days out in london for families

Plus, youll learn about Londons main attractions. Finish your day with the choral evensong at Kings College Chapel around 5.30pm: goosebumps guaranteed. If youre planning a campervan trip in Europe, you may enjoy reading those articles: If you enjoyed this article, you might want to read the following articles: other hings to do in london with the family, Best Destinations for Visiting Spain With Toddlers, Spain Itinerary: A 14 Days Family Adventure, Our 12 Best European Road Trips For Families, 13 Best Places to Go Camping in Canada with Kids, Where to Stay in Zion National Park That Are Family Friendly, Imperial War Museums and the Churchill War Rooms, the Warner Bros Studio Tour London for Harry Potter fans. You could also walk to Borough Market to grab from fresh food and snacks from the local market. Teacher at Maja Wlodarczyks school in West London asked children if they had A maze of bunting-lined streets, The Lanes bursts at the seams with vintage shopsdont miss Beyond Retro and Dirty Harry, and our two favorite independent boutiques, Our Daily Edit and Peggs & Son, as well as retro memorabilia (navigate the turnstile at Snoopers Paradise for collectors items, vinyl, and furniture). It's hard to believe that you're just 4 miles from Central London when standing in the middle of the London Wetland Centre. Bedrooms are simple and beautiful, with a focus on relaxation, but those with a view are truly exceptional. Its now time to head back, grab dinner and get some rest for your last day on your London itinerary. This article originally appeared on Cond Nast Traveller UK. After lunch, ponder the paperbacks at the Fifteenth Century Bookshop, which has been carefully restored in recent years but remains as much of a landmark as Lewes Castle. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. The kids might like the free time there. Or Samphire, a Whitstable bistro with cuttlefish risotto and Romney Marsh lamb on the menu. It's been a tough week for the Megill boys. The Ray Lagoon, a huge open tank of shallow water where you can watch sting rays swimming up close, is another thrill for little ones, even if they have to practice their turn-taking skills when its busy. The Grant Museum. The Jubilee Gardens is a great park for a picnic. For more ideas, see our guide to the best things to do in Cambridge. Today it features taxidermy animals (including a very famous walrus), a huge collection of musical instruments and a permanent gallery dedicated to African, Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian art. When youve breathed in just enough country air, the train journey home serves up afternoon tea, depositing you back in the city just in time for sundowners. MFM reviewer Elizabeth says that the museums layout is clever, working like a timeline for kids to follow and that interactivity is key, there's a lot to touch, play on and play with. Pros: Impressive waxworks, fun for older kids and adults, Cons: Expensive, long wait times, often crowded. Make sure to visit the Natural History Museum, one of the best museums to explore with children. Odds Farm Park Children's Farms, Indoor and Outdoor Ages 0-12 Discover an amazing underwater Not only is it hugely enjoyable for children, but it is also great for adults so you wont be bored!, Pros: Lots of free things to see and do, you can easily spend the day here, Cons: The Butterfly Dome is quite small and pricey. Located in Forest Hill, South East London, this is one of London's best museums for kids but it is relatively unknown. As MFM reviewer Christy says, It was so nice to find somewhere with indoor attractions mixed with plenty of outdoor space so they could run around after lunch. Plus her girls absolutely loved looking at all the taxidermy animals inside., Reviewer Sonali, who visited with her children aged 19 months and 4 years, adds: Its a brilliant way to spend a day. Get out at You can even visit Pooh Bridge (for a game of Poohsticks, naturally), but be warned, its a prominent tourist spot. Tickets from the WWT London Wetland Centre and Picniq, Adult from 16, child 9 I Best for all ages I All-weather attraction I YourParkingSpace 0.2 miles I Kings Cross station 0.8 miles. Try the giant palm house and the rustling bamboo gardens: from start to finish, their eyes will be on stalks.Details Adults 17.50, children 5 (kew.org). Don't miss the fantastical light trail at Christmas. The iconic sailing ship sits in the borough of Greenwich in South East London, and has plenty for kids to enjoy while absorbing a spot of history. If youre not the planning type, The Newt in Somersets Great Garden Escape is a fun-filled organized day trip that shows off the best of the British countryside