London still the greatest

[coulditbeme2323]

There pop up quite a few is London safe threads on here, but I just wanted to say something positive about it.

Spent the weekend there with my husband, and 5, 8 and 11 year old.

Great hotel, great show, great shops, great food, it still takes some beating!

I love London. It's a fabulous city - one of the best in the world - and I have several solo breaks there every year. There is something for everyone, so I don't understand why anyone wouldn't like it, tbh.

@Miranda65 I feel like it's almost a badge of honour for some people to not like London. Certainly feels like it up here in Manchester!

I had to go recently for a work thing. Couldn't wait to leave. So overcrowded. Nothing like it was 30 years ago. I thought it was the media making out it was worse than it really is.

Love this, so much London hate online at the moment but I absolutely love it. Lucky enough to live on the outskirts and work in the centre.

Agree! I still think London has a rich culture, historic architecture and impressive literature. We have a lot to be proud of, but sometimes we can get caught up and forget...

It’s definitely not the greatest in my opinion! I’m glad you enjoyed yourself and had a lovely time! I much prefer the countryside (Lake district) with beautiful lakes and mountains and a slower less busy pace of life.

London has my ❤️

Such a positive post! Thank you.

I agree, I live in London and work within sight of big Ben and the London eye. Easy to become nonchalant, but every now and again I take a moment to appreciate what we have.

I was in Manchester recently after 30 years away and really enjoyed it. It still has a really strong music vibe and generally feels younger than London. I appreciated the differences as positives for both.

I have a fantasy retirement plan where I buy a flat near the British Museum and toddle round London having the time of my life.

I've never lived in London and feel I've missed out a bit because of that.

Me too! I would have loved to live in London for a short spell. However, I’d have to be loaded because I’d want to go see every play and exhibition!

Love it. Visit every 6 weeks. Lived there 35 years and still find new things to do. Just booked for a couple of weeks time...2 exhibitions, theatre and meeting 3 sets of friends.

One of the things I love about living in London is the ease of travelling across the UK - trains in every direction, coach terminus, motorways (once you schlepp out to reach them). I love living in London but go all over the place for mountains and coast.

I love different areas of the UK, the variety of local food (West Yorks for food is my current favourite - portions, prices, quality, such excellent markets and bakeries) . I walk in the Lakes (but have also seen some of the worst gridlocks there in school hols) , and take my tent the length and breadth of the country.

Did all this with young Dc - as well as the fantastic cultural offer and parks in London.

We don't have to dis somewhere just because we live elsewhere.

I grew up in London, lived there till I was 18.
Nearly 40 years later, I live on the coast but I LOVE going into town for shows, exhibitions, meals.
And then I LOVE coming home!
Have just booked to see the Frida Kahlo in August.

When you live here you can go to the theatre at short notice on the many cheap deals available...I go all the time and pay £10-£25 a ticket.

I love it, endless things to do and see and so vibrant. I got off the train at Brixton this weekend and just the smells and music were really evocative to me. Like being at a festival. So many interesting areas and little roads to wander down. Contrary to what a lot of people say, there are lots of quiet neighbourhood areas.

I also love other parts of the Uk like the Lakes and have lived in them but you can’t compare to London - it’s like comparing apples and avocados. I like the diversity that London has; socially, economically, the gritty urban vs the quiet and leafy and the convenience, particularly as you age with shops and cheapish public transport (or free from age 60).

Apart from housing, it can also be a cheap to live in London. There are lots of interesting street food markets and stalls, too good to go offers, free food offerings from temples, hundreds of free exhibitions, museums, galleries. You could live quite cheaply day to day and still have an interesting life.

Rent is crazy though, I have a tiny one bed.

I live in Yorkshire but can get to London and back in a day without changing trains. I love nothing better than an early start, meets friend for lunch and an exhbition,then “pop” home with a train picnic and a G&T!

London has improved in the last 30 years

I dont understand the “so overcrowded” comment. I have never experienced feeling the whole city is overcrowded. Yes, on some tubes at peak times maybe, but not in general.Its a capital city - its meant to be busy!

We've lived here for over 40 years, so probably allowed to call ourselves Londoners now!

Since we retired, we often go out for the day to different parts of the city. Most recently we went to the new V&A museum, in East London/Stratford, where the Olympic site was. Beautiful park there and a great exhibition (Black British Music).

We have also done these Mystery Guides:

https://www.mysteryguides.co.uk/products/londontower

There are three in London, and it's a great way of seeing different parts of the city, as well as learning a bit more of the history of each place.

I got through my unhappy childhood up north, knowing that I would escape to London one day. At 18 I came to university here and it saved me. I probably felt a sense of belonging for the first time in my life.i am now 55 and it is my home.

I’m so glad that we stayed here for children too. They became independent on public transport very early and love what London has to offer. The only problem is that one of my daughter is now a West End addict so we spend fortune going to see shows every month!

I love the food, the variety, the inclusivity and just how lively it feels. Soho in the summer is one of my favourite things.

I also love the number of young people that London attracts. I love chatting to new baristas and other workers from across the globe. I love hearing their stories and how they ended up in London and how much they love it here.

It’s damn expensive which is a massive down point. But clearly most of us here are willing to sacrifice the big house, the peace and quiet etc for what London offers.

I take it you have never had to wait outside Dalston Kingsland Station for the replacement bus service during weekend engineering works? That might change your mind about London.

Greatest city in the World, bar none.
[Londoner born and bread here.]

@emuloc Wright of Derby From the Shadows at the National Gallery. It looks…. Interesting.🤨