Finding something to do for you and your family every weekend is a struggle in itself. From parks to theme parks, it’s hard to keep the little ones entertained and within budget. So when you do decide to go on a big family trip to a city for the first time, it can be a bit daunting, especially a big and expensive city such as London.
London needs an introduction. It’s a city like no other. It’s deeply entrenched in over a thousand years’ worth of history and culture, from monarchs to the Olympic Games. London has so much to do and see, which is why it’s hard to know where to start when kids are a part of the equation.
Buckingham Palace
Although on its surface, you might think that paying a visit to the King of England’s residence would cost you a pretty penny, in actual fact, visiting Buckingham Palace will cost you nothing at all, unless you factor in the notorious tube or parking prices, if you manage to find a car park in London.
The palace itself is one of the most famous buildings in the world. Located in the centre of London, its neoclassical, cream-coloured walls stretch far wider than they do tall. Aside from being a place where the King can take off his crown and put his feet up, Buckingham Palace is also the administrative headquarters of the royals, as it has been for hundreds of years. It was originally built in 1703, and since then, it’s been home to some truly iconic monarchs, like Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II.
Although the inside of the palace is closed to tourists, there’s plenty to do outside. The kids will no doubt try their best to get a reaction out of the royal guards who stand on guard and march regularly. Plus, if you time your visit on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday at 11 o’clock in the morning, you’ll get to see the ‘changing of the guard’, a 45-minute ceremony in which the old guard swaps with the new.
The Tower of London
A former home to British royalty, the Tower of London was built almost 1000 years ago. Unlike Buckingham Palace, tourists are able to wander through the tower’s ancient halls, inspect preserved art, armour, weaponry, and most notably, the fabled crown jewels. The history here also has a bit more flair to it, as the tower was long used as a prison for London’s most hardened criminals after the royals moved out.
A visit here will cost you, but the price is quite reasonable, in my opinion. It costs £37 for an adult ticket, and £18.50 for children aged 5-15. But if your little one is under 5 years old, you’re in luck! Their ticket will be completely free.
Borough Market
If you’re feeling peckish, then Borough Market is an excellent option. Not only are there a seemingly infinite number of food stalls that offer a delicious combination of local specialities and more exotic delicacies, but it all also comes rather cheaply. If you try your best, you’ll no doubt be able to overspend, but with some restraint, you’ll be able to have a memorable, delicious meal that’s also affordable – something that isn’t easy to come by in London.
The Natural History Museum
This is one of the best and most famous family-friendly museums in London. If you head over to South Kensington, both you and any little ones will be able to enter the Natural History Museum for no charge at all. Upon entering, it’s hard to miss the 25 ft blue whale skeleton suspended directly overhead.
The jaw-dropping dinosaur exhibit is perhaps its most famous, which includes the bones of a Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and even a roaring, full-scale animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex. You can also check out hands-on exhibits about the natural world – including volcanoes and earthquakes – and then visit the aptly named ‘creepy crawlies’ exhibit, where insects and arachnids are the stars of the show. I lasted maybe 5 minutes there before I had to bounce.
London Zoo
If you have a few hours to kill on a sunny day, then it’s hard to go wrong with a visit to London Zoo. This is especially true for families, as children will have the chance to see exotic animals from all over the world, including lions, giraffes, monkeys and, my personal favourite, penguins. There are also a lot of interactive and educational exhibits, like feeding sessions that’ll not only keep young visitors entertained, but will also give them memories for years to come.
Free Parks
London is also home to a surprising number of free parks, which, on a clear day, can give you a break from the hustle and bustle of the city streets. Hyde Park is the obvious choice, with plenty of wide-open spaces for family picnics, but personally, I prefer Hampstead Heath. It’s wilder, with denser forest areas lining the rolling, hilly fields. There’s also an excellent buffet-style cafe that’s converted from an old country manor, which is perfect for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea.
Closing Thoughts
While London has a reputation for being eye-wateringly expensive, there is, in fact, a surprising amount on offer that’s accessible on a budget, while being accessible to the whole family.
Just remember: leave some time for spontaneous adventuring, just so your trip doesn’t feel like it’s completely on rails. There is absolutely nothing in this world that is worse than a holiday that turns out to be a glorified box ticking exercise. Instead, make note of the places that you definitely want to visit, with plenty of space in between to make new discoveries.
To do one better, once you are in London, you should try talking to locals about their favourite spots. That way, you’ll find restaurants, parks, and local hotspots that are authentic, plus word of mouth recommendations from people who literally live there are invaluable.
In a city like London, it’s highly likely that you’ll discover something exciting, strange, interesting, or memorable. Or all four of those things.
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