and its charming traditions. WebTake a trip to one of Londons theme parks for an adrenaline-packed day out. A stroll through the gardens, a meal at the Orangerie, a visit to the Kew Gardens gift shop and perhaps dinner in the evening at a pub in Kew Village adds up to a perfect day's outing!, Pros: Easily a full day of activities, a fun playground, family events during the school holidays, Cons: Food options can be expensive, the large gardens can be tiring for little legs, Free I Best for ages 3+ I All-weather attraction I I NeaQueen's Gate parking 0.4 miles | South Kensington station 0.3 miles I Book a timed museum slot in advance. Browse through ideas for a budget day outdoors or seek out It was also home to various wild animals, including lions belonging to King John and a polar bear that was brought to the tower under the orders of Henry III. The citys main attractions are within walking distance, and comfortable beds, craft cocktails, and a signature afternoon tea await once you are back in the cosy setting. If youre looking to let curious minds blossom while also letting little legs run off some energy, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew are a great option. We recommend going on self-guided tour walks. Take your pick from Round off the day with a cozy pub meal at The Albion, an Indian fine-dining experience at Nutmeg or a hearty pizza at Bosco around the corner on Whiteladies Road.Cordelia Aspinall. And its not just people either, Madame Tussauds is even home to a waxwork figure of Internet sensation, Grumpy Cat. Surrounded by 47 acres of flowering gardens, its a peaceful place to step back and take stock. After a bite, shop at clever concept stores such as Nm, which sells antique furniture and homeware curated by owner Sharan Kaur, and Found, where you can buy clothes from niche global brands, or spend an afternoon at wine bar Corkage, where about 70 bottles are available to sample by the glass.Sarah James. At Henry VIIIs home Hampton Court Palace, there are family-friendly events such as beast quests and ghost tours, as well as the famous giant hedge maze, where adventurous kids can lead the troops. Many of the attractions in our list have a full MadeForMums review, so you can read about our parenting journalists' experiences in-depth, with tips on how to make the most of your visit and find the best ticket discounts. Today the museum is home to more than 400 waxworks separated into different categories, where older kids are likely to spot their favourite stars as well as historic figures. However, advertised tickets at 23.50 are rare, making it an expensive family trip so best for a special occasion the whole family will remember. Pros: Beautiful building, enough to see for a full day; free entry, Cons: Can get very busy during school holidays and on rainy days, Read the full MFM Natural History Museum review, Tickets from the Natural History Museum, Picniq, and TripAdvisor, Family ticket from 41.25 I Best for ages 2+ I Best on sunny days I Restricted street parking nearby I Kew Gardens station 0.7 miles. Brighton is a brilliant mish-mash of retro, seaside fun and progressive culture. The winter light show is particularly mesmerizing, when the sun starts to sink earlier and earlier. This is a great educational attraction for children. With 4 days, youll have enough time to see most of the city of London. And although you can still see the iconic penguin pool enclosure by modernist design pioneer Berthold Lubetkin, much has changed since then making this a hugely popular attraction for children. Dont worry, there are still tons of options for littleuns The best family breaks in the UK Our pick of the best quirky, kid-friendly stays Arts and crafts for kids in With the annual pass, we've definitely got our money's worth!". On arrival, dip into its handful of local shops The Women's Society Boutique has an imposing exterior but is a real treasure trovebefore stopping at one of the many independent cafs and restaurants. Read our complete London travel guide here. By Chris The best day trip from London for: nature enthusiastsHow to get there from London: The drive to Romney Marsh via the A20 and M20 takes 2 hours. On your second day in London, take the underground to Westminster to visit one of the most famous landmarks in London, Big Ben. Based on the modern classic movie of the same name, its a fun, and silly afternoon out for primary aged kids. It might be only 40 miles from London but it feels like another world. The Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour is included in the London Explorer Pass or can be purchased online. Read more about Margate's best things to do. Pros: A fascinating historical insight; great activities for 6+ up