BEST THINGS TO DO IN LONDON WITH KIDS

INSIDE: The Best Things to Do in London with Kids. Updated 2024.

If you are looking for things to do in London with kids, you have come to the right place.

It is one of our top three cities in the world to visit with kids, and our London travel blog will prove it.

There’s unique London attractions such as the London Eye (this is the tour we did) and Kidzania, plus one of the best public transport systems in the world.

London has a spectacular collection of kid friendly London museums, super fun shopping opportunities, and awesome London playgrounds.

Buckingham Palace, Kensington Gardens, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, and Covent Garden are wonderful London attractions, but the hoards of tourists and big crowds make it less appealing for kids.

Our tip is to dig a little deeper and save your precious time for those less touristy, but just as amazing, spots.  

You don’t have to go far by the tube or train to find more unique, epic, amazing SUPER DOOPER FUN things for kids and families.

London has plenty!

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BEST THINGS TO DO IN LONDON WITH KIDS

Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in pounds, unless otherwise stated

London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom. London is also in our Top Five of Fun Family Cities around the world to visit at least once.

This modern city is built around historical architecture and events that go right back to the days of Roman rule.

The Thames River snakes its’ way throughout the capital, and is bordered by amazing iconic destinations such as the iconic ‘Big Ben’ clock tower, the London Eye, and the Southbank Cultural and Entertainment Complex.

There’s also: 

• Westminster Abbey
• The Changing of the Guards
• Famous London Museums like The Science Museum, and the Natural History Museum
• Harrods Department store
• Portobello Markets in Notting Hill (the setting for the Julia Roberts & Hugh Grant film, Notting Hill)
• Camden Markets 
• Brick Lane
• Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, and the Princess Diana Memorial Playground
• Royal Parks, including Regents Park.
• London Zoo
• Covent Garden
• Trafalgar Square
• Madame Tussauds
• Regent Street, and Bond Street Shopping Precinct.

London with kids is a must-do holiday, and you CAN plan a London itinerary with kids on a budget if you choose. Visiting London with tweens before they turn into cynical teenage disagreeables is highly recommended.

The best thing is there’s so many FREE THINGS TO DO with kids in London, so you can save your pennies and pounds for delicious food, souvenirs, and special bucket list adventures.

RELATED: Best London Souvenirs and Gifts to buy for family and friends (unique ideas!)

No.1: Kidzania London

We highly recommend you visit Kidzania London, the mini-city for kids with REAL LIFE experiences.

Kidzania is our NUMBER ONE thing to do with kids after Disney theme parks.

If it’s a rainy day, and you need an indoor playground in London, visit Kidzania – our favourite London attraction for kids.

Kidzania London is an indoor city, run by the kids!

Trust us. If you haven’t yet been, book now. Kidzania is top of our list of things to do with kids in London.

(Did you know you can visit Kidzania in Tokyo, Dubai, Malaysia, Thailand, India, South Korea, Mexico, Chile, India, Kuwait, Egypt and Indonesia too. It’s a worldwide phenomena! )

London Kidzania – Location, Tickets, Opening Hours & How to get there

Address: Westfield London, Ariel Way, W12 7GA

Website: Click here for details on ticket prices, opening hours and directions

No.2: Paddington Bear Statue in Paddington Station London

Is there a statue of Paddington Bear at Paddington Station?

YES! 

Follow our directions below, straight to him! 

(When you are done, head to the Official Paddington Bear shop in London. It’s in the station too !) 

First, make your way to Paddington Station in London.

Arriving to Paddington station by car or foot?

Enter Paddington Station by walking down the ACCESS ROAD from Praed Street.

You’ll find yourself in front of platforms 9 and 10. 

If you arrive by tube, go up the escalator into the main concourse.

You’ll arrive opposite platforms 7-8 and near platform 12. 

If you arrive by Heathrow Express, you’ll arrive on platform 7.

Finding Paddington Bear at Paddington Station

Once you are on the main concourse of the station, look up to see the platform numbers.  

Facing the trains, the platforms run from 1 to 14, left to right.

The Bronze Paddington Statue is on Platform 1.

Turn left and walk all the way to the far end of the building, then do a sharp right at the L intersection at Platform One. 

If it helps, here’s a map of Paddington station and concourse.

Paddington Statue is situated on the bottom of the map, along Eastbourne Terrace.

Look for the large yellow area marked ‘entrance area’ with a big red X signaling that the entrance is closed.

That’s the spot. 

BOOK NOW:   Take this 2.5 hour Paddington Bear Walking Tour of London & learn all the secrets! (Get your Guide tour) 

Look for the giant antique clock on the left side, about 50 metres along. 

The Paddington Station bear statue is just beyond the McDonald’s outlet, and in front of the open space with seating lining some of the walls. 

(This is the large former entrance area that is currently closed off.) 

