Friendly staff, interesting storytelling experience, amazing outdoor play area and lots of fun indoor activities. Alternatively, pick an attraction-packed hotspot such as South Kensington (great for museums) or the historic sights of leafy Greenwich, and break up the day with a picnic in the surrounding parks. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. 27 unusual things to do in London with kids - MUMMYTRAVELS 101 things to do with kids in London - visitlondon.com Based on the modern classic movie of the same name, its a fun, and silly afternoon out for primary aged kids. Including Legoland Windsor, If your kids (or even yourself) are fans of Harry Potter, youll get to discover some of the places showcased in the movies. The Jubilee Gardens is a great park for a picnic. Discover more family activities in London and find family-friendly restaurants . Entry is free so its worth popping in even if youve never heard of the artists on show, and the shop has some nice local products. At the other end of town, at the bottom of Cliffe High Street, you can find Bill Collisons very first Bills restaurant, a European deli-turned-eatery, where you can get hearty dishes such as pumpkin, fig and chestnut roast, or a beef, bacon and camembert burger. They squirt out of the pavement outside the London Stadium and generate universal delight (queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk).Details Aquatics Centre 5.35pp (londonaquaticscentre.org). Wed suggest this one is best for ages 8+ toddlers will love the spectacular site of the tower, but the cobblestones and stairs make visiting with a buggy a challenge, and some parts may be scary for younger kids. Eastbourne is an old-timey British seaside town with a Victorian pier, a pebble beach, and a much-loved bandstand where tribute acts reign: Queen, ABBA, Frank Sinatra and Lady Gaga have all played. Taffels deli is a family-run caf and much-loved lunch spot (there is nothing skinny about the skinny chips; they are double-fried and divine) and caters to all dietary requirements, while Java & Jazz serves huge hot chocolates cakes and crispy-crusted pizza. Those tours will take you through all the amazing sights for families, including the popular dinosaurs gallery. Fortunately, MadeForMums is here to help, with a selection of top days out including attractions with free entry as well as budget-stretchers for a special treat. The best day trip from London for: a bracingly fresh seaside getawayHow to get there from London: The train from St Pancras International takes about 1 hour 10 minutes with a change at Ashford International. Odds Farm Park Children's Farms, Indoor and Outdoor Ages 0-12 Discover an amazing underwater A Parliament tour may not be interesting for all children, especially the little ones, but its ok. You can simply take some time for a photoshoot outside Big Ben as its a beautiful building. The best day trip from London for: an under-the-radar getawayHow to get there from London: The fast train from St Pancras International takes 1 hour 22 minutes, This hillside scribble of Georgian streets tucked behind the Kent coast really hit our radar in 2018. Start your third day in London with kids by taking the underground towards Kings Cross St Pancras. On your first family day in London, start off by visiting the beautiful Kensington Palace. After breakfast at Whitehouse Ryeorder the halloumi hashpick up a new read at The Tiny Book Store (the clues in the name) and window shop for that fantasy mansion at striking antiques shop Strand House Interiors. Family reviews on TripAdvisor rate the attraction highly, with ones saying: A really amazing place for young children. On arrival, dip into its handful of local shops The Women's Society Boutique has an imposing exterior but is a real treasure trovebefore stopping at one of the many independent cafs and restaurants. From here, find eccentric English shop Bowes & Co, Fitzbillies for iced buns, Aromi for Italian nibbles, Kettles Yard art gallery and G David for antique books. Weve rounded up our favourite museums, sights and attractions for a range of budgets, guaranteed to keep the kids happy London is a fantastic city for children of all ages, jam-packed with famous sights, brilliant museums, award-winning theatre, leafy parks with large playgrounds and much more. WebExplore our list of great ideas for days out with the kids near London. And dont miss out on a walk down Royal York Crescentone of the most expensive streets in Bristol, which was also once reputed to be the longest terrace in Europe. A trip to Margate isnt complete without a few hours in Dreamland, whether its for some spins on the rides or to see one of the amusement parks impressive line-up of gigs in the evenings. The best way to get around London with kids is by using public transport. However, the trusted favorite among New Forest devotees, Chewton Glen continues to lure weary urbanites with its coveted position wedged between woodland and the coast and commitment to the good, old-fashioned service and comforts of a country club. Failing that, further up the road, Steep Street sells specialty coffee, homemade cake and books. Then head off to the Kensington Garden. Packed full of exciting days trips for children and fun things to do with the family. For younger ones theres the magical childrens garden (tickets are free for 60-minute sessions but must be booked in advance) as well as the brilliant Treetop Walkway that travels through the tree canopy at a height of 18 metres. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. WebEmbark on Londons River Bus, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, for a cheap river tour and unparalleled views of the capital. But our favorite pastime is picking up a pot of cockles and whelks from the quayside, or fish and chips and oysters from The Forge shack, and devouring them in the shade of a wooden groyne on the beach, preferably with a bottle of English fizz to hand.Rick Jordan. Disclaimer: Just a heads up, this free article contains affiliate links. As MFM reviewer Liz says: Our day at the zoo was absolutely awesome one of our best days out ever! But the closest three (3) ones are: London City (LCY), London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW). Unconventional Family Days Out in London AshleyPugh 08 Apr | 11 min read In this article, we'll take you through the top ten unusual family days out in London that both Speaking of the beach, if you want to go swimming walk along the coast to Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, a man-made sea lagoon where you can find calm waters and steps for easier access. Stroll along the remnant of the ancient wall that is still accessible, or settle in for a lazy afternoon on the colorful banks of the River Stour after collecting treats from The Goods Shed. Of course, you may not have a thing to visit all the museums you wanted, but youll have a great overview of the city without having to rush too much. WebShrek's Adventure Tourist Attractions, Indoor Ages 4+ Book your visit now! If you decide to stay over: Book into the Beachy Head holiday cottagestheres a choice of 8, all set around a rambling walled garden with fruit and vegetables you can help yourself to. But before we show you our ultimate 4-Day London itinerary for families, here are a few things to know about London. This means that youll see all there is to see without returning home needing a vacation to recover from your London family trip. Registered in England No. And one of the cool thing is to take to Tate Boat, a boat tour that takes you from the Tate Modern to the Tate British, another art gallery. There is a wide variety of birds to spot throughout the reserve and going to see the otter is a must! Twin Experiment Finds Exercising for Longer Is Not Better - Insider The seaside town of Folkestone is mid-makeover, which is the ideal time to visit before everything gets priced up and the places quirks glossed over. Alternatively, if youre feeling ambitious, you can cycle from London along the River Lea towpath. There are plenty of places to eat: avoid the overpriced Royal Native Oyster Stores and head instead to JoJos, just down the road in Tankerton, for mackerel fillets and Med-inspired small plates. Try the giant palm house and the rustling bamboo gardens: from start to finish, their eyes will be on stalks.Details Adults 17.50, children 5 (kew.org). Try to coordinate your visit with the Changing of the Guards parade. Before starting our itinerary, you should know a few things before planning a trip to London with kids. All the Best Photos of the Royal Family at Royal Ascot 2023 Please, View the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, The eight best family days out in the southeast of England, The seven best family days out in theMidlands, The seven best family days out in the east of England. As MFM reviewer Elizabeth says: This is not the kind of museum where youre barred from touching anything or simply browse boring wall-hangings. If Puss in Boots is your little ones favourite, visit before 4 September to enjoy the new interactive trail, where they can complete an activity sheet and collect stamps in a rustic taverna before meeting the adorably feisty cat. There are plenty of laugh out loud moments (many of them centring around toilet jokes) and lots of opportunities to see some of your favourite characters from the movies, including Puss in Boots, Pinocchio and the Gingerbread Man. You could call at Bankside for Borough Market (free, boroughmarket.org.uk) and the Tate (free, tate.org.uk); London Bridge for HMS Belfast (adults 25, children 12.50, iwm.org.uk); Canary Wharf for paddleboarding on Millwall Outer Dock (15pp, dswc.org); and Greenwich for the Cutty Sark and a picnic (adults 15, children 7.50, rmg.co.uk).Details Family River Roamer ticket 36.70 (thamesclippers.com), Have your children been inspired by the Tokyo Games? a brilliant indoor postal-themed play space (costs 4 extra) where kids can deliver letters, sort parcels and work in a Post Office. Its no secret that this Victorian seaside town has had quite the hipster renaissance in recent years, sparked mostly by the arrival of the Turner Contemporary gallery in 2011 and spurred on by a slew of new openings and a wave of Londoners upping sticks and moving down to the Kent coast. London also has an excellent public transportation system. Pros: Suits wide range of ages, excellent value. From the moment the curtains go up, they are immersed in an incredible world where elephants lumber through the stalls, birds swoop and a rhinoceros ambles across the stage. It comes courtesy of the master baker Peggy Porschen, who has created a smorgasbord of pink cakes that includes lemon and elderflower tartlets, salted caramel and popcorn cupcakes, and lemon, raspberry and rose layer cake served with sandwiches, scones and clotted cream, of course. But theres a secret gem here right off the mainlandthe bucolic Elmley Nature Reserve, 3,300 acres of wetlands and wilderness. Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF. Its a great place to have a picnic on a sunny day. After your bus tour, visit the famous Hamleys Toy Shop with seven floors of toys, games and crafts. Start with a swim at Zaha Hadids curvaceous Aquatics Centre, and follow that with a velodrome taster if your children are 12 and above, or the mountain-bike trails in Lee Valley for younger ones. Children under 5 years old travel for free on other public transportation in London. 894646. Its where youll find some of the best free museums in the city (Natural History Museum, Science Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum). As soon as your taxi turns onto the long entry drive, its easy to see elegant birds such as egrets, lapwings and redshank happily frolicking on the flat marshlands and thats before youve even started exploring. These fascinating facts may not catch your toddlers attention, but theres plenty to keep vehicle-loving little ones amused, all for a very reasonable entry fee in the heart of Covent Garden. Open Wednesday to Sunday, the entry fee is 6 and that gets you access to the beautiful open landscape for a self-guided wander (although you have to stay on the paths! Arriving in Dungeness from London feels a little like stepping out of a Tardis into a different time zone, where a recent apocalypse has left the landscape barren, the wildlife overrun, the buildings flattened, and the population dramatically compromised (in fact, the Dungeness Power Station appeared in Doctor Who in 1971). Along the coast in Seasalter is the Driftwood Beach House B&B. Note that its important to book your tickets in advance to save money, but also to ensure entry. Older kids can collect stamps and go on the vehicles, while younger ones are catered for with the amazing All Aboard play areas which as mum of a 2.5 year old are worth the ticket price alone. Get out at At the heart of the centre is the Story World and Story Garden, which have been designed to spark children's curiosity and imagination - they can creep through caves, jump over alligators and visit a treehouse with chicken legs. Known as 100 Acre Wood in Poohs world, the forest is home to the spellbinding stories and is an enchanting place to stretch your legs for a day, easily accessible via East Grinstead station. It's been a tough week for the Megill boys. Read our complete London travel guide here. Its a steep climb down, but Falling Sands Beach is quiet and sandy and well worth the adventure. Founded in 1840, it is now Londons largest UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a large range of plants, trees and fungi. Step into a tube train simulator, hop on board a double decker bus or "fly" through the sky on an Emirates cable car. This article originally appeared on Cond Nast Traveller UK. Please, The subscription details associated with this account need to be updated. The museum is hugely popular and its also very impressive when you consider that it takes over 800 hours to make just one waxwork figure do check out the area explaining the craft behind the creations. But it may not be the best for babies and small children as there are tricky stairs and passageways. The Buckingham Palace is another beautiful historic building filled with English history. This nature-focused escape is the perfect way for city-dwelling families to escape the bustle of town, or for those visiting the capital to break up a schedule full of museums. From here, go back to the underground and take the line that will bring you to the Tower Hill stop. The Parkside Kiosk is next to Potters Fields Park, a lovely green park. After a walk, stop by Princess Diana Memorial Playground, one of the fun London attractions for toddlers. Pros: Beautiful building, enough to see for a full day; free entry, Cons: Can get very busy during school holidays and on rainy days, Read the full MFM Natural History Museum review, Tickets from the Natural History Museum, Picniq, and TripAdvisor, Family ticket from 41.25 I Best for ages 2+ I Best on sunny days I Restricted street parking nearby I Kew Gardens station 0.7 miles. You could also walk to the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain and head to Hyde Park. In winter, an ice rink is set against the historic backdrop of the palace, a building whose grandiose architecture is shaped by both the Tudor and Baroque periods. Today the 36-acre park puts animal welfare and conservation at the heart of everything it does. Lewes: the market town in the South Downs that sits against a backdrop of chalk hills and green peaks. WebFind activities that will suit the whole family, whether you're looking for things to do for your baby, toddlers, or even teens. Mystery Tube Rides. The 105-acre wildlife haven is an oasis of ponds, wildflower gardens, pools and meadows that are home to some 150 species of wildlife. Its an affordable Italian restaurant with an extensive kids menu. GoPlaces, on TripAdvisor, says: The WWT London is a brilliant day out for all the family. If youre taking kids, the Pitt Rivers Museum is packed with bizarre artefacts and stories theyll tell their friends about, and The Story Museum welcomes you through a wardrobe into Narnia and other