London is a enjoyable day trip for your entire household, and with so many sights, landmarks, and parks to discover, there actually is one thing for everybody.
For those who’re planning your subsequent journey to London with a toddler in tow, you’ve come to the suitable place. This text has an inventory of my favorite issues to do in London with a toddler, in addition to some ideas and methods that each mum or dad should know when visiting the UK’s busiest metropolis.
So, whether or not you’re after sights which are utterly free, or in case you’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 among my favorite issues to do in London with little ones is go to the town’s museums. The museums, just like the Pure Historical past Museum, are all utterly free, and since they’re inside sights, they’re an incredible place to go to, each rain and shine.
The Pure Historical past Museum has an enormous vary of reveals, from area 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 in regards to 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 brief stroll away from the Pure Historical past Museum, that means you’ll be able to conquer each in someday in case you 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 may leisurely spend your afternoon strolling round studying about science.
Location: Exhibition Highway, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
Value: Free
Closest tube station: South Kensington Station
The British Museum
The ultimate museum to make the record is the British Museum, the place you’ll be able to 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 US because it opened 17 years earlier than the founding father’s signed the Declaration of Independence), it’s undoubtedly value a go to when visiting London with a toddler.
Location: Nice Russell Avenue, London, WC1B 3DG
Value: Free
Closest tube station: Tottenham Courtroom Highway
Zoos and Aquariums
London Zoo
You simply can’t go to London with a toddler and never head over to London Zoo, particularly in case you’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 value your whereas, and when you have the price range, I do know your tots will adore it.
One thing my household notably love about London Zoo is the talks they placed on the place you’ll be able to find out about lions, meerkats, penguins, Galapagos turtles, and Komodo dragons. These talks are actually insightful and fascinating, and in case you’re visiting whereas they’re on, I extremely recommend checking them out.
When you’ve labored up an urge for food strolling across the animal enclosures, you’ll be able to 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 that 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, Baby – £21.45, and youngsters underneath 3 are free
Closest tube station: Camden City Station
Battersea Park Youngsters’s Zoo
If London Zoo is just a little too crowded for you, then Battersea Park Youngsters’s Zoo is a superb various. This zoo was designed particularly with little ones in thoughts, with a smaller choice 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 throughout the animal’s feeding occasions so your little ones can find out about a number of the animal residents that decision the zoo their dwelling.
And don’t fear, when you’ve completed watching the animals have their spot of lunch, you’ll be able to go to the Lemon Tree Cafe for sandwiches, salads, and candy treats.
Location: Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ
Value: Adults – £10.95, Baby – £8.95, and youngsters underneath 2 are free
Closest tube station: Fulham Broadway Station
London Aquarium
For those who’re unfortunate sufficient to go to London within the rain, then the London Aquarium is a superb 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 large choice of underwater animal species, from huge scary sharks to seahorses and little nemos.
My child’s favorite a part of the London Aquarium is the Shark Stroll, a large walkway with a glass backside that places you on high 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 day by day.
Location: Riverside Constructing, County Corridor, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
Value: Adults – £32, Baby – £29, and youngsters underneath 3 are free
Closest tube station: Westminster Station
Hackney Metropolis Farm
There aren’t many alternatives the place you’ll be able to go to a farm not removed from an especially populous metropolis like London. However in case you want a break from the hustle and bustle, then Hackney Metropolis Farm, simply 28 minutes exterior of the town centre, makes that doable.
Hackney Metropolis Farm is dwelling 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 even 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 the town’s parks which not solely get your little ones exterior within the recent air however additionally they assist them blow off some steam, which is unquestionably wanted at occasions.
One of the vital standard parks in London is the Holland Park Journey Playground, and though the vast majority 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 adore it.
The park is basically a large 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, that means no grownup can enter with out accompanying a toddler.
With large expanses of fields, and playgrounds appropriate for all ages, you’ll be able to spend your entire afternoon at Coram’s Fields, simply make sure 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 Sights for Toddlers
The Lion King on the Lyceum Theatre
For those who actually wish to deal with your infant, then you’ll be able to’t go fallacious with The Lion King West Finish Musical.
The musical is filled with all of the well-known sing-along Lion King songs, and the costumes, dancing, and acrobats are actually mesmerising. With little ones, I recommend reserving tickets for a matinee present, because it begins at 2:30 pm and lasts for round 2.5 hours.
One factor I’ll notice, 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 verify their web site to see what’s on throughout 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 choice of eating places and cafes all through.
Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Highway, London SE1 8XX
Value: Free
Closest tube station: Waterloo Station
Peppa Pig Bus Tour
Calling all Peppa Pig followers to one of the distinctive experiences in London, the Peppa Pig Bus Tour. Climb aboard the elaborately themed Peppa Pig bus and make your manner round London sipping on tea (or sizzling chocolate) and having fun with finger sandwiches and do-it-yourself muffins.
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 in regards to the websites by means of a built-in interactive pill at each desk.
Location: Somerset Home, Strand, London WC2R 1LA
Value: Adults – £45, Baby – £35
Closest tube station: Temple Station
Ideas For Visiting London With A Toddler
I’ve completed my fair proportion of London journeys with toddlers, so it’s protected to say I’ve learnt a number of ideas and methods right here and there. A few of my most helpful ideas 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. For those who don’t wish to be soggy all through your whole day, pack some rain gear. Or no less than a spare change of garments.
- Make use of public transport – Fortunately, London has a variety of public transport choices, and youngsters can usually use most of them at no cost. The tube system is likely one of the hottest methods to get round London, nonetheless, the open-top buses are additionally an incredible choice.
- Ebook tickets prematurely – For those who’re sure on the actions you want to do whereas visiting London, then guide your tickets prematurely. 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 infant.
- Keep near the sights – For those who can, keep as near the sights as doable, as having to make lengthy journeys with a toddler will not be supreme.
- Make use of free sights – A number of sights in London are free, that means you don’t have to fork out an arm and a leg in your children to get pleasure from their time within the huge metropolis. Make use of all of the free sights just like the parks and museums, I’m positive your toddlers could have a whale of a time.
When Is The Greatest Time To Go to London With Children?
The finest time to go to London with children does range on many components.
Some individuals will argue that summer season is the perfect due to the nice and cozy temperatures and the truth that you’ll be able to really go inside Buckingham Palace. However, then again, others will declare that winter is the superior time to go to London due to Winter Wonderland and all the gorgeous Christmas markets.
Earlier than you intend your journey to London, you really want to consider the issues your loved ones will get pleasure from and the temperatures that they’ll endure. For instance, some children love wrapping up heat in winter, whereas others hate the chilly.
Are you largely planning indoor sights in London, or travelling round London to see the primary bucket record websites, quirky sights or a specialist journey seeing all of the Harry Potter sights? Will you largely be strolling or catching the tube and taxis?
For those who’re nonetheless uncertain after contemplating your loved ones particularly, 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, intention for April, Could, or September, and in case you don’t thoughts it being just a little bit colder, then February, March, and October are additionally nice months.
Getting Round London with Toddlers
Youngsters underneath 5 can journey free at any time on the Tube, buses, trams, Docklands Gentle Railway (DLR) and London Overground, so long as they’re accompanied by an grownup with a sound ticket.
On Uber Boat by Thames Clippers river bus companies, children aged 4 and underneath journey free. Youngsters 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 use a debit card, or purchase an oyster card for a £5 refundable deposit.
The place to Keep in London with Toddlers
Greatest 3* Household Lodges In London
There are many 3* household inns to select from in London. All supply the standard services. These ones have nice designs that may attraction to children, more room than common and/or are within the excellent 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 toilet. Household Rooms sleep 4 individuals and embrace:
- Double mattress and two single beds
- Journey cot obtainable on request
Vacation Inn Categorical London – Earl’s Courtroom, an IHG Resort
The Vacation Inn Categorical 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 Highway, 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 Resort is positioned close to Waterloo Station and Southwark Underground and has a lodge pool.
The lodge has an incredible restaurant inside with a luxurious breakfast buffet obtainable. Household rooms can be found which come outfitted with wifi, tea and low making services.
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 Sights: The London Eye, London Aquarium and Tate Trendy and London Movie Museum are lower than a mile from the lodge. Westminster Bridge is an extra 20-minute stroll away.
Nearest Tube: Southwark Underground.
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London (Radisson Lodges)
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. Youngsters underneath the age of 12 keep freed from cost.
Onsite is an indoor swimming pool.
At verify in, children obtain a goody bag which features a colouring in guide, colouring pencils and youngsters’ vouchers to spend on food and drinks on the lodge.
To kick begin every morning, when accompanying mother and father breakfast, a complimentary breakfast for underneath 12’s is accessible all through your keep.