The adorable Paddington Bear statue sits on a stone platform, with an inscription plate laid in. 

There’s plenty of room at the statue to take photos with this famous London bear.

But you might have to wait your turn! 

Visiting with Paddington Bear is a popular exercise for traveling families, and locals too. 

Paddington Bear Inscription

The inscription is an excerpt from the original story and reads:

“Mr and Mrs Brown first met Paddington on a railway platform.

In fact, that was how he came to have such an unusual name for a bear, 

for Paddington was the name of the station”

From “A Bear Called Paddington” by Michael Bond. 

And so began Paddington Bear’s long association with this platform. 

Paddington Bear Film Locations

Wondering where was Paddington filmed? 

Yes, it’s true. 

The production team behind the live action movie of Paddington filmed scenes from the first film here at the station back in 2013. 

Paddington Bear movie clip of Paddington at Paddington Station! 

Want a reminder of how Paddington met the kindly Brown family for the first time? 

Take a look at the clip above, and be prepared for few nostalgic tears! 

Image credit: Teameister via Flickr CC BY-2.0

Paddington Bear Statue Bench Paddington Station

Below the green insignia shown above, there is a Paddington Bear book bench.

Shaped like an open book, it’s a popular spot for people to sit, and I could not manage a picture without disturbing two elderly gentlemen who were quite at home. 

This Paddington Statue bench was part of the National Literacy Trust’s Books About Town trail in 2014. 

This exhibition featured 50 book benches scattered around London.

It’s apt that this Paddington bear bench has now ended up here at the Paddington Bear train station! 

Paddington Trail Sculpture

Heads up: There is a SECOND Paddington statue too.

Take a look at the Paddington Trail Statue INSIDE the Official Paddington shop at Paddington station. 

This is the main one from the Paddington Trail art exhibition, that featured 50 small statues of Paddington scattered around London as part of the publicity campaign to coincide with the release of the first big screen movie of Paddington in December 2014. 

Each statue was decorated by famous artists and well known celebrities from the UK and beyond. 

Image credit: Fundraising.co.uk  This is what it looks like from the back. 

Paddington Bear Statue in London – Location, Tickets, Opening Hours & How to get there

Paddington station address: Praed St, Paddington London UK
Telephone: 03457114141
Website:  Click here

Where is the Paddington Bear Statue location? If you haven’t guessed already, it’s at Paddington station.

How to get to Paddington Station by Heathrow Express 

From Heathrow, the quickest way is to catch the Heathrow Express train. It brings you straight here to Platform 7 between 5am and 9pm (until early 2021 at least, then the platform may change).  

Hot tip: Purchase your tickets online or through the Heathrow Expres at least 90 days in advance and pay only £5.50 for a one-way ticket.

That’s a MASSIVE saving of almost 75%! 

Also. Children aged 15 years and under travel free in Express Class when accompanied by a paying adult

How to get to Paddington Station in London by underground

Otherwise, Paddington Underground Station is on the:

• Hammersmith and City Line
• the Bakerloo line, and
• the District and Circle lines.

You can also arrive directly at Paddington Station from South Wales and South-west England, from towns including Cardiff, Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth and Swansea.

The entrances from the London Underground, Bakerloo, Circle and District lines is up the escalator.

Paddington Station Map

Combined with a visit to the Paddington Bear store in London, it’s fun to take a selfie with the bear himself.

But unless you are a die hard Paddington Bear fan, we wouldn’t make a special trip on it’s own. 

No.3: London Eye with kids

Have you found yourself asking the question, should I book the London Eye experience with children?

Should we, or shouldn’t we, take a ride on the giant cantilevered observation wheel on the South Bank of the Thames River in London?

That was a question I asked myself.

It’s not cheap to ride with kids in tow, and I didn’t want to waste money we could have used for other attractions in London.

I was desperate to know was it worth it?

After LOTS of research into London Eye discount pricing, and money-saver deals, we booked a GUIDED TOUR on the London Eye!

It was the best decision ever.

Guide to the London Eye Experience 

The Millennium Wheel is the real name of this modern London icon.

It’s said to be the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, with over 3.75 million visitors annually.

London Eye Experiences are a chance to see iconic London views from a birds eye view.

London Eye Fast Track – The ONLY way to go!

If you are visiting London eye with kids, three words:  Fast track entry.

Don’t wait in the queues with kids.

We pre-booked our London Eye fast track tickets and tour with a private guide, arrived 15 minutes before boarding as requested, and were given a special spot to wait in the main reception area (the Eye Lounge).

The kids entertained themselves before the London Eye tour by making friends with the other kids who were also in our group.

A few minutes before boarding time, we met our London Eye tour guide, who then led our motley crew up to the loading platform, and onto the capsule for 360 degree views of top London sights.

Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. 

