Feel wary

We recently travelled to London by train from the Midlands to go to the theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue and we felt quite safe. We don't wear expensive jewellery or walk around with our mobile phones even when we're at home so as long as you're aware of your surroundings, you should be fine. We usually take the underground but I've got a bad ankle at the moment so we took a taxi from Euston to the theatre which saved a lot of time and bother going up and downstairs at tube stations.

The right wing press has nothing to do with it. It’s on itv and bbc and local news every day. If you live in other counties it’s very easy to wear rose coloured spectacles.

So far my experience of London has been good. Last week I visited the V&A and the National Gallery. I never felt unsafe. A few years ago after a knee operation I hobbled round central London on crutches. I was offered seats on buses and the tube. Once or twice I hailed a black cab. I rather think the right wing press enjoy exaggerating the state of London!

I take the M11 to Epping or Ongar.

Train or bus into city. Easy, convientient.

I was recently on the train to London and, as I do, started chatting to the woman opposite me. She was on her way to the National Gallery and I was astonished when she said she was 10 years older than me- 88!
She goes to London regularly but treats herself to a taxi once she gets to Euston. Yes it’s expensive but if the alternative is not going at all, presumably worth it.
BTW often uses buses instead of the Tube as I find them more “forgiving”

London is exhausting even if you are fully mobile.
I recommend Edinburgh, though might be a longer journey depending on where you live. Though it can be hilly, public transport is very efficient and not expensive, and the city is fairly compact.The museums and galleries are fabulous, especially the National Portrait Gallery. The jump on, jump off tourist buses are great too. Just one tip, avoid Waverly station if you can. The place is just too busy, is badly designed with lots of steps, and the seating area is always crowded. Haymarket, at the West End is easier.
You can tell I am biased. I used to live there and it has my heart.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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..