Get in touch

Travel can open your mind

Our London Story: A Family Adventure with a Dash of Magic & Fun

We have always wanted to visit London, so this time we made it even more memorable by exploring the city as a family. We sought a balance of famous landmarks, hands-on activities and a few surprises along the way, all while keeping our inquisitive 6-year-old in tow.

Stay 1: Riu Plaza London Victoria

We began our trip by staying at the chic 4-star Riu Plaza London Victoria, which is conveniently close to Victoria Station. We had no trouble exploring London thanks to its close proximity to buses, national rail and the Victoria Tube line. The hotel provided an excellent breakfast spread for both grown ups and little travellers and a contemporary, cozy stay.

Day 1: The Charm of the Royal Family

We began the day by taking a stroll to Buckingham Palace. We were fortunate enough to witness the Changing of the Guards. Seeing the band play and all the marching was entertaining.

After that, we strolled in the direction of Westminster Abbey. The Houses of Parliament were nearby and Big Ben looked magnificent. There we took some pictures.

We went to Pret A Manger for a quick bite. We did not have to think too hard because there were plenty of vegetarian options.

We took a stroll along Southbank later in the evening. The river had a beautiful appearance. The atmosphere was lively and there were street performers. Our first day in London came to a pleasant and easy conclusion.

Day 2: Covent Garden & Riverside Fun

With artists and street performers entertaining the crowds, the area surrounding the London Eye was a hive of activity.

We chose not to ride the London Eye but could not resist the classic carousel ride next to it which proved to be a delightful family experience.

After that, we strolled to Covent Garden, where we spent hours being entertained by the quirky stores and street acts.

We later enjoyed the city atmosphere at Trafalgar Square before taking a leisurely walk through the serene St. James’s Park where the ducks and gardens were a hit.

Stay 2: Kensington Apartment

For the second part of our trip, we moved to a cozy apartment in Kensington, a peaceful residential neighborhood that offered a more homely vibe.

Particularly with a child, it was the ideal foundation for more flexible schedules and slower mornings. With a fully furnished kitchenette, grocery stores close by and a local café culture, it offered us a taste of London life and a much-needed respite from crowded hotels. It was also a huge plus to be close to Hyde Park, the Science Museum and neighborhood restaurants.

Day 3: Science & Wax Figures

Our morning choice was the Science Museum which had interactive, hands-on displays about technology, space and the natural world.

We enjoyed posing with wax replicas of pop icons, superheroes and international celebrities at Madame Tussauds London in the afternoon.

We ended the day by shopping on Oxford Street and making a colorful stop at M&M at Leicester Square. This huge store made us all feel like kids again.

Day 4: Lego Magic at Windsor

One of the highlights of our trip was Legoland Windsor, which we devoted the entire day to.

The park was a wonderland for both adults and children, offering everything from building Lego structures to riding rides and exploring Miniland’s miniature versions of well-known sites.

After a full day of excitement, we were exhausted but happy when we got back to London.

Day 5: Space & Chai in Leicester

We visited the National Space Centre in Leicester because we were interested in space, and we were amazed by its tall rockets, immersive planetarium, and interactive displays.

After an exciting morning, we relaxed at Chaiiwala and enjoyed some street-food-inspired snacks and a cup of Indian-style chai before returning to London.

Day 6: Magical London, River Cruise & Classic Charm

Everything iconic and magical happened on this day. We took the Harry Potter Walking Tour which took us to iconic locations like Millennium Bridge, Cecil Court (the inspiration for Diagon Alley) and Leadenhall Market (the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron).

For us as series fans, strolling through these streets and hearing behind-the-scenes tales brought the wizarding world to life in the very center of London.

We had a new perspective on the city in the afternoon when we went on a Thames River Cruise, which provided breathtaking views of Tower Bridge, London Bridge and The Shard from the water.

Before ending the day with a leisurely stroll through Trafalgar Square, where we took in the evening light and the bustle of London life, we took in the view of Tower Bridge from the outside.

Day 7: Iconic London Stroll & Souvenir Hunt

We made the decision to keep things light and enjoy the atmosphere of London one last time on our last day. As we walked around Trafalgar Square, we took in the street entertainers and took some family photos at this famous site.

We marveled at the enormous billboards and the vibrant energy that flooded the streets as we made our way to Piccadilly Circus.

We spent a significant portion of the day on Oxford Street, window shopping at the well-known shops and buying souvenirs.

Enjoying the city’s lively pulse, people and culture at our own pace was the ideal way to cap off our London adventure.

