Day in London for first time in 30 years!

[Financegoddess]

Hoping you lovely MNers can help.

I’m visiting London for the first time in over 30 years on Thursday this week to meet an old friend in Kensington.
I’m coming via train into Kings Cross and then hoping to take the Piccadilly line over to Kensington.
I’m dreading the heat on the tube. Are you able to open the windows? I get awfully claustrophobic you see but I can’t afford a black cab and timescales mean I can’t go via bus.
thanks for any help

At the time you are heading in, it will be pretty safe and the circle line is well travelled. Cross body bag is fine, but keep a hand on it. You can access wifi on the tube now, so should be able to contact your friend easily.

I was in London for the heatwave a few weeks ago and it was much cooler than at home as everywhere had great air conditioning. Make sure you take a water bottle, a personal fan, and comfortable shoes (feet may swell in the heat so factor that in), baby wipes and a small deodorant stick for a freshen up and you will be fine. I would also take some sugary sweets with me in case you feel a little faint, but not essential as there will be plenty of places to grab food.

Most importantly enjoy it. You are seeing a good friend, in a fantastic museum. London is one of the greatest cities in the world.

Edited to add: a lot of places don't take cash now so make sure you take a card/phone to pay as well as small change and a few notes.

I went to the V and A from KC and back yesterday, on the Piccadilly line. It really wasn’t that bad. I had a handheld fan and didn’t even need to use it.

Also, London isn’t the crime-ridden nightmare Farage and Trump suggest it is. Especially in daylight, between 2 expensive Central London areas! There is really no need to be so anxious.

Can't believe you are asking if London is safe for lone women when there are a mere 4.7million of us negotiating it every day! I think you'll be fine.
Board one of the carriage-ends in the Piccadilly line, slide the window down and the cool tunnel air will buffet you better than any AC!

Eh! For those of you here voicing incredulity……. London was very different thirty years ago. Much much much much less crowded and easier to be in. And hot weather in a big city is tough for anyone.. the tube regulars grow a tough shell and don’t notice the noise, dirt, grime, jostle.

How do you think all the lone women of London cope? We’re not terrified just existing in London! Most of us manage to stay safe catching the tube daily, without special requirements, bags or protections.

if you want advice, stand tall, be confident, stride out, and if anyone gives you the side eye, side eye them right back. If you behave like a victim in waiting, people are more likely to treat you as one.

It is pretty safe, my kids travel on the tube on their own all the time and have done since age eleven.

Also it is actually cleaner than 30 years ago

You wont be unsafe.

You're going earlier too so should be ok. I take the picadilly line home most days and its hot during rush hour but fine

Its not many stops from kx

Absolutely fine. I like to keep my hand over the zip, but so long as you’re aware of your surroundings it’s probably overkill.
If you do go for the Piccadilly line you can open the windows at the end of carriages, but doesn’t really make much difference unless you’re stood right by then.

The phrase lone woman drives me mad. Do people realise that young men are th biggest victims of crime?

Give over. She hasn’t been to London for over 30 years so a little apprehension is understandable especially if you believe the negative tales about lawless London.

ODFOD with your sense of righteousness!

I am saying lone woman because that is what I am!
I haven’t been to London for 30 years. I live in a small hamlet where everyone knows everyone.

A little apprehension is understandable especially when I am prone to panic attacks…or are you going to tell me that more lone men suffer those too? 😡

Thank you x

Thank you x

I can’t imagine how much London has changed in 30 years! Please come back to the thread after your trip, OP, and share your observations. I would genuinely be intrigued. :)

get pink Hammersmith and city line to hammersmith then walk or bus to high st ken

Get the Picadilly line (it's shorter and more straightforward).
Take it slowly.
Walk at a leisurely pace.
Don't rush if you hear the tube pulling in. There will be another one. Walk along the platform and take a seat before the next one.
Travel light (but take water).
Take a paper fan - lighter than an electronic, easier to use, won't run out of charge.
(I live in Central London).
(There will be plenty of 'lone women' making their way to the V&A. And loads of kids getting off at South Ken.)

Another option if there are any issues with Circle Line is:
Thameslink train from Kings Cross St Pancras to Blackfriars (very short journey and very comfy train)

District Line from Blackfriars.

Download TFL go app

Enjoy!

At that time in the morning it will be fine. It is hot but you won’t get time to feel claustrophobic because it’s not a long journey. Have some cold water to sip.
Have you out Citymapper on your phone? That way IF there are any train issues you can get a new route easily.

Just moved back to London (well, DH has for work, so I visit lots), and while it has changed a lot much of it is for the better - traffic is fairly smooth running, lots of electric cars so no noticeable pollution and therefore vehicles are quiet. Seems cleaner especially as most of the buildings were cleaned up decades ago and the move from petrol/diesel means they have stayed fresh looking.

My 21yo is there for uni and has found it safe and easy to navigate, as has my 18yo when visiting for open days and courses. Usual common sense applies as in all big cities - valuables inside clothing and be aware of your surroundings.

However, there are bicycle lanes everywhere and they are very busy, so be very careful to look where you are walking and crossing - as I was an idiot the first time I went back after a nearly 20 year absence. Stepped out in front of oncoming Lime bikes several times before I twigged and was understandably shouted at. They are FAST! LOL.

Otherwise my advice is enjoy. It’s a great city.

Cyclists are entirely unpredictable and many ignore red lights. Don't @ me about this. I walk in central London every day and every single day I will encounter cyclists zooming through a red light on a pedestrian crossing. Or riding on the pavement. It's endemic and bloody dangerous. The pedestrian is the lowest of the low when really we should be minded and safe.

Anyway, rant over! Have a lovely day!

Good luck with your day trip. You might fancy a walk in Kensington gardens (you’d have to queue for the free David Hockney exhibition but where it is has a lovely cool cafe). It’s also nice next to the serpentine lake and the Italian gardens with fountains are lovely.

Lots of places for pit stops around South Ken tube, Paul patisserie, book shop and so on.

YES! They are abominable and I wish they’d go away. Cyclists in london now cycle on the pavement and ignore red lights. Suddenly they are a law unto themselves. God forbid you should ever meander sideways these days on a pavement, they whizz past you silently at great speed. It makes me very cross and also sad for dogs and small children.

( but this is me being tangential to an outing to the V&A )

I think the standard response to a cyclist on a non-shared pavement should be ‘Awwww, does your mummy not let you cycle on the road yet?’ but I know that would probably get me thumped.