Gransnet forums

Chat

Feel wary

(12 Posts)
travelsafar Tue 19-May-26 15:34:34

I'd like to travel up to London alone to go to art galleries but feel a bit scared as my mobility is not good and I use a rollator for safety when outside. I know as we age we need to stretch ourselves otherwise our world becomes smaller.
But the thought of Kings Cross, getting around on the underground,all those people and maybe appearing a bit vulnerable puts me off. Would you take a chance??🤔🤔

pably15 Tue 19-May-26 15:42:29

That would be my worst nightmare, but that's just me...I like to be among familiar things,lots of people love to go travelling by themselves, you might enjoy it..

Cossy Tue 19-May-26 15:47:00

If you really want to do it, use those nice big black cabs. It will cost more and take longer, but if you can bear this then I say go for it!

HelterSkelter1 Tue 19-May-26 15:49:24

Depending on where you are going, buses can be more convenient and you avoid escalators and stairs. Check out your journey on TFL Plan your journey website.
Have a small back pack to keep everything in with a bottle of water.

Wouldnt it be nice if there were volunteers to meet and greet and accompany people to their destination. I would like to have done that when in my 60s. Like Univeral Aunts but in reverse. Younger people helping older people. It is a case of confidence and an oh well attitude. And having every thing you may need thought out and close to hand.
Planning is crucial. Start small.

Cossy Tue 19-May-26 15:52:03

HelterSkelter1

Depending on where you are going, buses can be more convenient and you avoid escalators and stairs. Check out your journey on TFL Plan your journey website.
Have a small back pack to keep everything in with a bottle of water.

Wouldnt it be nice if there were volunteers to meet and greet and accompany people to their destination. I would like to have done that when in my 60s. Like Univeral Aunts but in reverse. Younger people helping older people. It is a case of confidence and an oh well attitude. And having every thing you may need thought out and close to hand.
Planning is crucial. Start small.

I love that idea!

Casdon Tue 19-May-26 15:58:08

I think with a lack of mobility the scrum of the tube would be too much, because people who are rushing can be very inconsiderate, and lifts often don’t work which leaves the only way to get around by escalator. I wouldn’t worry about getting off the train so much, because it has stopped. For a while so you can take your time, but an onward journey by cab would be sensible.

Magenta8 Tue 19-May-26 16:10:46

Underground journeys can be deceptive the distances between points can seem greater than they are in reality, when seen on an underground map. Often a cab or bus can actually be quicker.

Also changing underground lines can cause quite a lot of walking which can include escalators, long corridors, stairs and lifts. More delay and hassle than travelling overground in a cab or on a bus.

Silvershadow Tue 19-May-26 16:28:37

London has changed so much over recent years with mugging for phones, watches, stabbing, machetes etc. I’d think twice now about going there. I used to love going to the V&A but wouldn’t go now. You have to think about personal safety.

I prefer the National Trust, RHS and similar places nowadays. Safer.

M0nica Tue 19-May-26 16:39:06

Cossy

If you really want to do it, use those nice big black cabs. It will cost more and take longer, but if you can bear this then I say go for it!

Couldn't agree more. Since DH devloped a heart condtion that limits what he can do, that is exactly what we do. Get to London, grab a cab.

It is expensive, no denying that, but so commfortable

Silvershadow I think you exagerate the danger of London. When I go upto London alone, including the V&A, I use public transport, I have never felt, even slightly unsafe. I do not own a Rolex, or wear obvious jewellryand I keep my phone and purse securely in a zipped cross body handbag.

Sadly the stabbings and machetes attacks are between youths gangs and usually in the neighbourhoods they live in. They do not happen in tourist areas and places you or I might go, nor do they attack people outside their own gang social groups

In recent years I have been up to the V&A Docklands Museum, Wallace Collection, British Museum, and Fashion and Textiles Museum in Bermondsey, with out once feeling remotely unsafe.

rosie1959 Tue 19-May-26 16:42:20

I would also suggest taking a taxi or maybe the bus.
As others have said the underground is a bit of a free for all. If you want to use the tube check out the stations that have lifts I wouldn't want to use the escalators if I was unsteady on my feet you have to to keep to the right because commuters in a hurry will pass you.

Silvershadow Tue 19-May-26 16:47:23

I don’t think I am exaggerating things Monica. Many have been mugged for phones, watches etc. stabbings are rife, there is something on the news every single day! For a vulnerable person with a rollator they present an easy target for muggers. I’ve not long moved away from an outer London borough which has changed beyond belief in the past ten years. I know what I’m talking about. But, each to their own.

Maybe the OP could consider a day trip on a coach. I know plenty of companies offer this type of thing. They’d be in a group, safe, usually with a guide and transport laid on.

MT62 Tue 19-May-26 17:20:35

I found it extremely exhausting two years ago. On crutches, which I had kicked from under me by rather rude people. No apologies.
No I won’t be rushing back anytime soon.