Tips to make the most out of your family breaks in London

Discover the best family-friendly activities in London, from exploring iconic landmarks to enjoying interactive museums and vibrant parks.

The NH Concierge’s Tips

If you are planning a family break in London, and you want to ensure fun, entertainment, and quality activities for your children and other family members during the following holiday seasons, you better pay attention to this article with a bunch of must-see attractions and the best tips to make the most of your stay around the city. So, you can cover everything that you guys need to have a memorable experience on your vacation.

Top attractions for families in London

Travelling with kids can be quite risky and stressful as they get bored very easily, so the trip needs to be extremely planned. If you want to make sure that your family enjoys every moment, it is mandatory to find a range of activities that catches their attention. That's why we have compiled the best activities to do on holidays in London for families.

Free attractions suitable for families

Paddington Bear Locations: Take your kids around London following the steps that the adorable Paddington Bear took on his books and movies. Start your tour form the Paddington Station, where you’ll find a real size statue of the bear, admiring the place where he first arrived to the city and welcoming visitors from all over the world. From there and all over London, different Paddington decorated by several artists will come out to meet you as a guide to the most iconic points of the city. 

Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground: To have a break after a long day of touring London, having a picnic and letting your kids free in a park is the best idea. Located in Kensington Gardens (accessible by the Circle and the Central lines), the park's main attraction is a real size pirate ship that will obsess your kids and you won’t be able to take them back to the hotel. For adult amusement, the Broad Walk Cafe offers food and drinks so you can spend the perfect afternoon. 

The LEGO Store: There's no kid or adult that doesn’t like LEGOs. The flagship store located in Leicester Square shares two floors of amazing models like a full-size version of James Bond's Aston Martin, Harry Potter set or a giant LEGO tree that runs the full height of the building.

Indoor activities and museums in London

However, if it’s a rainy day, and you prefer to stay indoors, you can visit the following places: 

Natural History Museum: It’s located 5 minutes from South Kensington tube station. This is one of the most significant museums in the world, thanks to its famous collection of dinosaur skeletons. However, it has around 70 million specimens and objects related to the natural world, so we recommend you plan at least 3 hours for your visit. The Natural History Museum organizes activities for kids very often, so check their planning and make sure to arrive there early as it can get very crowded. 

Science Museum: This is one of the most tourist attractions in the city and a good option for family breaks in London. It’s also located close to South Kensington subway station. The museum has forty rooms covering everything from the beginnings of computing to space travel, including telecommunications, agriculture, mathematics, geophysics, medicine, etc. It’s a free museum, but some exhibits may have a cost. 

Sky Garden: This is the highest public garden in London located at 20 Fenchurch Street. To get there, you can take the Circle and District subway lines to Monument station, and once there you will only have to walk 5 minutes to the building. But remember, you must reserve your visit on their website at no cost 3 or 4 weeks in advance. 

Borough Market: This is the oldest market in the city and is located at 8 Southwark Street in Zone 1 of London. There you can find a wide range of national and imported products, and restaurants in a very awesome building. To get there you have the London Bridge, Borough, and Southwark subway stations. And by bus, you can get there with lines 43, 141, 149 and 388. 

Frameless: This is an art gallery that offers an immersive experience with works by Van Gogh, Klimt, and Monet, among others in a way never seen before. You can get there by subway from Marble Arch station (Central line) or Bond Street (Jubilee, Central and Elizabeth lines). Or with different bus lines that stop at Marble Arch: 2, 6, 7, 13, 16, 23, 36, 74, 94, 98, 137.

London’s outdoor activities and parks for families

But if you are one of those people who like nature, exercising outdoors, or enjoying a nice picnic with your family. You can do these top things to do in London to enjoy your family breaks in London

Hyde Park: This is one of London's largest and most iconic parks, and it's a great place to rent a boat, or just play with your kids on the Princess Diana Memorial playground. To go there you can go on the subway to the station Lancaster Gate (Central Line) or Hyde Park Corner station (Piccadilly line). 

Regent’s Park: This is a free park located in North London, and it’s open every day of the year, from 5:00 a.m. until sunset. However, some attractions like the London Zoo require the purchase of a ticket. 

Kew Gardens: This is a stunning botanical garden located in southwest London. It’s a destination that you can reach by subway taking the District line to Kew Gardens station, and 10-15 minutes walk from the main entrance to the gardens. It has a beautiful place designed for kids named Children’s Garden with exotic plants from around the world. 

Greenwich Park: It’s an ideal place for holidays in London for families. Especially if you have children who want to learn about astronomy at the Royal Observatory (this place has a fee). You can get to Greenwich Park by taking the train from London Bridge Station to Greenwich Station.

How to choose the perfect accommodation in London?

If you are looking for a family break in the British capital, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Factors to consider when selecting a family-friendly hotel

A good holidays in London for families depends on you're choosing a good hotel. So when choosing your lodging take into account these 3 aspects to avoid unpleasant experiences: 

Safe environment: Opt for hotels with well-lit common areas and child-safety features. Because a safe environment ensures peace of mind for parents. 

Children's services: Look for hotels that offer kid-friendly amenities, such as family suites, kid-friendly dining options, and on-site play or activity areas. 

Location and accessibility: You must be close to the activities and places you are going to visit. To minimize the travel time between each point.

Our recommendation to stay: nhow London in Shoreditch

This is an excellent accommodation option for families and travelers looking for a fresh and dynamic experience in London. And that is due to a few simple reasons: 

A modern design for your stay: nhow London Hotel in Shoreditch offers a modern design with stylish rooms and decorations influenced by the creative spirit of the area. With amenities like coworking spaces, a gym, and parking places. 

