Exploring London with Family: A Five-Day Adventure

London with Family: At a Glance

• When We Visited: July 2023 (5 days)

• Best For: Families with kids all ages

• Our Trip Length: 5 days

• What Worked:

  ✅ Park Plaza Westminster Bridge location (walked to Big Ben, London Eye, South Bank)

  ✅ Hop-on hop-off bus tour (easy way to see neighborhoods with kids)

  ✅ South Bank for evening strolls (street performers, cafes, great atmosphere)

• What We'd Change:

  ⚠️ Book attractions in advance (we waited in some lines)

  ⚠️ Budget more for food (London is expensive, especially dining out)

• Our Hotel: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge - Views of Big Ben from our room, spacious studio, walked everywhere

See our London family hotel picks

Overview

London, a city where history meets modernity, is a treasure trove of iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and family-friendly attractions. From the majestic Big Ben and the historic Tower of London to the bustling streets of Covent Garden and the panoramic views from the London Eye, the city offers something for everyone. Stroll along the scenic South Bank, explore world-class museums, or indulge in culinary delights from around the globe. London’s rich tapestry of experiences ensures that every member of the family will find something to love, making it an ideal destination for creating unforgettable memories.

Arrival and First Impressions

In July of 2023, our family embarked on an unforgettable five-day adventure in London, having just enjoyed the romantic charm of Paris. The train journey from Paris to London was a highlight in itself, offering comfortable seating and picturesque countryside views that left our kids wishing train travel was the norm.

Upon arrival, we hopped into a spacious black cab, reaching our centrally located hotel, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London, in less than 20 minutes. This hotel became our perfect home base, boasting views of Big Ben, the London Eye, and other iconic attractions right from our window. The spacious studio room was both comfortable and affordable, fitting our family’s needs perfectly.

Exploring the Vibrant South Bank

The first day was spent exploring the vibrant South Bank of the River Thames, right on our doorstep. Street performers and bustling cafes created a lively atmosphere that welcomed us to the city. This area quickly became a favorite spot for evening strolls and people-watching.

Sightseeing Made Easy with Hop-On Hop-Off

To get a broader sense of the city, we took a hop-on hop-off bus tour, which proved to be an excellent way to see more of London’s diverse neighborhoods. We ventured into the bustling Chinatown, where the vibrant streets and shops captured our attention, and wandered along the famous Oxford Street for some shopping. That evening, we treated ourselves to a dinner at the Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay at The Savoy Hotel. The exquisite cuisine made it one of the best dining experiences we've ever had.

Iconic Sights and Thrilling Adventures

Our exploration of London’s iconic sights was nothing short of spectacular. The London Eye provided breathtaking panoramic views of the city, a visual feast that delighted the whole family. The London Dungeon, with its thrilling and slightly eerie exhibits, was a hit with our kids, blending education with excitement in a way that kept everyone engaged.

Underwater Wonders and Market Magic

One of the most memorable experiences was our visit to the SEA LIFE London Aquarium. The children were mesmerized by the diverse marine life, and we spent hours exploring the exhibits. From there, we made our way to Covent Garden, a bustling shopping and entertainment area that truly captured the essence of London. Here, we joined locals watching Wimbledon on a large outdoor screen, adding a unique and local flavor to our visit.

Final Strolls and Reflections

Throughout our stay, we enjoyed the convenience of walking to many attractions from our hotel. The South Bank, with its blend of historic and modern attractions, was a constant source of entertainment and discovery. The friendly and welcoming locals added to the charm, making every interaction a pleasant experience.

See our London family hotel picks

Frequently Asked Questions About London With Kids

1. Is London good for families with young kids? Yes - one of the best cities for all ages. London has world-class museums (many free), parks, playgrounds, and family attractions like SEA LIFE Aquarium and London Eye. Public transport is excellent with elevators at most stations (easier than Paris with strollers). Kids love double-decker buses. Best for kids who can handle walking - we averaged 3-4 miles daily.

2. What's the best area to stay in London with family? South Bank/Westminster (where we stayed) is ideal - walkable to Big Ben, London Eye, Parliament, South Bank attractions. [Find hotels near Westminster](https://www.expedia.com/shop/family-travel-plans/london-with-kids-best-hotels). Covent Garden offers central location with entertainment and dining. Kensington is quieter, near museums and Hyde Park. Avoid staying far from Tube lines - you'll waste time commuting with tired kids.

3. How expensive is London for families? Very expensive. Budget £200-300/day for family of 4 (mid-range hotel, meals, attractions). Save money by: visiting free museums (British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum), getting Tesco meal deals for lunch, using Oyster cards for transport, booking hotel with breakfast included. London Eye and major attractions are pricey but worth it for the experience.

4. When's the best time to visit London with kids? Summer (June-August) has warmest weather and longest days, but is most crowded and expensive. We visited in July - perfect weather but busy. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer good weather with fewer crowds. Avoid winter unless you love Christmas markets - cold, rainy, dark by 4pm. Book hotels 3-4 months ahead for summer.

5. Do you need an Oyster card or Travelcard in London? Get Oyster cards for the family - tap on/off the Tube and buses, automatically caps at daily maximum so you never overpay. Kids under 11 travel free with an adult. Easier than buying individual tickets and much cheaper than taxis. We walked a lot but used the Tube for longer distances - very efficient and kid-friendly.

6. How many days do you need in London with kids? 5-7 days is ideal (we did 5). Allows time for major attractions (Tower of London, London Eye, museums), day trip options (Windsor Castle, Harry Potter Studios), and slower pace with kids. Minimum 3-4 days covers highlights only. London has so much to see - you could easily spend 10 days and not get bored.

7. Need a custom London itinerary? Use our AI Family Travel Planner to build a personalized trip based on your kids' ages.