London is a enjoyable time out for the complete household, and with so many sights, landmarks, and parks to discover, there actually is one thing for everybody.
If you happen to’re planning your subsequent journey to London with a toddler in tow, you’ve come to the best place. This text has a listing of my favorite issues to do in London with a toddler, in addition to some suggestions and tips that each dad or mum should know when visiting the UK’s busiest metropolis.
So, whether or not you’re after sights which might be fully free, or for those who’re trying to deal with your tot to an expertise that’s assured to place a smile on their face, carry on studying!
Museums
Pure Historical past Museum
One in every of my favorite issues to do in London with little ones is go to town’s museums. The museums, just like the Pure Historical past Museum, are all fully free, and since they’re inside sights, they’re an important place to go to, each rain and shine.
The Pure Historical past Museum has an enormous vary of reveals, from house and dinosaurs to oceans and human evolution. Your little ones will love working across the museum taking within the real-life dinosaur skeletons, gazing on the stars and planets, and possibly even studying a factor or two concerning the historical past and the world as a complete.
Location: Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Value: Free
Closest tube station: South Kensington Station
Science Museum
The Science Museum is one other unbelievable museum only a quick stroll away from the Pure Historical past Museum, which means you possibly can conquer each in in the future for those who so wished.
Just like the Pure Historical past Museum, the Science Museum has a variety of reveals, interactive galleries and even an IMAX cinema, so you might leisurely spend your afternoon strolling round studying about science.
Location: Exhibition Street, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
Value: Free
Closest tube station: South Kensington Station
The British Museum
The ultimate museum to make the checklist is the British Museum, the place you possibly can find out about individuals of the previous, worldwide cultures and see necessary historic artefacts just like the Rosetta Stone, The Parthenon Sculptures and the Bust of Ramesses the Nice.
With the British Museum being the world’s oldest nationwide museum (it’s even older than the USA because it opened 17 years earlier than the founding father’s signed the Declaration of Independence), it’s positively price a go to when visiting London with a toddler.
Location: Nice Russell Avenue, London, WC1B 3DG
Value: Free
Closest tube station: Tottenham Courtroom Street
Zoos and Aquariums
London Zoo
You simply can’t go to London with a toddler and never head over to London Zoo, particularly for those who’re a Harry Potter fan. Now, I don’t assume you’ll be charming any snakes out of their enclosures, however the vary of animal species is unquestionably price your whereas, and when you have the price range, I do know your tots will find it irresistible.
One thing my household notably love about London Zoo is the talks they placed on the place you possibly can find out about lions, meerkats, penguins, Galapagos turtles, and Komodo dragons. These talks are actually insightful and attention-grabbing, and for those who’re visiting whereas they’re on, I extremely counsel checking them out.
When you’ve labored up an urge for food strolling across the animal enclosures, you possibly can go to one of many zoo’s 5 meals areas, with the largest one being the Terrace Restaurant, which serves up every thing from pizza to fish and chips.
As London Zoo is within the metropolis, it solely stretches over 36 acres. Which means for the larger animals, like hippos, rhinos, and elephants, you’ll have to go to London Zoo’s bigger sister park, Whipsnade Zoo, which is roughly a 50-minute drive out of London.
Location: Outer Circle, London NW1 4RY, UK
Value: Adults – £33, Youngster – £21.45, and youngsters underneath 3 are free
Closest tube station: Camden City Station
Battersea Park Kids’s Zoo
If London Zoo is somewhat too crowded for you, then Battersea Park Kids’s Zoo is a good different. This zoo was designed particularly with little ones in thoughts, with a smaller collection of animals and playgrounds dotted round to allow them to burn off some steam.
You’ll solely discover smaller animals at Battersea versus elephants and giraffes.
Just like London Zoo, nonetheless, Battersea Park Zoo places on talks in the course of the animal’s feeding instances so your little ones can find out about a number of the animal residents that decision the zoo their residence.
And don’t fear, when you’ve completed watching the animals have their spot of lunch, you possibly can go to the Lemon Tree Cafe for sandwiches, salads, and candy treats.
