London was our first stop on a bigger England and Scotland trip, and it set the bar high for everything that followed.
We’ve actually been to London twice with kids now — once with just our son when he was 1, and again with both kids (ages 3 and 1) as part of a larger UK trip. Both times it delivered. The city is more stroller-friendly than you’d expect, the kids were into it, and we managed to fit in a lot without anyone completely losing it. That counts as a win.
If you’re on the fence about taking your little ones to London, I’ll just say: don’t wait. This guide covers exactly what we did on both trips, where we stayed, where we ate, and the stuff I’d do differently next time.
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Why London Works So Well with Little Kids
London doesn’t feel like a city that’s tolerating your children — it actually accommodates them. There are parks everywhere, most museums are free, the Tube runs constantly, and the whole city is just used to people with strollers. It’s not a battle.
Getting Around London with Kids
- The Tube is your best friend. It’s not perfect with a stroller — some stations have stairs and no lift — but most central ones are accessible, and kids under 11 ride free. I used Apple Pay to tap in and out, which was way easier than dealing with an Oyster card.
- Black cabs are genuinely great for families. You don’t have to fold the stroller, which alone makes them worth it. Download the FreeNow app to book one. We used Uber too, but cabs were easier with all our gear.
- The Uber Boat is an underrated option that most tourists skip. It runs along the Thames and is a fun, low-effort way to get between stops — and the kids think it’s a bonus activity rather than transportation.
Flying Into London
Direct flights from most U.S. cities are easy to find, and London is one of the better cities to book on points if you have them. More on how we booked this whole trip here.
Our Two Trips to London
We’ve been to London twice with kids now, and they were pretty different experiences — different neighborhoods, different ages, different vibe. Both were great, but in different ways. Here’s what each looked like so you can use whichever is more relevant to your trip.
Trip One: London with a 1-Year-Old
Our first trip was two nights, just the three of us, and we stayed in Chelsea at the Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa. A few things worth knowing about this hotel before you book it: it’s sometimes marketed as luxury, and it’s not — don’t go in expecting that. But it does have something genuinely rare for London, which is all-suite rooms that can actually fit a family without feeling like you’re sleeping on top of each other. It’s also right outside the Uber Boat dock, which turned out to be one of our favorite ways to get around. Chelsea itself is a really fun neighborhood to be based in — walkable, cute, great for just wandering around.
For activities, we kept it pretty low key. We did a hop-on hop-off bus tour, which is always a solid first-day move for getting your bearings. We took the Uber Boat up and down the Thames, did some shopping, and spent time just walking around the city — which honestly is one of the best things you can do in London with a little one in a stroller.
We also did afternoon tea at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, which I’m glad we did and would not do again with two toddlers. They were kind to us and my son, but it’s fine china, a quieter environment, and the kind of experience where you’re very aware of how loud your child is being. With one manageable baby it was doable and genuinely fun. With two little kids? I’d skip it. If afternoon tea is on your London bucket list and you have small children, look for one of the more specifically kid-friendly tea experiences in the city — there are a few designed with little ones in mind. Save the Drury Lane version for when the kids are a bit older or you’re traveling with just one.
We also made it to the Tower of London, which remains one of my favorite attractions in the city regardless of who I’m with. And of course, Dishoom for dinner — book ahead, order the black dal and the chicken ruby, thank me later.
Trip Two: London with a 3-Year-Old and a 1-Year-Old
This trip was part of a bigger England and Scotland itinerary, and we came with more people — my husband, both kids, and my mom. We stayed at the Great Scotland Yard Hotel in Westminster, booked on Hyatt points, and the location was a significant upgrade logistically. Being in Westminster meant we were walkable to almost everything we wanted to do.
Day one we did the London Eye. Touristy, overpriced, completely worth it. My 3-year-old thought it was the greatest thing he’d ever seen. Book skip-the-line tickets — the regular queue is not worth it with kids.
Day two was a full one. We started with a Big Bus Tour, then walked through Kensington Gardens, which was beautiful and gave the kids plenty of space to run. We went back to the Tower of London — yes, again, it’s that good — and had dinner at Igloo at Coppa Club right next to the Tower, which was a perfect end to the day. Then we took the river cruise back to Westminster Pier, which felt like a very civilized way to end a long day of sightseeing.
Book Tower of London tickets here.
Day three we did something completely different: a day trip to Windsor Castle and Stonehenge with a private driver. Windsor was a hit with the adults — the castle and the grounds are stunning. Stonehenge was better than I expected with little kids, honestly, because there’s a huge open field and plenty of space for them to just run. They weren’t following the audio guide, but they were happy, and that’s the whole game at this age.
We also stopped for lunch at The Beckford Arms nearby — sat outside, incredibly kid-friendly, and one of those meals that just felt exactly right for where we were. Highly recommend building it into the day if you’re doing this route.
Where to Stay in London with Kids
Location matters a lot in London, especially with a stroller. If you’re only there for a few days, staying near the main sights saves you a lot of transit time and a lot of toddler meltdowns on the Tube. I generally recommend Westminster, Kensington, or Covent Garden as home bases for families.
We’ve stayed in two different spots across our trips — details on both above — and Westminster was the easier base for sightseeing. Chelsea was a better neighborhood for just being in the city.
Other hotels worth considering:
- Rosewood London — beautiful, central, feels special
- The Goring — classic and understated in the best way
- Sea Containers London — stylish, great views of the Thames
- Hyatt Regency Blackfriars — solid central location, very family-friendly
Need help figuring out where to stay? I book hotels for families and my services are completely free to you — hotels pay me directly. Tell me about your trip here.
What to Do in London with Kids
London has endless activities, but here are our favorites broken down by age group.