Final Thoughts

London provided us with the ideal fusion of quiet times, family-friendly attractions, magical experiences and royal history.

It was simple to strike a balance between cozy relaxation and city explorations during our stays at the Riu Plaza Victoria and the quaint Kensington Apartment.

For each of us, the city had something special to offer, whether it was riding a carousel, floating down the Thames, watching the guards march at Buckingham Palace or exploring the Lego universe.

We departed with bags full of mementos and hearts full of memories.

🧒 Kid-Friendly Highlights Around London

  • Buckingham Palace is a great spot for kids, especially during the Changing of the Guards. The marching, band music and big furry hats usually grab their attention.
  • Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are impressive to see in person. The clock tower is a fun landmark for kids to spot and take photos with.
  • Southbank is lively and fun to walk through. There is a carousel that is always a hit and plenty of street performers to keep little ones entertained.
  • Covent Garden is full of energy with street shows, magic acts and quirky stalls. Kids enjoy the surprises around every corner.
  • St. James’s Park is perfect for a break. The ducks, open spaces and friendly squirrels make it a fun stop for families.
  • Science Museum is hands-on and interactive. Kids can touch, try and explore all kinds of exhibits about space, technology and science.
  • Madame Tussauds is fun for children who like posing with superheroes, film characters and pop stars. The sets are colourful and playful.
  • Legoland Windsor is a full day of adventure. Building stations, gentle rides and Lego miniatures of famous places keep kids busy and happy.
  • National Space Centre in Leicester is filled with rockets, space displays and a huge planetarium. It is exciting and educational at the same time.
  • Harry Potter Walking Tour takes you to real spots that inspired scenes from the films. It is a treat for fans and a fun walk for curious kids.
  • Thames River Cruise is a calm way to see London from the water. Spotting towers, bridges and boats keeps it interesting for young travellers.
  • M&M’s World is bright, colourful, and fun to explore. Picking your own candy mix is always a highlight.

Best Time to visit London

Best Overall: May to June

Pleasant weather, blooming parks, and long days. Enjoy the Chelsea Flower Show, Regent’s Park theatre, and Thames strolls.

Good Weather & Events: Sept to Early Oct

Mild temperatures with fewer tourists. Highlights include the London Design Festival, Open House London, and autumn park.

Spring: March to April

Fewer crowds and cherry blossoms. Weather improves—great for museums and gardens like Kew and St. James’s Park.

Festive & Magical: December

Christmas lights, markets, and skating at Somerset House. Cold and dark early, but full of festive spirit.


Avoid if Possible: Jan to Feb

Cold, grey, damp and less daylight but great for sales shopping and museum visits with fewer crowds.

Bonus: London is a year-round city

It has world-class museums, shows, shopping and food all weatherproof! Just pack layers and an umbrella no matter when you go.

🚇 Getting Around London – Transport Made Easy

One of the best parts of exploring London is how well-connected and easy the city is to navigate. From the iconic red buses to the Underground (a.k.a. the Tube), here’s how we got around:

🚆

The London Underground (Tube)

London’s Tube system is one of the oldest and most efficient in the world. It’s made up of 11 color-coded lines, each connecting different parts of the city. Some of the most popular lines we used were:

Bakerloo Line Paddington, Regent's Park, Waterloo
Central Line Oxford Street, Notting Hill, Stratford
Circle Line King's Cross, Tower Hill, Victoria
District Line Kensington, Westminster, Wimbledon
Hammersmith & City Paddington, Baker Street, East London
Jubilee Line Canary Wharf, Southbank, Westminster
Metropolitan Line Wembley, Baker Street, North-West
Northern Line Camden, King's Cross, Leicester Square
Piccadilly Line Heathrow Airport, Covent Garden
Victoria Line Victoria Station, Oxford Circus
Waterloo & City Line Waterloo, Bank (weekday rush hours only)
💡

Each station is clearly marked and trains run frequently. It’s the quickest way to get across town and beat the traffic.

🟡 Oyster Card: Your Travel BFF

We used an Oyster Card throughout our trip, which made traveling a breeze. You simply tap in and tap out at the station gates, and the right fare is deducted.

Where can you use it?

London Underground, buses, trams, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth Line (within London), and more.

Not valid on:

Elizabeth Line between Reading and Iver – good to know if you're heading that far west.

Cost-saving tip:

The Oyster Card automatically applies a daily cap – once you hit a certain spend for the day, you won't be charged more no matter how much you travel!