to teens. But its still an atmospheric place to head for a hit of vitamin B12 via a dozen or so oysters then a scrunch along the shingle shore, spotting Second World War sea forts across the waves and seals in the harbour. At the bottom of The Old High Street is Bounce Vintage, an open space with rails full of retro sportswear, French chore jackets and Aloha shirts. Today she's the world's only surviving extreme clipper and a fun morning out with older children aged 6+. Then head off to the Kensington Garden. Visit the William Morris Gallery. Speaking of the beach, if you want to go swimming walk along the coast to Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, a man-made sea lagoon where you can find calm waters and steps for easier access. 1. Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, SE1 9GF. One of the highlights is undoubtedly walking through Ocean Tunnel, while fish glide above you, and seeing sharks in the Pacific Wreck gallery. For proper pub food, the cosy Hatch Inn (one of our favorite country pubs near London) is known for roasts with all the trimmings and offers plenty of dog-patting opportunities. Fun events and activities take place on weekends and during school holidays. As soon as your taxi turns onto the long entry drive, its easy to see elegant birds such as egrets, lapwings and redshank happily frolicking on the flat marshlands and thats before youve even started exploring. But, as MFM reviewer Eddi says the mail train ride could be a bit scary for toddlers., Pros: play area for younger kids, lots for older children too, tickets are valid for a years unlimited visits, great value for Londoners, Cons: Session times in the play area limited to 45 minutes, not great food options, Tickets from The Postal Museum and Picniq, Family ticket from 52.50 I Best for ages 8+ I All-weather attraction I Tower Hill Coach and Car Park 0.3 miles I Tower Hill station 0.2 miles, One of London's most iconic sights, the Tower of London is a must-see on any London itinerary. Like cycling in Amsterdam or taking trams in San Francisco, punting really is the most sophisticated way to see the city of Cambridge and the university grounds. Adult from 24, Child 19 | Best for 5+ | All-weather attraction | Waterloo Car Park 0.3 miles | Waterloo station 0.4 miles. You can join in a tour led by one of the Yeoman Warders (better for older kids) or simply explore at your own pace. Not only does London have incredible outdoor spaces (parks, playgrounds, etc.) Join Princess Fiona, Donkey and Shrek on this brilliantly bonkers interactive and immersive walkthrough experience. Mystery Tube Rides. If your kids still have energy and enjoy art, you could continue talking to the Tate Modern Art Gallery. In one of the most quintessentially English cities in the UK (and the most expensive to live in outside London), cream tea is not just a rite of passage its a requirement. Floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall shelves of hardbacks tower over fat leather armchairs and blackboard tables that you can doodle on in chalk. Entry is free so its worth popping in even if youve never heard of the artists on show, and the shop has some nice local products. Alternatively, if youre feeling ambitious, you can cycle from London along the River Lea towpath. Primary-school aged children will recognise Andys clock from the CBeebies show Andys Dinosaur Adventures. Recently I visited with my 4-year-old nephew who absolutely loved it. Cobblestoned 'twittens' (narrow streets), hand-painted shop signs and crumbling tiles from the 1960s make it feel like a town time forgot, and its slower rhythm makes for a reinvigorating gear-change. WebThey didn't track their food but estimated that they were eating about 2,000 to 2,500 calories a day. As far as aquariums go, the Sea Life London aquarium might not be the biggest but it's always a big hit with kids, particularly primary-school aged children. Great to see books that show diverse people and families., Pros: Will keep kids occupied for hours, peak and (quieter) off-peak sessions available, Cons: Tickets are released on Mondays and must be pre-booked, can be confusing as there are different types of tickets, Read the full MFM Discover Childrens Story Centre review, Tickets from Discover Childrens Story Centre and Picniq, Tickets from 23.50 I Best for ages 6+ (under 3s not allowed) I All-weather attraction | Q-Park Covent Garden 0.3 miles | Charing Cross station 0.4 miles. Its located near the Shakespares Globe. London; Madame Tussauds; SEA LIFE London Aquarium; Monopoly Lifesized; KidZania London Instead, antiques, thick carpets and mahogany furniture keep this 18th-century manor house sure of its identity save a few fun treehouse bedrooms, should privacy or the 21st century fall into your criteria. Standing on the banks of the Thames next to Tower Bridge, this ancient fortress boasts a history dating back over 1,000 years filled with tales of treachery, torture and treason. 