Prime location: This hotel is located in the lively area between Hoxton, Islington, and Shoreditch. Just a few minutes from Silicon Roundabout, the technological center of the Old Street area, and close to one of the most artistic neighborhoods: East London. Also, it is connected to public transport so you can go to London Eye, Big Ben, among others. Being this close to every corner of the city will make your family break in London comfortable as it will be easier coming back from touring the city with your family. 

Why do guests love staying here? Guests love nhow London Hotel for its distinctive design and excellent service. Also, the hotel is pet-friendly, and the staff is very friendly to tourists and families looking for comfort and adventure.

Local restaurants and cafes suitable for families

The Rainforest Café: This is a rainforest-themed café located at 20 Shaftesbury Avenue, which costs around £20-£30 per person. They have tasty dishes like the “Rainforest Ribs” or the “Jungle Burger” that your kids will love. So, to get there, use bus lines 14, 19, 38, 88, or 139 to the nearest stop Shaftesbury Avenue / Cambridge Circus. Or take the subway to Piccadilly Circus Station. 

Giraffe: This is a colorful restaurant, ideal for families looking for fast food with a London twist. They have several locations throughout the city, and the approximate cost is £15-£25 per person, making it a tasty and quick option on any trip. 

Diana’s Café: This is a very welcoming restaurant for families looking for a menu with healthy options. The most recommended dish for children is the "Mini Pancake Stack" with fresh fruit and syrup, perfect for a light breakfast or snack. Located at 9-11 Knaresborough Place, with an approximate cost: £10-£20 per person. You can get there by taking the District line of the tube, to Earl's Court station, and walking towards Knaresborough Place.

3 experiences that you can't miss in London

The great thing about this city is that it has a lot to offer tourists, which has made it one of the most fascinating places in the world. So, if it's your first time planning a family getaway to London, put these experiences on your agenda:

Family-friendly shows and performances

If your family likes classic musicals like "The Lion King" you can see it in London's West End theater district. You can get there by taking the Piccadilly Line tube line, which stops at Piccadilly Circus station. Or from the Central Line, getting off at Leicester Square station. Use bus routes 14, 19, 38, 53, and 88, which have stops in or near Leicester Square and Covent Garden.

Cultural experiences adapted for children

In addition to visiting the city's most iconic theaters and museums, you can participate in family workshops and activities at the Tate Modern or the Victoria and Albert Museum. This will undoubtedly be a very rewarding experience for your family.

Guided tour around London with kids

If you want to schedule a tour around the city, you have many options. Like the royal tours, which take you to discover iconic places such as Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. Also, you can book thematic walks, like Harry Potter Tours or London’s Treasure Hunts especially designed for families who love the incredible stories that unfold here.

Practical tips for family breaks in London

On the other hand, if you want to start planning your trip right away, keep in mind that booking the hotel in advance will save you money. Also, you can apply the following tips:

Transportation payment methods and apps

Use public transport, it’s a safe option to enjoy your family break in London. The Oyster card will simplify your payments on all forms of transport. To use it, you must buy Oyster cards for all members of your family, including children over 11 years old. Buy them at the ticket offices at the subway, the Oyster vending machines, and National Rail ticket offices. 

On the other hand, transport apps that can help you to know all the routes in the city are TfL Go and Citymapper. Also, you can use a taxi from Uber and river transport from Thames Clippers Tickets.

Travel advice and packing essentials for families

1- Organize your finances when planning your trip to spend an unforgettable family break in London. 

2- Research the weather and pack comfortable clothing for all types of weather conditions. Don't forget your raincoats! 

3- Remember that in England the power outlets are type G (with three sockets), so a power adapter is essential to charge electrical devices.

Seasonal: What is the best time to visit London?

The best time to visit London with kids is usually spring (March to May) or autumn (September to October) because temperatures are more child-friendly. 

Spring (March to May): This is the ideal time to see the parks and gardens in bloom, such as Kew Gardens and Hyde Park. 

Summer (June to August): Although schools are on holiday and many family events are held, it can be crowded and hot. However, there are plenty of festivals and outdoor activities. 

Autumn (September to October): This is the most comfortable time to visit London, as tourist attractions are less crowded. 

Winter (November to February): This is a good time for Christmas and cold weather lovers. But you should be aware that this may limit outdoor activities.

Accommodations options in London: NH Hotels

On the other hand, if you are looking for comfortable and well-located accommodation near exclusive places such as Harrods, Hyde Park, Kensington High Street, or museums and galleries in London. You must see everything that NH Hotels has to offer in this destination… 

This is a 4-star hotel that has an unbeatable quality-price ratio, compared to other hotels in the city center. In fact, many travelers return repeatedly to NH Hotels, due to the high costs of other hotels and the benefits of the location.

Conclusions: Holidays in London for families?

London offers a combination of cultures, attractions, and diverse activities to suit all ages. So, if you are booking your trip, plan your schedule to cover as many places as possible. 

And stop worrying about the hotel, and focus on the trips that you want to take with your family. Booking your stay at NH Hotels in London and give free rein to your creativity, without worries. 

If you're planning your family break in London, rest assured that there's no shortage of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Everything from top-notch museums to picturesque strolls beside the Thames can make every moment joyful and enlightening. For a relaxing, stress-free stay, choose one of the NH Hotels so you can concentrate on making priceless memories with your loved ones.

FAQs about family breaks in London

How many days do you need for a family trip to London?

To enjoy London as a family, a minimum of 4 to 5 days is recommended.

Where should families stay in London?

You will love to stay Nhow London in Shoreditch.

What is the best way to get around London with a family?

London has an excellent public transport system that is ideal for families. Especially for not dealing with parking and city traffic.

Is London a family-friendly city?

Yes, London is a very family-friendly city and offers a wide range of activities and services that make it ideal for visiting with children.

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