What to do in London - Family Itinerary 3, 4, or 5 days

Westminster

Pack your brollies and your best English accent, it's time for an expedition into the heart of British culture – London! This sprawling, historic playground of Britain's capital is where every street corner whispers tales of yore and every pub beckons with the promise of the best fish and chips. From Big Ben's chimes to the West End's lights, from exploring the Tower's dark history to the colorful chaos of the Borough Market, your adventure will be a fun cultural experience at every turn. We'll dive into museums that hold secrets of centuries past, navigate the labyrinthine paths of Hyde Park, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the King's Guard's stoic march. Whether you're sipping tea or cheering at a football match, every moment promises to be uniquely British. Let's get this London adventure started, shall we?

London

Day 1: Historical London

• Morning: Begin early with the Trafalgar Square, a bustling square known for its famous lions. Walk to Charing Cross to see 10 Downing Street the Prime Minister's residence and Horse Guards Parade. Walk to the Cenotaph, a war memorial. Admire the neo-Gothic architecture of the Houses of Parliament, home of the British government and the iconic Big Ben. Visit beautiful gothic Westminster Abbey, the historic church where British monarchs have been crowned since 1066.

  
  

  

  Westminster Abbey

  
  

  Head over to Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing of the Guard (typically around 11:30 AM or check for other times Royal Collection Trust). Walk through St. James's Park to explore its historical significance and architecture.

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  Buckingham Palace

  Afternoon: Check out the liveliness of the Picadilly Circus and SOHO. Do some light or window shopping at Regent and Oxford Street. Visit the famous Hamley's toy store.

  

  Picadilly Circus

• Evening: Check out Leicester Square. Head to the Charing Cross area for amazing food and atmosphere.

  
  

  Day 2: Old and Modern London

• Morning:  Start your day early to explore the Tower of London, see the Crown Jewels, and learn about its history; join a Beefeater tour or catch a performance.

  

  Tower of London

• Late Morning: Walk along Tower Bridge to the South Bank to enjoy views of the Thames. Stroll along Queens' Walk to Borough Market where you can find tasty foods from around the world for lunch.

• Afternoon: Check out Tate Modern or at least the garden. Walk around to get a feel for Southbank and maybe tour the Globe a replica of the original Shakespeare theater.

  

  Tate Modern - Chess Board

• Cross or marvel at the Millennium Bridge.

  

  Millennium Bridge

• Evening: Covent Garden - Enjoy street performers, perhaps an early dinner, and some shopping. Head to the London Eye (prebook for efficiency) for panoramic views of the city.

  

  The London Eye

  Day 3: Museums and Things

• Morning: Head to the British Museum for some of the world's most famous artifacts like the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon Sculptures, and Egyptian mummies.

  

  The British Museum

• Afternoon: Take a Thames River Cruise to get a different perspective of the city (City Cruises).

• Evening: Catch a West End show. Tickets can be found for less if booked in advance or through the TKTS booth for last-minute deals at the Official London Theatre.

  
  

  Day 4: A Day Trip

• Option 1: Day Trip to Windsor Castle - If you fancy a day outside London, this is a great choice (pre-booking required).

  

  Windsor Castle

• There are tours that take care of the logistics and can take you to Windsor, Stonehenge, and Oxford on a one-day trip.

  

  Stonehenge

  
  

• Option 2: Alternatively consider a day trip to Greenwich. Get in by train. Visit the Royal Museums Greenwich including Royal Observatory, where the Prime Meridian of the world is located, defining GMT. Explore the Greenwich Market for lunch. Check out Cutty Sark, the celebrated sailing ship and fastest of its time, National Maritime Museum, Old Royal Naval College where the Painted Hall is compared to Britain's Sistine Chapel. Sweeping views of London included.

  

  Greenwich Views

  Head back to London on the Thames Clipper for a scenic ride back departing Greenwich Pier.

  

  Ferry Back to London and Tower Bridge

• Option 3: For Harry Potter uber fans. Dedicate this day to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour to walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter and explore the wonders of the Wizarding World. It's a bit outside London, so plan your transport (train to Watford Junction and then a shuttle). This is a big hit for Harry Potter fans. Pre-booking is essential.

  
  

  Day 5: More Museums and Hyde Park

• Morning: Visit Victoria and Albert to see the largest collection of applied arts, decorative arts, and design. Alternatively, check out The Science Museum or Natural History Museum for interactive and educational fun. Both are free.

• Afternoon: - A chance to relax in Hyde Park and visit attractions like the Diana Memorial or check out Kensington Palace, home of the young Queen Victoria. The park is also home to seasonal events like Winter Wonderland.

  

  Kensington Palace

• Evening: Venture into Shoreditch for its vibrant art scene, street food, and nightlife. Or just walk the streets of London to see its vibrant lights.

  

  London at Night

Info:

• Background: This sprawling capital of England, is a vibrant metropolis that has been continuously inhabited for over two millennia, tracing its origins back to the Roman settlement of Londinium established around 43 AD. This city has seen the rise and fall of empires, survived the Great Fire of 1666, endured the Blitz during World War II, and evolved into a global hub of culture, finance, and politics. Its skyline is a testament to its rich history, with iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, standing since the 11th century, juxtaposed against modern marvels such as the Shard. London's streets have been trodden by figures who shaped history like Shakespeare and Churchill. Today, London remains a city where the past and present converge, offering a tapestry of experiences from its world-class museums, the royal parks, and the bustling, diverse neighborhoods that make up one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities.

• Accommodation: Choose hotels or apartments that offer space for families and are close to tube stations of major lines.

• Transportation: Mind the gap and use the tube (including from the airport). Children under 11 years old can travel for free on London's tube and other transportation. You can use a contactless credit or debit card or an enabled mobile device. Occasional Uber is necessary for efficiency.

• Food: London has a variety of cuisines and is very family-friendly.

• Weather: The weather is unpredictable; pack layers, umbrellas, and waterproof items.

• Budget: Consider the London Pass for attractions, or look for deals online. Most museums are free although they require a booking. For food, consider London's many markets and food halls or family-friendly eateries line Nando's and Leon's.