How to Plan a Family Trip to London

Plan 5-7 days in London with kids by booking family-friendly accommodation near tube stations, pre-booking major attractions like the Tower of London and London Eye, and mixing must-see sights with parks and interactive museums. Budget £150-200 per day for a family of four including accommodation, meals, and attractions.

  1. Choose family-friendly accommodation. Book hotels or apartments with family rooms near tube stations in Zones 1-2. South Kensington (near museums), Covent Garden, or King's Cross work well. Family rooms at Premier Inn or Travelodge cost £80-120 per night. Apartments give you kitchen access for breakfast and snacks.
  2. Pre-book major attractions. Reserve timed slots for Tower of London (£25 adult, £12.50 child), London Eye (£27 adult, £22 child), and Westminster Abbey online 2-3 weeks ahead. Skip-the-line tickets save hours of queuing with restless kids.
  3. Plan museum visits strategically. Hit the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and British Museum in the morning when kids are fresh. All are free but book timed slots online. Plan 2-3 hours maximum per museum with younger children.
  4. Build in park time. Schedule daily breaks at Hyde Park (Diana Memorial Playground), Regent's Park (London Zoo), or Greenwich Park. Kids need space to run between indoor attractions. Pack a football or frisbee.
  5. Use public transport strategically. Get an Oyster Card family pack. Children under 11 travel free with paying adults on tubes and buses. Use double-decker buses for sightseeing - kids love the top deck. Avoid rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM).
How do I keep kids entertained on rainy days?
Hit indoor attractions like the Science Museum's interactive galleries, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, or the Warner Bros. Studio Tour (Harry Potter). Many shopping centers like Westfield have play areas. Book afternoon tea at kid-friendly hotels.
What's the best way to get from airports with kids and luggage?
Heathrow: Take the Elizabeth Line (£12.80 adult) directly to central London - 45 minutes with lifts and escalators. Gatwick: Gatwick Express train (£20 adult, kids free with adult) takes 30 minutes to Victoria Station. Pre-book airport transfers if you have lots of luggage.
Are London attractions suitable for strollers?
Most major attractions are stroller-friendly with lifts and ramps. Tube stations vary - many have step-free access but check TfL website. Buses are easier than tubes with strollers. Some museums offer stroller parking areas.
How do I handle meal times with picky eaters?
Most pubs serve kids' meals (fish fingers, pasta). Supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury's sell familiar snacks. Food courts in shopping centers offer variety. Many restaurants have kids' menus with simple options like chicken and chips.