London is such a great city to visit. There are endless ways to spend your time. In this London travel guide, you will find the most popular and unique things to do in London, kid-specific activities, best day trips, restaurant recommendations and tips on where to stay so you can plan an amazing trip to London with kids.
In addition to my own experience, I paired up with a local Londoner to get even more insider information for you. Together we have come up with an amazing travel guide to help you plan your London family vacation.
So keep reading to get all the tips you need to plan an incredible London itinerary.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. I only recommend brands that I use and trust! Please see full disclosure here.
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What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit London With Kids?
There is really no bad time to visit London. As it is a big city, even if you are in London with kids during the off season, you still have plenty of options for activities to do inside.
Peak Season (June-August & December)
The summer in London is the high season with many tourists visiting the most popular attractions with much warmer temperatures outside. It is probably the best time to come for weather, but crowds and prices will be highest as well.
It was quite busy in London in June when we visited, but it wasn’t too overwhelming for us, and we don’t like crowds. We made sure to plan our attractions carefully and get tickets in advance. This helped a lot!
Christmas and New Year’s Eve also sees a spike of tourists due to the Christmas markets and festivities including the iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks on the Thames.
It isn’t quite as busy as the summer but gets pretty close. It is beautiful with all the decorations but it is still winter, so prepare for gloomy and wet weather.
Shoulder Season (September-October & April-May)
The best season to travel if you want a mix of pleasant weather and fewer tourists is during the shoulder season. September to October have nice temperatures and you might even see the sun!
The temperatures between April and May are usually very pleasant and good for sightseeing as well.
Our local expert, Alex, recommends visiting during these times as it is the best chance for perfect weather for exploring!
Pro Tip: There is almost always a possibility of rain in London, so always bring an umbrella or rain jacket, just in case!
Off Season (November to February)
The off season in London is the winter months between November and February. During this period of time you will see rain and cold temperatures.
The positives of visiting during this time though are that there are fewer crowds and prices for accommodations are at their lowest.
Don’t forget that December and New Year’s Eve doesn’t count for off-season in London even though it is during these winter months.
Meet Our Local London Expert
Our local London expert is one of my favorite people. We met online, as we are both travel bloggers and are about at the same stage of our journey.
We met up in London last June and got to spend the afternoon wandering London’s streets. It was so nice to be able to meet her in real life.
Mum In The City
Alex grew up in Surrey, which is about a 40-minute train to London. Her and family spent 2 years living in NYC before moving to London. She actually helped me write a travel guide to NYC as well! They’ve been in London for almost 2 years now.
If you love traveling to cities and a little bit of fashion, you will love Alex’s blog, Alex Jessica Mills – Mum In The City. She has two little boys so much of her travel content is focused on traveling with smaller children whereas you will find more activities for traveling with bigger kids and teens on my blog.
Why Visit London?
Alex loves that there is so much to do in London with such a variety of options. She has been surprised by how family-friendly it is. There are also lots of free things to do, which is amazing in an expensive city!
Keep reading for some options for free things to do in London below!
Top 9 London Tourist Attractions
Like all my local travel guides, I researched multiple blogs and found what are said to be the best things to do in London. Below are the top 9 London attractions with Mum In The City’s ratings and tips.
London Eye
The London Eye is iconic London, and the views are really cool. This slow moving ferris wheel in the heart of London will give you 365-degree views above River Thames and Central London.
What to Expect: Grab your tickets and get in line. The quick moving line will guide you to the large pods of the London Eye. As the ferris wheel slowly turns, you will be delighted as the views continually change.
The pods are quite large. While there is a bench for sitting, you can move around and take pictures from all angles.
Local Insight: We loved the London Eye. I feel like it’s something you should do at least once. The only downside is that it is a little expensive; if you’re visiting London on a tight budget, you could skip this one.
Pro Tip: My advice would be to book your tickets for the London Eye the day before. Check the weather and if the skies are clear, grab your tickets. You can always reschedule your tickets if you buy them in advance, but they aren’t refundable.
