London with Kids – The Best Things To Do

See Also

The 10 Best London Tours for Kids & Families

a man holding a teddy bear next to a fire hydrant

Advance Tickets

The 27 Best Things to Do with Kids in London

two young boys standing in front of a bus

1. Tower of London

This historically preserved medieval fortress is one of London’s premier attractions for families – both adults and children enjoy exploring it. Interior exhibits are interactive and provide helpful historical context. The castle was eventually converted to hold prisoners and was the site of many executions. Much of its past is dark and disturbing. Arrive as early as feasible to opening time and head directly to the White Tower which contains many enlightening and kid-friendly displays (lines start forming fairly soon after the gates open and grow longer throughout the day). Next visit the Crown Jewels. There are free guided tours that begin every 30 minutes and last 45 minutes – pick up a program before entering (by the ticket booth) listing all the day`s events. (1 restaurant)

  • ages: 5+
  • tube: Tower Hill
  • open: March through October Sunday & Monday: 10:00 to 17:30, Tuesday–Saturday: 9:00 to 17:30; November through February Sunday & Monday: 10:00 to 16:30, Tuesday–Saturday: 9:00 to 16:30.
  • costs: family £55, adult £20, child £10, kids under four years are free.

2. Tower Bridge

London`s most prominent landmark. The bridge opens and closes almost 1000 times annually ( schedule posted online and at the bridge). The Tower Bridge Exhibition provides a history of the bridge and allows access to the bridge`s upper walkway using an elevator. Visitors can see the river below through reinforced glass in the center of the walkway. One can also view the steam-powered machinery that originally raised the bridge for the first hundred years after its construction. (Historical note: The Luftwaffe did not bomb the iconic structure during WWII because it was needed as an orienting landmark.)

  • ages: 4+
  • subway: London Bridge or Tower Hill
  • open: April to September 10:00 to 18:00, October to March 9:30 to 17:30.
  • costs: a family £11, an adult £8, a student £5, a child £3, kids under four years are free.

3. British Museum

One of the world’s foremost museums has a kid-accommodating attitude and fun children’s audio tours. The Rosetta Stone, the Elgin (Parthenon) Marbles, and the Egyptian mummies are some of the astonishing exhibits. To maintain kids’ involvement, download activity trails to your smartphone or tablet, or participate in a fun Museum Mission. (3 restaurants)

  • ages: 4+
  • subway: Holborn, Tottenham Court Road, Goodge Street, or Russell Square stations are all within a 5 minute walk.
  • Open: Saturday to Thursday 10:00 to 17:30, Friday 10:00 to 20:30.
  • costs: Free.

4. London Transport Museum

This constitutes one of our children’s favored attractions in London. A magnificent collection of buses, trains, trams, and subway vehicles. Young ones can enter most displays. It’s a highly hands-on and fun museum filled with video screens, posters, maps, illuminated panels, underground signage, and scale models. There exists an under-fives play area and a very awesome museum store. (1 restaurant)

  • ages: 3+
  • tube: Covent Garden
  • hours of operation: Saturday to Thursday 10:00 to 18:00, Friday 11:00 to 18:00
  • costs: Adults £13.50 (and valid for one year of readmission), under age 16 are free.

5. The Making of Harry Potter – Warner Bros Studio Tour London

In Leavesden, 20 miles north of London, one can visit the studio grounds where the majority of the filming for the Harry Potter movies took place. Visitors are able to explore different sets like Privet Drive, the Hogwarts dining hall, and Dumbledore`s office, practice magic skills in Dark Arts, investigate the Forbidden Forest, and examine thousands of props and costumes. Additional activities involve riding a pretend broomstick using green screen technology, boarding what looks like a Hogwarts Express carriage and drinking Butterbeer. Since it takes approximately an hour each way, dedicating a full day is needed to make the most of the visit. (2 restaurants)

  • ages: 4+
  • Travel: London Euston to Watford Junction, then shuttle bus
  • operating hours: Daily 8:30 to 20:30 during summer, 9:30 to 18:30 during winter.
  • Admission costs: Regular ticket is £39 for adults, £31 for children aged 5 to 15, £126 for a family. Booking online provides up to 8% savings on all tickets.

