- Last Updated: October 20, 2023
- Lande
Fun Filled Itinerary for London with the Kids
During our spring break, we went on a trip to London and Paris. We stayed in each city for 3 nights. In this blog, we’ll talk about the amazing time we had in London with the kids. With my prior visits to both cities, I planned the trip thoughtfully, keeping in mind that my kids aren’t big fans of museums.
Where to stay
We stayed at The Westin London City, which was just perfect. The staff was really nice and welcoming. When we arrived early and our room wasn’t ready yet, they let us use the lounge, where we could freshen up and have breakfast. The spa and indoor pool were super relaxing. Our rooms were immaculate, and the hotel was close to the subway, so it was easy to go everywhere we wanted. We used our Chase Sapphire Reserve Points to book our hotel. If you are a Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite member you can have late check out and access to the lounge daily.
What to do
Day 1:
Westminster Abbey/ Big Ben- Westminster Abbey and Big Ben are conveniently located near the train station. My kids immediately recognized Big Ben. Although we didn’t take a tour, we made sure to capture some pictures.
Tower of London- I found the stories behind the Tower of London interesting and thought my son would like it too. Since there was a lot of history, we took a tour. It was the only tour we did in London. Unfortunately, it was a cold and rainy day, so my kids didn’t enjoy it as much as I had hoped. We also watched the changing of the guards at the Tower of London, which was fun, especially since the one at Buckingham Palace was canceled.
London Eye– The kids knew the London Eye was a landmark, so we couldn’t miss it. The ride lasted about 30 minutes, and because we bought our tickets earlier, we didn’t have to wait in line. The children had a great time admiring the beautiful London skyline from up there.
Day 2:
Buckingham Palace- Our visit coincided with Easter, so unfortunately, we missed the Changing of the Guards. I’d recommend checking the confirmed schedule before you go watch the changing of the guards. While we didn’t go on an inside tour, we made sure to capture some memorable photos outside the Buckingham Palace. You’ll find charming tourist shops along the route, perfect for picking up souvenirs and gifts.
Afternoon Tea– We decided to have afternoon tea at The Goring Hotel, and it turned out to be a great choice. Although it wasn’t a playful experience, the kids had a wonderful time. They savored the tea sandwiches, hot chocolate, and the delightful mini pastries. The setting was exquisite, and the flavors were delightful. I’d recommend dressing up a little for the occasion. We had the chance to sit down, enjoy the moment, and unwind after walking around in the daytime.
Science Museum– The Science Museum had many hands-on activities. We had a great time exploring it. On the third level, there’s an interactive gallery that’s a must-visit. They have a giant slide and scheduled shows you can watch that are educational. You probably can spend 2 hours just on this floor. They show IMAX movies all day.
Day 3:
Tate Modern– I wasn’t sure if my kids would enjoy the Tate Modern, but it turned out to be a great experience for all of us. During that weekend, they had a special exhibit with crafts, which my daughter loved. My son, on the other hand, was fascinated by the unique and bold modern art. The museum itself is beautiful.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium– Attending the Tottenham Hotspur game was the highlight of our trip, but getting the tickets was a bit challenging. I purchased memberships for our entire family to access tickets through the official website. The junior membership even included a welcome goodie bag for the kids they mailed to your house. I had to wake up before dawn on the ticket sale day. I recommend logging in a little before the sale starts to join the virtual queue. When I got in, only single seats were left, so I ended up getting four separate seats in the same area, hoping to sit together with our kids. Luckily, there were many empty seats at the game, and we could sit together. If you’re not a member and buy tickets through resale, they can cost 2-3 times the original price. Each member requires a distinct email address. While they mention needing a device per ticket, we managed to download them all onto a single device. Also, note that you can’t have drinks at your seats. Reaching the stadium via the underground is a breeze. The enthusiasm and dedication of the fans enhance the overall enjoyment. We had a unique chance to witness both Harry Kane and Son Heung Min score, leading Tottenham to a thrilling victory
What to eat
St. Stephen’s Tavern Pub & Restaurant, Westminster– This spot is situated just a stone’s throw from Westminster, perfect for a cappuccino, beer, or a quick bite. We had our first taste of fish and chips here, and it was absolutely delicious. We enjoyed a relaxed break as we savored our meal.
Dishoom Covent Garden- When we arrived at the restaurant, there was a line stretching around the corner, but fortunately, I had made reservations. The restaurant is located in a charming neighborhood perfect for a leisurely stroll. The staff was exceptionally kind to my kids, and we enjoyed a delightful Indian meal. We ordered numerous servings of naan, which seemed never-ending. It was a bit of a challenge for my daughter, as she doesn’t eat spicy food.
The Goring Hotel– We visited The Goring, a luxurious 5-star hotel, for our afternoon tea. The place was stunning, and a well-dressed doorman warmly greeted us. We could enjoy unlimited tea sandwiches, and for those interested, there was an option to add champagne or hot chocolate for the kids. The fancy atmosphere was a real hit with the children.
Manteca– This Italian restaurant in Shoreditch is situated in a trendy neighborhood where you can take a stroll before or after your meal. Their handmade pasta has a delightful chewy texture that we truly enjoyed. The salumi and wine were excellent as well. This meal, along with Dishoom, was among my favorites in London.
BOXPARK Shoreditch– This place offers a variety of restaurants, dessert spots, and shopping options. After our meal at Manteca, we headed here to take a leisurely stroll and indulge in some gelato
The Founder’s Arms- While near the Tate Modern, we were in search of a speedy breakfast option. They had the English breakfast, which turned out to be both simple and tasty.
Sambal Shiok Laksa Bar– This place was highly recommended in almost every article and magazine I read before our trip. It’s a quaint little spot in a less touristy area, somewhat near Tottenham Stadium, and we even caught a glimpse of the outside of Arsenal Stadium on our way there. The noodles were absolutely delicious, although quite spicy. In fact, everything on the menu had a spicy kick, making it a bit of a challenge to find something suitable for my daughter to eat.
Helpful Tips- Fun Filled Itinerary for London with the Kids
We made our reservations through Eurostar for the journey from London to Paris. Your departure point is London St Pancras Int’l. It’s advisable to arrive 2 to 2.5 hours before your scheduled departure. The train offers onboard Wi-Fi, and there are dining options available to grab a meal before your trip.
Uber is reasonably priced in London and can be a convenient way to get around. Our main form of transportation was the underground.
Be sure to make restaurant reservations. It can be quite challenging to secure bookings at popular restaurants during the week of your visit, and the wait times can be quite lengthy without a reservation.
Spring break weather was chilly, so I recommend wearing long pants and a hoodie. Definitely, bring an umbrella for the occasional rain.
Both my daughter and son were sick during our trip. They dislike children’s liquid medications, so I strongly suggest packing chewable medicines from the U.S. as there aren’t chewable options available in local pharmacies.