London With KidsTravel Guide
- LBZ
- May 4
- 3 min read
Traveling with family is an opportunity to create lasting memories, fun and bonding that are well worth the effort. When traveling abroad with kids, or anywhere for that matter, a little planning goes a long way. Keeping daily activities in the same area, easily getting from one to the other, and scheduling in unstructured time to relax and unwind every day can make a trip much more relaxing.
We've put together a 4 day London Guide, plus a bonus day in the enchanting city of Oxford, with plenty of ideas for things to enjoy with the entire family.
FIRST THINGS FIRST-WHERE TO STAY
The Antheneum Hotel and Residences
Near Hyde Park, with lots of amenities and apartment style accommodations with bunk beds-a great option for a traveling family.
Georgian House Hotel
Located near Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and The London Eye. Also a short walk to Victoria Station. This hotel has the option to book their Wizard's Chambers, perfect for Harry Potter fans!
GETTING AROUND
We recommend downloading a map of London https://www.city-walks.info/London-en/Map and planning your daily activities in the same area, either walking distance from one another, or a short cab ride away. London's subway system, The Tube, is easy to use, as is their train system. Again, it's also a very walkable city.
HERE WE GO!
DAY 1
Start the day at either The National History Museum, which has a great dinosaur exhibit, or The London Transport Museum, very interactive and great for kids who love trains!
Head to Kensington Gardens/Hyde Park for a little break after the museums. The Princess Diana area is great for kids.
Afternoon tea is a tradition in England, and there's no shortage of ones geared toward young people. Some favorites to check out: Peppa Pig Tea or Paddington Bear Tea Bus. Both of these feature beloved children's characters and take place on a bus, so you can take in a tour of the city with your tea and snacks. Ampersend Hall has a Science Tea, great for older kids, and for Peter Pan fans, Peter Pan Tea at the Shard will take you away for a charming, themed experience.
Head back to your hotel for a little down time, and then head to dinner at Franco Manca for a pizza dinner.
Day 2
While in London, if your fans, the Harry Potter Sudio Tour, complete with movie sets, props and butterbeer is a must. Lasting around 4 hours.
After lunch, back to Hyde Park for playground time and a walk to take in the beautiful settings.
For dinner, try Dishoom in Covenant Gardens. book ahead, it's a popular spot!
Day 3
Start today with a double decker bus tour. A great way to see the sights of London while on a relaxing, unique ride.
In the afternoon, ride the London Eye ferris wheel and/or visit The Paddington Experience. Both are great family choices.
Have dinner tonight at the very kid friendly Giraffe in South Park before turning in at your hotel for the night.
Day 4
It wouldn't be a trip to London without a visit to Buckingham Palace, and witnessing the changing of the guard. Be sure to check the schedule, as changing of the guard happens on select days.
After the pageantry of the morning, head to St. James Park for some playground time and to check out the pelicans who call the park home.
Later in the afternoon, head to the Tower of London and see the crown jewels. Kids love the storytelling guides, here, and it makes for a fun experience.
For dinner, head to The Borough Market, and back to the hotel.
Day 5 Bonus Day in Oxford
Since you're in England, we highly recommend a day trip to the enchanting city of Oxford. It's easy to get to from London and a great destination for an afternoon with the family.
Trains run frequently from London's Paddington Station to Oxford, and the one way trip is about an hour (sit on the right for the best views). When you arrive, we suggest another Harry Potter Walking Tour, if you're a fan, or a visit to Christ Church College, a beautiful place where many scenes in the movie were filmed.
Take a break in University Parks to relax and let the kids run around. A great lunch spot after the park is The Eagle and The Child, Tolkien and CS Lewis met here, or the bicycle themed Handlebar Cafe.
RIver Punting in the afternoon is an activity kids absolutely love. Glide down the river in a flat boat with a guide or steer yourself. Afterwards, enjoy an ice cream at G and D's Ice Cream Cafe.
Head back to London around 5 or 6 p.m. and have dinner at your hotel.
PADDINGTON BEAR GIVE-A-WAY
A quintessential London staple, Paddington Bear is a classic. We'll be giving away a Paddington to one lucky person later this month. Details coming soon!
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