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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To go to London for the funeral?

54 replies

Deafdonkey · 10/09/2022 18:14

I have never been to London, I hate crowds, I get lost easily.

I can get a train to London Waterloo, Google maps says it is 19 minutes walk to Westminster Abbey, do you think I'd get close enough to see anything?
Do you think it is possible to spend 10 hours in London considering everything will be closed?

I have spent my life being scared to do things, I'd like to go and pay my respects/be part of history.

I appreciate I sound like a wet wipe

OP posts:
bodie1890 · 10/09/2022 19:24

I don't think it would be a good experience as your first trip to London if you haven't been in the past because of anxiety. This is going to be London Multiplied - it's going to be 20x busier than London is on a normal day. I think you might feel overwhelmed, unless you can go with a friend/relative?

TokyoSushi · 10/09/2022 19:27

I'm going to the lying in state and then watching the funeral on TV. It's be absolutely bonkers busy OP and you'll need to keep your wits about you but it's such a rare occurrence then I think you should go if you can.

INeverSawAPurpleCow · 10/09/2022 19:44

I'd wait and go for the coronation.

Heronwatcher · 10/09/2022 19:47

Westminster is an easy walk but I suspect you’ll get nowhere near it. The security will be massive. I work near Westminster and we have to get senior level authorisation even to go into work for the whole of next week, let alone the date of the funeral. That said if you’re happy to go for the atmosphere and watch it on your phone then you might still find it worthwhile.

Womencanlift · 10/09/2022 19:49

There is no way you can arrive in London at 9 on the day of the funeral and expect to get anywhere near it. It will be rammed. People will be there for days

I was on the Mall today and ended up giving up cos I couldn’t get anywhere near the Palace

Not the place to be for someone who doesn’t like crowds

wherearebeefandonioncrisps · 10/09/2022 19:53

I agree.

Arriving two hours beforehand is madness.
You won't get anywhere near and it will be heaving.

The underground alone will be swamped beyond belief.

Yika · 10/09/2022 19:53

Go. It’s an amazing feeling to be experiencing a part of history. It will be busy, you might not see much, but don’t miss it if you feel you want to go.

SquirmOfEels · 10/09/2022 19:55

Do you want to be in the crowd, or do you actually want to see the cortege?

If the latter, then you'll either need to camp out the night before, or head out to west London for part of the route after the Abbey heading for Windsor.

I haven't yet heard if there will be big screens in either St James or (I think more likely given size of crowd expected) Hyde Park, but if there are they might be a good place to head for

maskersanonymous · 10/09/2022 19:56

I think either go this week or go after the coronation and visit Westminster Abbey etc. without the crowds. You will still be paying your respects.

Titsywoo · 10/09/2022 19:57

I wouldn't go it will be a nightmare getting there and then back again. All the stations will be rammed and maybe even queues for trains. I live 20 mins from Victoria by train but I wouldn't even consider it and I don't mind crowds too much.

BendingSpoons · 10/09/2022 19:58

Honestly it sounds like my worst nightmare and I am familiar with London. I've been years ago to the NYE fireworks and struggled to get close enough to see anything then queued for ages to leave the area. This will be far, far worse in terms of how busy it is.

I would watch at home and visit in a few weeks to privately remember. Or look for something local like a local book of condolences.

rose69 · 10/09/2022 20:09

As a Londoner I don't think it will be a good idea. Watch from home and donate to one of her charities. You could come up a few days later and visit the abbey.

MrsDanversGlidesAgain · 10/09/2022 20:38

Agree with all the people who say don't. Honestly, the crowds will be 20 deep and you'll see nothing.

OnceAgainWithFeeling · 10/09/2022 20:44

SquirmOfEels · 10/09/2022 19:55

Do you want to be in the crowd, or do you actually want to see the cortege?

If the latter, then you'll either need to camp out the night before, or head out to west London for part of the route after the Abbey heading for Windsor.

I haven't yet heard if there will be big screens in either St James or (I think more likely given size of crowd expected) Hyde Park, but if there are they might be a good place to head for

We’re expecting people to camp out from Tuesday next week. So 6 nights. I think people underestimate just how many people are going to be there.

MyBuggyIsOutToGetMe · 10/09/2022 20:55

I’d go on Wednesday, if that’s the day her coffin is moved from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, if you want to see the cortège. There’s a detailed route online. Or before the funeral for the lying in state if you’d prefer to pay your respects that way and don’t mind queuing for hours. I personally wouldn’t go on the day of the funeral but it depends how much it matters to you.

