Get Lost in London’s Endless List of Attractions
16th March 2017
If you want to give your whole family a memorable day out, head for England’s bustling capital city.
If you want to give your whole family a memorable day out, head for England’s bustling capital city. Take the train to one of London’s many National Rail stations and then make the most of the easy-to-use tube system to travel around to the capital’s best attractions. From the bright lights of the West End to the cobbled streets of Covent Garden there’s plenty to keep your family entertained in London, so much so that we couldn’t possibly list everything. Instead, we’ve narrowed down a few child-friendly options that just might take your fancy.
Star Attractions
It’s a given that you’ll probably want to see London’s big landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, so one option is to jump on board an open topped tour bus or make your own way on the tube or by foot instead. Your kids will love seeing the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace which normally takes place at 11am. Times vary throughout the year though so always check before your visit.
The views from the London Eye are incredible but it’s always advisable to pre-book to save time queuing. Plus, you can get 2FOR1 entry to the London Eye when you travel by train. If you can, you should spend twenty minutes walking along South Bank soaking up the vibrant atmosphere as you pass the Tate Modern and the Globe Theatre.
Picnics and Friendly Eats
At lunch time, why not enjoy a picnic in Hyde Park or St James Park? Alternatively, you could check out one of London’s many family friendly restaurants and cafes. Top picks include Ed's Easy Diners, Spaghetti House and The Old Dairy Café at Vauxhall City Farm, but there are bound to be some great places to eat wherever you find yourself at midday.
It can be argued that no trip to London would be complete without a trip to iconic Harrods, the largest department store in Europe. A visit to Covent Garden is a must too. Your kids will be in awe of the street entertainers and you’ll be able to listen to incredible musicians play as you browse the stalls in this historic location.
Retail Therapy
Shopaholics will be able to shop till they drop on Oxford Street but it can be difficult to navigate your way through the crowds if you have a buggy, something you might need to bear in mind if you have a baby or toddler. At KidZania London you can leave the littles ones to enjoy being a fireman, making chocolate or training as a BA pilot, whilst you go shopping at Westfield London. The West End boasts some of the best theatres in the world so if you can fit in a matinee performance of a musical you certainly should. Whether you choose to go and see Matilda, Wicked, Aladdin or The Lion King you’ll be in for a real treat.
Other great places to visit in London include St Paul’s Cathedral, the British Museum, the London Dungeon, the Natural History Museum and London Zoo, all of which you can get 2FOR1 entry when travelling by train. You won’t be able to fit everything into one trip so you’ll no doubt need to plan a repeat visit.
Skip congestion fees and avoid road rage by travelling by train on your next trip to the capital. With the biggest variety of attractions in the country, there’s bound to be something to suit every member of the family in lively London.
Travelling to the capital needn’t be expensive, particularly with the discounts a Railcard can grant you. Get your trip on track today and see how much you could save with our journey planner.
You can find even more inspiration for things to do in the capital on our Pinterest board.