fictional worlds of wonder. Few places so close to London feel like such an adventure; the journey can take less than two hours and, if you time it right, you can order the catch of the day for lunch from roadside hut the Snack Shack, which does the freshest fish, lobster rolls and ice-cold cans of San Pellegrino. After hopping off the train at Bristol Temple Meads, take a stroll to Cliftonthe citys most beautiful leafy suburb. Undoubtedly one of Londons best museums for kids, the Science Museum is full of scientific discoveries from across the ages - there are over 250,000 objects to explore, including the space suit belonging to Helen Sharman, the first Briton in space. We recommend going on self-guided tour walks. If youre up for a wander, get the funicular up and walk along to the cliff to Fairlight Glen, a beautiful secluded beach where clothing is optional. in Check more family ideas Read the full MFM London Transport Museum review, Tickets from London Transport Museum and Picniq. For a brilliant and budget-friendly day out in London, head south of the River to the Horniman Museum. Or if that sounds a bit much, stay in the Old Town and explore the dramatic black fishermans huts on Rock-A-Nore beach where theres Hastings Contemporary art gallery, a tiny shipwreck museum, fresh seafood stalls and a very cute miniature railway. We love London Marriott Hotel Kensington because it is close to the main attractions and the tube. I believe this museum to be the best in the world, certainly the displays are top-notch, for both adults and children. A stroll through the gardens, a meal at the Orangerie, a visit to the Kew Gardens gift shop and perhaps dinner in the evening at a pub in Kew Village adds up to a perfect day's outing!, Pros: Easily a full day of activities, a fun playground, family events during the school holidays, Cons: Food options can be expensive, the large gardens can be tiring for little legs, Free I Best for ages 3+ I All-weather attraction I I NeaQueen's Gate parking 0.4 miles | South Kensington station 0.3 miles I Book a timed museum slot in advance. One of the highlights is undoubtedly walking through Ocean Tunnel, while fish glide above you, and seeing sharks in the Pacific Wreck gallery. Family reviewers on TripAdvisor also particularly praised the helpful and welcoming staff on the ship, and the well thought out interactive spaces. For ultra-traditional London, you cant do better than this. They would be the equivalent of the Junior Ranger Booklets found in US National Parks. You can even visit Pooh Bridge (for a game of Poohsticks, naturally), but be warned, its a prominent tourist spot. The museum traces the 220-year history of the city's world-famous transport museum and there are lots of fun and interactive displays to amuse kids of all ages. 28 Adventures to Travel For, From Glacier Chasing in Greenland to Sand Surfing in the Sahara, The Best Places to Stay Near Acadia National Park, 10 Nicest Hotels in NYC With Rooms Under $300, The Best Airbnbs in San Francisco, From Stately Victorians to Business TravelerFriendly Apartments, Great Garden Escape, The Newt in Somerset. The best day trip from London for: history buffs and vintage huntersHow to get there from London: The train from London Victoria takes just over 1 hour. These are our favourite things to do in Rye. TripAdvisor users rate it as Londons top attraction, with family visitors calling it an absolute must and great for all ages. London; Madame Tussauds; SEA LIFE London Aquarium; Monopoly Lifesized; KidZania London Things to do in London with families - visitlondon.com Its also right next to the Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum and Hyde Park, so theres plenty more to explore in the unlikely event of the kids covering it all in one morning. You can watch the street performers, browse the interesting shops and markets With a jam-packed schedule starting at Paddington station, day trippers travel First Class with breakfast served on-board. We have things to do for all the family Dont miss the fresh salads and fish lunches once youve been pummeled in the spa or worked up an appetite in the Grecian-style pool. If you decide to stay over: Book a room at the Linen Shed, a dove-grey, weatherboarded house on the old Roman road to Canterbury. The best day trip from London for: a coastal up-and-comerHow to get there from London: The fast train from London St Pancras to Ashford takes 40 minutes, where you can change for Folkestone Central. MFM reviewer Sonali says its a magnificent sight, and a fascinating trip out for primary-aged kids, although perhaps not as suitable for toddlers (running around after one meant I missed a lot of the interesting bits), although her 4-year-old enjoyed it. Book in advance and you can get return tickets from London for as little as 10. MFM reviewer Anna says: My kids love running around, so the wide open spaces and differently arranged gardens were heaven for them. The best day trip from London for: soaking up historyHow to get there from London: The train from London Victoria takes 1 hour 20 minutes. The kids might like the free time there. Scudamores is the oldest chauffeur company and offers a more traditional tour, but board a boat from the Garret Hostel Bridge for a younger, more humorous experience (ask your punter why the GHB is also known as Orgasm Bridge). Take your pick from If you decide to stay over: Youll have to