- 1. Do: Book Major Attractions In Advance!
- 2. Don’t: Do Not Try To See Everything In One Day!
- 3. Do: Use Public Transportation!
- 4. Don’t: Do Not Underestimate Jet Lag!
- 5. Do: Mix Big Attractions With Free Activities!
- 6. Don’t: Do Not Forget That The Weather Can Change Anytime!
- 7. Do: Find Family-Friendly Eats!
- 8. Don’t: Do Not Rely Solely On Google Maps!
- 9. Do: Embrace The Unexpected!
- Final Thoughts
Planning a family trip to London can feel like juggling royal teacups. In short, it can be thrilling but slightly nerve-wracking at the same time.
With so much to see and do, it’s easy to either overpack your itinerary or miss out on must-see gems. And when you’re traveling with kids, comfort, timing, and flexibility become just as important as checking off those iconic sights.
Well, the good thing is that London is one of the most family-friendly cities in the world, but only if you approach it right. With a little planning and a few smart choices, your trip to the UK capital can be smooth and memorable.
Having said that, here are some do’s and don’ts that you can follow for a relaxed family trip to the capital. Dive in!
1. Do: Book Major Attractions In Advance!
London welcomes over 20 million tourists a year. That means you will encounter lines here, even lots of them. In such a scenario, booking your tickets beforehand not only saves time but often helps you score better time slots or discounted rates.
Take the Tower of London, for example. This historic site is a must-see for kids and adults alike. So, instead of waiting in line with tired kids, it’s much smarter to grab your tower of London tickets online in advance from reputable providers.
This way, you’ll skip the lines and head straight into the action. Plus, having your time slot locked in lets you plan the rest of your day with ease.
2. Don’t: Do Not Try To See Everything In One Day!
London is packed with iconic landmarks. Some of the prominent ones are:
- Buckingham Palace,
- Big Ben,
- The London Eye,
- The British Museum,
- Hyde Park,
- Camden Market… the list goes on.
But trying to cram them all into a single day will leave you exhausted and frustrated. That’s why you should pick 2–3 major activities per day and balance them with rest time or a casual stroll. Ultimately, kids need downtime, and so do you.
3. Do: Use Public Transportation!
The UK’s capital public transport system is one of the best in the world. The Underground, aka the Tube, double-decker buses, and even Thames riverboats are all reliable, safe, and fun for families.
You can get an Oyster Card or use a contactless payment card to get the best fares. Kids under 11 travel free on buses and the Tube with a paying adult.
4. Don’t: Do Not Underestimate Jet Lag!
If you’re flying in from the U.S. or anywhere outside Europe, remember that your internal clocks, especially those of your kids, will need time to reset.
Keeping that in mind, plan a low-key Day 1. You can go for maybe a walk through Hyde Park, a carousel ride near the Serpentine, and a pub lunch with fish and chips.
The whole essence of this is to let the whole family settle in before jumping into the deep end of sightseeing.
5. Do: Mix Big Attractions With Free Activities!
The place can be pricey, but it also has some of the best free museums and parks in the world. The Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the British Museum are all free and super engaging for kids.
Pair it smartly. For instance, you can visit the Tower of London in the morning, then go to the nearby Sky Garden for a stunning city view without spending a penny. However, remember that the reservations in the garden are limited.
6. Don’t: Do Not Forget That The Weather Can Change Anytime!
The weather here is a little dramatic. It might be sunny at breakfast and pouring by lunchtime. So, packing wisely can save your family a ton of hassle.
That’s why you should always consider packing:
- Light raincoats or compact umbrellas,
- Layers, including tees, sweaters, and waterproof jackets,
- Comfortable walking shoes.
| Pro Tip: Download a local weather app to stay ahead. |
7. Do: Find Family-Friendly Eats!
London’s food scene is more than fish and chips. You’ll find everything here, from Thai noodles to vegan desserts. But feeding a family can get expensive and chaotic fast unless you know where to go.
So, you should look for:
- Pubs with kids’ menus (many are family-friendly by day).
- Chain restaurants for budget-friendly and child-approved meals.
- Markets — great for variety and budget-conscious eats.
Bring snacks for museum trips or long queues. Raisins, granola bars, or fruit pouches go a long way with tired kids.
8. Don’t: Do Not Rely Solely On Google Maps!
Yes, Google Maps is helpful — until it suddenly sends you 18 minutes in the wrong direction because of Tube construction or data hiccups. In short, London’s transport system is always evolving.
So, download local-friendly apps that are an absolute must-have for planning routes. Keep Google Translate with you as well for signs or international tourists.
Also, keep a small paper map or guidebook for emergencies — it’s old-school but reliable.
9. Do: Embrace The Unexpected!
Some of the best travel moments happen when you ditch the plan. That surprise street performer near the South Bank? Watch the show. An unexpected rainstorm? Duck into a bookstore or a cozy tea shop and turn it into a story.
This place is full of these little joys — red buses, old telephone booths, street art, afternoon teas, royal guards, and river views. Let your kids explore. Let yourself be wowed.
And don’t worry if everything doesn’t go exactly as scheduled. Since the best memories often come from the in-between moments.
Final Thoughts
A stress-free family trip to the UK’s capital is possible, really. All it takes is a bit of pre-planning, flexibility, and knowing what’s worth your time and what’s not.
So, grab those tickets in advance, pack smart, and build in room for fun. Whether you’re watching the guards at Buckingham Palace, chasing pigeons in Trafalgar Square, or sipping tea near the Thames, the place will charm your whole crew.
And when the kids are grown, and you’re flipping through old trip photos, you’ll be so glad you took the plunge.
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I am a stay-at-home- mom, living in KY with my husband and children. I’m a travel and lifestyle blogger encouraging folks to live their life one adventure at a time while also focusing on beauty, essential oils and health. From time to time I also like to showcase my adorable pets along with my family. Along with Cinnamon Hollow I can be found at The Martin Family Adventure … read more