London is a fantastic city to consider when you are looking for a family holiday. This is due to the capital having a huge selection of tourist attractions, great places to eat and drink and also has a wide variety of luxury hotels for families.
London is home to a number of world famous landmarks such as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, an impressive array of theatres, some great shopping destinations and so much more. London really does have something for everyone.
If you are taking the kids to London for the first time, it can be very daunting. The idea of dragging miserable, tired, hungry, fed-up children around the busiest streets of England isn’t going to appeal to anyone. This means you are probably thinking about and looking at things to do and places to go to keep the little ones entertained.
So what should you see and do?
Museums
Some of London’s best museums are a great experience for kids of all ages. Most London Museums offer activities and things to do for children and almost all are free to enter.
HMS Belfast
Step aboard Europe’s largest preserved WW” Warship and experience the legend of HMS Belfast. The ship has 9 decks steeped in history, from the Captain’s bridge to the sailors mess, and offers hands-on activities for children.
Bank of England Museum
Teach children the value of money the fun way at The Bank of England Museum. See gold bars from ancient times – even try to lift one – and hear unexpected tails of the Bank’s ghostly nun. There are free downloadable activity sheets you can download and take with you for the younger family members to fill in during your visit.
The British Museum
This is one of the world’s greatest museums. It showcases objects from prehistoric to modern times. The Digital Discovery Centre will entertain the kids and there are free events for children of all ages held regularly. Free activity backpacks are also available.
The Science Museum
Museums don’t get more family-friendly than the Science Museum. Trace the space rockets history, meet Isambard Kingdom Brunel or catch a 3D movie. Teenagers get hands-on at Launchpad and young kids will love the Pattern Pad. Some charges apply.
Classes
If you just can’t bear the thought of walking around the attractions with bored, moaning children, you always have the option to enrol them into a club or class. Doing this means the kids will enjoy learning and doing something new, they won’t get moody, and you still get to explore the London sights in peace. There are hundreds of classes and clubs to choose from and each one will teach the little ones some valuable life skills. Classes include cooking, painting, outdoor activities, history and many more.
Theatre
Located twenty minutes from The Montcalm London City at the Brewery Hotel are the bright lights of London’s West End and the famous theatre scene. Even the smallest members of the family enjoy the odd stage show. Here are some recommendations for kids’ theatre and the performances that will suit the little ones, the nearly big ones and the grown-ups too.
The Lion King – Lyceum Theatre, Covent Garden. On until February 2017.
A 4* show that has on opening sequence that will leave you breathless. Gazelles spring, birds swoop and an elephant and her child lumbers through the stalls all while the ‘Circle of Life’ reverberates through your chest. The Lion King is set to be the most successful musical of all time.
Emily Rising – Little Angel Theatre, Islington. On Until November 20 2016.
This heartfelt story is aimed at older children. Don Rebellato’s play explores ideas of growing up by telling the tale of a girl who realises, on morning, that her feet won’t touch the ground. As she soars across London, she realises her world is changing. Ages 7+.
Let’s Fly – Little Angel Theatre, Islington. On until November 20 2016.
Beloved children’s puppet theatre, The Little Angel, teams up with Goblin to present a soaring show for younger kids. Emily knows how to fly and wants to take the whole audience with her on an adventure that swoops over rooftops and up to outer space. Suitable for children aged 3 – 6.
Other family theatre shows that are on at the moment worth a visit are:
Roald Dahl’s Matilda – Cambridge Theatre – On until October 2017
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Theatre Royal Drury Lane – On until January 2017
Public Parks
Sometimes it is good to just get back to basics and explore the great outdoors. There are fantastic public green spaces in London, including eight Royal Parks. Most of the parks have adventure playgrounds and other facilities to keep children safe and entertained. Regents Park is one of the most popular and offers great views of the city that are sure to captivate visitors of all ages. Green Park, Richmond Park and Hyde Park are also popular places to visit.
Other places to visit for entertaining the children include:
Hamleys
Founded in 1760, Hamleys is one of the most iconic stores in London. The toy store is located on Regent Street and covers 7 floors, all of which have a wide array or weird and wonderful things. Hamleys is a real favourite among young children and a sure thing to keep them occupied for an hour or so.
London Zoo
Not far from Hamleys is the world famous London Zoo. The Zoo is a great day out for all the family and is located in Regents Park. A visit to London Zoo enables the kids to learn something while having fun at the same time. Spend the day wandering around the Zoo and you’re sure to encounter plenty of unique sights and sounds.
Disney Store
Oxford Street is considered to be the perfect location for high street shopping, but there is more to this famous shopping avenue than the latest fashion trends. The Disney Store is located on Oxford Street. This is a must see destination if you are visiting London with children. It is the largest outlet of its kind in Europe and the centre of the store includes 28 foot high princess castle. There really is nowhere quite like it.
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