6. Legoland Windsor

Legoland Windsor focuses on bricks. It is separated into numerous different `worlds`, from the Empire of the Pharaohs and Territory of the Vikings to Ninjago World and Miniland – where you can view London`s renowned structures recreated in miniature utilizing Lego bricks. There is an adequate mixture of rides for toddlers, pre-schoolers and primary school kids, as well as amazing Lego creations, 4D films, live shows and adventure playgrounds. Some of the rides mean getting wet, which is specifically fun in hot weather. Download the Legoland app to locate your way around the park. (5 restaurants)

  • ages: 3-11
  • rail: London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Riverside
  • Open: Daily 10:00 to 18:00 in summer, 10:00 to 17:00 rest of year
  • Standard tickets cost £45 for all ages or £30 when pre-purchased online at least 7 days in advance.

7. National Portrait Gallery

The museum offers a pictorial overview of significant individuals and events in British history arranged chronologically from King Henry VIII up to David Beckham. Photos depict notable figures from politics to entertainment who shaped the national identity. Both children and adults can gain initial exposure to the country`s background in this gallery setting. Audioguides geared towards younger visitors are also available. The property features two on-site dining establishments.

  • ages: 6+
  • metro: Charing Cross or Leicester Square.
  • open: Saturday to Wednesday 10:00 to 18:00, Thursday and Friday 10:00 to 21:00
  • costs: Free

8. Royal Air Force Museum

Aviation enthusiasts will love this museum – regardless of age. Hundreds of airplanes representing every era of flight are on display. The Battle of Britain hall is particularly interesting. It does require some effort to get here as it’s situated in the London suburb of Colindale – a 30 minute subway ride from central London. (2 restaurants)

  • ages: 3+
  • tube: Colindale Underground Station
  • open: Daily 10:00 to 18:00
  • costs: Free

9. Imperial War Museum

One of the best museums in the city offers an incredible variety of airplanes, tanks, guns, gear, and historical information. Displays and exhibits are meticulously detailed. Videos feature survivors and soldiers recounting the horror and challenges of war. The audio tour is highly recommended. The holocaust exhibit on the top floor is rightfully restricted to kids 11 and older. The National Army Museum is another potentially worthwhile museum visit. It focuses almost exclusively on the history of British forces and is not nearly as interesting as the Imperial. The NAM does, however, have a Kids Zone in the basement that is a great play area but does get busy so reservations are advised. (The IWM has one restaurant. The NAM has a small cafe.)

  • ages: 4+ if they enjoy tanks and planes, but older to truly appreciate the content.
  • subway: Lambeth North or Elephant & Castle
  • open: 10:00 to 18:00
  • costs: Free

10. Changing of the Guard

Some kids find this a little dull, others love the pomp and tradition. The most optimal location to observe the guards is on The Mall, near St. James’s Palace. If your kids are small, crowding with others at Buckingham Palace may obstruct their view. There is also a Changing of the Guard at Windsor Palace (35 minutes outside of London by rail) that experiences far more minimal crowds but grants more pageantry.

  • ages: 2+
  • Underground rail line: St. James’s Park, Green Park, Hyde Park Corner
  • times: 11:30 but be in place by 11:00am at the lastest. It takes place every day May through July and alternating days otherwise – check the schedule.
  • costs: Free.

11. Buckingham Palace

Think of this as a lavishly decorated Victorian home and you won’t be let down. Kid-friendly audio tours available. If kids are expecting the fortresses of legend then Windsor Castle will better satisfy their imaginations. (Buckingham Palace has one cafe on the terrace.)

  • ages: 6+
  • Underground rail line: St. James’s Park, Green Park, Hyde Park Corner
  • open: 9:45 to 18:00 and only in August and September when the Queen at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
  • costs: family £46, adult £17.50, child £10, ages four and under are free.