Top London Activities for Kids of All Ages – including Babies & Toddlers
🚍 Big Bus Tour of London
Do this on day one of any London trip. Jet lag is real, and the open-top bus is the perfect low-effort way to get your bearings. You can hop off wherever looks interesting and hop back on. My 3-year-old was obsessed with being on the top deck.
🎡 The London Eye
Yes it’s touristy. Yes it’s overpriced. Do it anyway. The views are genuinely impressive and the kids loved it. Book skip-the-line tickets.
🏰 Tower of London
My personal favorite and the one I’d fight for if we were short on time. Plan at least two to three hours. The Crown Jewels alone are worth the trip, and even little kids get caught up in the drama of the place.
👑 Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard
You have to see it. We didn’t go inside, but walking around the outside and the surrounding parks is completely worth it. We laid out on the grass nearby and let the kids run around, which was honestly one of the better moments of the trip. Free, low effort, great views. If you want to see the Changing of the Guard, get there early. For fewer crowds, try the Changing of the King’s Life Guard at Horse Guards Parade instead..
🚤 Cruise on the River Thames
We did ours as part of the Big Bus package on the first trip and took the river cruise back to Westminster Pier on the second. Either way, get on the water at some point. The Uber Boat is the easiest and most affordable option.
🧸 Hamleys Toy Store
Go in with a plan or you will be there for two hours and leave with things you didn’t mean to buy. My son lost his mind over it in the best possible way.
🚇 London Transport Museum
Surprisingly great for little kids. Interactive, hands-on, and genuinely interesting for parents too. If your kid is into trains or buses at all, they’ll love it.
Kensington Gardens — Underrated with little kids. Beautiful, open, and free. Great for breaking up a day of sightseeing.
Windsor Castle + Stonehenge Day Trip — Worth it if you have an extra day. Hire a private driver and make a full day of it. Windsor is more of an adult experience but genuinely impressive. Stonehenge is surprisingly great with little kids — wide open space, fresh air, and plenty of room to run around while the adults take it all in. Stop at The Beckford Arms for lunch on the way — sit outside, very kid-friendly, one of the best meals of our trip.
For older kids:
⚡ Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour
A must for Harry Potter fans. Tickets sell out quickly, so book in advance.
🎭 See a West End Show
London’s Broadway — world-class productions at often lower prices than New York.
Where to Eat in London with Kids
London’s food scene is genuinely great and I will die on this hill. British food gets a bad reputation it doesn’t deserve, and London specifically is one of the most international food cities in the world. Indian, North African, Georgian, Malaysian — you could eat a different cuisine every night for a week and barely scratch the surface.
For kids specifically: traditional British pub food is shockingly kid-friendly. My picky 3-year-old happily ate fish and chips and chicken goujons — basically chicken tenders — at almost every pub we went to.
Dishoom is my single favorite restaurant recommendation in London, maybe anywhere. It’s Indian, it’s lively, and it’s more kid-friendly than you’d think. They have mild options — grilled chicken, rice, fresh bread — and the atmosphere is busy enough that a noisy toddler genuinely blends right in. Book ahead. There’s always a line and it’s always worth it.
Other spots we loved: The Blackfriar Pub, Old Shades Pub, and Igloo at Coppa Club right next to the Tower of London — perfect for lunch or dinner after a long morning of sightseeing..
If You Have a Babysitter… We Loved These Bars
When we’re in a new city, we love sneaking away to explore some of the world’s best bars. On this trip, my mom kindly watched the kids for two evenings so we could see a different side of London. Here are the spots we tried — and highly recommend:
- Gordon’s Wine Bar – Tucked partly underground, this historic wine bar feels like a cozy cellar. Perfect for a glass of red in an atmospheric setting – plus it’s been around since 1890!
- Connaught Bar – Sleek, glamorous, and very James Bond–esque. Known for its martinis and top-tier mixology.
- Scarfes Bar – Located in the Rosewood London hotel, this is a bar unlike anywhere I’ve ever been. Artistic décor, creative cocktails, live music, and surprisingly good bar snacks made it a standout.
- Mr. Fogg’s Society of Exploration – A whimsical, adventurous theme inspired by Around the World in 80 Days. Funky drinks, quirky explorer vibes, and an atmosphere that’s just plain fun.
If you’re lucky enough to get a babysitter (or are visiting without kids), these are amazing ways to experience London’s nightlife beyond the typical pub scene.
Final Thoughts
We’ve done London twice with little kids now and I’d go back a third time without hesitation. It’s one of those cities that rewards you no matter how you show up — with toddlers, with older kids, with grandparents in tow.
Don’t overthink it. Book the trip.
If you want to see how we booked this entire England and Scotland trip on points and saved over $10,000 doing it, that post is here.
FAQs
How many days do you need in London with kids?
Two to three days covers the highlights. A week gives you room to slow down and explore neighborhoods beyond the tourist trail.
Is tap water safe to drink?
Yes, throughout the UK.
Do you need to tip?
Not like you do in the US. Many restaurants add a service charge automatically. If they don’t, 10–15% is fine. No need to tip at pubs or counter service.
Do I need a car seat?
Legally no, not in black cabs — but I’d still bring one. US seats aren’t technically approved in the UK but plenty of families use them anyway. We rented from Baby Comes 2 and it was seamless.
Should I make dinner reservations?
Yes, especially in summer. Even casual spots fill up.
Should I drive in London?
No. Public transport is excellent and driving in the city is genuinely stressful. Pick up a rental car after you leave London if you need one for the rest of your trip.
Is it okay to breastfeed in public?
Yes, it’s legal and widely accepted. I was breastfeeding on both our trips without any issues.
Before You Go
I put together a free Hotel Upgrade Guide with the exact strategies I use to get room upgrades, resort credits, and better rates. Grab it below.
Want Help Planning Your Trip?
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