Wafflesnsniffles · 10/09/2022 21:01

I wouldnt tbh. Save your first visit to London for a day you will actually be able to enjoy. Not one full of endless crowds. Honestly the crowds are going to be MASSIVE. Like nothing you have ever seen before or will again. If you arent a fan of crowds (or seeing A LOT of police and other security stuff) save your big trip for another day. This is one best watched via a tv I think.

SquirmOfEels · 10/09/2022 22:02

OnceAgainWithFeeling · 10/09/2022 20:44

We’re expecting people to camp out from Tuesday next week. So 6 nights. I think people underestimate just how many people are going to be there.

Show quote history

Where does one look for road closure info?

I'm a Londoner - DH's place of work is highly likely to be affected, and although I guess there'll be briefings for him at work next week, I'm nosey and want to know ASAP, plus where there there's a site where we can look for changes and updates (in case crowd management plans mean restrictions extend)

Also, I have to get to a family funeral at the end of next week, and was planning to stay there until Sunday. If driving back on Sunday it'll be jolly handy to know how big the affected area will be that day!

And where (if anywhere) to get good info on alterations to Tube services (eg stations becoming exit only) as the TfL status updates seem pretty useless (late or non-existent) and we'd like to be able to plan ahead if we need to change commute!

Cosmos123 · 10/09/2022 22:16

Want to see her lying in state.
Be long queues but at least people be moved along.
Be open 23 hours.

Hotandbothereds · 10/09/2022 23:01

Cosmos123 · 10/09/2022 22:16

Want to see her lying in state.
Be long queues but at least people be moved along.
Be open 23 hours.

This is what I’m veering towards, as well, even if the queue is very long you’ll get through eventually whereas going on the day of the funeral I’m thinking I could end up seeing nothing.

feeona123 · 10/09/2022 23:10

There were some cheap hotels on Friday…all have gone now!!

I wanted to go on Monday but I went to London for the jubilee and couldn’t see a thing so it’s likely to be the same if not worse.

I am hope to go on Sunday instead to see the flowers.

Mywatchis · 10/09/2022 23:19

Agree there's no way you can just 'pop' up for this one.

YoniWheretheSunDontShine · 10/09/2022 23:22

Op if you don't expect to get first row...I think it's worth it for atmosphere.
Usually places like the park's st James have large screen's so you can feel with the crowd.
If you're not expecting front row..go for it.
Many mn can direct you!

I'm not entirely sure where to go and I know London fairly well.

lavenderlou · 10/09/2022 23:34

I went today on a bit of a whim (late afternoon/early evening). It was busy but we were able to walk through Green Park easily and look at the floral tribute there then over to the part nearest Buckingham Palace where we could just about see the Palace and some of the flowers but not get any closer. Then we managed to walk down the Mall a bit (lined with people but you could see). We couldn't get any further than Clarence House but fortuitously were stopped there in a part that wasn't too busy just as the King and Camilla came for a walk about the crowds so we were able to see them. I was so pleased I went.

Having said that, I wouldn't go for the funeral. In the places where the crowds were thickest you really couldn't see much and it will be a lot busier on the day of the funeral. I guess Hyde Park might be better if there are big screens but you don't know if you will be able to get a good view. Going for the lying in state might be better if you don't mind queueing as at least you know you will get to the front eventually.

Seemslikeaniceday · 11/09/2022 00:02

If you have never been to London before you may have some difficulty getting around. Walking is best but there will be blocked off bridges and roads so it may not be easy to follow a map. For example the walk from Waterloo May only be 19 mins but that will be over Westminster Bridge which may be closed or have limited access, so then you need Lambeth Bridge.

It will also be very very crowded with everyone wanting to go to the same place. A park or Trafalgar Square where there are big screens may be a better option.

Having said that, I have been to events in the past. Yes it’s crowded but you do get the atmosphere. I went in for the Golden Jubilee and saw the Golden Coach from a side street in the City, and then from Green Park I saw the Queen and Prince Phillip travelling down The Mall. I was then in The Mall for the fly past. The footage of The Mall that day was used as part of the Olympic bid and is often shown. I always smile and think I was there.

I also queued through the night to pay my respects to the Queen Mother when she was lying in State. I’m not fit enough to queue this time and I’m so glad I went then. I will never forget how the Crown sparkled.

If I was physically fit enough I would go in one day probably for the lying in State, but not necessarily for the funeral. Take a packed lunch and water and be prepared for crowds and queues.

Remember you don’t regret the things you do it’s the things you didn’t do hat you always wonder about.

Q2C4 · 11/09/2022 17:51

I went to line the streets for Diana's funeral procession, 25 years ago, and I still remember it now. I'd go if you can.