Get More Info: Is The London Eye Worth It? Everything You Need To Know
Tower Bridge
Seeing the Tower Bridge is amazing. It’s free to see and walk across, and that’s a must-do for all tourists coming to London. Alex rates going inside Tower Bridge as a three out of five as it is a unique thing to do but there are some downsides.
What to Expect: Upon arrival you will enter the North Tower and climb the stairs to the walkways. There are two walkways you can walk across at the top with the history of the Tower Bridge posted throughout the tour.
When walking over the glass walkways, don’t forget to look up too. There is nice mirror at the top for selfies! Peak through the windows to see views of the surrounding area which includes buildings such as the Tower of London.
You can even time your tour so you are there when the bridge rises. The times are posted on the Tower Bridge’s website.
After the walkways, you can also visit the engine room and gift shop.
Local Insight: I often see people confusing Tower Bridge and London Bridge. London Bridge is very ugly! We really enjoyed our tour of the inside of the Tower Bridge. They have a fun kids’ activity trail that my kids really liked. However, it gets very crowded, meaning you can’t always make the most of the glass walkways. The views are good, but other places have better!
Pro Tip: For the best chance of a tour of Tower Bridge without a ton of crowds, book your tickets in the morning.
Read More: Tower Bridge Review: Is This London Tour Actually Worth It?
Tower Of London
If you are interested in history, British culture and the royals or just like castles, the Tower of London should be added to your London itinerary. This famous fortress is right in the center of London and super easy to get to. There is so much to do there, so plan at least 3 hours for a visit.
What to Expect: Upon entering the Tower of London, you have so many different areas of the fortress to choose from. Some attractions include The Crown Jewels, The White Tower, the Tower ravens, walk the Battlements, the Bloody Tower, and so much more.
Local Insight: We loved the Tower of London, it is a cultural and fun day out that all ages can enjoy. It is great for kids, but I think you would also enjoy it as a couple or solo visitor.
Borough Market
If you’re a foodie, Borough Market is fantastic to visit. There are so many great stalls with some very tasty food to try. Here you can find the famous milk chocolate covered strawberries, incredible donuts, sausage rolls, and tacos. You name it, it’s there. Come hungry!
What to Expect: Borough Market is in a really cool neighborhood and really has so many amazing food options. It is a fairly popular spot, so you can expect lines and higher prices. It is worth the hype, but just get ready to be around many people!
Local Insight: I like this market. It has a cool vibe and lots of great stalls, but I don’t go often as it gets so busy. Due to the crowds, a pushchair (stroller) is not ideal.
Pro Tip: Borough Market is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
Big Ben And Parliament
Big Ben and the Parliament Building are iconic sites in London. They can get very busy surrounding them because everyone wants to see them, but it is worth it.
Did you know that the tower that we call Big Ben is actually called the Elizabeth Tower? Big Ben is actually the name of the bell that is inside the tower!
We loved the view of these historic structures from across the river. There is a viral photo spot that is very close to where this above photo was taken, but I am not one to stand in line for a photo. The only difference in that photo is that there is an arch that makes a great frame.
Speaking of photo ops, very close to Big Ben you can find many of the famous red telephone booths. These popular booths also have lines, but because there are so many of them, the lines move pretty quickly. We chose one that was a little further away from Big Ben because the line was shorter and we still got a great picture!
What to Expect Inside: Alex and I haven’t been inside The Elizabeth Tower or Parliament but it is possible to tour them.
For the Elizabeth Tower Tour, you climb up 334 spiral, stairwell steps to the belfry where Big Ben, the bell, is located. You will stand next to the bell as it rings, see the mechanics of how the bell works and learn about its history.
The Big Ben Tour is not for everyone. You must be able to climb the stairs and kids must be at least 11 years old. The 90-minute tour is also quite expensive in my opinion. It is £35 for adults and £20 for children.
The Palace of Westminster which is home to the UK Parliament can also be toured. You can choose between a guided tour where you learn from a guide or you can choose a family audio tour and move at your own pace. Some places you can see inside the Parliament building are the House of Commons Chamber, House of Lords Chamber, Westminster Hall, St. Stephen’s Hall and the Central Lobby.
The Guided Parliament Tour is £36 for adults, £20 for kids and there is a discount of £5 for young adults. Children under the age of 5 are free. You will need to book in advance.
