Taking baby on London Underground in heat wave?

[babyrocket]

I have to go to London on Saturday and it's due to be 34 degrees. I remember the underground being very warm during heatwaves (but it's been years since I've been to London so don't know if they've updated them). Is that still the case? Worried about taking my 7mo.

It won’t be that busy on a Saturday in school holidays. Your baby will be fine. Just take lots of water.

It’s absolutely vile, like travelling with someone holding a hairdryer over you.

Yes, it will be very hot.
However at 34 degrees outside it will be hot everywhere.
When the heat is in the high 20s it is noticeably more uncomfortably on the Tube than it is anywhere else (to me, at least)
But during the recent heatwave temps I've not found the Tube particularly hotter than outside.

I've no idea if this is backed up by science though, it's just how I've seemed to experience it!

Sounds like I remembered right, thanks guys. At least I'll be mentally prepared...

It really depends where you need to go.

Sometimes it's easier to walk, or use the bus.

The Elizabeth line is fresh, not stuffy.

Whoever said the tube on a Saturday (during Summer school holidays) won't be busy must not use it during then.

It is usually busy.

It depends what tube you plan on using...

central line, jubilee line, Piccadilly line = small carriages and hot as hell.

District line has wider tubes.

Northern, central, Victoria and circle lines are tourist favourite lines so are the busiest.

Circle line between Paddington and South Kensington. I think I remember the circle line being one of the older tube lines...

It shouldn't be too busy and the journey is quite short.

Look at the 23 bus

Maybe a 30 min walk across Hyde park would be nicer!

I wouldn’t recommend the bus, they are just as hot and have the disadvantage of getting stuck in traffic for ages. Would rather take my chances on the tube!!

I would suggest taking a handheld fan with you!

As mentioned, it very much depends on the line and some are only a staircase from street level so much better than the deeper lines!! It was hot enough last Saturday, so this weekend will certainly be toasty and I'd be thinking about overheads if possible or the bus!

I agree, I would walk.

Should be fine. Circle / District line trains don't have individual carriages anymore so there are big, open trains. They're air conditioned too and as the lines aren't deep, you don't have to go down far at the stations you mentioned.

OP circle line is air-conditioned these days, it's lovely!

You can just get off though. Both are hot but the bus is so much easier as you don't have to walk through underground tunnels as well.

I would walk, it's not very far at all.
In general I always go by bus as the overall experience is much better and it rarely takes longer. If it is too hot and crowded you can get off and walk the remainder.

@dehloh cross post!

Will you be taking a buggy or sling?

@dehloh - there are barely any underground tunnels to access the circle line at Paddington / South Kensington. The line is barely underground. The trains are air conditioned so will be a heck of a lot cooler than walking through Hyde Park for 30-45 mins.

Circle line is fine it's my daily commute. It's coming out of the tube and back into the heat that's bad!

@toomuchlaundry a buggy, I think she'll roast in a sling!

The Elizabeth line is air conditioned if you can get that then do. Otherwise it will be hot like the pits of hell.

Wet your baby's hat regularly to keep cool