For those travelling with children, London is one of the most wonderful cities in the world. I personally believe that cities can be great holiday destinations for kids, if you plan and prepare for it ahead of time.
This 5 or 7 day itinerary of London with kids gives you the chance to experience the best attractions that this city has to offer, including some of the best-kept secrets and the best places to stay.
Top 10 London Attractions With Kids
Below is a round-up of some of London favourite neighbourhoods:
Westminister :Iconic landmarks, Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben), Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Westminster Bridge
Southbank
River Walk, The London Eye, Sea Life London Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventure, The London Dungeon, Tate Modern, The Globe Theatre.
West End
london’s Theatre District, Shaftesbury Avenue
Leicester Square
Cinemas, Lego Store, M&M Store, Chinatown
Covent Garden
Covent Garden Market, Street Performers, London Transport Museum
South Kensington
Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A Museum, Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, Princess Diana Memorial Playground
Camden
Camden Markets, Street Art, Live Music, London Zoo, Regent’s Canal River Walk, Views from Primrose Hill
Greenwich
The Cutty Sark, The Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich Park.
We visited the following attraction during our visit to london.
- Science Museum
- Natural History Museum
- London Eye
- Tower Bridge
- Tower of London
- Buckingham Palace
- SEA LIFE Aquarium
- Covent Garden
- Princess Diana Memorial Playground
Day 1: Buckingham Palace and London’s Iconic Landmarks
So, my family’s journey began at the grand Buckingham Palace, a perfect start to our adventure exploring . It’s impossible not to be awestruck by the sheer magnificence of the residence of the British monarchy, especially when you’re in London . We were fortunate to be there during the summer months, allowing us to explore the Palace’s interior with our children. If you’re into photography, the exterior is still worth capturing .
Next on the agenda was the Changing of the Guard, an event that takes place daily at 10:45 am right in front of the Palace. It’s not an everyday occurrence, so we made it a priority during our visit .
Big Ben
Despite the ongoing renovations, we couldn’t pass up the chance to say that we’d seen Big Ben in person with our kids. Its iconic presence is simply awe-inspiring, and it’s a memorable moment
London eye
Our day took an exhilarating turn with a ride on the London Eye, offering our family unrestricted views of the city and a unique perspective of . The London Eye 4D Experience, included with every ticket, added an extra layer of excitement to our family’s adventure .
Get Fast Track London Eye tickets here
SEA Life Aquarium
To round off the day, we delved into the depths of the SEA Life Aquarium with our children, experiencing a mesmerizing world of marine life with our kids. We encountered 350 species, including sharks, octopuses, and even piranhas with our little adventurers. Our kids had a blast with the VIP experiences, which allowed them to get up close and personal with penguins and explore behind the scenes during our trip with kids.
Day 2: A World of Wonder at Museums
Natural History Museum:
Explore the wonders of the Natural History Museum, featuring the famous Dinosaurs gallery, interactive exhibits, and an outdoor gallery showcasing 3,000 species of creatures and plants.Our second day exploring London began with a visit to the Natural History Museum, where we embarked on an educational journey through time with our children. The Dinosaurs gallery left us in awe, and the chance to handle fossils and engage with scientists made it a memorable experience for our family .
Science Museum
Next, we made our way to the Science Museum, a hub of interactive and educational activities for families, ensuring an engaging and fun day . ‘The Garden’ was a true delight for our kids, where they explored various scientific wonders during our family trip.
Princess Diana Memorial Playground
The Princess Diana Memorial Playground was a hit with the little ones .They loved climbing aboard the massive wooden pirate ship, exploring sculptures, and splashing around in the water play area, making it a perfect stop in London .
Day 3: Uncovering History and Family Fun
Tower of London
Our third day exploring London with kids took us to the historic Tower of London, a fascinating castle and fortress famous for being home to the Crown Jewels, which intrigued our children. The Beefeaters, with their captivating stories and anecdotes, kept both kids and adults entertained during our London visit with kids.