If you choose the self-guided tour, you still need to schedule a time to enter the Palace of Westminster. The cost for adults is £29. If you are visiting with kids, for each adult ticket that is purchased you get a free children’s ticket for kids 15 and under. Extra children will cost £12, and young adults ages 16-24 cost £22.
Local Insight: You have to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament when you’re a tourist in London! It is possible to do tours of the inside, but I haven’t done one, so I can’t comment on how good they are!
Book your Parliament Tour and Elizabeth Tower tour here.
Buckingham Palace And The Changing Of The Guard
Seeing Buckingham Palace is a must when visiting London with kids. The beautiful gardens in the front are fun to walk around and the kids will love seeing the serious guards.
What to Expect: In the summer months, you can visit the glamorous Palace State Rooms, where you can see the stunning ballroom, white drawing room and throne room. Alex did this years ago, and it was a great experience. She would love to go back with her kids!
The Changing of the Guard happens in three different locations near Buckingham Palace and occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11am. On Sunday, there is Parade at Buckingham Palace that takes place at 11am.
You will be able to witness the old guard responsible for guarding Buckingham Palace being replaced by new soldiers while bands play festive music.
If you want to experience the Changing of the Guard with small children and don’t want to stand in the crowds, check out this recommendation: Changing the Guard With Children
Local Insight: The Changing Of The Guard is great! It is such an iconic and FREE activity. We’ve watched it a few times and always enjoy it. It can involve a lot of waiting around, and kids can get impatient. My kids have always been fine, though!
Pro Tip: Tickets to the Palace state rooms sell out fast! If you miss out on them, Kensington Palace is a good alternative.
Natural History Museum
One of the free things to do in London is to visit the Natural History Museum. While it is a stunning building and has interesting exhibits, it is so popular that it becomes hard to enjoy.
What to Expect: If you love nature and discovery, visiting the Natural History Museum can be a good option. The nice part is that it is free. So, if you do end up going and not enjoying it as much as you thought, at least you didn’t waste a bunch of money on tickets.
Some popular exhibits that you can expect to find are the dinosaurs and fossils; the animal kingdom including whales, birds, mammals and creepy crawlies; the Earth, minerals and environment exhibits that includes an interest volcanoes section; and much more.
Local Insight: This is such an unpopular opinion, but I don’t love the Natural History Museum. The building is stunning, and it is so great that it is free to visit, but it gets so crowded. My kids of course, love the dinosaur exhibit, but I don’t think the museum is very well laid out.
Pro Tip: Alex’s advice would be to go first thing in the morning, see the dinosaurs, then move on!
Platform 9 3/4 At King’s Cross Station
What to Expect: If you are in King’s Cross Station and love Harry Potter, making a stop to see the trolley in the wall can be fun, but it is really just a photo op. It is one of those places that often has a line to get your photo too.
All that to say, Alex wouldn’t go out of the way to see this.
Local Insight: If you’re a Harry Potter fan, a day trip to the Warner Bros. Studio is much more fun and interesting. Another option is a Harry Potter guided walking tour around London. I did this years ago and really enjoyed it!
Book this Harry Potter Walking Tour or grab tickets to Warner Bros. Studio here.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea
A British afternoon tea is all about the experience. Imagine socializing with your friends and family while enjoying hot tea and treats.
What To Expect: You can expect to find delicate finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of sweet pastries and cakes served on a three-tier tray.
This delightful tradition usually is served between 3 and 5pm. If you want to experience true British culture, this is one thing not to miss when visiting London with kids.
Recommendations: A Brigit’s Bakery afternoon tea bus tour will delight the kids. They have different themes, such as Paddington Bear or Monopoly, that children will love.
The pink afternoon tea buses by Golden Tours are great for a girls’ trip!
Alex recently went to Rubens at the Palace, which is opposite Buckingham Palace. If you are looking for a more formal option, this one is lovely.
Alex hasn’t been to The Dilly, but they always have fun, themed afternoon teas that she has heard great things about.
Local Insight: I love an afternoon tea. It is very British! Everyone should experience it on a trip to London.
