Hitesh’s guidebook (Travelling with Children)

Hitesh
Hitesh’s guidebook (Travelling with Children)

Sightseeing

1. Tower of London This well-preserved medieval castle is one of London’s premier attractions for families – adults and children love it. Interior exhibits are interactive and informative. The castle was eventually converted to a prison and the site of many executions. Much of its history is dark and gruesome. Arrive as close to opening time as possible and head straight to the White Tower which is loaded with interesting and kid-friendly exhibits (lines start forming shortly after the gates open and grow longer throughout the day). Next visit the Crown Jewels. There are free guided tours that start every 30 minutes and last 45 minutes – grab a program before you enter (by the ticket booth) which lists all the events for the day. (1 restaurant) ages: 5+ tube: Tower Hill open: March to October Sunday & Monday: 10:00 to 17:30, Tuesday–Saturday: 9:00 to 17:30; November to 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.
1372 recommandé par les habitants
Tower of London
1372 recommandé par les habitants
1. Tower of London This well-preserved medieval castle is one of London’s premier attractions for families – adults and children love it. Interior exhibits are interactive and informative. The castle was eventually converted to a prison and the site of many executions. Much of its history is dark and gruesome. Arrive as close to opening time as possible and head straight to the White Tower which is loaded with interesting and kid-friendly exhibits (lines start forming shortly after the gates open and grow longer throughout the day). Next visit the Crown Jewels. There are free guided tours that start every 30 minutes and last 45 minutes – grab a program before you enter (by the ticket booth) which lists all the events for the day. (1 restaurant) ages: 5+ tube: Tower Hill open: March to October Sunday & Monday: 10:00 to 17:30, Tuesday–Saturday: 9:00 to 17:30; November to 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.
London’s number one icon. The bridge opens and closes almost 1000 times a year (schedule posted online and at the bridge). The Tower Bridge Exhibition provides a history of the bridge and allows access to the bridge’s top walkway by way of an elevator. You can see the river below through the reinforced glass section in the middle of the walkway. You can also get a look at the steam-driven machinery that raised bridge for the first hundred years of its existence. (Historical note: The Luftwaffe didn’t bomb the iconic bridge during WWII because it needed it as a landmark.) ages: 4+ tube: London Bridge or Tower Hill open: April to September 10:00 to 18:00, October to March 9:30 to 17:30. costs: family £11, adult £8, student £5, child £3, kids under four years are free.
1577 recommandé par les habitants
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge Road
1577 recommandé par les habitants
London’s number one icon. The bridge opens and closes almost 1000 times a year (schedule posted online and at the bridge). The Tower Bridge Exhibition provides a history of the bridge and allows access to the bridge’s top walkway by way of an elevator. You can see the river below through the reinforced glass section in the middle of the walkway. You can also get a look at the steam-driven machinery that raised bridge for the first hundred years of its existence. (Historical note: The Luftwaffe didn’t bomb the iconic bridge during WWII because it needed it as a landmark.) ages: 4+ tube: London Bridge or Tower Hill open: April to September 10:00 to 18:00, October to March 9:30 to 17:30. costs: family £11, adult £8, student £5, child £3, kids under four years are free.
One of the world’s best museums has a kid-friendly attitude and fun children’s audio tours. The Rosetta Stone, the Elgin (Parthenon) Marbles, and the Egyptian mummies are some of the jaw-dropping exhibits. Get activity trails and activity backpacks (weekends and holidays only) from the family center in the Great Court as you enter the museum. (3 restaurants) ages: 4+ tube: Holborn, Tottenham Court, Goodge St., or Russel Square are all within a 5 minute walk. open: Saturday to Thursday 10:00 to 17:30, Friday 10:00 to 20:30. costs: Free.
