Planning to visit London, England, and wondering what to see? Here’s a list of all the things to do and see in London with kids.
London, England is a fabulous city to visit, and it’s absolutely perfect for visiting with kids! There are so many sites to see and things to do in the city that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
One of the things that make visiting London a great option with kids is the ease of getting around town. They have an amazing public transportation system with the Underground, busses, and taxis.
London is also a great choice if you have never visited a foreign country before since there is no language barrier.
Below is a list of some of the wonderful sites to see in London with kids:
Tower of London
Our first stop when we arrived in London was the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Tower of London. This is a great stop in London because it has a lot to explore both inside and out. This famous London castle has been a secure fortress, royal palace, and infamous prison and is full of history. The Tower of London is home to crown jewels. You can also meet the Yeoman Warders and see the famed ravens.
Tower Bridge
Located near the Tower of London is Tower Bridge which is one of the most iconic landmarks of London. It’s a gorgeous drawbridge that spans the River Thames. You can take a tour and go up in the towers, peak in the engine room, and walk across a glass floor. However, you can also just walk along the walkway of the bridge or take a photo from the edge of the river.
Natural History Museum
London has a bunch of free museums, therefore I highly recommend choosing to visit at least one that interests you and your family. The Natural History Museum is a great one for dinosaurs, whales, and volcanoes lovers. We visited this museum during our trip along with The National Gallery (major art from the 13th to 19th centuries). They were both gorgeous museums with lots of things to see and explore. My daughter had so much fun at the Natural History Museum.
Other kid-friendly museums in London include Science Museum, British Museum, London Transport Museum, Tate Modern, and National Maritime Museum.
Afternoon Tea
There are many afternoon tea options in London. We had afternoon tea at the Kensington Palace Pavilion and it was fabulous! The food was delicious and the staff was so kind. Plus it is the only place in London where you can have afternoon tea on the grounds of a royal palace.
Kensington Palace
Speaking of Kensington Palace – it is a beautiful palace that is home to members of the royal family. You can tour the birthplace of Queen Victoria, however, it might not be as entertaining to your child. The gardens surrounding the palace are gorgeous with a sunken garden, an arched arbor creating a tunnel, and a wildflower meadow.
Hyde Park – Diana Memorial Fountain
Near Kensington Palace, is one of London’s eight Royal Parks – Hyde Park. The park has a large wetland area, gardens, children’s playgrounds, sports facilities, cafes, and Diana Memorial Fountain. This is a great spot for kids to burn off energy while exploring.
Platform 9 3/4
Located at King Cross station is platform 9 3/4 complete with a luggage trolley going through the brick wall. You can take a free picture at the luggage trolley, but there is also a professional photographer on hand and you can buy those photos at the Harry Potter shop. The shop is inspired by Ollivander’s wand emporium and has lots of merchandise for sale including wands.
Other Historic Sites
Some other sites that I feel are a must-do in London, however, depending on your child might not be as interesting. These sites can be quick visits but are historically significant. They include Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben.
Hampton Court Palace
Located a short train ride from the city center of London on the outskirts of town is Hampton Court Palace. It was once the home of King Henry VIII. You can explore both the inside and outside of the palace. It’s the perfect mix of learning opportunities and places to explore and wander outside. The palace is surrounded by gorgeous gardens and has a cafe if you get hungry. You can also bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds of Hampton Court Palace.
Have you visited London? What is your favorite spot in the city?