5 US Sleeper Train Routes for the Ultimate Slow Travel Journey, The Most Beautiful Places in the Pacific Northwest, 15 Comfortable Sandals for Walking, Hiking, and Hitting the Beach. A trip to Margate isnt complete without a few hours in Dreamland, whether its for some spins on the rides or to see one of the amusement parks impressive line-up of gigs in the evenings. Older kids can collect stamps and go on the vehicles, while younger ones are catered for with the amazing All Aboard play areas which as mum of a 2.5 year old are worth the ticket price alone. WebShrek's Adventure Tourist Attractions, Indoor Ages 4+ Book your visit now! There are plenty of laugh out loud moments (many of them centring around toilet jokes) and lots of opportunities to see some of your favourite characters from the movies, including Puss in Boots, Pinocchio and the Gingerbread Man. On arrival, theyll be given a tour of the gardens at The Newt, which have been landscaped over hundreds of years and are now home to wildlife including deer and newtsof course. The gardens are also glorious for afternoon tea after visiting Highcliffe beach. With children, plan to go to the Tower of London mid-week. Be sure you dont have to rush off in the morning as theyll bring breakfast to your room so you can eat it overlooking the leafy square. The museum is hugely popular and its also very impressive when you consider that it takes over 800 hours to make just one waxwork figure do check out the area explaining the craft behind the creations. These fascinating facts may not catch your toddlers attention, but theres plenty to keep vehicle-loving little ones amused, all for a very reasonable entry fee in the heart of Covent Garden. After exploring the place, you may want to stop at the palace cafe to grab a sandwich, hot drink and even ice cream. They would be the equivalent of the Junior Ranger Booklets found in US National Parks. Read more about the best things to do in Bath, Somerset, The best day trip from London for: woodland walks and long pub lunchesHow to get there from London: The train from London Waterloo usually takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. It's best enjoyed during a long ramble, where youre likely to meet free-roaming New Forest ponies, cattle and even pigs, followed by a hearty pub lunch with local ale and a warming log fire. The best day trip from London for: oysters on the beachHow to get there from London: The train from from St Pancras takes 1hr 13 minutes, This little town on the north Kent coast isnt quite the sort-of-secret it was back in the 1990s, when DFLs (local jargon for Londoners) rediscovered it, arriving at weekends for seafood at Wheelers on the high street and pints of Kentish ale at the beach-side Old Neptune pub. Youll get to enjoy and discover the beautiful city of London, but it will still be a vacation. Just off the northern coast of Kent next to the Thames Estuary, Sheppey is an unglamorous largely industrial island that initially lacks the tourist appeal of some of its Kentish neighbours. There are lots of hands-on and interactive exhibits as well as the chance to dress up. Other highlights include the Exploring Space exhibit, home to a full-scale Apollo 11 Eagle model and Flight, which charts the most important aeroplanes in history. If you decide to go on an afternoon tea bus tour, we recommend doing it with Brigits Bakery. The aim of the centre is to help kids develop a love of literature, language and stories, through creative play spaces and exhibitions. London is still largely tourist-free. Put aside a full day, however, and you will certainly enjoy Kews main highlights. Alternatively, pick an attraction-packed hotspot such as South Kensington (great for museums) or the historic sights of leafy Greenwich, and break up the day with a picnic in the surrounding parks. Plus, it has a lovely playground. The restaurant is looked after by Rachel OSullivan (previously of East Londons Towpath Caf) who dishes up Scandi-inspired breakfast plates of smoked salmon, avocado, soft-boiled egg, dill and whipped cream cheese. Protected by armed guards, these gems are dazzling, and no wonder when you consider that the Imperial State Crown holds 2,868 diamonds, 269 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds and four rubies. The Garden, designed for toddlers and preschool -aged children, is a multi-sensory environment where children can play with sound, water and light. Dont get confused between the Tower Bridge and