. They don't leave the city or stop going to work every time something bad happens.

DP and I were 200 yards from the Manchester Arena when a bomb went off there and killed 22 people. The next morning we came into town to go to work again like we always do.

I suggest you just get on with it.

LapinR0se · 15/09/2017 12:26

To the people saying no uber...Why is uber deemed to be unsafe??

OP tomorrow is as safe or safer than any time as security in the capital will be even more ramped up. However this is rational thinking and I know anxious thoughts are very distressing and cannot always be quieted by rationalising things.

If you think you will not enjoy the trip due to anxiety then probably don't go. However if it's purely for safety reasons then GO

VioletCharlotte · 15/09/2017 12:26

You'll be fine. I'm in London for work. All normal here.

VioletCharlotte · 15/09/2017 12:28

If you don't like the tubes, get the bus or walk. Tubes are no less safe, but I can understand why people feel nervous. The crowds and just being underground can make you feel anxious.

strawberrisc · 15/09/2017 12:28

I would go.

Ummmmgogo · 15/09/2017 12:28

Op. no-one is being rude about you. if you don't go it's only your kids you are hurting, and posters here don't want to see that, I would imagine they have been looking forward to it. have fun Smile

Eliza9917 · 15/09/2017 12:28

Immediately after an incident is probably the safest time to travel in London.

Wildaboutoscar · 15/09/2017 12:29

If you have nothing nice to say - say nothing.
What nasty comments.
OP agree with others that millions of people and journeys in London and chance of you be affected by any incidents is very low. But if you suffer from anxiety that advice may not help. Check the route you are traveling re Watford fire - are they laying on buses if line is closed?
You will be fine - take a black cab or bus if you want to avoid tube. But they often get stuck in traffic - would that work for your journey times?
Harry Potter World is fab and you will have a wonderful time.

TheLuckyMrsPine · 15/09/2017 12:30

I don't think you are being ridiculous OP.
Fear is an irrational and individual thing. What has happened would not make me change my plans but I understand that it would make others rethink, especially when travelling with children.

Do not pass this opportunity for your children by because of a fear though. It is very very unlikely you will be in any more danger than any other day. In fact it will probably be much safer.

If you have already spent £600 just throw the extra at it to get a taxi if this will make you more comfortable .

AtHomeDadGlos · 15/09/2017 12:30

Best just stay inside and pull the curtains.

HarrietVane99 · 15/09/2017 12:30

However, you can't pay cash for the bus so you will need either an oystercard or contactless bankcards

If OP has booked through tickets on the train from her home station to Watford J., bus or Tube travel is probably included in the ticket. There's usually a little dagger or + sign on the ticket to indicate. If she's booked separate tickets for each leg, it won't be.

Iheartjordanknight · 15/09/2017 12:31

I totally agree with smallplant.

OP I'm sorry to be rude but is this really anxiety? Because it sounds more like you putting yourself at the centre of a drama utterly unrelated to you tbh.

allthecheese · 15/09/2017 12:32

That district line train is my regular commute in to work. I won't be giving it a second thought when I get back on tonight or on Monday. I think your response is completely OTT and ridiculous.

Original poster
pinkunicornsarefluffy · 15/09/2017 12:33

Eliza that is what my friend just said, if it's just happened it is probably safer!

I posted for help and advice, not abuse about my anxiety. I never ever travel like this, and the last time I went to London was over 10 years ago and my anxiety was not as bad then, it has worsened since I had my child.

A trip like this is a massive deal for me. People who live in London and deal with tubes, trains, crowds etc every day are just used to it. I am used to country lanes and minimal traffic and rarely on public transport. I have been on a train twice in the past year.

Thank you so much to the people who are being helpful, giving bus numbers, trains etc.

OP posts:
Janus · 15/09/2017 12:33

Definitely go. I went just after the bridge attacks and never felt safer as there was such a police presence. It will be on your mind for a little bit but I bet it won't be for too long so go and enjoy.

irregularegular · 15/09/2017 12:33

Absolutely echo what everyone else said.

But. If you are coming from a rural area to the Paddington side of London and heading to the HP studios, wouldn't it be much quicker, easier and cheaper to drive??

plantsitter · 15/09/2017 12:33

OP it always makes me anxious and I live in London.

If you want to put it in terms of 'what cost your kids lives' - what would you do for your children's freedom? Freedom to catch trains and buses, clothed how they wish, to visit what they wish and read the books as they wish.

Show the fuckers your kids will be FREE. Deep breath and do it.

ps. It'll be fine anyway.

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