Dreaming of London? Imagine your little one’s eyes lighting up as they spot Big Ben, the iconic clock tower, for the very first time. That’s what sparked my son’s fascination with London. He was hooked, asking endless questions about the British capital. Our next family vacation was a no-brainer – London it was! And we let him be the tour guide, designing our itinerary.
Day 1: A London Skyline Welcome
We landed in the morning, ready for adventure. Our first stop was Hotel Cafe Royal, a stylish hotel in the heart of London. We dropped our bags and headed straight for lunch – a wise move to keep everyone happy after a long journey.
Then it was time for a spectacular view! We hopped on the London Eye, the city’s famous Ferris wheel. The fast pass was a lifesaver, letting us skip the queue and get on quickly. The 30-minute ride offered breathtaking views of London’s iconic landmarks.
Of course, no London trip is complete without seeing Big Ben. We strolled across Westminster Bridge, and my son’s face beamed as he saw his favorite landmark. The timing was perfect, as the famous clock had just reopened after restoration, and we heard the iconic bell chime at 4 p.m.
The day ended with a delicious dinner at The Dorchester, a luxurious hotel with a cozy restaurant perfect for families. Their kids’ menu had plenty of options, even for the pickiest eaters.
Day 2: Trains, Guards, and Playground Fun
We started our day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, fueling up for a day packed with excitement. My son, a train enthusiast, was thrilled to visit the Mail Rail exhibit at the Postal Museum. This hidden gem took us on a journey through London’s fascinating postal history, even letting us ride on an actual underground train!
Next, we witnessed the grand changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Although we couldn’t get too close, the colorful parade and pomp provided plenty of entertainment.
A short walk led us to St. James’s Park playground, where my son climbed on rocks, crossed a mini bridge, and dug in the sandbox. We even got a glimpse of the changing of the guard from the playground.
The afternoon was dedicated to a quintessential British experience: afternoon tea. We chose The Guardsman, where we indulged in sandwiches, pastries, and a special stuffed bear souvenir for my son.
The day ended with a visit to Hamleys, one of the world’s largest toy stores. Seven floors of toys, dancing clowns, and buzzing drones kept my son entertained for hours.
Day 3: Playground Adventures and Peppa Pig Magic
We kicked off our last day with a relaxed morning, enjoying breakfast and a swim at the hotel. Then, we took a ride on a double-decker bus, another of my son’s requests, to the Diana Memorial Playground. This whimsical playground, inspired by Peter Pan, features a pirate ship, a sandy beach, and plenty of adventures for young explorers.
After a fun-filled afternoon at the playground, we enjoyed a unique experience: the Peppa Pig bus tour. This whimsical tour took us through London on a historic double-decker bus turned restaurant, with mini pizzas, scones, and hot chocolate. We even got to see Big Ben again!
Our final dinner was a family-friendly affair at Pavyllon in the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane. The staff was incredibly accommodating, with a dedicated kids’ menu and a speedy service that catered to our 5-year-old’s patience.
London: A Family-Friendly Destination
London offers a wealth of attractions for families, with something to suit every taste. We chose to stay at Hotel Cafe Royal, a family-friendly hotel with spacious rooms and thoughtful touches like a play tent and white-noise machine.
Planning a trip to London with kids? Consider these family-friendly hotels:
- Hilton London Bankside: Offers connecting rooms and an indoor pool.
- Holiday Inn London – Oxford Circus: Features free meals for children.
With its diverse attractions, friendly atmosphere, and abundance of family-friendly options, London is the perfect destination for creating lasting memories with your little ones.