12. National Maritime Museum

500 years of maritime history packed neatly into one fantastic venue. Hands-on exhibits make it entertaining for younger kids but this is definitely a venue that appeals to all age groups. Depictions of battles and boats galore plus free thematically pertinent talks. (2 restaurants)

  • ages: 3+
  • Transport: Maze Hill or Cutty Sark (DLR)
  • open: 10:00 to 17:00
  • costs: Free

13. Natural History Museum

One of London’s best museums appealing to both children and adults. Visitors can see dinosaurs, blue whales, saber-tooth tigers, elephants, volcanoes, meteors, earthquakes, and various invertebrates. The ideal blend of kid and adult entertainment. (2 restaurants)

  • ages: 3+
  • tube: South Kensington
  • open: 10:00 to 17:50 daily, 10:00 to 22:30 on the last Friday of every month
  • costs: Free

14. London Eye

This large wheel that moves through the air offers magnificent perspectives of greater London. It takes half an hour to go all the way around and the wheel moves at such a tranquil speed it’s not alarming for any ages. Passengers are completely confined in air conditioned and heated glass enclosures that fit 25 people.

  • ages: 3+
  • tube: Waterloo or Westminster
  • open: Daily 10:00 to 20:30 for most of the year, 10:00 to 18:00 for much of the winter (check website for specific dates). Closed yearly for maintenance in January.
  • costs: Standard ticket is £24.30 for adults, £19.80 for kids ages 3 to 15. £33.30 for adults, £28.20 for kids for Fast Track tickets allowing bypass of queues. Booking online can save up to 15% on all tickets

15. Museum of London Docklands

This is one of my private favorites. Centered to somewhat older kids the exhibits do a superb job of tracking the history and growth of the London riverfront from Roman days to modern times. (For more London history check out the excellent Museum of London.) Sailor Town is a reconstructed Victorian port town done with fantastical detail. If you’re based in central London it’s a little out of the way but worth the 20 minute journey to East London. (2 restaurants)

  • ages: 6+
  • metro: Canary Wharf, DLR: West India Quay
  • open: Daily 10:00 to 18:00
  • costs: Free

16. Science Museum

A futuristic museum spread across seven floors presenting interactive and entertaining exhibits exploring concepts ranging from space travel to the Industrial Revolution. Visitors of all ages will find something engaging, including toddlers. Notable features include the giant telescope in the Exploring Space section, flying machines in the Flight Gallery – from hot air balloons to vintage planes, and IMAX films about deep space and the underwater world shown in the cinema. Visits to the Science Museum can easily be combined with trips to the Natural History Museum. (1 restaurant)

  • ages: 2+
  • tube: South Kensington
  • open: Daily 10:00 to 18:00
  • costs: Free

17. Tate Modern

London’s premier contemporary art gallery offers abundant hands-on activities for children. Housed within the former Bankside Power Station, younger kids can run around the vast Turbine Hall. Those aged 3 and up can sketch their own masterpieces using the Bloomberg digital drawing station then view their art projected on gallery walls. The Sonic Trails app specifically guides kids on a sound journey through the facility, while the Tate Kids Collection Case resembles a scavenger hunt exploring the Materials and Objects display. (1 restaurant)

  • ages: 3+
  • subway: Blackfriars of Southwark
  • open: Daily 10:00 to 18:00
  • costs: Younger visitors under 12 have free access to all exhibits; adults only pay for special exhibitions.

18. London Dungeon

The London Dungeon is an interactive reenactment of the gruesome parts of London’s 1000 year history. Costumed performers lead visitors through skillfully constructed sets; onlookers come face to face with King Henry VIII ordering the execution of his wife, Guy Fawkes of the Gunpowder Plot, a medieval plague doctor and the murderous barber of Fleet Street, amongst others. Unnerving props, sound and light effects, plentiful audience participation, actors jumping out from dim corners and a ‘death drop’ ride make it suitable only for older children.

  • ages: 8+
  • tube: Waterloo or Westminster
  • open hours: Mon-Fri 10:00 to 16:00, Saturday 11:00-18:00, Sunday 10:00-17:00.
  • costs: The regular ticket is £21 for adults, £16.80 for kids 3 to 15 online. (Booking online saves up to 30% on all tickets; discounts also apply if booking a ticket to London Sea Life Aquarium, Madame Tussaud’s or the London Eye.) Day-of-admission prices are £30 adult, £24 kids.