the London Bridge. And dont miss out on a walk down Royal York Crescentone of the most expensive streets in Bristol, which was also once reputed to be the longest terrace in Europe. The best day trip from London for: pub-crawling and country walksHow to get there from London: The train from Finsbury Park takes 35 minutes. Depending on your kids age and preferences, you can choose to take an educational family tour of the House of Parliament. Youll enjoy a family trail through the palace where you can learn about Queen Victorias childhood. If you decide to stay over: Surrey is home to some of the best spas near London, such as Grayshott, where the Manor House rooms offer faded charm. If Puss in Boots is your little ones favourite, visit before 4 September to enjoy the new interactive trail, where they can complete an activity sheet and collect stamps in a rustic taverna before meeting the adorably feisty cat. Nearby, there are great independent shops selling everything from candles to kimonos on Norman Road and Kings Road where you can easily spend a few hours happily browsing and caf hopping before settling into dinner at Michelin-recommended pub The Royal. But it may not be the best for babies and small children as there are tricky stairs and passageways. We also recommend getting a family trail available at the Welcome Centre before you enter the Tower of London. Theres not a whole lot to do here but theres so much to see, and so much to pique your curiosity that youll spend the journey back Googling the area. We hope you have loads of fun and special times together on your family Read the full MFM Tower of London review. If you decide to stay over: Walk along the seafront to The Ginger Pig, a restaurant-with-rooms with pre-mixed cocktails in the minibars and Cowshed bottles by the standalone bathtubs. From the moment the curtains go up, they are immersed in an incredible world where elephants lumber through the stalls, birds swoop and a rhinoceros ambles across the stage. You can walk through the State Rooms and explore the Palaces Garden. Quiet residential streets are lined with pretty Georgian townhouses, spots of greenery to wander through off the cobbled streets and an eclectic mix of independent cafs, restaurants and shops. We liked that there are so many different areas that you can explore, where you can get away from the main crowds and let the kids roam.. Theres an incongruous well at the bottom by the vintage shops throw in a penny for good luck before you start hunting through piles of clothes and bags. There is plenty to see here and you can easily spend an entire day exploring - just make sure to head to the Crown Jewels in the morning to avoid the huge crowds that appear later in the day. The best day trip from London for: a colorful, food-fuelled history lesson in the garden of England How to get there from London: The direct train from London St Pancras to Canterbury West can take as little as 53 minutes. Restaurants are driven by excellent local produce and seasonal ingredients. There are 7 international airports around London. And one of the cool thing is to take to Tate Boat, a boat tour that takes you from the Tate Modern to the Tate British, another art gallery. London also has an excellent public transportation system. For more of a sit-down lunch we love Frog and Scot where the chef, previously of The Sportsman in Seasalter, cooks up a daily changing menu based on hyper-local produce. But our favorite pastime is picking up a pot of cockles and whelks from the quayside, or fish and chips and oysters from The Forge shack, and devouring them in the shade of a wooden groyne on the beach, preferably with a bottle of English fizz to hand.Rick Jordan. The City of London also offers many free activities for kids (or at discounted rates). Buckingham Palace is open to the public from July to October. However, the trusted favorite among New Forest devotees, Chewton Glen continues to lure weary urbanites with its coveted position wedged between woodland and the coast and commitment to the good, old-fashioned service and comforts of a country club. Time your day trip to include breakfast at Kensingtons grab a table on the balcony for giant plates piled high with eggs, toast and beans. Its an affordable Italian restaurant with an extensive kids menu. Founder of Smugglers Records Will Greenham (ex singer and guitarist of the band Cocos Lovers, whove supported Mumford & Sons on tour) is at the heart of the towns music scene, and in terms of art, Linden Hall Studio is a contemporary gallery in a converted chapel that wouldnt look out of place in Mayfair.Tabitha Joyce. Seeking a fun option for a family full of entertainment buffs and selfie pros? Kids of all ages will love this, from babies hypnotised by the aquatic views to fact-absorbing teens, but its a special experience for preschool and primary aged children in particular. This is a wonderful escape to the Great Outdoors without having to leave the city and a fantastic way for children to learn more about the natural world. If you have time, go on the three-mile walk to Ware alongside the River Lea towpaththe neighboring town also has a plethora of pubs and catch the train back to London from there.Becky Lucas. 