Location: Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ
Value: Adults – £10.95, Youngster – £8.95, and youngsters underneath 2 are free
Closest tube station: Fulham Broadway Station
London Aquarium
If you happen to’re unfortunate sufficient to go to London within the rain, then the London Aquarium is a good place to hunt shelter.
The London Aquarium has three totally different aquarium zones, the Ocean Invaders, the Rainforest Journey, and the Coral Kingdom, every with its personal enormous collection of underwater animal species, from large scary sharks to seahorses and little nemos.
My child’s favorite a part of the London Aquarium is the Shark Stroll, an enormous walkway with a glass backside that places you on prime of the sharks down under. And in case your toddlers are courageous sufficient, they’ll even stroke a starfish or tickle a sea anemone, which is unquestionably one thing they don’t get to do each day.
Location: Riverside Constructing, County Corridor, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
Value: Adults – £32, Youngster – £29, and youngsters underneath 3 are free
Closest tube station: Westminster Station
Hackney Metropolis Farm
There aren’t many alternatives the place you possibly can go to a farm not removed from an especially populous metropolis like London. However for those who want a break from the hustle and bustle, then Hackney Metropolis Farm, simply 28 minutes outdoors of town centre, makes that attainable.
Hackney Metropolis Farm is residence to all of your typical farm yard animals, like pigs, goats, sheep, and geese. And never solely are you able to simply see the animals within the farm, however you can too contact and feed them.
Location: 1a Goldsmiths Row, London E2 8QA
Value: Free
Closest tube station: Bethnal Inexperienced Tube Station
Parks and Playgrounds
Holland Park Journey Playground
Another free sights for toddlers all through London are town’s parks which not solely get your little ones outdoors within the recent air however additionally they assist them blow off some steam, which is unquestionably wanted at instances.
One of the vital common parks in London is the Holland Park Journey Playground, and though nearly all of the park was particularly designed with children 5+ in thoughts, your toddlers can nonetheless have a blast with some grownup supervision, particularly within the devoted toddler’s space.
Location: 55 Abbotsbury Rd, London W14 8EL
Value: Free
Closest tube station: Kensington Station
Diana Memorial Playground
The Diana Memorial Playground is one other wonderful playground in London, and when you have any pirate followers within the household, they’re positive to find it irresistible.
The park is basically an enormous pirate ship with climbing frames, rope bridges, and teepees dotted round it. The makers of the park had a imaginative and prescient of much less able-bodied kids having simply as a lot enjoyable as able-bodied kids, in order that they designed the park to be accessible by all.
Location: Kensington Gardens, Broad Stroll, London W2 4RU
Value: Free
Closest tube station: Queensway Tube Station
Coram’s Fields
Coram’s Fields is a park and playground just for kids underneath the age of 16, which means no grownup can enter with out accompanying a baby.
With enormous expanses of fields, and playgrounds appropriate for all ages, you possibly can spend the complete afternoon at Coram’s Fields, simply you’ll want to take a picnic or some snacks with you!
Location: 93 Guilford St, London WC1N 1DN
Value: Free
Closest tube station: Russell Sq.
Different London Points of interest for Toddlers
The Lion King on the Lyceum Theatre
If you happen to actually need to deal with your baby, then you possibly can’t go unsuitable with The Lion King West Finish Musical.
The musical is stuffed with all of the well-known sing-along Lion King songs, and the costumes, dancing, and acrobats are really mesmerising. With little ones, I counsel reserving tickets for a matinee present, because it begins at 2:30 pm and lasts for round 2.5 hours.
One factor I’ll word, nonetheless, is the present solely permits kids 3 and up, so in case your tot is youthful than 3, you’ll must postpone the expertise.
Location: 21 Wellington St, London WC2E 7RQ
Value: Matinee tickets £41 +
Closest tube station: Covent Backyard
Southbank Centre
The Southbank Centre has a plethora of actions for little ones, and it’s finest to test their web site to see what’s on in the course of the days you’re visiting London.
Because the Southbank Centre is indoors, it’s one other nice choice for these wet days, particularly as there’s a huge collection of eating places and cafes all through.
Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Street, London SE1 8XX
Value: Free
Closest tube station: Waterloo Station
Peppa Pig Bus Tour
Calling all Peppa Pig followers to some of the distinctive experiences in London, the Peppa Pig Bus Tour. Climb aboard the elaborately themed Peppa Pig bus and make your approach round London sipping on tea (or sizzling chocolate) and having fun with finger sandwiches and selfmade desserts.
