Feel wary

#Travelsafar# I do empathise …I also have mobility issues. As far as the trains go, if you haven’t encountered ‘ Passenger Assistance’ before I can thoroughly recommend that you check it out. Once you have pre booked the assistance arrive at your departure station and have made yourself known, a dedicated member of staff will assist you to board the train and find your seat, they will also place your luggage safely for you. I always travel into Paddington and have been met there from the train by one of the lovely staff driving a small ‘cart’ into which you and your luggage are placed and then he or she takes you and any other passenger who has also booked help, either to a taxi rank to get a cab or in my case I am taken to the Elizabeth Line lifts where a member of that team takes me downstairs and again helps me board and stow my luggage. It’s a free service all round and I’ve found it very useful. Not all ongoing stations do have the service …there wasn’t anyone at Shenfield for example, however for the most part there is assistance once you’ve booked your trains. If you are tech minded there is an app you can download to read about and book the help online or there is also a phone number. You need your train tickets booking to refer to whilst you make the call of course. I find the service very reassuring. I still get a bit flustered when everyone is milling about but that’s Londo , isn’t it! Good luck!

You can book free assistance in King's Cross (and other stations) to help you once you are off the train to get to where you need to go in the station. I hope you go, book the assistance, get a black cab from the station.
Also, Google "disabled assistance in london galleries" and you will see that many galleries also offer assistance there.

Also look up: hdsunflower.com/uk/
A regognised, international lanyard / card that DISCRETELY shows a simple tool for you to voluntarily share that you have a condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that you may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.

You probably don't like to use the word disabled - nor do - I but it's great what you are doing so, I'd set up any support you can to stay active. I am also in that exact position and I know how hard it is, I'm struggling to do what you are doing.
But you are doing the right thing.
Could a friend maybe go with you the first time so you can gain confidence?

I live in London and I can tell you that I am always amazed how helpful people can be on public transport. I am nearly always offered a seat and that is without a disability, just because I am old! If you plan it well you should have no problems. I believe TFL even have a service to help you get to the underground. Obviously you should try and avoid rush hours (which can run from 8-10 in the mornings and from about 3.30 to 6 in the afternoon) but I would suggest you try it. If you get worried at any time just ask someone for help. We really are a friendly bunch!

I often go to London and have not once felt in danger although. I am 82 and not very agile. I use buses to get around. But I would definitely not advise trying to use the Tube with a rollator. Buses maybe, but they can very crowded so not ideal. As others have said, get a black cab to save yourself the stress. Expensive but worth it. Enjoy!

travelsafar I navigated the London Underground and Overground by myself, for the first time ever, yesterday. My son usually comes to meet me at Kings Cross but he and his partner have a six day old baby girl and I told him "I'm a grown up. Don't leave those two. I will cope!" And I did. If you go to Google maps, search for where you want to go press 'directions' and ' public transport' it will tell you how to get there. If it's London, it will tell you which tube line/s and which platform/s. Also, Transport for London (TfL) employees are very helpful if you are stuck. Don't be held back by lack of confidence.

I did it! So can you! It only takes a little daring just once and you'll be set.

Since my other half has been put in a care home by his daughter ( a whole other post in itself) I now find myself with with time to do things like travel back to London, where I’m originally from, did it once last year and unfortunately although I’m reasonably mobile I found the whole thing quite uncomfortable, from very intimidating youths in Oxford st, to someone having their phone snatched by someone on a bike. It’s quite put me off London, which is sad because I loved that city.

I'm nearly 80 and I spend a few days a week in London. Use the tube the whole time - never feel unsafe! And I go to a lot of galleries on my own - but travelsafar I'm a 'friend' of various galleries so can take someone with me for free. If there is a way you can contact me, I'd happily look after you if that helped?

I was in central London yesterday. We had a lovely day, it has a really buzzy atmosphere .

I agree that bus is easier and more interesting than tube. There is always Travel Assistance which is very helpful. You coukd look into it. If you focus on a particular part of London you won’t need to use public transport too much. Is this just a day trip?

It is full of so many interesting places to visit , which is why tourists travel across the world to see it. Museums are free, most people are helpful. I would take a chance because worrying about things that might happen will shrink your world.

Cossy

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!

Me too!

Yes

travelsafar - before moving to a rural farm in the SW I lived in SE London, 18 mins away from Victoria on an overground train line in a very desirable area. Theft of property (catalytic converters on cars) was routine but attacks on the person not. I travelled with a walking stick regularly on the bus to the tube station in Brixton, people always offered a seat, and I used the tube without problem even in rush hour. But and this is a big but, I was familiar with my routes and I knew the tube stations that had lifts etc. I was never afraid, even on the last tube back. Nobody ever took advantage of me.

Now, with a worsening arthritic knee and having been away from the big city a couple of years, when I do make a visit, I book special assistance (free) on the train and I get help getting on, and when I get off there's a buggy waiting for me with a very professional but also friendly staff member and that takes me directly to the black cab rank because my 'disability' means I don't feel I want to charge around tube stations. Yes, I do feel vulnerable but I want to emphasise that I only feel so because I can't trust my knee not to give way and not because I think London is a hotbed of violent crime. I am definitely with those who believe there's a hype about the dangers of London. More Londoners will help you if you need it than you might imagine. And by the way, I'm actually from the North West where I was taught that Southerners wouldn't give you the time of day - not true is my experience. Also, London is totally multi-cultural and I often think fear stems from ignorance. Many times I've been given a seat or asked if I've needed help walking up a short flight of stairs in a tube by a person who doesn't look or sound like me.

Don't be afraid but include taxis in your budget. Good luck.

pamdixon

I'm nearly 80 and I spend a few days a week in London. Use the tube the whole time - never feel unsafe! And I go to a lot of galleries on my own - but travelsafar I'm a 'friend' of various galleries so can take someone with me for free. If there is a way you can contact me, I'd happily look after you if that helped?

O that is so nice, kind, thoughtful of you pamdixon!

I have found that if you are vulnerable, walking stick, white hair etc people are astoundingly helpful on the London tube, in my experience anyway. I'd use a cross body bag though, that I can see, and not travel in rush hour. Go for it.

Can you ask a friend or relative to accompany you?

Tha k you for all the replies to my question.
Im off to Devon next week with my sister but once we are back im going to go to local station and get some advice about the best way to do this journey. I'm determined to go even if I first just take the train to KC and familiarise myself with it all...where are taxi ranks bus stops etc. 😊

No

Whenever my two friends and I meet in London, we are always offered seats in trains and tubes.
When we went to Stratfordapon Avon last year for a few days, people offered to carry our cases up and down stairs .

We have always had very positive experiences and met lots of lovely people.

I don’t think a rollator would be ideal though in the crowds, with escalators and long walks.

In my many years of living and working in London, and now visiting for day trips I have never once felt unsafe. I have also never seen a machete. That is not to say I'm not careful and keep.my wits about me but please dont scaremonger someone who wants a.simple trip to a gallery , it's not helpful.