LANDMARKS:
The London Eye & Big Ben
Breathtaking views over the river Thames and Westminster = All time favourite parent award. Lines get extremely long if you want to go on The Eye so try going early in the morning. You can also buy tickets from the ticket office right near the entrance.
Closest Tube: Westminster
Tickets Here
Tower of London
Relive the King Henry XIII days by taking a tour of his very own medieval castle. Seeing the Crown Jewels in person is a major bonus!
Closest Tube: Tower Hill
Tickets Here
Buckingham Palace
There’s nothing better than pretending to be royal for the day. Don’t forget to tell the little ones say hello to the queen.
Closest Tube: St. James’s Park
Shakespeare’s Globe
Let the kids re-enact their favourite Shakespeare plays. Their teachers will be so impressed!
21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT
Tickets Here
Kings Cross – Harry Potter Platform
Need I really say more? J. K. Rowling is the only person who could make an ordinary train station into a real London landmark. Stop by “Platform 9¾” to let your kids pretend they’re also on their way to Hogwarts.
Closest Station: Kings Cross
Hamleys Toy Shop
This traditional British toy shop is beyond famous in London and the perfect venture in between shopping on Regents Street. The top floor has a sweet shop to treat the kids or a quick pick me up for the parents.
Madame Tussauds
Meet your favourite actors (even if they’re only the wax equivalent) at the infamous Madame Tussauds. Come early or buy tickets in advance as the line can get very long.
Marylebone Rd, NW1 5LR
Closest Tube: Baker Street
Tickets Here
Sea Life London
Drift away from the hustle and bustle of London city life by going under the sea. The location is perfect next to the London Eye and Big Ben so it’s a great way to fill out your day in this area.
Closest Tube: Westminster
Tickets Here
MUSEUMS
Most museums in London have free entry so definitely take advantage of all the history London has to offer.
The British Museum
Between the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian Mummies and Ancient Greece ruins, your kids will have infamous amount of stories to tell all their teachers and classmates.
Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, WC1B 3DG
Closest Tube: Tottenham Court Road or Holborn
Free Entry; Special Exhibitions Prices Here
The Natural History Museum
This kid friendly museum holds exhibits about Earth, safaris, dinosaurs and about everything else to shake up a child’s imagination.
Cromwell Rd, Kensington, SW7 5BD
Closest Tube: South Kensington
Free Entry; Special Exhibitions Prices Here
National Maritime Museum
Part of the Royal Museums Greenwich, this National Maritime Museum hosts a children’s gallery where the kids can steer a ship into the port.
Park Row, Greenwich, SE10 9NF
Closest Tube: Greenwich
Free Entry; Special Exhibitions Prices Here
Science Museum
From space history to a 3D movie, kids adore this hands-on museum. Located next to the Natural History Museum and around the corner from the V&A, South Kensington is museum central.
Exhibition Rd, Kensington, SW7 2DD
Closest Tube: South Kensington
Free Entry; Special Exhibitions Prices Here
The Sherlock Holmes Museum
This popular museum may be more of an attraction than historical, but there’s no doubt that everyone wants to pretend to be Sherlock’s trusted Watson in this fun, kid-friendly museum.
221b Baker St, Marylebone, NW1 6XE
Closest Tube: Baker Street
Tickets Here
Museum of London
Take a journey through London’s past starting from the first Roman civilizations to the 21st thriving capital city. There’s even family events on the weekends.
150 London Wall, London EC2Y 5HN
Closest Tube: Barbican or St. Pauls
Free Entry
Imperial War Museum
For a modern history lesson, this incredible museum offers every insight from WWI and WWII for older children.
Lambeth Rd, London SE1 6HZ
Closest Tube: Elephant and Castle
Free Entry; Special Exhibitions Prices Here
PARKS
Kensington Gardens
Take a walk next to Kate and Will’s residence or just admire the beautiful view on a family picnic.
Closest Tube: Kensington High Street or Nottinghill Gate
Hyde Park
This gorgeous park is perfect for a family day out. Take the kids for a snack at the Serpentine before renting a swan boat.
Closest Tubes: (Central) Marble Arch, Queensway, Lancaster Gate, Nottinghill Gate; (Piccadily) Knightsbridge, Hyde Park Corner; (Circle/District) Kensington High Street
St. James Park
After meeting the queen at Buckingham Palace, take a stroll through St. James Park and admire the beautiful landscape of London.
Closest Tube: St. James’s Park
Kew Gardens
Although not near Central London, Kew Gardens still stands as the most beautiful park in London. It’s worth the travel on the District line about 45 minutes outside the hustle and bustle of city to acres of beautiful landscapes and greenhouses.
Closest Tube: Kew Gardens
THEATRE SHOWS
The legendary West End is home to some of the most iconic shows in theatre history. It’s easy to spend your day walking around Covent Garden before strolling into a 7pm children friendly musical. Here’s some of our favourites…
Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre
Earlham St, WC2H 9HU
Closest Tube: Covent Garden
The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre
21 Wellington Street, WC2E 7RQ
Closest Tube: Temple
Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre
Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 4HS
Closest Tube: Tottenham Court Road or Piccadilly Circus
Wicked at the Apollo Victoria
17 Wilton Rd, Pimlico, SW1V 1LG
Closest Tube: Victoria
If the tube or double decker buses aren’t enough, try cruising along the river Thames on a City Cruise. I love to go from Westminster Bridge all the way down to Greenwich for the best views down the Thames. You can see prices, locations and tours here.
Hope you enjoy your family trip to London! Cheers xx