All through the tour, you’ll drive previous all of London’s most well-known landmarks, together with Buckingham Palace, Massive Ben, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, studying concerning the websites by means of a built-in interactive pill at each desk.
Location: Somerset Home, Strand, London WC2R 1LA
Value: Adults – £45, Youngster – £35
Closest tube station: Temple Station
Ideas For Visiting London With A Toddler
I’ve executed my fair proportion of London journeys with toddlers, so it’s secure to say I’ve learnt a number of suggestions and tips right here and there. A few of my most helpful suggestions for visiting London with a toddler embrace the next:
- Pack rain gear – It’s no secret that England as a complete can have blue skies within the morning and rain come the afternoon. If you happen to don’t need to be soggy all through your complete day, pack some rain gear. Or at the very least a spare change of garments.
- Make use of public transport – Fortunately, London has a variety of public transport choices, and kids can usually use most of them without cost. The tube system is among the hottest methods to get round London, nonetheless, the open-top buses are additionally an important choice.
- E-book tickets upfront – If you happen to’re sure on the actions you want to do whereas visiting London, then e book your tickets upfront. Tickets on-line are far cheaper than buying on the day, and also you’ll get to skip pointless queues, which is a lifesaver with a stressed baby.
- Keep near the sights – If you happen to can, keep as near the sights as attainable, as having to make lengthy journeys with a toddler might not be ideally suited.
- Make use of free sights – Lots of sights in London are free, which means you don’t have to fork out an arm and a leg on your children to take pleasure in their time within the large metropolis. Make use of all of the free sights just like the parks and museums, I’m positive your toddlers may have a whale of a time.
When Is The Finest Time To Go to London With Children?
The finest time to go to London with children does fluctuate on many elements.
Some individuals will argue that summer time is the most effective due to the nice and cozy temperatures and the truth that you possibly can really go inside Buckingham Palace. However, alternatively, others will declare that winter is the superior time to go to London due to Winter Wonderland and all the attractive Christmas markets.
Earlier than you intend your journey to London, you actually need to consider the issues your loved ones will take pleasure in and the temperatures that they’ll endure. For instance, some children love wrapping up heat in winter, whereas others hate the chilly.
Are you principally planning indoor sights in London, or travelling round London to see the principle bucket checklist websites, quirky sights or a specialist journey seeing all of the Harry Potter sights? Will you principally be strolling or catching the tube and taxis?
If you happen to’re nonetheless not sure after contemplating your loved ones specifically, then your most secure guess is to go to London throughout spring or autumn when the temperatures are delicate, and the crowds are at their lowest.
For barely hotter temperatures, purpose for April, Might, or September, and for those who don’t thoughts it being somewhat bit colder, then February, March, and October are additionally nice months.
Getting Round London with Toddlers
Kids underneath 5 can journey free at any time on the Tube, buses, trams, Docklands Mild Railway (DLR) and London Overground, so long as they’re accompanied by an grownup with a legitimate ticket.
On Uber Boat by Thames Clippers river bus providers, children aged 4 and underneath journey free. Kids underneath 5 additionally journey free on the IFS Cloud Cable Automobile (previously Emirates Air Line Cable Automobile) when accompanied by a fare-paying grownup.
To journey round London, Oyster playing cards are nice. You should utilize a debit card, or purchase an oyster card for a £5 refundable deposit.
The place to Keep in London with Toddlers
Finest 3* Household Accommodations In London
There are many 3* household lodges to select from in London. All supply the standard amenities. These ones have nice designs that can attraction to children, extra space than common and/or are within the good location for all of the enjoyable household actions you’ll be doing collectively as you discover London.
The California, Kings Cross, London
household room (double mattress plus 2 singles, cot obtainable on request). Funky design. Buffet breakfast (cold and warm) included, TV, toiletries, en suite lavatory. Household Rooms sleep 4 individuals and embrace:
- Double mattress and two single beds
- Journey cot obtainable on request
Vacation Inn Specific London – Earl’s Courtroom, an IHG Lodge
The Vacation Inn Specific Earl’s Courtroom is lower than a 5 minute stroll to West Kensington Station and throughout the street are a number of choices to seize water and snacks.