Complimentary 360° Mini-Guide

This round map (that folded down to look like a slice of pizza) helped Ned and I to navigate our way around the London we saw in front of us, spotting buildings including the Dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower of London and Buckingham Palace.

It’s a fab keepsake of your trip to London too.

Entry to the Coca Cola London Eye 4D Experience

The fun of the London Eye for children doesn’t stop at the end of the ride.

The follow up is a special 4D cinema movie experience. The London Eye 4D Experience is the first live action, 4D attraction film ever produced in the UK and contains the first ever 3D aerial photography over London.

Both my boys LOVED this bonus activity, and so did I.

Specialist Guide providing commentary.

Our guide was a jolly fellow, with a love of England and full of stories that gave us insight into the history but also the quirks of the buildings and landmarks we could see.

This in-person live commentary was far more captivating and FUN for Roam the Gnome, myself AND the kids than a taped recording could ever be.

I was worried that the kids might get a little fidgety or bored on a 30-minute circle of the sky, but they both tuned in from time to time.

Of course, at other times, they stared out the window, laid on the floor to peer over the edge, or showed off their flexible bodies and gymnastic skills on the silver handle bar, but as they were quiet, no one batted an eyelid!

On this private guided tour, we had lots of opportunities to ask questions about the London sights and attractions we were seeing, as we spotted them.

Ned is a chatty kid who loves to know everything, so he was so happy to have a captive audience in the guide!

This London Eye tour was not filled with boring information.

Our guide told us insider stories about movies that have been made in London (Bridget Jones and James Bond fans, listen up), where life-changing and heroic events have occurred, plus he gave me tips on where to take the kids next!

Facts about London Eye! 

The London Eye has featured in international feature films such as:

• Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
• Wimbledon
• Thunderbirds, and
• Paddington the Movie.

The London Eye has been seen in well known TV programmes such as:

• The Simpsons
• Doctor Who
• Sherlock and
• The Apprentice too.

What can you see from the London Eye view?

From this London Ferris wheel, you can spy:

• the MI6 Spy headquarters
• the iconic Big Ben
• Westminster Abbey where Kate and Wills were married
• Cleopatra’s needle
• Buckingham Palace
• Nelson’s Column, and
• Trafalgar Square.

On a clear day, you can see about 40 km away from the top.

The best London attractions for kids to spot are located close to the edge of the Thames River.

They’ll have no trouble catching sight of the Tower of London, or the Tower Bridge, or anything built along the water’s edge.

Kids will likely have more difficulty spotting the London sights that reside further back in amongst the city buildings

BUT they will be happily fascinated by the river ferries, the bridges, and the people watching, both on the ground and in the capsules on either side of you.

Be sure to have your royal wave at the ready!

Look out for the very cool nature playground as you complete your circle journey.

We had NO idea this existed before our London Capsule trip. 

What a find!

It’s recently had a renovation too.

Head there next. (Find details of the Jubilee Gardens playgrounds in the PLAYGROUNDS section below) 

London Eye Facts for Kids

Take a look at this fun London Eye information for kids.

No.1: What is the London Eye?

The world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, that sits on the banks of the Thames River running through the centre of London.

No.2: How tall is the London Eye?

Wondering how high is the London eye?

It’s a GIANT SIZED 135 metres tall (or 443 foot!)

That’s equivalent to 64 red telephone boxes piled on top of each other!

No.3: Diameter of London Eye?

The wheel has a diameter of 120 metres, or 394 foot. 

The 80 spokes laid together would stretch for 6km – the distance from Trafalgar Square to Canary Wharf.

No.4: When was the London Eye built?

Built during 1999, it officially opened to the public in March 2000. 

It was supposed to be open for just five years, but has been such a hit with both locals and tourists alike, it remains.

No.5: How much did it cost to build the London Eye?

HOW MUCH did the London Eye cost to build?

Get ready for it! 

An eye-watering sum of £75 million pounds! 

But never fear, it quickly recouped all that sum by selling tickets to ride.

It took seven years and the skills of hundreds of people from five countries to make the London Eye a reality.

No.6: Why was the London Eye made?

The London Eye was built as a 21st Century landmark, and has quickly become one of London’s most recognised symbols. 

Locals and visitors alike have a soft spot for this breathtaking feat of engineering.

The London Eye receives more visitors annually than ancient wonders of the world like the Taj Mahal, Stonehenge and even the Great Pyramids of Giza.

No.7: What is the London Eye used for?

Tourism mostly. 

Also corporate events such as Year End celebrations, new business proposals, private parties for birthdays, 21st celebrations, 40th and 50th birthday parties, and engagements.

You can even book a wedding on the London Eye in your own private capsule, beautifully decorated with fresh flowers, for up to 14 guests! 

London Eye inside capsule

Frequently Asked Questions about London Eye 

No.1: Where is the London Eye?

