Kings and queens, Mary Poppins, Oliver Twist, Platform 9-3 / 4… children’s minds are filled with bits and pieces about London, which makes visiting in real life even more fun. Below are tips for sightseeing in London, and happily, many are free. Be sure to also check out money saving tips for families visiting London.
Boat ride on the River Thames
Many tourist boats ply the Thames. The one upstairs has an upper deck to view and seating below the deck, with tables and a snack bar; there are more sporty models and dinners… See options for London Boat Tours.
Riding on a boat, visitors can enjoy a wide range of sights along the Thames: Houses of Parliament, Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, The Eye … This is a highly recommended way to start your London visit, and the commentary The boat tour can provide an introduction to the history of the city, often with some entertaining humor.
BTW: The London Bridge, which was falling down, moved to Arizona in 1962, so it is not featured in our sightseeing tips here.
Tower of London
Historical attractions
4.7
The Tower of London, which is not a single tower, but acres of towers, ramparts and a Green with resident crows, is a must-see attraction on the Thames. Headless queens, imprisoned princes, famous prisoners like Guy Fawkes – history would be thick here even without the presence of the Crown Jewels and the Beefeaters.
Take a photography tour of the Tower of London, with tips for visitors.
science Museum
London’s sprawling Science Museum is extremely kid-friendly, with many interactive areas to explore. You can tour many of the exhibits online and find out what is playing in IMAX theaters.
Good news for families: the ticket price is the same for adults and children: free! The same is true for several other major museums in London, including the Natural History Museum, just around the corner from the Science Museum.
And that money you saved on admission? Don’t be surprised if your kids suggest you spend it at the gift shop, which is huge and full of cool science-related things.
London Natural History Museum
History Museums
4.8
The Natural History Museum is a short walk from the Science Museum – a visit to both would be a great day of sightseeing. When we entered the Natural History Museum, my son was tired, but seeing giant real dinosaur skeletons was like an adrenaline rush. And of course there are restaurants in these museums where families can rest and refuel.
As with the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum is well priced for families – it’s free for kids and adults too.
Dinosaurs are a star attraction, but there is much, much more to this massive museum, housed in a splendid piece of 19th century architecture.
See more photos of the Natural History Museum.
Continue to 5 of 10 below.
The British Museum
The British Museum is one of the best museums in the world, and even if your kids are superficially rushing in, they will have at least seen the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies and Greek statues, all of which will make them feel proud and special when they are at home school.
And the price is again that beautiful four-letter word: Free.
Try exploring the British Museum’s website before visiting – check out tips for families and kids, including information on the best things to do when visiting children.
Trafalgar Square y Royal Museum
Some call it the heart of the city: People, and pigeons, flock to this square that is part ramshackle, part regal, and definitely a must-see in London. Trafalgar Square was built in the 1830s to commemorate Admiral Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar; his statue exceeds 185 feet a column in the square, above. Around the base of the column are four giant bronze lions.
On one side of the Plaza is the National Gallery, which has a vast art collection that includes many works by Turner. As with other of London’s great museums, The National Gallery makes it easy for families to visit. Visitors will find features for children, such as “Family Sundays” with stories and art workshops; “Family trails” to follow through the museum (in print or on audio); facilities (for changing diapers, etc.); Holiday workshops and more. Check the website for the latest updates. Plus, the National Gallery is FREE, like many of London’s best museums.
Also very close to Trafalgar Square is St. Martin’s Church in the country, known to lovers of classical music as the site of many recorded concerts. Free lunchtime concerts are offered regularly. Perhaps one parent can participate in the art at the gallery or music at St. Martin’s, while the other parent watches pigeons with the children outside?
London Eye
Built for the millennium celebrations of the year 2000, the London Eye soon became a major landmark, thanks to its striking visual appearance on the banks of the Thames. Taking a flight on the giant wheel offers a rare opportunity to get a panoramic view of London, a city not known for skyscrapers. (The Eye is the sixth tallest structure in the city.) See photos of the London Eye, plus tips for visitors.
Ver Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s plays are not only unparalleled literature, many of them are also great fun for children, thanks to scenes with antics and plots with mistaken identities. And what better place to see a Bard play than at Shakespeare’s Globe Theater?
Mind you, the original Globe caught fire hundreds of years ago, due to some special 17th century fire effects during a performance. This new Shakespeare’s Globe opened in 1996 and strives to recreate the original as much as possible. The crowd of “groundlings” stand in the yard, just as they did in Shakespeare’s days; There are also seats for sale on the ground floor and on the balconies. (Book in advance!)
My family loved our Shakespeare’s Globe experience. We also tried Shakespeare outdoors at night in Regent’s Park, which is another great way to enjoy a play in London. Read more and take a photo tour of Shakespeare’s Globe.
Continue to 9 of 10 below.
More London sightseeing
Of course, there is much, much more to see in London: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey (pictured above), Covent Gardens, the vast parks of London.
Take a self-guided walking tour with the help of a guide, or perhaps sign up for an accompanied walking tour. My son and I had one on Ghosts of London, led by a pleasant and enthusiastic guide. (If you have young children and want to take a walking tour, be sure to check what ages they are allowed to participate.)
Take a look at many more ideas on the London travel site About.com, including top London attractions and free activities to do with kids.
Day trip: LEGOLAND Windsor
This theme park, designed for children aged two to twelve, is an enjoyable day trip for families visiting London.
LEGOLAND Windsor is a theme park designed especially for children ages two to 12. Even adults can have fun too, of course, but the maximum age is two to ten; Kids that age will love everything about the place.
LEGOLAND has attractions, including (appropriately tame) roller coaster and waterslide; labyrinths live shows; fun areas like water jets; driving school; and Lego creations throughout the park, including fabulous collections at Miniland. There, 35 million Lego pieces recreate scenes from Europe: windmills, castles, famous buildings, small moving trains …
To get to the theme park, visitors take a train to Windsor and then a shuttle bus. Also in Windsor is Windsor Castle, an official residence of Her Majesty, and Eton College. Allow a full day to visit LEGOLAND, plus time to wander around Windsor afterward.
Please note that Legoland is closed in the winter months. Take a PHOTO TOUR of Legoland, with tips for visitors.