1546 recommandé par les habitants
British Museum
Great Russell Street
1546 recommandé par les habitants
One of the world’s best museums has a kid-friendly attitude and fun children’s audio tours. The Rosetta Stone, the Elgin (Parthenon) Marbles, and the Egyptian mummies are some of the jaw-dropping exhibits. Get activity trails and activity backpacks (weekends and holidays only) from the family center in the Great Court as you enter the museum. (3 restaurants) ages: 4+ tube: Holborn, Tottenham Court, Goodge St., or Russel Square are all within a 5 minute walk. open: Saturday to Thursday 10:00 to 17:30, Friday 10:00 to 20:30. costs: Free.
This is one of our kids’ favorite attractions in London. A great collection of buses, trains, trams, and subway cars. Kids can enter most exhibits. It’s a very hands-on and fun museum filled with video screens, posters, maps, illuminated boards, subway signs, and models. There’s an under-fives play area and a very cool museum shop. (1 restaurant) ages: 3+ tube: Covent Garden open: Saturday to Thursday 10:00 to 18:00, Friday 11:00 to 18:00 costs: Adults £13.50 (and good for one year of re-admission), under age 16 are free.
95 recommandé par les habitants
London Transport Museum
The Piazza
95 recommandé par les habitants
This is one of our kids’ favorite attractions in London. A great collection of buses, trains, trams, and subway cars. Kids can enter most exhibits. It’s a very hands-on and fun museum filled with video screens, posters, maps, illuminated boards, subway signs, and models. There’s an under-fives play area and a very cool museum shop. (1 restaurant) ages: 3+ tube: Covent Garden open: Saturday to Thursday 10:00 to 18:00, Friday 11:00 to 18:00 costs: Adults £13.50 (and good for one year of re-admission), under age 16 are free.
In Leavesden, 20 miles north of London, you can visit the studios where most of the Harry Potter movies were filmed. Visitors can explore the different sets (4 Privet Drive, Hogwarts dining room, Dumbledore’s office), practice wand magic in Dark Arts, explore the Forbidden Forest, and check out thousands of props and costumes. Extras include riding a broomstick using green screen technology, climbing aboard a mockup carriage of the Hogwarts Express and drinking Butterbeer. Since it takes at least an hour each way, you’ll need a whole day to make the most of your visit. (2 restaurants) ages: 4+ train: London Euston to Watford Junction, then shuttle bus open: Daily 8:30 to 20:30 summer, 9:30 to 18:30 winter. costs: Standard ticket is £39 for adults, £31 for kids 5 to 15, £126 for a family. Booking online saves up to 8% on all tickets.
190 recommandé par les habitants
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Studio Tour Drive
190 recommandé par les habitants
In Leavesden, 20 miles north of London, you can visit the studios where most of the Harry Potter movies were filmed. Visitors can explore the different sets (4 Privet Drive, Hogwarts dining room, Dumbledore’s office), practice wand magic in Dark Arts, explore the Forbidden Forest, and check out thousands of props and costumes. Extras include riding a broomstick using green screen technology, climbing aboard a mockup carriage of the Hogwarts Express and drinking Butterbeer. Since it takes at least an hour each way, you’ll need a whole day to make the most of your visit. (2 restaurants) ages: 4+ train: London Euston to Watford Junction, then shuttle bus open: Daily 8:30 to 20:30 summer, 9:30 to 18:30 winter. costs: Standard ticket is £39 for adults, £31 for kids 5 to 15, £126 for a family. Booking online saves up to 8% on all tickets.