19. London Sea Life Aquarium

Massive, cutting-edge aquarium popular with families and youngsters. There are 17 themed areas to explore. The Atlantic and Pacific Ocean habitats showcase creatures from the deep depths, while Tidal Reach proves that coastal British waters contain way more than what meets the eye! Sharks swim around a wreckage, enormous catfish lurk in warm rainforest waters and kids can seek for Nemo and Dory in tanks filled with clown fish and blue tang. Highlights include the Ocean Tunnel, with sharks gliding overhead, feeding times at the ray and rainforest fish tanks, and the Antarctic section featuring gentoo penguins.

  • ages: 2+
  • tube: Waterloo or Westminster
  • open: Mon-Fri from 10:00 to 18:00, Sat & Sun from 9:30-19:00
  • costs: Standard ticket is £21 for adults, £16.80 for kids 4 to 15. Booking online allows savings of up to 30% on all tickets. Discounts if you book tickets to the London Dungeon, Madame Tussaud’s or the London Eye.

20. London Zoo

London Zoo, located in the northern region of Regent’s Park, is extremely popular among family groups. Wildlife habitats include Tiger Territory, Gorilla Kingdom, Land of the Lions, Penguin Beach and Reptile House (where a portion of a Harry Potter film was shot). Meet the Monkeys is a big success with younger kids and visitors can explore creepy crawlies in the spider walkthrough. Kids (11-15-year-olds) also have the choice of playing junior zookeeper for a day (book in advance) and the zoo organises BegBugs sleepovers in the Bug House. (2 restaurants)

  • ages: 2+
  • Transport: Regent’s Park or Baker Street
  • Open hours: Daily 10:00 to 18:00. Closed on Christmas Day.
  • Payment terms: Standard ticket is £29.75 for adults, £22 for children 3 to 15, £75.80 for a family (online only cheaper rates). Fast track £29.30 for adults, £23 for children (cheaper online only). Booking online saves up to 20% off standard rates.

21. National Gallery

An impressive collection of 2300 works of art. Free guided tours are provided everyday at 11:30 and 2:30. Specialized audio tours and online experiences are available for family groups. (2 eateries)

  • ages: 4+
  • metro: Charing Cross or Leicester Square.
  • open: Saturday to Thursday 10:00 to 18:00, Friday 10:00 to 21:00
  • costs: Free

22. HMS Belfast

A retired seafaring vessel from World War II serves as an interactive museum that floats on the water. Visitors can explore seven levels to learn about life aboard and view naval weaponry. Spending a couple hours here allows one to immerse themselves in history compared to a nearby ship offering less insight. Light snacks available during peak visitor times.

  • ages: 6+
  • Subway: London Bridge (5 minutes) or Tower Hill (10 minutes)
  • open: 10:00 to 17:00 daily
  • costs: Adults £15.30 online, £17 day of. Kids age 5-15 £7.65 online,£8.50 day of. Children under 5 free

23. The Shard

London’s tallest skyscraper provides superb city views from the Skydeck on the 72nd floor. Standing 306m tall, the building is the tallest in the EU and on a clear day visitors can see for up to 40 miles in every direction from the 360-degree vantage point. Using binoculars allows zooming in on different London landmarks, from the Houses of Parliament to Tower Bridge. The interactive audio guides are suitable for older children; find the building of interest, and learn its story. Strollers are not permitted on the observation deck but can be stored downstairs. (2 restaurants)

  • ages: 2+
  • tube: London Bridge
  • Open hours: Sun-Wed 10:00 to 19:00. Thurs-Sat 10:00-22:00.
  • costs: A regular ticket is £30.95 for adults, £24.95 for children ages 4 to 15, £79.95 for a family. Booking online can save up to 15% on all tickets

24. V&A Museum of Childhood

This noteworthy section of the Victoria & Albert Museum showcases one of the top collections of childhood-related items globally. Young ones are intrigued by the immense variety of dolls, dolls’ homes through the eras, retro board games, construction toys (Lego, Meccano), battery-powered robots and beloved playthings from the 20th century, by each ten years. Action figures, teddy bears, puppets, magic lanterns and MicroMachines are among the highlights here. It’s a wonderful place for adults too – you may very well spot your preferred childhood toy here! It’s in East London, however well worth the underground ride from the city center.