Tower Bridge
Our adventure continued as we explored Tower Bridge, another iconic symbol of London that has much to offer families with . We enjoyed the dedicated activities for young visitors and marveled at the glass floor walkway, adding a thrilling element to our trip.
Borough Market
We couldn’t resist the allure of Borough Market, a food lover’s paradise. With its diverse array of culinary delights from around the world, it satisfied both the foodies and the picky eaters among us during our London trip with kids.
Day 4: London’s Vibrant Entertainment
Covent Garden
Our fourth day exploring London with kids began with the bustling energy of Covent Garden, where we watched mesmerizing street performances, browsed unique shops, and dined at family-friendly restaurants.
The London Transport Museum, with its engaging exhibitions and a play zone for the kids, was a great family-friendly stop during our London adventure with kids.
We couldn’t visit London’s West End without catching a show. ‘The Lion King’ was a classic choice, pleasing both the kids and the adults during our London family trip. And remember, booking your theatre tickets in advance can save you some pounds during your London trip with kids.
Harry Potter Studio Tour
For our Harry Potter enthusiast, a visit to the Harry Potter Studio Tour was a must . We had booked our tickets well in advance to secure our spot and enjoy the magical experience with our kids. If you’re unable to snag tickets, a day trip to Oxford, with its historic colleges and familiar Hogwarts filming locations, is a fantastic alternative during your trip with
Madame Tussauds
Our journey continued at Madame Tussauds, where we rubbed shoulders with lifelike waxwork A-List celebrities, superheroes, and beloved film characters. It was kitschy but absolutely worth the visit during our London family trip with kids.
Battersea Children’s Zoo
Our last stop was Battersea Children’s Zoo, a perfect family-friendly attraction for our London adventure with kids. It offered a personal zoo experience, and we were thrilled to check the website for animal feeding times, giving our kids the opportunity to experience feeding otters, meerkats, or even monkeys during our London visit with kids.
Travelling within London with kids
The most convenient way to explore London with your kids is by utilizing the city’s extensive public transportation system. You’ll find some excellent apps like Citymapper, Tfl Go, and Google Maps (especially helpful for bus routes) to assist you in navigating the city.
The Tube in London
London boasts a robust public transport network, featuring the iconic London Underground (commonly known as the tube), buses, overground trains, and riverboats, ensuring you can reach your desired destinations at any time of day.
Use contactless or an Oyster Card for payment, with contactless being the easiest and most economical option. Children under 11 travel free with a paying adult, while those aged 11-15 can get half-rate fares with a young visitor discount on an Oyster card. For regular London visitors, consider a Zip Oyster card. Avoid long walks across the city, as London is quite vast, especially for kids.
Hop on Hop off bus
Touring London on a Hop On Hop Off bus is ideal. These buses offer a convenient and comprehensive way to explore top attractions like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Tower of London. With affordable tickets starting at £20, it’s a great value. However, during busy summer months, consider bringing a foldable stroller or baby carrier for added convenience.
Accommodation Options for London with kids
When planning a city break with kids, consider private apartments like Airbnb or Plumguide. These individually vetted options offer flexibility. You can also find Airbnb alternatives in London.
For self-catering or family-friendly hotels, check Booking.com for great deals with free cancellation. Explore more options for family accommodations in London here.
Look for hotels that can comfortably fit families of five, especially if you’re visiting the Warner Bros Studio tour for Harry Potter. Major hotel chains like Radisson’s Park Plaza and Hilton offer various family-friendly choices to suit your budget.
Money saving tips
- Travel during the off-season to reduce flight and accommodation costs.
- Opt for the city’s efficient public transportation instead of expensive taxis.
- Explore the city with a free walking tour, and consider leaving a tip if you can.
- Enjoy cost-free activities like museum visits and time in the park.
- Find excellent deals on major attractions through discount ticket websites.
- Consider booking combination tickets for multiple attractions to save even more.
- Save on food expenses by searching for meal deals at supermarkets, often including a sandwich, snack, and drink. Also, look for restaurant discounts using a Taste card.
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