A scrapbook of British history in museum form. The gallery houses pictures of the major (and not-so major) figures of the nation’s history from King Henry VIII to David Beckham. It makes a great introduction to British history for both kids and adults. Kid-friendly audio tours are available. (2 restaurants) ages: 6+ tube: Charing Cross or Leicester Square. open: Saturday to Wednesday 10:00 to 18:00, Thursday and Friday 10:00 to 21:00 costs: Free
353 recommandé par les habitants
National Portrait Gallery
Saint Martin's Place
353 recommandé par les habitants
A scrapbook of British history in museum form. The gallery houses pictures of the major (and not-so major) figures of the nation’s history from King Henry VIII to David Beckham. It makes a great introduction to British history for both kids and adults. Kid-friendly audio tours are available. (2 restaurants) ages: 6+ tube: Charing Cross or Leicester Square. open: Saturday to Wednesday 10:00 to 18:00, Thursday and Friday 10:00 to 21:00 costs: Free
If you love planes you’ll love this museum – regardless of your age. 100’s of aircrafts from every age of flight are on display. The Battle of Britain hall is particularly interesting. It does take some effort to get here as it’s located in the London suburb of Colindale – 30 minutes by tube from central London. (2 restaurants) ages: 3+ tube: Colindale Underground Station open: Daily 10:00 to 18:00 costs: Free
105 recommandé par les habitants
Royal Air Force Museum London
Grahame Park Way
105 recommandé par les habitants
If you love planes you’ll love this museum – regardless of your age. 100’s of aircrafts from every age of flight are on display. The Battle of Britain hall is particularly interesting. It does take some effort to get here as it’s located in the London suburb of Colindale – 30 minutes by tube from central London. (2 restaurants) ages: 3+ tube: Colindale Underground Station open: Daily 10:00 to 18:00 costs: Free
Think of this as a grandly decorated Victorian home and you won’t be disappointed. Kid-friendly audio tours available. If kids are expecting the castles of legend then Windsor Castle will better feed their imaginations. (Buckingham Palace has one cafe on the terrace.) ages: 6+ tube: 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.
1912 recommandé par les habitants
Buckingham Palace
1912 recommandé par les habitants
Think of this as a grandly decorated Victorian home and you won’t be disappointed. Kid-friendly audio tours available. If kids are expecting the castles of legend then Windsor Castle will better feed their imaginations. (Buckingham Palace has one cafe on the terrace.) ages: 6+ tube: 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.
This is one of my personal favorites. Geared to slightly older kids the exhibits do a great 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 fantastic 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+ tube: Canary Wharf, DLR: West India Quay open: Daily 10:00 to 18:00 costs: Free
217 recommandé par les habitants
Museum of London Docklands
Hertsmere Road
217 recommandé par les habitants
This is one of my personal favorites. Geared to slightly older kids the exhibits do a great 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 fantastic 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+ tube: Canary Wharf, DLR: West India Quay open: Daily 10:00 to 18:00 costs: Free
London’s best contemporary art gallery has plenty of interactive activities for kids. It’s inside the former Bankside Power Station and younger kids can run around the vast Turbine Hall. Kids aged 3 and older can sketch their own masterpieces at the Bloomberg digital drawing bar and then have their art projected onto the gallery’s walls. The Sonic Trails app is especially designed to take kids on sound journey through the gallery, while the Tate Kids Collection Case is a scavenger-hunt-like exploration of the Materials and Objects display. (1 restaurant) ages: 3+ tube: Blackfriars of Southwark open: Daily 10:00 to 18:00 costs: Kids under 12 get free access to all exhibitions; adults pay for special exhibitions only
2008 recommandé par les habitants
Tate Modern
Bankside
2008 recommandé par les habitants
London’s best contemporary art gallery has plenty of interactive activities for kids. It’s inside the former Bankside Power Station and younger kids can run around the vast Turbine Hall. Kids aged 3 and older can sketch their own masterpieces at the Bloomberg digital drawing bar and then have their art projected onto the gallery’s walls. The Sonic Trails app is especially designed to take kids on sound journey through the gallery, while the Tate Kids Collection Case is a scavenger-hunt-like exploration of the Materials and Objects display. (1 restaurant) ages: 3+ tube: Blackfriars of Southwark open: Daily 10:00 to 18:00 costs: Kids under 12 get free access to all exhibitions; adults pay for special exhibitions only