  • ages: 4+
  • tube: Bethnal Green
  • Open daily from 10:00 to 17:45 except for December 24 to 26.

25. Cutty Sark

Raised off the ground and surrounded by glass on the Thames riverbank in Greenwich, the Cutty Sark is the world’s last surviving tea clipper. This nineteenth century vessel used to sail to China and back, transporting a cargo of tea in exchange for other goods. Today, visitors can board and explore the sleeping quarters of the captain and officers, investigate interactive maps, play seek and hide behind boxes of cargo and take control of the ship’s wheel. Backpacks full of toys are available for families to borrow along a free family trail passing through the ship’s interior.

  • ages: 3+
  • tube: North Greenwich
  • open: Daily 10:00 to 17:00. Closed 24-26 December.
  • pricing: Standard ticket is £12.50 for adults, £6.30 for kids 5 to 15, £31.50 for a family unit.

26. Madame Tussaud’s

The London location of the renowned wax figure museum provides entertainment for families, especially older children. Visitors can first take photos beside Hollywood film stars then explore representations of the Royal Family, pop artists (Jimi Hendrix to Lady Gaga to One Direction), elite athletes (Usain Bolt, Mo Farah, Serena Williams…) and additional figures. There are fifteen sections allowing interaction in total and it’s advisable to arrive when the doors first open, since lines form later on. A ride near the conclusion is suitable for young ones over six years of age. Priority access permits experiencing the Star Wars exhibition and watching the Marvel heroes 4D presentation.

  • ages: 4+
  • tube: Waterloo or Westminster
  • open: Daily from 08:30 to 18:00 in August; variable hours rest of year.
  • costs: Regular ticket is £35 for adults, £30 for children ages 4 to 15. Priority entrance ticket £50 for all ages. Booking online saves up to 15% on all tickets. Reduced rates if you book tickets to Sea Life Aquarium, London Dungeon or the London Eye.

27. Boat Tour of the Thames

Taking a watercraft along the Thames is an excellent way to view many of London’s most iconic landmarks without young travelers becoming too worn out. It’s something that can be done on rainy days too, since boats offer enclosed seating. From Westminster pier, City Cruises and Thames River Services travel east as far as Greenwich, passing the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and Cutty Sark along the route. Older children may enjoy the thrill of high-speed powerboat tours of the Thames with Thames Rockets.

  • ages: 2+
  • underground rail system: Westminster, London Bridge or North Greenwich stations.
  • open: Daily 08:00 to 19:00.
  • costs: Standard one-way fare is £12.50 for adults, £6.25 for children 5 to 16, Rover (unlimited day) ticket is £16.65 for adults and £8.33 for children.

Kid-friendly Theatre and Musicals in London

To better control foot traffic within the park boundaries, advance backcountry permits are needed for multi-night hiking trips therein. Reservations ahead of time are required for the camping season spanning mid-May through mid-October in Olympic National Park.

TKTS is the major discounted site (though others exist as well). They have a booth at Leicester Square but also post reduced tickets online.

Visit Ticketmaster.co.uk for info on seating and theatre layout but purchase tickets elsewhere.

Some highly recommended shows for children include:

  • 10. Ritz Carlton
  • Wicked The Musical (tube: Piccadilly Circus) – The untold backstory of the Witches of Oz. Thoroughly entertaining for both children and adults.
  • Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (tube: Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road) – Split into two parts and lasting around 5 hours total, true fans of the series will find this play adaptation rewarding despite the time commitment needed to see it all. There is enough break in between the two parts to grab a meal, or you can plan to view them on consecutive days.
  • Matilda the Musical (tube: Covent Garden or Leicester Square) – Roald Dahl’s classic story about the original British child with magical abilities, newly-imagined with an excellent musical score.
  • Hamilton (tube: Victoria Station) – Acclaimed musical integrating hip-hop and rap explores the surprising journey of America`s initial Secretary of the Treasury.