Close by Sights: Near London Dungeons, London Eye, Sealife centre, Homes of Parliament, Shreks Journey, South Financial institution
St Ermin’s Resort, London
An historic lodge with a historical past steeped with espionage throughout World Struggle 2 and a enjoyable bee themed afternoon tea for little ones.
This lodge oozes glamour and allure with a wow staircase as you enter, however children are warmly welcomed. Children obtain a Secret Agent bundle upon check-in and may clear up 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 can be added to the room for these little ones that favor their very own private area to relax out. Count on tea and low services in all rooms.
Go to the third ground wildflower terrace to see the bees at work and their very personal ‘bee lodge’ – the place they accumulate pollen and nectar from the close by London parks and inexperienced areas. It’s simple to see why the inns mantra has all the time been; “A house to you, however a lodge to us” They actually do imply this -whether grownup, youngster or insect!
Sights 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 lodge within the Westminster space which presents loads 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 positioned on the decrease degree. Breakfast is a luxurious affair with a full English breakfast, recent juices and pastries and lots of dietary choices obtainable too. Plastic cutlery is offered for youthful kids and the milkshakes are positive to be successful.
Close by Sights: London Eye, Aquarium, Shrek’s Journey, London Dungeons and Westminster Abbey, Home of Parliament.
London Marriott Resort County Corridor
Location: London County Corridor, Westminster Bridge Highway, Lambeth, London, SE1 7PB
You already know a lodge is household pleasant after they sometimes supply Very Vital Children Packages. Packages are inclusive of youngsters’ pampering facilities and toiletries, a County Corridor Teddy Bear, free Wi-Fi and a yummy household breakfast.
Location smart, you’re in prime place to discover London with children. The lodge is inside simple strolling distance to Massive Ben, the London Dungeon, the London Eye and the Sea Life London Aquarium. It’s a additionally an excellent 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 lodge present lodging for as much as 4 company.
There are many choices for households; connecting rooms, rooms with two double beds and couch, and two bed room suites sleeping 5. Fridges are offered in all rooms too and naturally, the indoor swimming pool is accessible for company.
Indoor Pool Particulars:
This London lodge indoor pool is positioned contained in the Health Middle of the lodge and is bathed in pure daylight and presents an incredible place to swim quietly in heat water.
Key family-friendly options:
- Babysitting service
- In-room Crib/Play Yard
- Household Swimming Occasions
- Complimentary Wifi in visitor rooms, foyer and public areas
- Health centre on-site
Close by Sights: London Eye, Aquarium, Shrek’s Journey, London Dungeons and Westminster Abbey, Home of Parliament. Southbank
Greatest 5* Household Lodges In London
5* Luxurious Household Resort in Marylebone, London
The Landmark
London, Marylebone from £296 per evening Friends in search of 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; additional beds could be put in for £60. Count on an in-room kids’s pack that options bathrobes and slippers for younger ones, and bottle heaters, child bathtub tubs and highchairs as required.
Youngsters may 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 lodge’s ‘Household Escape’ packages additionally embrace an indoor tent and headlamp in order that kids can play at tenting.
Close by Sights: 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 Resort in Mayfair, London
Brown’s Resort
Located in luxurious Mayfair from £475 per evening The grand interconnecting suites are perfect for households searching for luxurious; rooms are huge and repair — particularly for youngsters — is charmingly personalised. and is likely one of the high London inns with household rooms for 4 individuals +
Count on 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 inns function high-quality image books, specifically commissioned for every property, primarily based on fictional characters who stay within the lodge — Brown’s has Albemarle, the monkey (a shout-out to Rudyard Kipling, who wrote The Jungle Ebook within the lodge). The concierges throughout the group have been briefed to give attention to a repertoire of child-friendly actions.
Close by Sights: London Zoo, Kidzania, Hyde Park
5* Luxurious Household Resort in Pimlico, London
The Georgian Home Resort – Pimlico space
We liked The Georgian Home Resort, – 5* boutique lodge with children’ toiletries, video games, ‘wizard chambers’ for many who love magic and Harry Potter. Afternoon teas and an incredible location for a sightseeing base.
It’s all the time helpful to know of central London inns with household rooms – a query that I typically get requested about and this lodge is a superb 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 couple of 20 minute stroll away too. This household pleasant London lodge has been awarded 5* standing and encompasses 63 bedrooms and residences.
The rooms are fashionable and lightweight but are filled with character, allure and unique fixtures. Friends have the choice of singles, twins, and doubles to residences and suites for as much as six company. Good in case you are searching for household inns 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’