A stunning collection of 2300 paintings. Free tours everyday at 11:30 and 2:30. Kid-friendly audio tours are available for £1 or can be downloaded in advance. Family audio tours and special weekend events such as story-telling. (2 restaurants) ages: 4+ tube: Charing Cross or Leicester Square. open: Saturday to Thursday 10:00 to 18:00, Friday 10:00 to 21:00 costs: Free
796 recommandé par les habitants
The National Gallery
Trafalgar Square
796 recommandé par les habitants
A stunning collection of 2300 paintings. Free tours everyday at 11:30 and 2:30. Kid-friendly audio tours are available for £1 or can be downloaded in advance. Family audio tours and special weekend events such as story-telling. (2 restaurants) ages: 4+ tube: Charing Cross or Leicester Square. open: Saturday to Thursday 10:00 to 18:00, Friday 10:00 to 21:00 costs: Free
A floating musuem in the form of a retired World War II ship. 7 levels to explore and kids can go everywhere. The living quarters, naval guns, anti-aircraft weaponry, and Operations Room will fill 2 hours easily. This is a much better use of time than visiting the nearby Golden Hinde ship. (Small cafe open during peak hours.) ages: 6+ tube: 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
195 recommandé par les habitants
HMS Belfast
195 recommandé par les habitants
A floating musuem in the form of a retired World War II ship. 7 levels to explore and kids can go everywhere. The living quarters, naval guns, anti-aircraft weaponry, and Operations Room will fill 2 hours easily. This is a much better use of time than visiting the nearby Golden Hinde ship. (Small cafe open during peak hours.) ages: 6+ tube: 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
London’s tallest skyscraper with superb city views from the Skydeck on the 72nd floor. The 306m-tall building is the tallest in the EU and on a clear day you get 360-degree views for up to 40 miles. Using binoculars you can zoom in on London’s different landmarks, from the Houses of Parliament to Tower Bridge. The interactive audio guides are suitable for older kids; find the building you’re interested in, and you get to hear its story. Strollers are not allowed on the observation deck but can be stored downstairs. (2 restaurants) ages: 2+ tube: London Bridge open: Sun-Wed 10:00 to 19:00. Thurs-Sat 10:00-22:00. costs: Standard ticket is £30.95 for adults, £24.95 for kids 4 to 15, £79.95 for a family. Booking online saves up to 15% on all tickets
828 recommandé par les habitants
The Shard
32 London Bridge St
828 recommandé par les habitants
London’s tallest skyscraper with superb city views from the Skydeck on the 72nd floor. The 306m-tall building is the tallest in the EU and on a clear day you get 360-degree views for up to 40 miles. Using binoculars you can zoom in on London’s different landmarks, from the Houses of Parliament to Tower Bridge. The interactive audio guides are suitable for older kids; find the building you’re interested in, and you get to hear its story. Strollers are not allowed on the observation deck but can be stored downstairs. (2 restaurants) ages: 2+ tube: London Bridge open: Sun-Wed 10:00 to 19:00. Thurs-Sat 10:00-22:00. costs: Standard ticket is £30.95 for adults, £24.95 for kids 4 to 15, £79.95 for a family. Booking online saves up to 15% on all tickets
This excellent branch of the Victoria & Albert Museum displays one of the best collections of childhood-related objects in the world. Kids are fascinated by the immense number of dolls, dolls’ houses through the ages, vintage board games, construction toys (Lego, Meccano), battery-powered robots and favourite toys from the 20th century, decade by decade. Action figures, teddy bears, puppets, magic lanterns and MicroMachines are among the highlights here. It’s a great place for adults, too – you may well spot your favourite childhood toy here! It’s in East London, but well worth the underground ride from the city centre. ages: 4+ tube: Bethnal Green open: Daily 10:00 to 17:45. Closed December 24 to 26.
1694 recommandé par les habitants
Victoria and Albert Museum
Cromwell Road
1694 recommandé par les habitants
This excellent branch of the Victoria & Albert Museum displays one of the best collections of childhood-related objects in the world. Kids are fascinated by the immense number of dolls, dolls’ houses through the ages, vintage board games, construction toys (Lego, Meccano), battery-powered robots and favourite toys from the 20th century, decade by decade. Action figures, teddy bears, puppets, magic lanterns and MicroMachines are among the highlights here. It’s a great place for adults, too – you may well spot your favourite childhood toy here! It’s in East London, but well worth the underground ride from the city centre. ages: 4+ tube: Bethnal Green open: Daily 10:00 to 17:45. Closed December 24 to 26.
