To want to be an "Urban Explorer" ?

[OldQueen1969]

During lockdown Youtube was my friend...... I love paranormal explorations (some are comedy gold and psychologically fascinating) and then started watching various videos where groups go out to abandoned houses here and in Europe.

I'm totally hooked. Beautiful buildings going back to nature, sometimes you get a back story, sometimes not. Most groups are very respectful - they don't break in or vandalise or steal, and they are very vocal about not doing so. There are impromptu history lessons and if you're really lucky, a spot of paranormal activity thrown in - allegedly ;)

My favourite, who I have a motherly soft spot for is a lad whose channel is called "Abandoned World Explorer" - if he finds soft toys he sits them up and has a really soft side - bless him.

So, as a respectable (?) woman of 51, AIBU to want to join in the fun :D ?

Yanbu. Absolutely fascinating. But you are being nieve to think they are not doing a bit of breaking and entering

Go for it! It sounds like a lot of fun. So how do you get started? Do they have local clubs?

I think there is a bit of an underground network - they don't disclose locations openly - the responsible ones say they don't want places to get trashed and express dismay when people are disrespectful. It's an interesting way of preserving contemporary history in a way......knowing my luck I'd get arrested, eaten by guard dogs or fall through a ceiling..... but I might just actively look into it.......

have a look at 28dayslater
I've done a couple of low key explorations on my own, it was fine, they were all small sites with no security and a clear way in
I'm older than 51 not sure about respectable
I think being an older woman gives me that Miss Marple edge

Exploring with Josh is awesome to watch on YouTube, think you'd appreciate it :)

PS you don't need inverted commas around urbex, it's definitely a thing

A friend of mine, in their 50's, does this; they travel all over. If you're near London then I recommend the book Derelict London as a good starting point.

Have you watched The Proper People? Or Bros of Decay? 😊

I think Derelict London has a website as well (loads of photos) and there used to be (at least pre COVID) guided tours of interesting features including the water courses of lost rivers

I watch a lot of urbex videoes as well but wouldn't ever do it. For one, trespassing on private property so you can find yourself in trouble but also its dangerous, unstable floors, crumbling walls and ceilings, squatters living inside. The urbex videos where they stumble into homeless people who then get violent are utterly terrifying. Some of its sad as well such beautiful buildings being allowed to crumble into nothing.

Check out www.subbrit.org.uk as well

Id love to do this.

Ooh, thanks for the recommendations - a few there I haven't come across :) And the Derelict London thing sounds great.

And how wonderful to discover like minded souls! Loving the Miss Marple image @TrafalgarSquare ........ it all gives me that sort of "tug" towards the solving of mysteries.....

They absolutely do break and enter, often damage significant buildings, and face serious injury or death on some sites, not to mention risking the lives of people who have to go in and rescue them when something goes wrong.

Heritage crime is serious and carries the risk of unlimited fines and custodial sentences. It’s not glamorous, but is really stupid and thoughtless.

I love urban exploration , I've always been fascinated by derelict places.

Yes, it is utterly criminal seeing houses rotting into the ground...... and so very sad.

I agree there are risks.....which also appeals..... (mid-life crisis????) ...... at least I wouldn't be breaking any Covid rules though.......

However, I prefer to explore vicariously through others these days - I've two duff ankles and don't fancy my chances if I fall through an ancient stairwell!

However, I prefer to explore vicariously through others these days - I've two duff ankles and don't fancy my chances if I fall through an ancient stairwell!

Thats a fantastic movie plot right there. A group of 40 plus women go urban exploring maybe with thermos' full of tea and weak ankles. Weird spooky things ensue...

Op let me find a facebook pageim on you will be interested in if your not already on it.

Abandoned Decaying and forgotten is the name of the group. Lots of fantastic urbex photos and people telling their experiences.

Love this idea. I would love to explore closed underground lines in London, I know it's pretty unimaginative but it has always struck me as interesting.

I am addicted to the website www.28dayslater.co.uk

Love it and Have done a couple myself. Tame ones tho.

Lots of this.

@Shaniac I'm only just past 40, had dodgy ankles since I was in my teens. If I can have something stronger than tea in my flask, count me in for the movie.

Not Urban exploring as such, but i'd love to explore some of the disused mines around here. I used to be a very competent caver but these days am middle aged and rather rounder and fear the indignity of having to be rescued because I got stuck in a hole.

@liverbird10 i like your thinking about the strong stuff in a flask. Im not over 40 yet but i do run like phoebe in friends, even better if i have a nice gin mixer. Sod it lets do it!

Incidentally given your user name, have you seen theres urbex/ghost hunting nights at newsham hospital? Looks spooky fun.