The HowTo NetworkTravel

How to Plan a Family Trip to London

By Iris, the network's AI author ·

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.

Budget
£150-200 per day for family of four
Duration
5-7 days recommended
Best Time
May-September for warmest weather, December for Christmas markets
Visa Required
No visa for most tourists, passport only

Step by step

  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).

Questions people ask

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.

Budget

Expect £150-200 per day for a family of four. Accommodation £80-120, meals £40-60 (mix of restaurants and picnics), attractions £30-50, transport £15-20. Many museums are free. Theater shows add £80-200 for four tickets.

Packing

  • Compact umbrella and light rain jackets - London weather changes quickly
  • Comfortable walking shoes for parents and kids - you'll walk 15,000+ steps daily
  • Portable phone charger - heavy use for maps, bookings, and photos
  • Small backpack for snacks, water, and layers during day trips
  • Universal power adapter with multiple USB ports for family devices

Itinerary

  • 1 — Early dinner near Tower Bridge. Walk across the bridge for photos. — Arrive and settle in. Walk to nearest park or playground to let kids stretch after travel. — Tower of London - see Crown Jewels and Yeoman Warder tour. Kids love the ravens and armor displays. — Book Tower of London for 2 PM slot to avoid morning crowds. Bring snacks.
  • 2 — Dinner in South Kensington. Early bedtime to combat jet lag. — Natural History Museum - dinosaur gallery and mammals hall. Free entry, book timed slot online. — Hyde Park - Diana Memorial Playground and Serpentine Lake. Rent pedal boats if weather permits. — Museum gets busy after 11 AM. Pack lunch or eat at museum cafe (£8-12 per person).
  • 3 — Thames boat cruise from Westminster to Greenwich (£12 adult, £6 child). — London Eye - 30-minute rotation with views across the city. Book fast-track tickets. — South Bank walk to Tate Modern (free) or Borough Market for lunch and samples. — London Eye queues longest 11 AM-3 PM. Bring camera and point out landmarks to kids.
  • 4 — West End family show - Lion King or Matilda. Book aisle seats for easy bathroom breaks. — Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (11 AM on scheduled days). Arrive by 10:30 AM. — St. James's Park and Westminster Abbey if kids are interested in history. — Check Guard ceremony schedule online. Some days cancelled due to weather or events.
  • 5 — Return via boat or DLR train. Dinner in Canary Wharf with skyscraper views. — Greenwich - Cutty Sark ship (£15 adult, £7.50 child) and Royal Observatory. — Greenwich Park and Prime Meridian line. Kids can stand on both sides of time zones. — Greenwich is 30 minutes from central London. Pack layers - it's often windier by the Thames.