Visiting London next month, we have heard about several robberies in the London area in the recent past. Any particular area we should avoid?
Visiting London next month, we have heard about several armed robberies in the London area in the recent past. Any particular area we should try to avoid, specially at night?
Reply to this at night def all of it, not a place for kids after dark, been round alot its like any major city when gets dark idiots around.
Reply to this As a born and bred londoner (meaning I was once a kid there myself) I think Barbie's advice is ridiculously cynical, quite frankly. What I would say is just be careful at night. You do not have to be safely undercover every evening after sundown, it's not that bad. Yes, the west end and soho, and camden town at night are definitely not for kids, but you'd be foolish to deny them the evening walk along the southbank, which is unmissable and perfectly safe. Wherever you are just stick to where there are enough people, don't go down narrow alleyways in the centre, don't walk off or get involved with people who talk to you on the street (especially at night) and just take the same precautions you normally would in any other big city. Have a good trip 😊
Reply to this Nah after dark I wouldn't if I had kids. I personal preference and to be honet I doubt any kids will give a damn about a walk down southbank I know I didnt when I was a child. Adults yes kids will just be bored.
Reply to this Hey at the end of the day they are your kids and it's your decision as a parent to do what YOU feel is right. I wouldn't take my kids out at night anywhere in london espcially after 8pmish. My personal preference thats all.
Reply to this I lived in London for a few months some time ago. Impressions of after dark London: some places definitely scary (around Shepherd's Bush underground station for example and the sleazy area around Picadilly Circus), some places absolutely no problem, Kensington, Holland Park and Notting Hill for example. In many areas there are lot's of people around until 10 or so, going to theaters, restaurants and pubs. Many shops are open to well into the evening. When the pubs close there is lot's of noisy drunk people around but probably they are not dangerous. In no big city would I enter a park after dark but that is probably something everybody knows, especially not with kids as so many "unsuitable things" may go on there. So my advice: ask around where to go in the evening, use your common sense and try not to use the underground after 10 p.m. Buses definitely feel safer and taxis if you can afford it are always fine. My impression, though I wasn't out late myself, is that London is not a city for late nights, and restaurants and pubs close early, that is well before midnight. London is truly wonderful and there are many nice views in the evening with the beautifully lit monuments. A bus ride after dark in the central part can be magical!
Reply to this Taxi's safe? thats one thing I would advise to be careful of lota dodgy taxi drivers in london especially the unregistered ones that hang around bars and clubs offering cheap lifts. I would walk into a park in Edinburgh Glasgow or Aberdeen in the dark 1am +++ In london no way. Be diplomatic if you like if facts are facts. And as I said theres no middle ground when you have kids.
Reply to this I lived in London for 4 mouths last year and had no problems at all at night I was either with a group of people or if i had to walk by my self it was only for a short time. There are some slezzy areas around Picadilly Circus and soho there "Adult Clubs" were girls will try and get you to come in,these places are best to stay away, from what I'm told. Camdam Town is a little sktechy at night but other then that London is fine, use common sence and stay safe and you'll be fine.
Reply to this I live and have nearly always lived in London. Yes there are incidents but there are in every big city. Keep your wits about you, take the precautions you would take at home. I am a 26 year old female and I feel safe up till about 11ish on my own, after that if I am getting home I try to go with friends or take a cab. There are plenty of licensed taxis and cabs, if not a black cab check the front windscreen( near the tax disc) ; licensed cabs have a diamond shaped disc which is their license from Transport for London. It is actually illegal for a mini cab to pick up passengers from the street without booking through their office.
Try and see St Pauls Cathedral at night, its lovely all lit up.
Reply to this London is a huge place, and like every city can be unsafe night or day.
Armed robberies arent common in the touristy parts of the city, i.e. the West End, but in parts of the East End and S. E London crime I would personally say is higher - but again not really among tourist....
I would say take the same precautions you would anywhere, keep your bag and belongings safe and dont flash cash/jewellery around etc.
I live in Kent near London but having parents from South East London have spent a lot of time there and have worked there for the past 5 years and have never had any problems during the day or after going out late at night.
London is a beautiful city, and I agree with Ruthyroo definitely go see St Pauls at night it is gorgeous.
Have a great trip!!
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