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 19th century boat used to sail to China and back, bringing back a cargo of tea in exchange for other goods. Today, you can climb aboard and explore the sleeping quarters of the captain and officers, mess about with the interactive maps, play hide and seek behind boxes of cargo and take the helm at the ship’s wheel. There are backpacks full of toys for families to borrow and a free family trail leading through the ship’s interior. ages: 3+ tube: North Greenwich open: Daily 10:00 to 17:00. Closed 24-26 December. costs: Standard ticket is £12.50 for adults, £6.30 for kids 5 to 15, £31.50 for a family.
26 recommandé par les habitants
Cutty Sark
King William Walk
26 recommandé par les habitants
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 19th century boat used to sail to China and back, bringing back a cargo of tea in exchange for other goods. Today, you can climb aboard and explore the sleeping quarters of the captain and officers, mess about with the interactive maps, play hide and seek behind boxes of cargo and take the helm at the ship’s wheel. There are backpacks full of toys for families to borrow and a free family trail leading through the ship’s interior. ages: 3+ tube: North Greenwich open: Daily 10:00 to 17:00. Closed 24-26 December. costs: Standard ticket is £12.50 for adults, £6.30 for kids 5 to 15, £31.50 for a family.

Fun Activity

Legoland Windsor is all about the bricks. It’s divided into several different ‘worlds’, from the Kingdom of the Pharaohs and Land of the Vikings to Ninjago World and Miniland – where you get to see London’s famous buildings recreated in miniature using Lego bricks. There’s a good mixture of rides for toddlers, pre-schoolers and primary school kids, as well as fantastic Lego creations, 4D movies, live shows and adventure playgrounds. Some of the rides mean getting wet, which is particularly fun in hot weather. Download the Legoland app to find your way around the park. (5 restaurants) ages: 3-11 train: London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Riverside open: Daily 10:00 to 18:00 in summer, 10:00 to 17:00 rest of year costs: Standard ticket is £45 for all ages; £30 if purchased online 7 days in advance.
391 recommandé par les habitants
LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort
Winkfield Road
391 recommandé par les habitants
Legoland Windsor is all about the bricks. It’s divided into several different ‘worlds’, from the Kingdom of the Pharaohs and Land of the Vikings to Ninjago World and Miniland – where you get to see London’s famous buildings recreated in miniature using Lego bricks. There’s a good mixture of rides for toddlers, pre-schoolers and primary school kids, as well as fantastic Lego creations, 4D movies, live shows and adventure playgrounds. Some of the rides mean getting wet, which is particularly fun in hot weather. Download the Legoland app to find your way around the park. (5 restaurants) ages: 3-11 train: London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Riverside open: Daily 10:00 to 18:00 in summer, 10:00 to 17:00 rest of year costs: Standard ticket is £45 for all ages; £30 if purchased online 7 days in advance.
Not far from our place. One of the best museums in the city. It features an incredible array of airplanes, tanks, guns, gear, and historical information. Displays and exhibits are meticulously detailed. Videos have survivors and soldiers re-telling the horror and challenges of war. The audio tour is a must. The holocaust exhibit on the top floor is rightfully restricted to kids 11 and older. The National Army Museum is another museum potentially worth a visit. It’s focused almost exclusively on the history of British forces and 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 recommended. (The IWM has one restaurant. The NAM has a small cafe.) ages: 4+ if they like tanks and planes, but older to really appreciate the material. tube: Lambeth North or Elephant & Castle open: 10:00 to 18:00 costs: Free
461 recommandé par les habitants
Imperial War Museums
Lambeth Road
461 recommandé par les habitants
Not far from our place. One of the best museums in the city. It features an incredible array of airplanes, tanks, guns, gear, and historical information. Displays and exhibits are meticulously detailed. Videos have survivors and soldiers re-telling the horror and challenges of war. The audio tour is a must. The holocaust exhibit on the top floor is rightfully restricted to kids 11 and older. The National Army Museum is another museum potentially worth a visit. It’s focused almost exclusively on the history of British forces and 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 recommended. (The IWM has one restaurant. The NAM has a small cafe.) ages: 4+ if they like tanks and planes, but older to really appreciate the material. tube: Lambeth North or Elephant & Castle open: 10:00 to 18:00 costs: Free
Changing of the Guard Some kids find this a little dull, others love the pomp and tradition. The best place to see the guards is on The Mall, near St. James’s Palace. If your kids are small they won’t see much squashed in with the crowds at Buckingham Palace. There is also a Changing of the Guard at Windsor Palace (35 minutes outside of London by train) that sees far smaller crowds but offers more pageantry. ages: 2+ tube: St. James’s Park, Green Park, Hyde Park Corner times: 11:30 but be in place by 11:00 am at the lastest. It takes place every day May through July and alternating days otherwise – check the schedule. costs: Free.