Things To Do In London With Kids
Traveling to London with kids opens up a world of family-friendly adventures beyond the city’s main attractions. Whether you’re looking to fill extra time between major sights or searching for activities specifically designed with children in mind, London has countless opportunities for family fun.
Here are Alex’s top recommendations for visiting London with older kids that she always gives to families. Please note that she hasn’t been able to experience many of them yet as her kids are too young, but she plans to when they get older.
These featured activities keep kids engaged, entertained, and excited to explore everything this vibrant city has to offer.
Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour
If you are traveling with older kids or you are just a big fan of the wonderful world of Harry Potter, visiting the movie studio would be a very fun item to add to your London itinerary.
It isn’t right in the city, so booking a tour with transportation is the best option. The tour itself is a commitment as it takes about an hour and half to get there and you will want about 3.5 to explore the studio.
My youngest right now is really into Harry Potter and I know he would love to visit the sets and learn how it all came to be. He’s literally watching the second movie right now! 😄
Book this tour of Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio.
Holland Park
Holland Park is a large and beautiful park that is perfect for families visiting London. In the middle of the park you will find a peaceful Japanese Kyoto Garden. Start at the serene garden and walk peacefully through admiring all the details.
On the westside of the park, surprise the kids with an incredible and fun adventure playground.
Parents will love the scenic garden and the kids will love the exciting playground. It’s a win, win!
Shrek’s Adventure
Shrek’s Adventure is a unique tourist attraction in London for the whole family. If you loved the movies, this one is for you. Imagine walking through an interactive and immersive experience all around the theme of Shrek.
You will have an adventure in Far Far Away by exploring 9 fairytale themed live shows, meeting famous characters like Donkey, all while being on a quest to find Shrek.
There is a pretty decent discount if you book your Shrek’s Adventure tickets in advance, so I would recommend it.
There are also options to combine Shrek’s Adventure with The London Eye and/or a few other London attractions. So, you if you are planning on going to Sea Life, The London Eye, the London Dungeon, Madame Tussauds, or riding on a Big Bus in addition to Shrek’s Adventure, check out their website for combo tickets.
IFS Cloud Cable Car
One of the unique things to do in London that Alex’s family loves is to go on the IFS Cloud Cable Car. Only 15 minutes from Central London, you will find this urban cable car that will send you high up above the River Thames. The amazing views will captivate you while you ride.
For an even more unique experience, go on the cable car in the evening and see London’s skyline lit up at night. The IFS Cloud Cable Cars run until 9, 10 or 11pm depending on the day.
This is part of the London transportation system, so you can pay with contactless payment or an Oyster card. Adult tickets are £13 and children are £6.50 per round-trip ticket. There is a family ticket option for £30 too.
ArcelorMittal Orbit
For the thrill-seeking family, this activity is perfect for a family vacation in London. The ArcelorMittal Orbit is the world’s largest tunnel slide. It stands at a height of 76m (249 ft). It is very tall!
You are so high up, that there’s a nice viewing platform at the top with a cool panoramic view of London. The slide itself is thrilling of course and the building is quite unique. There are even some fun funky mirrors at the top that the kids will love.
You can take the elevator up, enjoy the view, and walk the stairs or ride the down the elevator or if you are up for the thrill, you can take the Helix down.
The Helix is the longest and tallest tunnel slide and is 178 m (584 ft) long. You will wind around the building 12 times and reach speeds up to 15 mph. It looks like so much fun!
To access the viewing platform it is £9 and to do the slide it is £17 total. There is a slight discount for a group of 4 and there is a booking fee of £5 pounds per order.
Check out the ArcelorMittal Orbit for more information to book your tickets.
This is more of a big kid and teen activity, so Alex hasn’t done it quite yet, but maybe in a few years!
Babylon Park
Babylon Park is a hidden gem in London that the kids will love. This cool underground amusement park in Camden has rides, VR experiences, hundreds of arcade games and even an indoor roller coaster.
You book your tickets for a specified time slot and you have unlimited access to all the fun. This is a perfect activity for some indoor fun that the whole family will enjoy!