venture out of Dungenesstry The Rose in Deal, a grown-up bolthole splashed with bold colors and covetable vintage finds. Standing on the banks of the Thames next to Tower Bridge, this ancient fortress boasts a history dating back over 1,000 years filled with tales of treachery, torture and treason. The family trails are booklets with activities, quizzes and facts that children will love to complete during their visit. Days out for kids Family days out near London - Time Out If you decide to stay over:From decked-out shepherds huts with outside baths to four poster beds in the grand 18th-century main house, theres a wide range of places to stay all with stunning views over the nature reserve. Free admission I Best for ages 3+ I All-weather attraction I NeaQueen's Gate parking 0.4 miles I South Kensington station 0.2 miles I Book a timed museum slot in advance. Protected by armed guards, these gems are dazzling, and no wonder when you consider that the Imperial State Crown holds 2,868 diamonds, 269 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds and four rubies. We've covered attractions across the whole city, so plan ahead and consider whether you want to hop on the tube or a bus, to visit different parts of London in one day for littles ones, the bustling trains and shiny escalators of public transport can be an adventure in themselves. Pros: Iconic London landmark, the Yeoman Warder guided tours are great for older children, spectacular Crown Jewels, Cons: Limited accessibility for pushchair and wheelchair users, limited fun for younger children. Nowadays London visitors can zip around the city on the tube or jump aboard a Routemaster bus but did you know that the city's first licensed public transport was the sedan chair? For younger children up to the age of 8 there's Sorted! Family-friendly events take place during the school holidays and are usually great fun. Best Things To Do & Days Out In London, Greater London - Day One of Londons most famous museums is also one of the best for children. The Kings elite club goes back to the mid-1300s. Bath is known for its history, but among the buttery-hued Georgian architecture and ancient thermal springs theres a fresh independent spirit. We also recommend getting a family trail available at the Welcome Centre before you enter the Tower of London. MFM reviewer Janet said that she was able to see improvements in how my 5-year-old interacts with books, her literacy and use of imagination after their visit. The children's play area is wonderful! After a long day of exploring, its time for a good dinner at Carluccios in South Kensington. On your second day in London, take the underground to Westminster to visit one of the most famous landmarks in London, Big Ben. Over the last few years, these twoEast Sussexenclaves have become a popular bolthole for burnt-out Londoners looking for a bohemian seaside escape. Connect with nature at Kew, too, where the Royal Botanic Gardens are open to the public all year round. Family days out in London - plan ahead - visitlondon.com London Transport Museum; Shrek's Adventure! Looking for an activity to suit kids of different ages? The best day trip from London for: a traditional slice of British culture How to get there from London: The Oxford Tube coach service takes 1 hour 30 minutes and runs Fun events and activities take place on weekends and during school holidays. Plus, a stopover at the incredible Roman Villa Experience. Read more about the best things to do in Bath, Somerset, The best day trip from London for: woodland walks and long pub lunchesHow to get there from London: The train from London Waterloo usually takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. Join Princess Fiona, Donkey and Shrek on this brilliantly bonkers interactive and immersive walkthrough experience. As MFM reviewer Christy says, It was so nice to find somewhere with indoor attractions mixed with plenty of outdoor space so they could run around after lunch. Plus her girls absolutely loved looking at all the taxidermy animals inside., Reviewer Sonali, who visited with her children aged 19 months and 4 years, adds: Its a brilliant way to spend a day. There is also a lovely playground for younger children that is sanitised during the middle of the day., Cons: Tickets arent cheap so make the most of it and spend the day here, exit is via the gift shop. The ship is part of the Royal Museums Greenwich collection, which also comprises the nearby National Maritime Museum, Queens House and Royal Observatory. The show first opened in 1999 and has gone on to become one of the most successful musicals of all time. Children over 5 years old can travel for free in some public transports across London, or at a reduced rate. Its now time to head back, grab dinner and get some rest for your last day on your London itinerary. For a cheaper sightseeing tour, hop on the 88 bus route Today it features taxidermy animals (including a very famous walrus), a huge collection of musical instruments and a permanent gallery dedicated to African, Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian art. Nearby, there are great independent shops selling everything from candles to kimonos on Norman Road and Kings Road where you can easily spend a few hours happily browsing and caf hopping before settling into dinner at Michelin-recommended pub The Royal.

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