The Best Parks & Playgrounds in London

  • Kew Gardens (tube: Kew Gardens) – An aerial walkway with panoramic views, an indoor play area, and activity-filled days.
  • Hampstead Heath (tube: Hampstead) – The finest place in the city to feel like you’re not in the city. Great for outdoor meals and lakeside walks.
  • Hyde Park – There are numerous attractions here. The Diana, Princess of Wales pirate-themed playground is very popular with children (tube: Queensway). You can also rent paddle boats and row boats or cool off in the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain (tube: Knightsbridge or Hyde Park Corneer).
  • St James’s Park (tube: St James’s Park) – A lovely park area containing one of the finest playgrounds found within the city. Visit the waterfowl on the small island within a body of water.
  • Battersea Park (tube access: Sloane Square station, then bus #137 or train to Battersea Park station) ħ Opportunities for boat trips on the lake and visiting the Children’s Zoo. The zoo offers kid-friendly animals (butterflies, small primates, farm creatures) and an excellent playground including a toy fire engine (open 10:30 to 17:30 in summer and 10:30 to 16:30 in winter).
  • Regent’s Park – There are several excellent play areas, the London Zoo, boat rentals, and a beautiful garden decorated with waterfowl and Japanese bridges.

    • Check prices for Casa Rodanthi

Using the London Tube with Kids

  • The tube is hassle-free, convenient, and safe for families to use. Most stations are far beneath street level and require significant steps or escalator rides. Many stations do not have lifts (elevators) from street level to the train platform making it very difficult if you’re traveling with a young child or stroller.
  • This graphic file outlines London tube stations and their accessibility options (pdf file). The stations marked with a green circle and an A are the most accessible to all travelers.
  • Young people 10 and younger or less can travel free on the tube and Docklands Light Rail (DLR). Children aged 11 to 15 do require payment. Be sure to journey with an Oyster card or Travelcard as they offer considerable savings (details below).
  • If you have an Oyster card you scan it upon entering and exiting the tube station. If you have a paper Travelcard you insert it at one end of the turnstile and it pops out the other side.

    • It’s widely known that New York City contains many impressive architectural designs, and a visit to the locale is incomplete without appreciating the renowned constructions of New York.

Riding the Bus in London with Kids

  • Utilizing the public buses is a clever way to navigate around London. Most vehicles transporting passengers are the iconic double-decker configuration and offer amazing perspectives of street life and many renowned London attractions from the upper level.
  • Unlike public transportation you won’t have to negotiate stairs, escalators, busy platforms, or transfers between lines. Buses run about every 3 to 10 minutes depending on the route. (We’ve rarely waited more than 5 minutes for any bus.)
  • The Oyster and Travelcards (details below) utilized for the tube are also accepted by the bus. Central London buses do not take cash so you pretty much have to purchase either an Oyster or Travelcard (or singular tickets from a tube station but this is an expensive way to travel).
  • Here is a map of central London bus routes (pdf)
  • And the London Bus Checker iPhone app link.

Using an Oyster Card for Public Transit

Oyster cards are plastic cards sized like credit cards for using the tube, bus, or DLR (Docklands Light Rail). Money is pre-loaded onto them at a tube station. To use them you swipe across an electronic sensor as you enter a bus or tube station.

With the Oyster card you get large discounts on fares and you’ll never pay more than you would have by using individual tickets – always less, usually about 50% less.

Oyster cards not only help you save money but they make getting around the city very easy. There is no need to worry about having the correct change or calculating the fare for a bus ride. It transforms London into a big hop-on/hop-off network of buses and trains.

Some things to know about purchasing and using Oyster cards are:

  • Oyster cards require a £5 refundable deposit, returned along with any unused balance when cards are returned at a tube station.
  • Kids 10 and under are free on the tube, bus, and DLR so they don’t need an Oyster card
  • Children ages 11 to 15 will need to submit a photo to acquire an Oyster card. This can be done in advance but remains somewhat troublesome. I`d advise utilizing one-day travelcards for kids in this age group unless you`ll be in London for over a week. If you`re in the city for more than a week then it`s worth it to obtain the photo card whether it be an Oyster or 7 day Travelcard (which also necessitates a picture).

Using Travelcards (and getting a 2 for 1 discount for attractions)

As an alternative to Oyster cards when traveling in London, travelcards can be purchased. They cost around the same as Oyster cards but offer the benefit of 2-for-1 entry to select major attractions like the Tower of London, Madame Tussauds, river cruises, and the ZSL Zoo.