Nearest Tube: West Kensington
Novotel London Blackfriars
Location: 46 Blackfriars Street, Southwark, London, SE1 8NZ
We discovered our keep right here very handy with eating places shut by and public transport a breeze. Novotel London Blackfriars Lodge is situated close to Waterloo Station and Southwark Underground and has a resort pool.
The resort has an important restaurant inside with a luxurious breakfast buffet obtainable. Household rooms can be found which come outfitted with wifi, tea and occasional making amenities.
Our room was a premium queen room with two single couch beds (pictured above) however a queen and double couch mattress can be found in addition to connecting rooms. TV’s have kids’s channels obtainable
Close by Household Points of interest: The London Eye, London Aquarium and Tate Trendy and London Movie Museum are lower than a mile from the resort. Westminster Bridge is an extra 20-minute stroll away.
Nearest Tube: Southwark Underground.
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London (Radisson Accommodations)
The Park Plaza is a brief stroll from Westminster Bridge, South financial institution and reverse the Homes of Parliament and Massive Ben. There are many choices for households together with household suites with double mattress plus couch mattress, and a 2 bed room suite with double mattress plus 2 single beds. The two mattress suite accommodates as much as 5 adults or 4 adults and a pair of kids aged 12 or underneath. Kids underneath the age of 12 keep freed from cost.
Onsite is an indoor swimming pool.
At test in, children obtain a goody bag which features a colouring in e book, colouring pencils and youngsters’ vouchers to spend on food and drinks on the resort.
To kick begin every morning, when accompanying mother and father breakfast, a complimentary breakfast for underneath 12’s is obtainable all through your keep.
Close by Points of interest: Near London Dungeons, London Eye, Sealife centre, Homes of Parliament, Shreks Journey, South Financial institution
St Ermin’s Lodge, London
An historic resort with a historical past steeped with espionage throughout World Struggle 2 and a enjoyable bee themed afternoon tea for little ones.
This resort oozes glamour and appeal with a wow staircase as you enter, however children are warmly welcomed. Children obtain a Secret Agent package deal upon check-in and might remedy a enjoyable mission throughout their keep.
Rooms can sleep a household of 5 simply with two queen beds and a day mattress appropriate for a small youngster and two bogs, whereas household suites can match 6 individuals. Household suites are perfect for a younger household of two adults and as much as 4 kids. These have 2 queen beds and a double couch mattress with two bogs! A teepee will also be added to the room for these little ones that desire their very own private house to sit back out. Anticipate tea and occasional amenities in all rooms.
Go to the third ground wildflower terrace to see the bees at work and their very personal ‘bee resort’ – the place they accumulate pollen and nectar from the close by London parks and inexperienced areas. It’s simple to see why the lodges mantra has all the time been; “A house to you, however a resort to us” They actually do imply this -whether grownup, youngster or insect!
Points of interest Close by: Buckingham Palace, Homes of Parliament, The Southbank, London Eye, Trafalgar Sq. are all inside strolling distance.
Nearest Tube: St James’s Park tube
Park Plaza County Corridor
Location: Park Plaza County Corridor, 1 Addington St, London, SE1 7RY
That is one other resort within the Westminster space which provides lots for households. From an onsite swimming pool to suites outfitted with a microwave, sink and kettle, plus shut proximity to many London sights for households, together with the London Eye, Aquarium, Shrek’s Journey, London Dungeons and Westminster Abbey, Home of Parliament.
The onsite swimming pool is situated on the decrease stage. Breakfast is a luxurious affair with a full English breakfast, recent juices and pastries and lots of dietary choices obtainable too. Plastic cutlery is supplied for youthful kids and the milkshakes are positive to be successful.
Close by Points of interest: London Eye, Aquarium, Shrek’s Journey, London Dungeons and Westminster Abbey, Home of Parliament.
London Marriott Lodge County Corridor
Location: London County Corridor, Westminster Bridge Street, Lambeth, London, SE1 7PB
You realize a resort is household pleasant once they often supply Very Vital Children Packages. Packages are inclusive of children’ pampering facilities and toiletries, a County Corridor Teddy Bear, free Wi-Fi and a yummy household breakfast.