23 recommandé par les habitants
St. James's Palace
Marlborough Road
23 recommandé par les habitants
Changing of the Guard Some kids find this a little dull, others love the pomp and tradition. The best place to see the guards is on The Mall, near St. James’s Palace. If your kids are small they won’t see much squashed in with the crowds at Buckingham Palace. There is also a Changing of the Guard at Windsor Palace (35 minutes outside of London by train) that sees far smaller crowds but offers more pageantry. ages: 2+ tube: St. James’s Park, Green Park, Hyde Park Corner times: 11:30 but be in place by 11:00 am at the lastest. It takes place every day May through July and alternating days otherwise – check the schedule. costs: Free.
500 years of maritime history packed into one fantastic space. Hands-on exhibits make it fun for younger kids but this is definitely an all-ages attraction. Battles and boats galore plus free themed talks. (2 restaurants) ages: 3+ tube: Maze Hill or Cutty Sark (DLR) open: 10:00 to 17:00 costs: Free
373 recommandé par les habitants
National Maritime Museum
Romney Road
373 recommandé par les habitants
500 years of maritime history packed into one fantastic space. Hands-on exhibits make it fun for younger kids but this is definitely an all-ages attraction. Battles and boats galore plus free themed talks. (2 restaurants) ages: 3+ tube: Maze Hill or Cutty Sark (DLR) open: 10:00 to 17:00 costs: Free
One of London’s best museums for all ages. Dinosaurs, blue whales, saber-tooth tigers, elephants, volcanoes, meteors, earthquakes, and all sorts of creepy crawlies. The ideal mix of kid and adult fun. Multimedia guides are available and can be booked in advance. (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
1954 recommandé par les habitants
Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road
1954 recommandé par les habitants
One of London’s best museums for all ages. Dinosaurs, blue whales, saber-tooth tigers, elephants, volcanoes, meteors, earthquakes, and all sorts of creepy crawlies. The ideal mix of kid and adult fun. Multimedia guides are available and can be booked in advance. (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
This giant ferris wheel offers fantastic views of greater London. It takes 30 minutes to go around and the wheel moves at such a calm speed it’s not scary for any ages. Passengers are completely enclosed in air conditioned and heated glass pods that fit 25 people. ages: 3+ tube: Waterloo or Westminster open: Daily 10:00 to 20:30 most of the year, 10:00 to 18:00 much of the winter (check website for specific dates). Closed for yearly maintenance in January. costs: Standard ticket is £24.30 for adults, £19.80 for kids 3 to 15. £33.30 adults, £28.20 kids for Fast Track tickets to bypass queues. Booking online saves up to 15% on all tickets
2099 recommandé par les habitants
London Eye
2099 recommandé par les habitants
This giant ferris wheel offers fantastic views of greater London. It takes 30 minutes to go around and the wheel moves at such a calm speed it’s not scary for any ages. Passengers are completely enclosed in air conditioned and heated glass pods that fit 25 people. ages: 3+ tube: Waterloo or Westminster open: Daily 10:00 to 20:30 most of the year, 10:00 to 18:00 much of the winter (check website for specific dates). Closed for yearly maintenance in January. costs: Standard ticket is £24.30 for adults, £19.80 for kids 3 to 15. £33.30 adults, £28.20 kids for Fast Track tickets to bypass queues. Booking online saves up to 15% on all tickets