The most sensible plan would be to acquire Oyster cards for the adults and single day travel passes for the youngsters aged 11 to 15. On the day you intend to visit one of the attractions covered by the two for one deal (the most popular being the Tower of London) get travel cards for the grown ups and use them to benefit from the discounted entrance to the location. (Note that the Oyster card only acts as a means of payment so if unused one day there is no “cost”.)

Utilizing Travelcards for the 2 for 1 discount isn’t straightforward, so here are a few things worth noting:

  • To qualify, Travelcards must be purchased from a railway station in London. These Travelcards will have the rail logo in the bottom corner.
  • Travel cards obtained from other sources (e.g. at metro stations) do not qualify for the 2 for 1 discount.
  • You can purchase Travelcards from the ticket offices located at the following rail stations: Paddington, Euston, St Pancras, Kings Cross, Liverpool Street, London Bridge, Charing Cross, Waterloo, and Victoria. Travelcards sold at airports are not valid for receiving the 2 for 1 discount.
  • Travel passes can be purchased for 1 day, 1 week, or 1 month durations. The 7 day or 1-month passes require presenting a photo identification card, bringing photos to the ticket office when making the purchase.
  • 1 day entry tickets must be utilized on the same calendar date as the planned visit to the attraction. (However, they can be purchased up to a couple days beforehand.)
  • The 2 for 1 discount also applies to domestic rail tickets to and from London. Your visit to the attraction must fall within these 2 dates (as they naturally would for most people). Most foreign visitors to London are not arriving at London from a different UK city and then departing again by train within the country so this is mainly for UK citizens.
  • And finally but very importantly, vouchers must be printed for the attraction you plan to visit. To avail the discount you’ll need 2 validated Travelcards and one voucher.

The Best Hotels for Families

Accommodations in London are pricey – likely the priciest locale we’ve journeyed with children – and it’s a challenge to find rooms adequately sized for a family of 4 or more.

Tips for hotels:

  • The best hotels for families in London are explored in our guide on London Family Hotels.Click here to learn more.
  • Make early reservations. The best deals are found online and about 2 to 3 months in advance. Larger family suites are not common so booking them early is recommended.
  • Item 9. Chava Resort – Surin
  • The best website for locating more extended-term leases and apartments is Flipkey.com/London-Vacation-Rentals
  • Top-rated hotels will have better weekend deals (when corporate travelers on expense accounts have returned home) and budget and mid-priced hotels will have better weekday deals (when kids, university students, and parents have gone back to school or work).
  • Hotels away from Central London but near a transportation station can really help save money, so if you`re a little desperate use a large search area to find options.
  • Top Bed & Breakfast for Families: A charming inn in a prime London neighborhood
  • Best Apartment w_ Kitchenette for Families: Athenaeum Hotel & Apartments
  • The prime website for hotel discounts is Booking.com.
  • Best Mid-Range Hotel for Families: Marriott County Hall hotel
  • Best Budget Hotel for Families: Residence & Shelter

Hotels in London with Swimming Pools

Most lodgings in London (including those recorded beneath) have limitations on when youngsters can swim. It sounds bizarre, I know, however it’s the standard not the special case at London inns.

There is usually a scheduled period in the morning and late afternoon for when the children can swim, meaning you must plan your day to return to the hotel for swim time if that is important to you.

If your lodging does not include a pool, here are some high-quality indoor pools and outdoor swimming facilities open to the public.

Eating in London with Kids

Most eateries are fairly accommodating of children. Nearly all London restaurants will happily welcome families with well-mannered young ones but are less lenient than American dining establishments regarding loud or rambunctious kids. Be sure to advise your children that quiet and mature conduct (reasonably so) will be expected of them there.

Advance reservations are advisable for most restaurants that are not pubs or cafes. And if you’re with a large group or family, booking in advance will definitely help secure a better table.