To know more about the Oyster Card visit their website: Transport for London Oyster Card

We got ours at Victoria Station upon arrival, and it saved us from queuing for tickets or figuring out fares every time.

Attractions

👑 Buckingham Palace – Home of the British monarch; don’t miss the Changing of the Guard.
🕰️ Big Ben & Houses of Parliament – Iconic clock tower and stunning Gothic architecture.
🌉 Tower Bridge – A symbol of London; great for photos and panoramic views.
🎡 London Eye – Giant observation wheel with sweeping city vistas.
🏰 Tower of London – Historic fortress and home to the Crown Jewels.
⛪ St. Paul’s Cathedral – Famous dome, whispering gallery, and city views.
🏵️ Westminster Abbey – A royal church and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

🏺 British Museum – Rosetta Stone, ancient mummies, and global artifacts.
🦖 Natural History Museum – Dinosaurs, volcanoes, and hands-on exhibits.
🚀 Science Museum – Fantastic for kids and curious minds alike.
👗 Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) – Art, design, and historic fashion.
🎨 National Gallery – Masterpieces in Trafalgar Square.
🧱 Tate Modern – Bold and thought-provoking contemporary art.

🛶 Hyde Park – Boating on the Serpentine, picnics, and Speaker’s Corner.
🌼 Kensington Gardens – Diana Memorial Playground & Kensington Palace.
🐾 Regent’s Park – Manicured gardens, playgrounds, and London Zoo.
🦆 St. James’s Park – Relax by the lake and spot pelicans.

🛒 Oxford Street – Endless high-street brands and flagship stores.
🎭 Covent Garden – Street performers, artisanal markets, and cafes.
🧥 Camden Market – Eclectic, edgy fashion and global street food.
💄 Carnaby Street – Retro-chic shops and cool Soho vibes.
💡 Piccadilly Circus – Iconic neon lights and tourist buzz.
👜 Harrods & Selfridges – World-famous luxury shopping.
🍬 M&M’s World – Four floors of candy fun and photo ops in Leicester Square.
🧸 Hamleys – The world’s oldest toy store with 7 magical floors on Regent Street.

🕴️ Madame Tussauds – Snap pics with wax celebrities and superheroes.
😱 London Dungeon – Spooky, theatrical history lessons (older kids).
🐠 SEA LIFE London Aquarium – Sharks, rays, and ocean tunnels.
🧱 Legoland Windsor – A full-on LEGO adventure just outside London.

🧙‍♂️ Harry Potter Studio Tour – Magical sets, props, and behind-the-scenes fun (Leavesden).
🚢 Thames River Cruise – Stunning views from the water.
🍰 Afternoon Tea – Try The Ritz, Fortnum & Mason, or kid-themed cafés.

The London Pass: An Insightful Option for First-Time Tourists

Do you intend to visit several London attractions? You can save time, money and effort by using the London Pass. For a set fee, you can visit more than 80 of the city’s most popular sites, museums, tours and activities with this digital, all-in-one sightseeing card.

🔍 Included:

Free admission to well-known sites like:

💡 How It Helps:

  • Saves money: Purchasing a pass is frequently less expensive than purchasing individual tickets if you visit two to three major attractions each day.
  • Saves time: Fast-track entry allows you to bypass lengthy lines at specific locations.
  • Planning without stress: You can book and pay for multiple experiences with a single payment.
  • Quick mobile access: Simply scan the pass at each attraction after downloading it to your phone.

👥 Who Should Consider It?

✅ Excellent for:
  • Travelers on their first trip who wish to see the main attractions
  • Families with children who desire variety and flexibility
  • Visitors who intend to actively explore during their two to six-day stay
  • Tourists who appreciate historical sites, museums, and picturesque tours.

❌ Maybe skip if:
  • You intend to primarily visit free museums and parks.
  • You’re traveling slowly or returning to the city.
  • You want to reduce the number of paid attractions because you’re on a limited budget.

📅 Validity & Pass Options: 
  • Select from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10-day passes.
  • Good for consecutive days in the calendar
  • Counts from the initial visit to the attraction (not at purchase).

Pro Tip: To get the most out of your money, group well-known, pricey attractions on early days!

Although public transportation (such as buses, trains, and the tube) is not included, you can conveniently combine it at the register with a Travelcard or Oyster Card.

Captured Moments

London Tube Map
London Tube Map
London Tourist Map

Related Itineraries

Destinations

Kenya

🐘 Kenya Safari: Into the Wild with Family This time we chose to explore Kenya through a guided safari tour....

Read More