A futuristic museum that is spread across seven floors of interactive and entertaining exhibits and explores everything from space travel to the Industrial Revolution. There’s something here for kids of all ages, including toddlers. Highlights include the giant telescope in the Exploring Space section, flying machines in the Flight Gallery – from hot air balloons to vintage planes, and the IMAX cinema shows on deep space and the underwater world. Visits to the Science Museum can easily be combined with visits to the Natural History Museum. (1 restaurant) ages: 2+ tube: South Kensington open: Daily 10:00 to 18:00 costs: Free
1157 recommandé par les habitants
Science Museum
Exhibition Road
1157 recommandé par les habitants
A futuristic museum that is spread across seven floors of interactive and entertaining exhibits and explores everything from space travel to the Industrial Revolution. There’s something here for kids of all ages, including toddlers. Highlights include the giant telescope in the Exploring Space section, flying machines in the Flight Gallery – from hot air balloons to vintage planes, and the IMAX cinema shows on deep space and the underwater world. Visits to the Science Museum can easily be combined with visits to the Natural History Museum. (1 restaurant) ages: 2+ tube: South Kensington open: Daily 10:00 to 18:00 costs: Free
Large, state-of-the-art aquarium popular with families and children. There are 17 themed zones to walk through. The Atlantic and Pacific Ocean habitats show off creatures of the deep, while Tidal Reach proves that coastal British waters are anything but boring! Sharks glide around a wreck, monster catfish lurk in warm rainforest waters and kids can look for Nemo and Dory in tanks full of clown fish and blue tang. Highlights include the Ocean Tunnel, with sharks swimming 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 10:00 to 18:00, Sat & Sun 9:30-19:00 costs: Standard ticket is £21 for adults, £16.80 for kids 4 to 15. Booking online saves up to 30% on all tickets. Discounts if you book tickets to the London Dungeon, Madame Tussaud’s or the London Eye.
356 recommandé par les habitants
SEA LIFE Centre London Aquarium
Westminster Bridge Road
356 recommandé par les habitants
Large, state-of-the-art aquarium popular with families and children. There are 17 themed zones to walk through. The Atlantic and Pacific Ocean habitats show off creatures of the deep, while Tidal Reach proves that coastal British waters are anything but boring! Sharks glide around a wreck, monster catfish lurk in warm rainforest waters and kids can look for Nemo and Dory in tanks full of clown fish and blue tang. Highlights include the Ocean Tunnel, with sharks swimming 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 10:00 to 18:00, Sat & Sun 9:30-19:00 costs: Standard ticket is £21 for adults, £16.80 for kids 4 to 15. Booking online saves up to 30% on all tickets. Discounts if you book tickets to the London Dungeon, Madame Tussaud’s or the London Eye.
London Zoo sits in the northern part of Regent’s Park and is extremely popular with families. Wildlife habitats include Tiger Territory, Gorilla Kingdom, Land of the Lions, Penguin Beach and Reptile House (where part of a Harry Potter film was shot). Meet the Monkeys is a big hit with younger kids and you can visit creepie crawlies in the spider walkthrough. Kids (11-15-year-olds) also have the option of playing junior zoo keeper for a day (book in advance) and the zoo organises BegBugs sleepovers in the Bug House. (2 restaurants) ages: 2+ tube: Regent’s Park or Baker Street open: Daily 10:00 to 18:00. Closed on Christmas Day. costs: Standard ticket is 29.75 for adults, £22 for kids 3 to 15, £75.80 for a family (online only). Fast track £29.30 for adults, £23 for kids (online rates only). Booking online saves up to 20% off standard tickets.