Additional Fun Things To In London
While London has many famous attractions, these London activities offer unique experiences that some tourists miss. These activities surprisingly rarely make it into traditional travel guides, but they would be fantastic additions to any trip to London with kids.
British Museum
While the British Museum is not really a hidden gem in London, but surprisingly to me, it wasn’t mentioned in many London travel guides that I saw. And it should be.
This free museum is in a gorgeous building. Additionally, it isn’t just about Britain’s history, but has a lot of interesting history and cultural information from all across the world.
The enormous collection of exhibits range from Ancient India, Hawai’i, Ancient Sudan, and the Gladiators of Britain. That’s just naming a few.
Stop by the British Museum’s Families Desk where you will find fun informative activities for the kids to keep them interested during a visit too.
The Royal Parks
London has so many great parks. There are 8 Royal Parks in London. These parks were originally owned and used by the Royal family. Now they are public parks for all to enjoy.
Alex’s favorites are Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent’s Park, Richmond Park, and St. James’s Park.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Don’t miss a visit to this beautiful cathedral in Central London. St. Paul’s Cathedral is stunning and while I only had time to view its exterior, it is also home to a large collection of art inside.
It is free to enter St. Paul’s for worship, but if you want to take a tour you, will have to book a ticket. Tickets for St. Paul’s Cathedral are £26 per adult and £10 per child. There are discounts for families.
For a beautiful picture of St Paul’s Cathedral with the reflection pool pictured above, visit the Reflection Garden on the corner of Cannon St and New Change.
Covent Garden
One of Alex’s favourite areas is Covent Garden. This vibrant and charming borough is a great area of London to visit.
She really enjoys watching the fun street performers here in the Piazza. In addition, you can visit the Market Building that is filled with boutique shops and artisan vendors.
Besides the market area, the streets in this part of London are filled with great shopping stores including independent boutiques, beauty shops, and more.
The vibe is more of a village feel with a beautiful and unique atmosphere for being so centrally located in London. Enjoy the historic buildings, pedestrian-friendly spaces and do some fantastic people watching and shopping in Covent Gardens.
Walk over to Neal’s Yard while you are too!
Fantastic Day Trips From London
You could spend your whole vacation in London since there are so many things to do there, but if you are looking to see some different places, I put together a list of incredible day trips from London with Alex’s help.
These nearby destinations offer everything from historic British cities to charming British villages and countryside.
Greenwich
Greenwich is often called a day trip from London although it is only a 10-minute train ride from London Bridge. It’s a really great area with lots of things to do, especially for the family.
A few options of things to do in Greenwich are:
- Cutty Sark – 19th century sailing ship turned museum.
- Prime Meridian – Stand with one foot in the Eastern Hemisphere and one in the Western Hemisphere.
- Royal Observatory – Enjoy exhibits on space and time and a planetarium.
- National Maritime Museum – Free museum with amazing hands-on exhibits that the children will love.
- Greenwich Park – One of London’s Royal Parks with plenty of space to run and roll down the hill. Be sure to check out the view from the top of the hill!
- The Old Royal Naval College – Check out the stunning Painted Hall.
- Greenwich Market – Great place to grab some grub!
- Thames River Boat – Get to Greenwich in a unique way by going by river boat from Westminster.
Bath
Bath is a beautiful, historic city in England and is between 1 to 2 hours from London, depending on where you are coming from. It is most known for its Roman Heritage and having Britain’s only natural hot springs. In addition, it also a very walkable city that will steal your heart with its remarkable architecture and relaxed atmosphere.
Some things to do in Bath include:
- The Roman Baths – An incredibly well-preserved ancient Roman bath complex with steaming green waters.
- Bath Abbey – A beautiful Gothic church with gorgeous stained glass windows and a tower to climb for the views.
- Wander the streets and admire the preserved 18th-century Georgian architecture.
- Thermal Bath Spa – Bathe in the only natural hot spring in Britain. There’s even a rooftop pool with views of the city. This is for adults only. Children under 16 aren’t allowed.
- Riverside Walk and Pulteney Weir – Walk the path next to the river by the Pulteney Bridge and watch the water cascade over the picturesque weir.