Recommended Eateries for Families:

  • Wagamama – Noodles and additional options in a entertaining environment
  • Giraffe – Very kid-friendly meals
  • Highly recommended lodging alternatives for families visiting Berlin:
  • Jungle Cave near Piccadilly Circus is very suitable for children.
  • Masala Zone – Shared dishes makes this Indian restaurant family friendly
  • Spaghetti House – The very fun kids’ menu offers 2 courses for £5 or 3 courses for £7.50.
  • Pret A Manger outlets have a wide presence so a specific mention is hardly necessary. They provide reasonably priced breakfast and sandwich options.
  • A particular business near a specific area is quite kid-friendly
  • Families with children are usually welcome in pubs until 9pm, though it`s best to check the individual establishment`s policies. There are two main pub types. Chain pubs trying hard to look traditional but serve poor food. Independent or trendy pubs are pricier but have great cuisine.

Several online directories exist for locating eateries:

Tips for Saving Money in London

  • Purchase train tickets, museum entry, tours, and various activities in advance online for a more convenient experience.
  • Many of London’s top attractions are free so experience these places initially: the British Museum, The National Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery, Imperial War Museum, National Maritime Museum, Natural History Museum, and the Victoria & Albert Museum.
  • The London Pass can potentially lower your costs however it does not cover every attraction in London therefore ensure you want to visit the locations included. (More details below.)
  • Ride public transportation instead of taking a tour bus – much cheaper and still splendid views from the top level of the double-decker vehicles.
  • Get an oyster card or use Travelcards. You should never pay the full fare for a bus or tube ride in London. It’s essential to obtain one of these cards.
  • Secure a hotel with a kitchen. London restaurants are costly. Eating-in even once daily will help you save quite a lot of money.

The London Pass – Is it worth buying for families?

Should you buy it? Probably not. Here’s why and some more details on how the pass works:

  • The London Pass allows entry into many major attractions around London, though not all, through a purchase card.
  • You sacrifice flexibility by pre-purchasing the pass as you must choose a 1, 2, 3, or 6 day option and then work diligently to fit all your destinations within that timeframe.
  • Keep in mind that numerous London attractions and museums which are very well liked do not require payment – thus a pass would be of no assistance. If the sole purposes for purchasing a pass would be the Tower of London, Madame Tussauds, or the ZSL Zoo, it`s preferable to use a Travelcard just for that day (details below) and avail of the 2 for 1 discounted entry.
  • A major selling point of the London Pass is the “express lane” skipping lines but this is rarely an issue for visitors as most of the covered attractions have short to non-existent queues even in summer.
  • You are able to purchase the pass along with an associated travel card for transportation – however this works out more expensive than buying the pass and travel card separately.
  • That said, the London Pass does offer some cost savings, the pass can be convenient, and the company itself is trusted and reliable. The most popular attractions covered by the pass are the Tower of London, Tower Bridge Exhibition, Windsor Castle, Hampton Court, and the London Zoo.

When to Visit London with Kids

Visiting during the summer months will provide the nicest weather but will also result in the busiest areas and highest costs. The months of January and February are the quietest times to visit, though temperatures will be colder. Popular exhibits like the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum may have crowds five people deep in July and August. However, in January one could be the sole observer studying it.

The Weather in London by Month
(high temperature, low temperature, days of rain)
January: 43°, 36°, 16° (coldest month)
February: 44°, 36°, 15 (driest month)
March: 50°, 38°, 20
April: 56°, 42°, 18
May: 62°, 47°, 19
June: 69°, 53°, 19
July: 73°, 57°, 19 (warmest month)
August: 73°, 55°, 20
September: 65°, 52°, 17
October: 58°, 46°, 19 (wettest month)
November: 50°, 42°, 15
December: 45°, 38°, 16

Public Toilets in London

All art galleries, museums, department stores, and public buildings will have restroom facilities available to the public. Within central London, there are so many cafes, pubs, fast-food eateries, and hotels that permit non-guests to briefly step in and use the washrooms that you shouldn`t be too far from a lavatory.
Some tube stations have public toilets but these do cost 30p.

Hospitals in London for Tourists

Emergency care is free regardless of citizenship or insurance. For medical emergencies call #999.

Hospitals in London offering 24 hour emergency care include:

FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Leave a Comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

about me

ComfyUI_00005_

Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

Join us on our journey!

social

Facebook Instagram Pinterest Youtube Email

Search