Ever since my 5-year-old son caught a glimpse of Big Ben in one of his books, he’s been enthralled by London’s iconic clock tower. This fascination quickly expanded to include all things London, with endless questions about the British capital flooding our home.
When it was time to plan our next family getaway, the decision was clear: London was calling! And to make the experience truly special, we handed the reins of our itinerary over to our little explorer.
Day 1: A London Skyline and a Famous Bell
Our London adventure kicked off with a morning arrival, followed by a swift journey on the Underground to our hotel, the Hotel Cafe Royal. The Underground itself was a source of amusement for my son, adding a touch of excitement to the journey. After dropping off our luggage and refueling with a hearty lunch, we were ready for the first highlight of our trip: the London Eye.
With fast-pass tickets secured, we bypassed the queues and soared above the city on this famous Ferris wheel. The 30-minute ride offered breathtaking panoramic views of London’s landmarks, providing a fantastic overview of the city without requiring any strenuous activity.
Next, we strolled across Westminster Bridge to fulfill my son’s dream of seeing Big Ben up close. It was the perfect timing as the iconic clock tower had recently reopened after extensive restoration. Although access to the interior was limited to UK residents, we were fortunate to catch the hourly chime of the famous bell at 4 p.m., a moment that filled my son with awe.
The day concluded with a delicious dinner at The Dorchester, a luxurious landmark that had recently undergone a grand renovation. The Promenade restaurant, situated in the heart of the hotel, provided a cozy ambiance with plush couches perfect for unwinding. The children’s menu offered a delightful selection, ensuring even the pickiest eaters were satisfied.
Day 2: Trains, Guards, and Afternoon Tea
Day 2 began with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, followed by a trip to the Postal Museum, an off-the-beaten-path attraction that captivated both my son and me. This fascinating museum delves into London’s rich postal history with interactive exhibits, including a ride on an actual underground train. We journeyed through the old tunnels, learning about the underground railway system that once transported the city’s mail.
After our journey through the past, we headed to witness the iconic changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. While we couldn’t get up close to the gates, the vibrant spectacle along the Mall kept my son entertained.
Our walk continued to St. James’s Park playground, a delightful escape just minutes from the palace. My son enjoyed climbing on the rocks, traversing the mini bridge, and digging in the sandbox. From the playground, we had a perfect view of the rest of the changing of the guard parade.
Lunchtime arrived, and my son, ever the Anglophile, expressed a desire for afternoon tea. We chose The Guardsman, renowned for its traditional British experience. We savored sandwiches and pastries, and my son received a special souvenir: a stuffed bear dressed as a beefeater, a perfect memento of our day.
With newfound energy, we ventured to Hamleys, one of the world’s largest and oldest toy stores. The vibrant atmosphere, with dancing performers, bubble-blowing clowns, and zipping drones, was overwhelming, but my son reveled in the spectacle. After exploring the seven floors of toys, he selected a small truck as his prize before we returned to the hotel.
Day 3: Pirate Ships, Peppa Pigs, and a Final Feast
Our final day in London began with a leisurely morning spent swimming at the hotel pool. This was followed by a hop onto a local double-decker bus, a must-do for my son, as we made our way to the Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens.
Inspired by the story of Peter Pan, the playground features a magnificent wooden pirate ship surrounded by a sandy beach and “buried treasure.” My son spent hours climbing into the crow’s nest, sliding down the hidden slides, and exploring the sensory trails.
The final kid-approved activity was a whimsical journey on the Peppa Pig bus tour. This unique experience combined my son’s love for afternoon tea, double-decker buses, and the “Peppa Pig” cartoon. We rode around the city in a historic double-decker bus transformed into a restaurant, enjoying mini pizzas and scones while watching “Peppa Pig” clips on individual screens.
As the day drew to a close, we enjoyed a final dinner at Pavyllon in the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane. While geared towards adults, the staff was incredibly accommodating, with a dedicated kids menu and attentive service.
London: A Family-Friendly Destination
London is a city that truly embraces families, with a plethora of attractions designed to delight both children and adults. Whether it’s exploring museums, experiencing royal ceremonies, or enjoying playground fun, the city offers something for everyone.
For our family stay, we chose the Hotel Cafe Royal, a family-friendly gem in Piccadilly Circus. The spacious rooms, family-friendly programming curated by a former royal nanny, and excellent location made it a perfect choice.
From the thrill of riding the London Eye to the charm of afternoon tea at The Guardsman, our London adventure was filled with unforgettable moments. We left with memories that will last a lifetime, and our little explorer returned home a true London enthusiast.
