This is a collaborative post: Planning a trip around the crowded streets of London with the whole family can sometimes seem like a pretty daunting task. Taking the kids for a fun day out should be enjoyable for you too. Follow a few of our suggestions and take hassle out of the day.
Hit the Museum quarter
OK, so there’s technically no area called the Museum Quarter, but there really should be. Within a literal stone’s throw of each other are the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Three of the best visitor attractions in London. Head for a whole day out without having to move around town. Any of these museums could take a day to get around by themselves, but if you’re looking for a lot to do with energetic kids, you will not run out all day.
The South Bank
If you’re heading in on the train, aim for Waterloo train station. Leaving the station and walking towards the Thames, you’ll walk straight into the South Bank. Know locally for either the theatres or the skate park, a walk along the riverfront will give you every option imaginable. The Sea Life centre is right next to Shrek’s Adventure and the London Dungeons. Walk a little east and you’ll be right on the London Eye and Jubilee Park. Or for a bit of a break, head to the IMAX cinema and let the kids be entertained by someone else for an hour.
Walk the Sights
Basing yourself in Trafalgar Square, you can walk to some of London’s major landmarks. For just 30 minutes of actual walking, you head out of Trafalgar Square, walk past 10 Downing Street, down to the Houses of Parliament, look up at Big Ben, then stroll through St James Park to Buckingham Palace.
The only way to top that list off is not even having to use the tube to start with. Having based yourself out of one of the great short stay apartments London has to offer, if sure to make your trip start off on the right foot.
Ride the boat to Greenwich
Most people head into London and ride the tube all day, but what if you could get around, see the sights and not have to pack into the crowded train? From almost any of London’s piers, you can take the Thames Clipper boats all along the Thames. A scenic trip of about 20 minutes will get you from Blackfriars to Greenwich. Not only is the actual boat ride a great experience, but once you land in Greenwich, you’re in London’s best kept secret.
The Royal Park offers some fantastic spaces for kids to run around and play games, whilst you can sit and enjoy the view. Then the Royal Observatory is a great afternoon of exploring and learning.
However, you plan to spend an amazing day out with your kids in London, one thing we really suggest is to build a few activities or sights together. London has some amazing spaces and putting three or four of these into the same trip can make a great day an awesome one.