Oxford
Under an hour from London, you will find the historic city of Oxford. Oxford is probably most known for its university, but also visit for its interesting architecture, historic pubs, literary connections and vibrant hilly, city vibe.
Some things not to miss in Oxford are:
- Christ Church College – Oxford’s grandest college.
- Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera – If you like books and libraries, this is one of the world’s greatest. While you may not enter, the Radcliffe Camera, it is a beautiful building to see and photograph.
- University Church of St Mary the Virgin Tower – Climb for spectacular views of the city’s spires and college rooftops.
- Ashmolean Museum – Free world-class museum filled with Egyptian mummies, paintings and contemporary art.
- The Covered Market – A historic market with food vendors and independent shops perfect for gifts.
- Walk along the High Street – This curved street, referred to as “The High,” is lined with historic colleges and beautiful architecture.
Cambridge
In about an hour, you can reach Cambridge from London by train. This beautiful university city has 31 independent colleges and is, in a way, Oxford’s rival. The distinct feel of Cambridge is a little more laid back and flat, which makes biking easy here too.
The river is very central to daily life. The Backs, which is the defining feature of Cambridge, is where several colleges back onto the River Cam making picturesque views of the historic buildings from the water.
Some things to see and do in Cambridge include:
- King’s College Chapel – Late gothic architecture masterpiece with an incredible vaulted ceiling.
- Punting on the River Cam – Seeing Cambridge from the water is a spectacular way to see the amazing colleges.
- Trinity College – The largest and grandest of the Cambridge colleges. Don’t miss Christopher Wren’s library and the Great Court.
- The Fitzwilliam Museum – A free museum with an impressive art collection, including paintings by Monet and Picasso.
- Market Square – A bustling open-air market perfect for lunch!
- The Backs Walk – If you don’t go punting, be sure to walk along the river or click on the link for a nice, free walking tour through Cambridge with a map.
Check out Alex’s website that has a complete guide to visiting Cambridge with kids and a review of a Cambridge punting tour with essential tips!
The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is a charming area of England that is very popular to visit and with good reason. It can be done as a day trip, but is even better as an overnight trip.
It is best if you rent a car to go to The Cotswolds, as the public transportation around the area is limited.
Alex and her family went for 3 nights and were glad they didn’t try to do it in a day! The area is pretty large and so depending on which villages you want to visit, it can be a lot of time spent in a car.
So if you want to see many of the cute villages, plan to spend a night or two!
Alex has a few posts to help you plan your time around The Cotswolds.
Check them out here: The Cotswolds
Brighton
Brighton is a great family day trip if you are looking to go to the sea from London. It takes less than an hour by train.
Once you are there, you will find a pebble beach and pier with lots of fun rides. Brighton is a very unique city as it has a completely different vibe than a traditional British city. It is very bohemian and eclectic!
Things to do and see in Brighton:
- Royal Pavilion – An over-the-top, extremely out of place but amazing palace in Brighton.
- Brighton Pier – Fun-filled pier that juts out into the sea with amusement rides, arcades, and fish and chips stands.
- Go shopping in The Lanes – A maze of twisting, colorful alleyways with many boutique shops, cafes, restaurants and antique shops to explore.
- British Airways i360 – A tall, moving viewing platform with spectacular views.
Free Things To Do In London
London is not a cheap city to visit, so finding free things to do in London is always nice on the budget. Thankfully it delivers with free world-class museums, immersive art, parks and viewpoints. You can spend much of your time doing free activities in London if you wanted.
Here are our list of free things to do in London. For more information on these activities, check out my detailed post here: Free Things To Do In London Worth Visiting
Free Museums And Galleries
London has so many free museums and galleries. Here are some of the best.
- The Museum of London Docklands in Canary Wharf
- The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich
- The Science Museum in Kensington
- The Natural History Museum in Kensington
- The British Museum in Bloomsbury
- The Young V&A in Bethnal Green
- The National Army Museum in Chelsea
- The National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square
- The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square
- The Queen’s House in Greenwich
Outernet
I love immersive art. We went to one in Amsterdam where it displayed Dutch works of art from Van Gogh and Rembrandt. I love how the images change and morph into something new. It is very fun to watch.
