London is an amazing city and one of our most popular UnTours destinations. What you may not know is that London is a sublime destination for families. Kids stay free on our London Untour. Here are 10 more reasons to take your (grand)kids to London.
The London Eye
What could be better than 443-foot-tall ferris wheel on the banks of the Thames? Built in 2000, the Eye offers soaring views over Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the houses of Parliament. Though these may not be the best views in London, they are certainly the most fun.
The Making of Harry Potter, Warner Bros Studio Tour
Just north of London, visit the studios where all 8 Harry Potter films were made. In two massive hangers, you can see original sets and costumes, learn about the special effects, toast with butter beer, and ride a broom like Harry and his friends did. It’s magic! Book in advance. Read more!
The Globe Theater
Tour the recreation of the Elizabethan theater that staged Shakespeare’s most important plays. Lively tour guides bring the era to life with vivid stories about the groundlings and their lack of hygiene. Engaging exhibits let visitors see costumes and hear instruments of the time.
The Tower of London
History comes alive for kids at the Tower of London, where they can listen to a uniformed Beefeater explain the history, see the royal guard, visit the chapel and moat, hunt for crows, climb towers, and gaze upon the glittering crown jewels.
Hyde Park Hangout
Join the other Londoners for a family picnic in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Kick a soccer ball, stroll the shaded paths, or take a pedal boat out onto the lake. Check out the Princess Diana memorial playground. London is full of appealing green spaces.
British Museum Kids’ Trail
This blockbuster museum is free, so you can duck in and out for short visits, seeking the Rosetta Stone, Easter Island head, and other global treasures. Purchase a family map, print a list of highlights for a scavenger hunt, or use the museum app. Start here to plan your adventure.
Borough Market
Taste your way through the stalls of this historic food hall, with lots of free samples of cheeses, meats, ethnic dishes, and all your fried favorites. Plus a bottomless selection of sweets to sample and buy from, including chocolatiers, bakers, and a fudge stand.
Observation Decks
Visit the observation deck at the Shard, the highest observation point in the city. Or hang out in the Sky Garden in the Walkie Talkie building. For a great free view over Millenium Bridge, St. Paul’s, and the City of London, head up to the 10th floor observation deck at the Tate Modern. It’s free!
Paddington Station
Fans of the Paddington books and movies will want to stop at Paddington station, where you will find a bronze statue of the eponymous bear. There is also a Paddington store there where you can pick up a map for the Paddington Trail, landmarks from the film and books.
A Boat Ride on the Thames
There’s nothing like cruising the Thames and taking in London’s landmarks from the water. You can book a sightseeing cruise or simply board a much more affordable river bus. Greenwich is a perfect destination, where you can tour the Cutty Sark ship.
See all of these and more on a London Untour.