London is a city jammed with character, vibrancy and endless entertainment no matter how old or young you are. If the thought of navigating your army of little ones around this vast concrete jungle worries you a bit, fear not as we have adapted a list of all our top hot-spots to visit during a family break away to the English capital.
See the sites
London is renowned for its iconic tourist locations such as the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and more. These locations will be recognisable to every kid, making a day of site seeing a necessity. An alternative to walking along the notorious Thames River is hopping aboard one of the Thames Rockets, a high-speed boat ride that boasts an exciting music soundtrack for added fun. London Walks is a company which offers walks tailored for families and children aged six and over, so this is the ideal for getting a guided insight into the city’s most popular locations.
For information on fares and trips, see thamesrockets.com.
For information on London Walks’ various guided tours, see walks.com.
West-End wonders
London and its shows are world-famous, including the performances aimed at younger audiences as well. The award-winning Lion King show, the musically miraculous Mamma Mia, or even the latest wizarding addition Harry Potter and the Cursed Child are all popular choices among every age group, but there are many more on offer if you want to do a bit of research into what you think your kids will enjoy and appreciate most.
For ticket costs and full show selections, see westendtheatrebookings.com or london-theater-tickets.com.
Diana Memorial Playground at The Kensington Gardens
The Royal Park gardens are a gem of London for everyone who visits, but the Diana Memorial Playground is particularly popular among youngsters. Unique and beautiful, this Peter Pan inspired playground is jammed with attractions such as a sensory trail, play sculptures and a vast pirate ship surrounded by an artificial beach. The inclusive design also includes an area suitable for children less able-bodied to enjoy. The gardens themselves are also well worth wandering around as they are rich with stunning scenery and historical significance.
Entry is free of charge. For information on the Diana Memorial Playground see theroyalparks.org.uk.
History in the making
The London Dungeon is an iconic, eerie attraction that lasts one and a half hours and well worth the money. Not for the faint hearted, we wouldn’t recommend under 8s, but it’s an impressive visit to past London and can make you jump, lots! The Shakespeare Globe Theatre host workshops, tours and activities focused on educating and absorbing kids into the work and wonders of England’s most famous playwright.
For more info and prices see thedungeons.com. Tickets can be bought in conjunction with other popular London attractions, such as The London Eye or The Madame Tussauds Museum, for a discounted rate through the official London Dungeons website.
For information on events and costs of The Globe Theatre, see shakespearesglobe.com.
The Making of Harry Potter in Warner Bros. Studios
Located just outside London, this experience is an absolute must-see for fans of the wizarding franchise. This outstanding and award-winning tour is definitely worth visiting. Kids can tour the breath-taking sets, authentic props and original costumes from the movies and see all the iconic locations from the fantasy movie series. You can even make some magical purchases in the gift-shop if you fancy buying your favourite character’s wand, or bringing back some of the famous candy and sweet-treats from the movie.
Tickets must be bought in advance. Adult fare is £43.00, while children aged five to 15 is £35.00. Children under four go FREE, while additional discounts apply to families. For more information, see wbstudiotour.co.uk.
The great outdoors
London has some hidden outdoor gems ideal for a giving you a break from the hectic city buzz. Go Ape in Battersea Park is a tree-top adventure course. With features such as a high–ropes course up among the foliage and a 30 feet tall netted adventure playground, you will no longer feel like you are at the heart of one of the biggest cities in the world. You can continue this spree among flora and fauna with a trip to London Zoo, where kids can see exotic animals and even take part in some specialised experiences such as being a zoo-keeper for a day or having a V.I.P animal encounter.
Prices for Go Ape in Battersea Park vary depending on choice of activity and age, so see goape.co.uk for more information. Please consult the website for age and height restrictions of certain activities as well.
When booked online, London Zoo adult entrance fee is £20.45 while children aged three to 15 is £15.95. Children under three go FREE. Family rates and discounts also apply. See zsl.org for more information.