Well this is what you will find at Outernet too. Imagine walking into a building and being surrounded by ever changing art. There are different works of art all, around a theme, that are shown at different times in The Now Building.
For example, one that is playing as I write this is Biophilia where it shows how human desire connects with nature. The display even changes when you get close making it an interactive experience.
The theme changes every 2-4 minutes, so you can experience new art constantly and the kids won’t even get bored. You can check what’s playing on Outernet’s website.
Best Viewpoints In London
There are so many viewpoints in London and many are free, but not all. Below are Alex’s favorites. I have indicated if they are free viewpoints in London and if you need to book a ticket in advance.
- London Eye – Not free. Check the weather and book it on a clear day.
- The Shard – Not free. Must book a ticket and it can get a little pricy for this viewpoint. It is a pretty iconic building to visit though.
- Sky Garden – FREE! Must book a time slot. Can get pretty busy.
- The Garden at 120 – FREE! The view isn’t as high up but it is still spectacular. No need to book in advance.
- Horizon 22 – FREE! The tallest of the free options. Must book in advance. It is also popular, so it can be hard to get a ticket.
- The Lookout – FREE! Quieter and a hidden gem. Not as flashy.
- Greenwich Park Viewpoint – FREE! If you plan on visiting Greenwich, add this to your itinerary.
- Primrose Hill Viewpoint – FREE! Climb the hill at The Regent’s Park to catch these city + park views.
Where To Eat In London
When figuring out where to eat in London, it can get overwhelming quick. I know I felt that way.
With so many options to choose from, we put together a great lineup of restaurants from many different types of eateries. These include tasty pub food, the best Indian food in London and rooftop restaurants with a view.
Restaurants In London With A View
- The Old Thameside Inn – A historic pub near London Bridge right on the river
- Madison – Modern dining with incredible views of St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Aqua Shard – Modern British dining with breathtaking views in the Shard
- Fenchurch Restaurant – Fine dining with a seafood focus at Sky Garden
Best Pub Food In London
- Trafalgar Tavern – Victorian riverside pub in Greenwich
- The Gipsy Moth in Greenwich – Tasty pub food overlooking the Cutty Sark in Greenwich
- The Dickens Inn – A great pub right on the St. Katharine Docks. Get the fish and chips here
- The Mitre – Traditional pub in Holland Park with very welcoming service
- The Mayfair Chippy – Award-winning fish and chips
Delicious Indian Restaurants
- Brick Lane – Brick Lane is not a restaurant but a road filled with the best, authentic curry houses in London.
- Dishoom – Bombay comfort food with many locations across the city. Find one near you!
- Gunpowder – A more upscale Indian restaurant with locations in Spitalfields, Tower Bridge and Soho.
- Kricket – Modern Indian with restaurant locations in Soho, Shoreditch and Canary Wharf.
Top Breakfast Joints
- Brother Marcus – Delicious East Med brunch, but only on the weekends!
- Daisy Green – These cute restaurants are scattered all over London with tasty breakfast or brunch options. All of them have a little different name, so check out their website to find the one nearest to you!
Best Lunch Spots In London
- Want a good pizza? Check out one of these three excellent pizzerias.
- For lunch, especially when traveling with kids, I like to go to a food market. With so many choices, you are sure to find something everyone will like. Besides Borough Market, here are some others to check out:
- Camden Market
- Greenwich Market
- Spitalfields Market
- Market Halls – with locations in Victoria, Canary Wharf, Oxford Street and Paddington
Cute Cafes
- EL&N – This cute cafe has tasty cakes and lattes.
- Peggy Porchen – Enjoy fancy cakes and other sweet treats with a glass of champagne in a beautiful building.
- Haute Dolci – Sleek and modern with tasty food
- Chestnut Bakery – Adorable bakery in Covent Gardens
Tasty Cocktails
- The Alchemist – Unique and tasty cocktails that are worth it for the experience
- Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour – Vintage living room vibes with excellent cocktails
Where To Stay In London With Kids
When going to a new city it is always important to know the best areas to stay. I always look for a mix of being near the attractions, but also in a safe and fun neighborhood. There are many areas to stay in London with kids that fit that description.
