As part of our Summer 2025 family trip to England & Scotland, we spent a few days exploring London’s Westminster neighborhood, and it was a perfect 2 days in the city with kids! London is full of history, culture, and adventure, and it’s surprisingly easy to enjoy with kids of all ages.
Our trip was multi-generational — my husband and I traveled with our two toddlers and my mom — and everyone had an amazing time. From iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London to stroller-friendly museums and open-air parks, London had something for each of us.
In this guide, I’ll share our London itinerary for families, highlight the best things to do in London with kids and toddlers, and give you practical travel tips to make your trip smooth and stress-free.
Why London Is a Great Destination for Family Travel
London truly has something for every age and interest. Whether your kids are toddlers or teens, you’ll find activities that keep everyone engaged — and plenty of delicious food options for the whole family.
Getting Around London with Kids
- The Tube: Simple, stroller-friendly at many stations, and kids under 11 ride free. I recommend using Apple Pay to tap in and out.
- Black Cabs: Super family-friendly — you don’t even need to fold your stroller. Download the FreeNow app to book one.
- Uber: Available and easy, but cabs often worked better for us.
Flying Into London
Direct flights from most U.S. cities are frequent and affordable, and you can usually find a good deal either with cash or points and miles.
Where to Stay in London with Kids
When choosing a hotel in London, location matters. If you only have a few days, I recommend Westminster, Covent Garden, or Kensington Gardens to stay close to the main attractions, especially if you’re traveling with a stroller.
We stayed at the Great Scotland Yard Hotel in Westminster (booked with Hyatt points), which was perfect for minimizing transit time.
On a previous trip, we stayed at Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa. It’s not luxury, but it’s all-suites (rare in London!) and can accommodate four people in one room — great for families. It’s also right by the Uber Boat stop, which made getting around super easy.
Recommended Family-Friendly Hotels in London
- Rosewood London – luxury and central.
- The Goring – classic and upscale.
- Sea Containers London – stylish and modern.
- Hyatt Regency Blackfriars – central location and family friendly.
👉 Need help choosing the right hotel for your London trip with kids? Contact me here and I can help book the best London stay for your family.
Best Things 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
Perfect for Day 1 when jet lag hits. Ride the open-top bus, see the sights, and hop off when something catches your eye. Stroller-friendly and easy for parents.
🎡 The London Eye
Overpriced? Maybe. Worth it? Definitely. Book skip-the-line tickets to avoid long waits.
🏰 Tower of London
My personal favorite attraction. Plan a few hours here and don’t miss the Crown Jewels.
👑 Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard
You have to see Buckingham Palace while you’re in London. I like planning a picnic on a grassy lawn nearby for great views of the palace while you relax with the kids. Changing of the Guard can get very busy – so for fewer crowds, try the Changing of the King’s Life Guard at Horse Guards Parade.
🚤 Cruise on the River Thames
Many bus tours include a cruise, but if not, the Uber Boat is an affordable and fun option.
🧸 Hamleys Toy Store
A wonderland for kids — but budget some time (and money) if you go!
🚇 London Transport Museum
Interactive, fun, and perfect for young kids (and parents, too).
Best London Activities with 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 We Ate in London with Kids
I know British food gets a bad rap (I don’t think it’s deserved!), but London definitely breaks the stereotype. The city is one of the most international food destinations in the world, with restaurants representing nearly every cuisine you can imagine. Indian food is everywhere (and incredible—keep reading for my favorite spot!), but you’ll also find North African, Georgian, Syrian, Malaysian, Brazilian, and so much more. And for families, traditional British fare is surprisingly kid-friendly—my picky 3-year-old happily devoured fish & chips and chicken “goujons” (basically chicken tenders), which were on almost every menu.
One of my absolute favorite restaurants anywhere is Dishoom. It’s an Indian restaurant that is not only delicious but also very family-friendly. If you’re worried your kids won’t eat Indian food, don’t be! Dishoom offers mild options like grilled chicken, rice, and fresh bread, and the lively atmosphere makes it fun for little ones to look around. It’s busy and buzzing enough that no one will notice if your kids are a little louder than you’d like.
Other spots we loved in London included The Blackfriar Pub, Old Shades Pub, and Coppa (a perfect stop right next to the Tower of London!).
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 on London with Kids
We’ve visited London twice with little ones, and each trip has been full of unforgettable memories. Many parents delay international travel until their kids are older, but I couldn’t disagree more — London is one of the easiest and most rewarding cities to visit with babies and toddlers.
If it’s your first visit, stay near the main sights you want to see for convenience. For longer trips, neighborhoods like Chelsea are perfect for a slower pace.
If you want to see how I saved over $10,000 on this family trip to London (and the UK), check out this post!
FAQs About London Family Travel
Q: How many days do you need in London with kids?
A: You can see highlights in 2–3 days, but a week gives you time to explore more fully.
Q: Can you drink the water in London?
A: Yep! Tap water is safe to drink throughout the UK.
Q: Is it okay to breastfeed in public in London?
A: Yep, it’s legal and widely accepted, though you may get the occasional glance. I was breastfeeding during both trips without issue.
Q: Do you need to tip in London?
A: Not as much as in the U.S. Many restaurants add a service charge; if not, tip 10–15%. No need to tip at pubs or for counter service.
Q: Do I need to bring a car seat?
A: Legally, kids don’t need car seats in black cabs, but I highly recommend using one. U.S. seats aren’t technically approved in the UK, but many families still bring them. For this trip, we rented from Baby Comes 2 and had a great experience.
Q: Do I need dinner reservations?
A: Yes, especially in summer or around the holidays. Even casual pubs fill up quickly.
Q: Is driving in London difficult?
A: Very! I don’t recommend renting a car in the city. Public transport is excellent, and it’s easier to pick up a rental car once you leave London.
Planning Your London Family Travel
I hope this guide helps you plan a magical & memorable family trip to London with kids!
👉 If you’d like personalized help with your London Family Trip, fill out my Travel Planning Request Form. I’d love to help make your London adventure unforgettable.
