Going to London. Really scared. No clue.

[london101asap]

Hi so we are staying near London Excel.

I'm so scared of getting the tube.

I see there is a cable car we can walk (25 min)

Once off the other end though the nearest bus stop to a 48 hop on bus (London Bridge) is a 3 hour walk.

How do we get to from the cable car to the bus?

Dh is used to travelling all over the world and the uk but not around London only the outskirts.

Tween daughters want you to see the sights. Do you get off at every sight then wait for another bus?

I'm so scared as we are relying on dh who has adhd and I have severe anxiety but our 12 and 13 year olds really want to go.

Any advice please?

I think it's all been covered, but just to put my opinions;

Reasons:
Too busy - Not much to do about that except avoid peak hours as suggested

Might lose my husband or kids -
Standard operating procedure; If anyone misses the tube train you're on, all those on the train get off at the next stop and stay in the same place. The person(s) that didn't get on, get on the next tube train from the same spot and get off at the next station, and bingo, you're all back together.

Bomb threats (low but still) - don't be silly

Might miss my stop - Unlikely on the tube, and if you do, then go back on the opposite platform

I'm scared of being pushed near the track - Stay away from the track

I don't know how to pay - Contactless for you and DH, tap in and out on the tube, but only tap in on the buses.

I would suggest probably a one day travelcard for your kids as that will be cheaper ( assuming you're making more than a couple of trips. They just pass it through the barrier, or show it to the driver/conductor on buses.

There's honestly nothing to be frightened of, millions of people do it every day.

If you're near the Exel could you walk down to the river and catch the uber boat to tower bridge? Its quite a pleasant journey

Your right by the 02 get the Thames Clipper

Bless you! I had these exact worries when I was a travelling games maker in 2012! I used the DLR. Easier and you can we where you are going x

I just got back yesterday and didn’t use the tube.
We got a few Ubers and did loads of walking.
No issues what so ever.

Definitely download City mapper app for getting around. The tube is only daunting on your first journey. You can use contactless but may need to he oyster cards for DD's depending on their age. Your best bet is to go to an employee and ask what will be cheapest way to pay. City mapper is great for planning our the journeys.
You do need to tap on and off and every station some may not have barriers.

Buses you only tap when getting on. I've noticed I get asked that a lot from tourists.

I recently took my 6 year old on a day trip to London. I was also nervous of tube but it is really as easy as everyone is saying you can't go wrong. Google maps is very accurate regarding lines and platforms just check it before you go into station when you still have signal. I could believe it was so easy. It will save you so much time. If I can do it with a 6 year old you can do it with your husband.
I am also an anxious overthinker and thought of everything you are worrying about but it was totally fine for us as it will be for you

But why? If you go to 'many places ' what is it about London that scares you?

Don’t know if it has been suggested but you can also use boats to get from Excel to major landmarks like Tower of London (+ Tower Bridge) and Westminster (Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, London Eye).
You can pay as touch in touch out with the bank card, like on the tube or buses. Less claustrophobic and nice views!
Citymapper app has this as an option

I live in London and have claustrophobia and so never get the tube.

I either walk (using citimapper), get the tube on the above ground stops (there is a specific tube map on the tfl website that shows above ground stations) or put destination into google maps and select to only see buses or overground options.

good luck!

@blackcherryconserve

But why? If you go to 'many places ' what us it about London that scares you?

It's vastly larger than all other cities in the UK

The tube is quite intimidating if you are new to it.

Whilst I'm familiar with London and the tube I've found it stressful visiting New York and Paris in recent years and trying to navigate large, bustling cities with unfamiliar travel systems.

So I get why the OP (and others) is anxious.

Forgot to add that the Elizabeth line has platform doors so you cannot fall on the track. And aircon and just bigger inside.

There are buses. Me and DH go to London a lot and hardly ever use the tube. I dislike it because it is always so so hot and makes me feel ill. Buses are so much better and you actually get to see things unlike when on the tube

It is often not that busy apart from rush hour
it would be difficult to lose people, I never have. If you did, you could call them.
If you miss your stop (have done that one) get off at the next stop and go back the other way.
Its not pushy, just stand away from the track
you can pay with contactless.

the tube is the most efficient way to get around, it will save you a lot of time, I have been using it since I was a child, and my 10 year old c as n navigate her way round it.

Isn't that exactly the same on most forms of public transport?

Tram, Train, Lift, Monorail, Metro, Subway or Tube, you can face all those issues on Busses too.

What on earth is a cable car? (I mean I know what one is like at Abraham Heights etc... but surely there isn't anything like that in London, they are designed for transversing mountain peaks).

Get childrens oyster cards - No need for them to pay adult prices

You and ur husband can just use ur bank card
Beep in when you get on the bus

If using the tube, you beep in and the barrier opens, when you get out of the station you beep out and the barrier will open (You cant forget to beep in or out, because the barrier wont open)

Use google maps to get around
Put in where you are and where you want to be and that will tell you the way to go, bus to take or the direction to walk in. Its very easy to use

There is a cable car
It travels over the River Thames

I had no idea that was even there.

Surely its more of a novelty (like 'riding' the London Eye) than it is a legitimate mode of transport for getting around London though.

Op....... please dont be scared of using the tube. I get why you are scared but your fears are unfounded. Have a look for "how to use the tube" videos on you tube to allay your fears.
Using taxis/hiring a car is really not an option (far far too expensive). You'll be able to walk around a lot but the tube makes life a lot easier. Explain at the ticket office what your plans are for the day - they will help you re best ticket option (its been years since I last went but I think what you'll want is a zones 1-2 all day oyster - or if heading further out an all zones oyster).
And dont try to do too much or plan too much - just take it as it comes, wander about and see what you can find. Most of all......... try to quit worrying and have fun!

to get through the barriers, you need to beep out, so you won’t forget.

@housethatbuiltme

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/london-cable-car/the-ifs-cloud-cable-car-experience?intcmp=1445

@housethatbuiltme yes the cable car is more of a tourist thing.
I remember reading a few years they did a survey to get numbers of how many people were using it regularly as part of their daily commute.
Apparently it was something as low as 4 people who used it that way 😂

Everywhere in London is busy

You could lose them anywhere

Terror threat probably similar everywhere in London

If you miss the stop, just get off at the next one and go back again. I've done this and it's a lot easier than normal trains.

It won't be that busy except weekday rush hour. Just stand at the back of the crowds, no one is going to push you.

You just tap your ontact less card against thr barriers each entry/exit, not sure how it works for kids but imagine you just buy them each a day pass and insert on entry/exit.

Tube is the quickest and easiest way because of the traffic.

We usually use Uber. With careful sight seeing planning the cost of trips for 4 people is reasonable. I would recommend to wear most comfortable shoes you've got.

@housethatbuiltme it goes from the Dome to nowhere...