Would you go on a trip to London?

[user1491934176]

Myself and the family (young primary aged kids plus hubby) have always enjoyed a trip to the UK capital. The kids asked to go again next year (we are from Northern Ireland) but being put off by current issues reported in the mainstream media , do these issues actually exist or are they exacerbated by media outlets? Is it safe? We loved our last trip in 2024, kids are buzzing to return so advice welcome!

I go to London a lot for work. Stay frequently. Often travel and walk around late. Keep aware and all OK. In fact, I felt less safe in a Midlands town at 6.30 p.m.

I'm a born and bred Londoner and am unaware of any issues that my family are meant to be experiencing in our daily lives?

I'm going to London with my son on Friday. I've no qualms about going there whatsoever. My brother lives there.

We live here, we spend our holidays and every half term wandering around and taking the tube, seeing shows and museums. It's very safe here if you follow basic safety advice- don't walk through a remote park at 2am, don't get involved with any drug or gang stuff, don't leave your phone out on a cafe table.

Millions of us live and work here. It's fine.

If by current issues you mean the price of a pint or a flat white, then you may have a point.

As a Londoner born and bred, I also think we have a serious issue with people standing on the left on the escalator, who should be immediately deported, or possibly just made to wear a big cone of shame.

i guess you meant one of them, right?

I went to London over half-term with my husband and 15 year old son. We did the usual Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, Nelson's Column, National Gallery, Canary Wharf, Greenwich etc - we didn't feel unsafe at all. I would treat London the same as you would in any large town or city - be sensible, be vigilant and don't go around wearing expensive Rolex's etc! I'm not saying there's not issues in London, because there is, but is it any worse than any other big city in the UK? I'm not so sure it is. You have to remember millions of Londoners go about their business every day, without issue.

I know it’s not Kent, but I’ve felt far more unsafe in Brighton recently than I have in London.

Is it Denouement? It’s got mixed reviews! My sister said a few people fell asleep.

Despite having linked that article I would actually say Belfast is pretty safe - as safe as London!

It's lovely here OP. I'd avoid spouting off stuff about Islam being a "threat to Christianity" like you have on other threads as people might think you're a bit odd and small minded, or even that you're just trying to stir up shit, but otherwise you and hubby will no doubt have a ball

I would go tomorrow if it was possible. I love visiting London, unfortunately we are very busy in next few months so no chance to fit in even a short stay.
We went to London for a short trip a couple of months ago and didn’t notice anything different in comparison with our visits 6 months ago and a year ago. What are you talking about OP?

Don't be silly.

I was in London at half term with my 3 kids. Dh was working so I was the only adult. We didn't experience any current issues.

I've been watching Blue Lights on bbc iplayer. Should I not visit Belfast?

That’s fine, I understand that - but I think it’s silly to say it’s safe either. I was on a train home from London recently (from work) and I was sexually harassed…

Don't be silly.

I was in London at half term with my 3 kids. Dh was working so I was the only adult. We didn't experience any current issues.

I've been watching Blue Lights on bbc iplayer. Should I not visit Belfast?

Goodness. @user1491934176 has had their arse (rightly) handed to them. And they live in Northern Ireland of all places!

So … On the one hand I was making a point about unfamiliarity. 😂 (Because being scared of London seems absurd.)

On the other … I’d need reassuring that Belfast feels safe to people who might be the subject of any racist threat …

Thank you, I’ve visited London from being a young child over 30 years ago. My kids loved it last year, we did all the major sights. I don’t mean anything about racism! Just every time I look at social media it is so negative about London. And being from Northern Ireland we are well accustomed to this negativity so I was merely asking a question to those who lived there. Despite those who are clearly trying to “pick a fight” I’m quite happy to take the words of the locals and book a trip. Thank you to the positive and realistic posters.

If yourself wants to visit London yourself should come. Myself isn't aware of any particular issues - it's as safe as most other western capital cities.

Sorry I wasn’t being rude about London, I merely asked a question? Why the hatred towards Northern Ireland? I think it’s slightly uncalled for to be honest.

What issues? I keep reading things on American accounts about London being a no-go zone. It's bollocks being spread by the far right.

A bigger issue is people walking down to the tube platform then just stopping at the bottom of the stairs and standing in the doorway so blocking the platform.

Hard to get through my commute some days without barking instructions at people.

I live in London and stories in the media/on social media portraying London are absolute nonsense. Like any big city, keep an eye on your valuables because yes, there is theft.

Unless you are involved in London gangs and carry a knife, which generally doesn't apply to visitors, you're not going to be a victim of knife crime.

My husband and I are Jewish and have quite often walked through some of the most Muslim areas in London and gone to shops and restaurants there and nothing happens because Muslims are normal people who don't care who's in their neighbourhood, shopping in their shops or coming to their restaurants. In fact they'd like lots of people to go to their shops and restaurants like any other business owner.

It's also racist hate against Sadiq Khan. London is as safe as it's ever been (actually safer according to statistics)

And of course that's a particularly London issue..

Very few big cities are super-safe. London is as safe as it has been for years.