2023 Cond Nast. MadeForMums Consumer and Commerce Editor, and mum of 1, Gemma Cartwright, says: ""The London Transport Museum is one of my favourite places as it offers so much for different ages. To see what all the fuss is about, head straight to explore Hastings quaint Old Town, a picturesque maze of streets sandwiched between two dramatic cliffs. The best day trip from London for: welly-wielding outdoorsy typesHow to get there from London: The train from London Victoria takes 1 hour to East Grinstead (a 15-minute drive from Forest Row). Family reviews on TripAdvisor rate the attraction highly, with ones saying: A really amazing place for young children. In fact, the whole up-and-coming area of Cliftonville is worth exploring. The best day trip from London for: an under-the-radar getawayHow to get there from London: The fast train from St Pancras International takes 1 hour 22 minutes, This hillside scribble of Georgian streets tucked behind the Kent coast really hit our radar in 2018. Youll be a 5 minutes walk from the Tower of London. 15 of the best days out for families in London 2023 - MadeForMums WebFamily places to go. Connect with nature at Kew, too, where the Royal Botanic Gardens are open to the public all year round. These are our favourite things to do in Rye. The best day trip from London for: people-watching and sceneryHow to get there from London: The train from London Kings Cross takes 45 minutes. There are endless places to eat and drink around town: Rocksalt for a smart menu and sea views; Papas for old-fashioned fishnchips; Beanos for veggies; La Casa Del Bello Gelato for ice cream Follies for pizza and The Pullman for pints. Is This Underrated Town Portugal's Prettiest? Before starting our itinerary, you should know a few things before planning a trip to London with kids. From the Princess Diana Memorial Playground, youll be only a short 15-minutes walk from the Natural History Museum. Then save up and take them to the Lanesborough for the ultimate sugar-fest. If you arrive early (or stay the night), tuck into cracking breakfast at Storeroom coffee shop or at Cliffs, where theres also a record shop, a hair salon and a yoga studio. Read the full MFM London Transport Museum review, Tickets from London Transport Museum and Picniq. If you decide to stay over: Those seeking the quintessential heather-and-wild-ponies New Forest should bed down at The Pig hotel in Brockenhurst or Limewood near Lyndhurst (about five minutes from the Drift Inn). The layout and atmosphere of the museum invites engagement, play and touch. For older kids there's the chance to ride on the Rail Mail, an underground train that once transported letters and parcels across the city from Paddington in the west to Whitechapel in the east. Pooh was a big fan of having a little smackerel of something, and nearby village Forest Row has plenty of places for elevenses. For younger children up to the age of 8 there's Sorted! MFM reviewer Emma says The staff are great at getting everyone into the mood and their enthusiasm was infectious. As youll leave the underground, make a stop at Kings Cross Platform 9 inside the train station. The show first opened in 1999 and has gone on to become one of the most successful musicals of all time. There was so much to see and so many wow moments.. For younger ones theres the magical childrens garden (tickets are free for 60-minute sessions but must be booked in advance) as well as the brilliant Treetop Walkway that travels through the tree canopy at a height of 18 metres. Family reviewers on TripAdvisor also particularly praised the helpful and welcoming staff on the ship, and the well thought out interactive spaces. If you decide to stay over: Book a room at the Linen Shed, a dove-grey, weatherboarded house on the old Roman road to Canterbury. MFM reviewer Janet said that she was able to see improvements in how my 5-year-old interacts with books, her literacy and use of imagination after their visit. Pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables from the local greengrocers and head to Clifton bridge for fabulous views across the River Avon. Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

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