When we were there, we stayed near Tower Hill Station in Central London. It was a very convenient location as we could walk to most places and the Tube was right there if we needed to travel further.
Some other areas that Alex recommends are:
- Westminster – You will be so close to many iconic London attractions such as Big Ben and the Westminster Cathedral.
- Covent Garden – This area of London has a charming vibe with lots going on. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants nearby.
- Kensington, Chelsea & Belgravia – These boroughs are all close together in an affluent area of London. Imagine large white townhouses with nice cafes and shops with a relaxed vibe.
- Mayfair – An upscale area in the heart of London. It is located between St James and Hyde Park with lots of boutique stores and places to eat there.
- Marylebone – This charming borough has a village feel in the heart of Central London. It is know for its beautiful Georgian architecture and is right next to The Regent’s Park.
- Canary Wharf – Located in East London, rather than Central, but Canary Wharf has a lot to offer. There are many restaurants, shops and cafes in the area with good transport links to various locations around London.
Best Family Friendly Hotels In London
When we were in London we were only there for a few nights and wanted to be centrally located. We stayed at the Novotel London Tower Bridge and it was perfect for our family of four.
I did some research and found some of the best family-friendly hotels in London in the areas that Alex has recommended above. Check them out to see if they will work for your family.
Westminster
- $$$ St. Ermin’s – A beautiful, historic hotel with family room options in a fantastic location.
- $$ The Resident Victoria – A comfortable and more affordable option in the Westminster area.
Kensington & Chelsea
- $$ Hotel Xenia – A stylish and beautiful hotel in Kensington. There are no family rooms, but you can get interconnecting rooms.
- $$$ Cheval Harrington Court – This South Kensington hotel has spacious 2-bedroom apartment options that will give your family plenty of space during your London trip.
Marylebone
- $$ The Kings Arms Pub & Boutique Rooms – A quirky but fun boutique hotel near Marylebone that has a family room and super comfortable beds!
Canary Wharf
- $$ InterContinental London – The O2 – Beautiful hotel with a Junior King Suite or two-bedroom apartment suite that are a good size for a family. Easy access to the Tube and it even has an indoor pool.
- $$ Marlin Canary Wharf – Spacious apartments in Canary Wharf with nice views
Frequently Asked Questions Answered By A Local
How To Get Around London With Kids?
London’s public transportation system is great. You can easily navigate the areas you want to visit by either taking the underground (The Tube) or by hopping on a double decker bus. There’s even a light rail system.
An Oyster card is an easy way to navigate around London. There are caps on how much is charged in one day, so many times it is cheaper to use an Oyster card than to purchase a day ticket. For more information visit the London transportation website.
If you have contactless credit or debit cards on your phone, you can also use these to travel through London. This is what we did while we were there.
Kids under 11 travel free on buses and the underground. So, for our family of 4, Mike would go with Isaac (age 9) through the large metro stalls using his card, and then I used one of my cards for Levi (aged 11) and a different card for myself. This worked great for us.
Pro Tip: If you take a double decker bus or tram, you only have to tap once on your contactless payment card when you get on the bus. If you take the Underground, you will need to tap once to enter and tap again to exit.
What Are The Top Things NOT To Miss If Visiting London With Kids
There are so many things to do in London that it can feel overwhelming to choose. Ultimately pick the activities that sound the most interesting to you.
This will very from person to person, but if I had to name the top 10 things to do in London if visiting for the first time it would be these:
- Walk over the Tower Bridge
- Check out one of the viewpoints. If you are traveling on a budget there are many free options. If money isn’t a concern, I would choose the London Eye.
- Choose a historical place to visit, this could be the Tower of London or a Museum that peaks your interest like the British Museum.
- Visit Buckingham Palace, try to plan around the Changing of the Guard if you can.
- Take your picture in an iconic red telephone booth
- Go see the Parliament Building and Big Ben
- Walk around a neighborhood that isn’t in Central London. Greenwich is a great option if visiting London with kids.
- Do one thing the kids choose!
- Take a day trip out of the city like to The Cotswolds, Oxford or Brighton.
- Be like the British and enjoy an afternoon tea.
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