Location sensible, you’re in prime place to discover London with children. The resort is inside simple strolling distance to Massive Ben, the London Dungeon, the London Eye and the Sea Life London Aquarium. It’s a additionally a very good base to discover the lesser touristy locations too, just like the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Bigger rooms can sleep as much as 4 Deluxe Rooms on the resort present lodging for as much as 4 friends.
There are many choices for households; connecting rooms, rooms with two double beds and couch, and two bed room suites sleeping 5. Fridges are supplied in all rooms too and naturally, the indoor swimming pool is obtainable for friends.
Indoor Pool Particulars:
This London resort indoor pool is situated contained in the Health Heart of the resort and is bathed in pure daylight and provides an important place to swim quietly in heat water.
Key family-friendly options:
- Babysitting service
- In-room Crib/Play Yard
- Household Swimming Instances
- Complimentary Wifi in visitor rooms, foyer and public areas
- Health centre on-site
Close by Points of interest: London Eye, Aquarium, Shrek’s Journey, London Dungeons and Westminster Abbey, Home of Parliament. Southbank
Finest 5* Household Accommodations In London
5* Luxurious Household Lodge in Marylebone, London
The Landmark
London, Marylebone from £296 per night time Company looking for a number of the largest entry-level rooms in London want look no additional. The most affordable sleeping quarters are a whopping 592 sq ft.
Household rooms sleep two adults and two kids; further beds may be put in for £60. Anticipate an in-room kids’s pack that options bathrobes and slippers for younger ones, and bottle heaters, child bathtub tubs and highchairs as required.
Kids will even love the Winter Backyard restaurant’s chocolate afternoon tea, which incorporates coconut and chocolate macaroons and banana, pecan nut and milk chocolate cake. The resort’s ‘Household Escape’ packages additionally embrace an indoor tent and headlamp in order that kids can play at tenting.
Close by Points of interest: Regents Park, London Zoo, Sherlock Holmes Museum, Madam Tussaurds, Sea Life London Aquarium, London Eye, London Transport Museum, Hamleys, Cutty Sark, London Dungeon, Science Museum.
5* Luxurious Household Lodge in Mayfair, London
Brown’s Lodge
Located in luxurious Mayfair from £475 per night time The grand interconnecting suites are perfect for households searching for luxurious; rooms are huge and repair — particularly for youngsters — is charmingly personalised. and is among the prime London lodges with household rooms for 4 individuals +
Anticipate sheets embroidered with princesses or pirates, and a play tent, toys and biscuits bearing the title of your youngster ready within the room on arrival.
All Rocco Forte lodges characteristic high-quality image books, specifically commissioned for every property, based mostly on fictional characters who dwell within the resort — Brown’s has Albemarle, the monkey (a shout-out to Rudyard Kipling, who wrote The Jungle E-book within the resort). The concierges throughout the group have been briefed to deal with a repertoire of child-friendly actions.
Close by Points of interest: London Zoo, Kidzania, Hyde Park
5* Luxurious Household Lodge in Pimlico, London
The Georgian Home Lodge – Pimlico space
We beloved The Georgian Home Lodge, – 5* boutique resort with children’ toiletries, video games, ‘wizard chambers’ for individuals who love magic and Harry Potter. Afternoon teas and an important location for a sightseeing base.
It’s all the time helpful to know of central London lodges with household rooms – a query that I typically get requested about and this resort is a good central base. The Georgian Home is located within the Pimlico space of London.
It’s central location and proximity to Victoria Station signifies that it’s a good base for households to discover the native space, and probably the greatest areas to remain in London with household.
Buckingham Palace is a few 20 minute stroll away too. This household pleasant London resort has been awarded 5* standing and encompasses 63 bedrooms and residences.
The rooms are fashionable and light-weight but are filled with character, appeal and unique fixtures. Company have the choice of singles, twins, and doubles to residences and suites for as much as six friends. Excellent if you’re searching for household lodges in London which sleep 5 or extra.
Maybe most enjoyable of all: Harry Potter or wizard followers will love the hid ‘Wizard Chamber’ room and the ‘Enchanted Chambers’