713 recommandé par les habitants
ZSL London Zoo
Outer Circle
713 recommandé par les habitants
London Zoo sits in the northern part of Regent’s Park and is extremely popular with families. Wildlife habitats include Tiger Territory, Gorilla Kingdom, Land of the Lions, Penguin Beach and Reptile House (where part of a Harry Potter film was shot). Meet the Monkeys is a big hit with younger kids and you can visit creepie crawlies in the spider walkthrough. Kids (11-15-year-olds) also have the option of playing junior zoo keeper for a day (book in advance) and the zoo organises BegBugs sleepovers in the Bug House. (2 restaurants) ages: 2+ tube: Regent’s Park or Baker Street open: Daily 10:00 to 18:00. Closed on Christmas Day. costs: Standard ticket is 29.75 for adults, £22 for kids 3 to 15, £75.80 for a family (online only). Fast track £29.30 for adults, £23 for kids (online rates only). Booking online saves up to 20% off standard tickets.
The London branch of the world-famous wax figure museum is good fun for families, and particularly for older children. Start by having your photos taken with Hollywood movie stars and then move on to the Royal Family, pop stars (Jimi Hendrix to Lady Gaga to One Direction), Olympic athletes (Usain Bolt, Mo Farah, Serena Williams…) and more. There are 15 interactive areas in total and it’s a good idea to arrive at opening time, as there are queues later on in the day. There’s a ride at the very end that’s suitable for children over 6. Priority entrance tickets let you check out the Star Wars Experience and watch the Marvel Super Heroes 4D movie. ages: 4+ tube: Waterloo or Westminster open: Daily 8:30 to 18:00 in August; varied hours rest of year. costs: Standard ticket is £35 for adults, £30 for kids 4 to 15. Priority entrance ticket £50 for all ages. Booking online saves up to 15% on all tickets. Discounts if you book tickets to Sea Life Aquarium, London Dungeon or the London Eye.
951 recommandé par les habitants
Madame Tussauds London
Marylebone Road
951 recommandé par les habitants
The London branch of the world-famous wax figure museum is good fun for families, and particularly for older children. Start by having your photos taken with Hollywood movie stars and then move on to the Royal Family, pop stars (Jimi Hendrix to Lady Gaga to One Direction), Olympic athletes (Usain Bolt, Mo Farah, Serena Williams…) and more. There are 15 interactive areas in total and it’s a good idea to arrive at opening time, as there are queues later on in the day. There’s a ride at the very end that’s suitable for children over 6. Priority entrance tickets let you check out the Star Wars Experience and watch the Marvel Super Heroes 4D movie. ages: 4+ tube: Waterloo or Westminster open: Daily 8:30 to 18:00 in August; varied hours rest of year. costs: Standard ticket is £35 for adults, £30 for kids 4 to 15. Priority entrance ticket £50 for all ages. Booking online saves up to 15% on all tickets. Discounts if you book tickets to Sea Life Aquarium, London Dungeon or the London Eye.
Taking a boat along the Thames is a great way of seeing many of London’s best-known landmarks without the kids getting too tired. It’s something that can be done on rainy days as well, since boats have enclosed seating. From Westminster pier, City Cruises and Thames River Services run 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 on the way. Older children may enjoy adrenalin-charged speedboat tours of the Thames with Thames Rockets. ages: 2+ tube: Westminster, London Bridge or North Greenwich open: Daily 08:00 to 19:00. costs: Standard one-way ticket is £12.50 for adults, £6.25 for kids 5 to 16, Rover (unlimited day) ticket is £16.65 for adults and £8.33 for kids.
8 recommandé par les habitants
Thames Boat Rides from Embankment Pier
Victoria Embankment
8 recommandé par les habitants
Taking a boat along the Thames is a great way of seeing many of London’s best-known landmarks without the kids getting too tired. It’s something that can be done on rainy days as well, since boats have enclosed seating. From Westminster pier, City Cruises and Thames River Services run 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 on the way. Older children may enjoy adrenalin-charged speedboat tours of the Thames with Thames Rockets. ages: 2+ tube: Westminster, London Bridge or North Greenwich open: Daily 08:00 to 19:00. costs: Standard one-way ticket is £12.50 for adults, £6.25 for kids 5 to 16, Rover (unlimited day) ticket is £16.65 for adults and £8.33 for kids.