Imagine a 5-year-old’s eyes widening with awe as he flips through the pages of a book, landing on a picture of Big Ben. This wasn’t just any clock tower; it sparked a flame of fascination for London, a city that soon became the subject of endless questions. That’s how our family vacation was born – a trip planned entirely around a child’s unwavering enthusiasm for the British capital.
And it was a journey that surpassed even our wildest dreams! From the grandeur of the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace to the whimsical delights of a Peppa Pig bus tour, our itinerary catered to a young explorer’s perspective, crafting memories that were just as magical for the grown-ups.
Day 1: A Whirlwind of London Highlights
When traveling with a little one, keeping things manageable is key, especially on the first day. After landing in the morning, we headed straight to our hotel – the Hotel Cafe Royal – on the Underground (a highlight for my son!).
To minimize travel time after a long journey, I recommend grabbing lunch at the hotel or in its immediate vicinity.
Our first stop was the London Eye, where we had secured 3 p.m. tickets. The fast pass, a lifesaver in the long lines, allowed us to skip the queue and board the iconic Ferris wheel quickly.
The 30-minute ride offered breathtaking views of the city’s landmarks. It was a perfect start to our adventure, providing a literal overview of London without requiring any strenuous activity.
We then strolled across Westminster Bridge, fulfilling my son’s dream of seeing Big Ben up close.
The timing was impeccable, as the famous clock tower had recently reopened after extensive restoration. While the interior is only accessible to U.K. residents, we arrived at the base of the clock at 4 p.m., just in time to hear the iconic bell toll.
The day culminated with a delightful dinner at The Dorchester. The recently renovated luxury landmark boasts The Promenade restaurant, a cozy haven with plush couches that invited us to unwind.
The restaurant offered an incredible children’s menu, satisfying even the pickiest eaters, ensuring a relaxing end to a day full of excitement.
Day 2: A Royal Adventure Through London’s History
We started the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel (I highly recommend booking a package that includes breakfast for hassle-free mornings).
My son, a train enthusiast, was thrilled to visit the Mail Rail exhibit at the Postal Museum. This hidden gem immerses you in the fascinating history of London’s postal system.
The interactive exhibit includes a ride on an actual underground train, taking you through old tunnels. You’ll learn about the underground railway system that once transported London’s mail.
The experience, though slightly claustrophobic at times due to the small train, was entertaining for kids and adults alike.
A play area dedicated to postal themes provides an engaging space for younger children (under 8 years old) to explore miniature villages, roads, trams, and tunnels.
Our next stop was the iconic Changing of the Guard Ceremony outside Buckingham Palace.
We opted for a taxi to save time and arrived just in time for the ceremony. While we couldn’t get close to the gates, the spectacle of British pomp and pageantry along the Mall kept my son enthralled.
We then continued our walk to St. James’s Park playground, a short distance from the palace. The playground, with its climbing rocks, mini bridge, and sandbox, was a welcome break for my son, who enjoyed the views of the Changing of the Guard parade from the playground.
As the afternoon approached, my son requested afternoon tea, a quintessentially British experience. We chose The Guardsman, known for its delicious tea and its proximity to the Buckingham Palace area.
We savored delectable sandwiches and pastries, and our son received a stuffed bear dressed as a beefeater, a perfect souvenir of our royal encounter.
With renewed energy, our final stop of the day was Hamleys, one of the world’s largest and oldest toy stores.
A multi-level paradise of gadgets and gizmos, Hamleys is a sensory overload, with dancing characters, bubble-blowing clowns, and zipping drones. My son was in his element, and he eventually settled on a small truck before we returned to the hotel.
Day 3: A Whimsical Journey Through Kensington Gardens
The morning started with a relaxing breakfast and a swim at the hotel. We wanted to keep the morning relaxed before our next adventure.
My son was eager to experience London on a classic double-decker bus, and we were ready to fulfill his wish. We headed to Kensington Gardens to visit the Diana Memorial Playground.
Inspired by Peter Pan, this playground features a large wooden pirate ship, a sandy beach, “buried treasure,” sensory trails, toys, and play sculptures. My son enjoyed climbing into the crow’s nest and zooming down the hidden slides.
For our final kid-approved activity, we embarked on the Peppa Pig bus tour. This whimsical experience combines three of my son’s favorites: a double-decker bus ride, afternoon tea, and the beloved “Peppa Pig” cartoon.
We toured the city in a historic double-decker bus transformed into a restaurant, enjoying mini pizzas and scones while admiring the sights, including Big Ben.
The kids were treated to hot chocolate in cups with lids, while the adults had their choice of teas. Individual screens played “Peppa Pig” clips, providing a fun and educational commentary on the landmarks we passed. An onboard emcee kept the kids entertained with games and songs, especially during traffic jams.
Dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
After the tour, we enjoyed some downtime at the hotel before heading to our final dinner at Pavyllon in the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane.
While geared towards adults, the staff was incredibly accommodating, offering a children’s menu and prioritizing our son’s meal. They also rushed our dishes to cater to his limited patience, making the experience enjoyable for everyone.
We played a game of War with a deck of cards, keeping our son engaged throughout the meal.
After dinner, we returned to the hotel, preparing for our flight the following day.
Family-Friendly Accommodations in London
When choosing accommodation for a family trip to London, you’ll find a wealth of options catering to both children and adults. South Kensington, Covent Garden, and Westminster are ideal areas due to their proximity to major attractions like the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the London Eye.
We stayed at the Hotel Cafe Royal (part of the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection), located in Piccadilly Circus. Its proximity to various transportation options makes it easy to explore the city. Plus, the hotel is incredibly family-friendly, with spacious rooms and a curated program that ensures a comfortable stay for everyone.
The hotel also offers amenities designed specifically for families, such as a tent with toys set up in the rooms and white noise machines for a peaceful sleep.
If you book through the Chase travel portal, you’ll receive daily breakfast, a complimentary upgrade, and a $100 property credit.
Other family-friendly hotels to consider include the Hilton London Bankside (around $267 or 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night), which offers connecting rooms and an indoor pool, and the Holiday Inn London – Oxford Circus (around $328 or 39,000 IHG rewards points a night), where children eat free.
Planning a trip to London? Check out some of our other stories and planning tips:
- 27 of the best free things to do in London
- The complete guide to flying to London on points and miles
- The best hotels in London
- Chic but a bit cramped: A review of The London Edition