Very very close to Big Ben!

Just a 10 minute walk from Big Ben across the Westminster Bridge in fact.

You couldn’t find a more central location for this famous London wheel ride.

No.2: How much is the London Eye?

How much is it to go on the London eye?

It depends on what you want to do, and when.

Take a look at THE INSIDE SCOOP below for details of individual tickets, family ticket prices, and combo deals.

No.3: How long does the London Eye take?

Wondering how long is the London Eye ride? 

It’s a 30 minute slow spin all the way around from start to finish.

No.4: Whats the best time to ride London Eye with kids?

What’s the best time to go on the London Eye with children? 

We rode in the daytime on a lovely Spring sunny day.

Our best bet for the London Eye with children is to do the same.

You see more and further.

No.5: Can you visit London Eye at night?

You sure can! 

A night time trip on the London Eye lets you see London city all lit up!

No.6: Does the London Eye stop?

Technically no, it doesn’t need to stop as it moves so slowly (0.9 km per hour, or a ruler length every second) people can hop on and off without a hassle.

From time to time, the wheel will pause to help load or unload people with disabilities or the elderly.

No.7: What is the Eye Lounge?

It’s the area above the ticket office, where – if you buy a fast track ticket – you can buy a drink as you wait to board your capsule. 

No food or snacks available.

No.8: What else can you do at London Eye?

Join a VIP wine tasting tour, or for those with a sweet tooth, the VIP Hotel Chocolat chocolate tasting tour lets you taste delicious truffles and handmade chocolate!

No.9: How many people can fit in a capsule?

Up to 25 people, young and old, can be accommodated in a capsule with plenty of room to move about.

The London Eye can carry 800 guests per rotation – equivalent to 11 London red double decker buses.

No.10: Do you have to book the London Eye?

Yes. most definitely.

In advance is best.

There may be a chance for walk ins, but save time by purchasing ahead. 

No.11: Is the London Eye worth it?

Yes. At least once, for the views of London from up high. 

You can’t see London like this from anywhere else. 

No.12: Can you buy a London Eye Souvenir photo?

Souvenir Photographs are available from the 4D Experience and London Eye.

Pose for your photo at the end of your London Eye experience!

View and purchase your images in the gift shop and at the Photo Desk in the ticket hall.

Hot tip: Pre-book the Souvenir Photo Package online after selecting your entry tickets and save 20%.

Package includes:

• 2 Souvenir Photos
• Photo book
• Keyring
• Magnet

Want a sneak peek into the London Eye experience?

Watch our video above.

London Eye – Location, Tickets, and Opening Hours 

London Eye address: The London Eye location is Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB
Telephone: 44 (0)870 990 8883 or 0333 321 2001
Website: Click here
Email: [email protected]

London Eye Opening Hours

The London Eye times are as follows:

• 9.30am Ticket Office opens.
• 10.00am first rotation.
• The London Eye closing time varies throughout the year but usually between 18:00 and 20:30.
• Open daily except Christmas Day (25 December)

The London Eye 4D experience closes 15 minutes prior.

Please click here for current details.

London Eye Discount Tickets

Looking for London Eye deals, or cheap London Eye tickets?

Take a look at these London Eye offers:

No.1: London Eye Private Tour with Personal Guide

This is the London Eye tour we chose, after looking at ALL the options to find the best value, with the least wait time, and queues. Avoiding time in queues is my hot tip for travelling with toddlers and kids.

This tour includes fast-track priority access to the London Eye with a live professional guide inside your private pod, dedicated to your own VIP small group flight.

Price also includes:

• 4-D cinema experience
• Souvenir London Eye 360-degree viewing card
• Complimentary access to the VIP Champagne bar

Meet your guide at the VIP Experiences meeting desk which is located inside the London Eye building.

Prices start from £37 per adult (approx $69 AUD ) and £33 ($60 AUD) per child. Infants under 2 are FREE.  (NB: subject to change).

No.2: London Eye VIP Tickets (Guided Tour)

The London Eye with Champagne VIP Guided Tours start from £41.00 adults and children.

Children under 3 can travel for FREE in the London Eye Champagne pod with you, but must still have a ‘ticket’ to ride. Include them in your booking.

No.3: London Eye 2 for 1

Look out for specially marked packs of Kelloggs cereal and snacks for London Eye 2 for 1 vouchers from time to time.

The other place to find London Eye 2 for 1 tickets is via Days Out Guide when you travel with the National Rail.

Click here for details including terms and conditions.

No.4: London Eye Combo deals

Choose a combo deal of family-fun combining the London Eye with children, plus one attraction from this list:

• Madame Tussauds
• Big Bus London
• Shrek’s Adventure
• SEALIFE London Aquarium
• London Dungeon

Click here for details

Tickets to all attractions must be used within 90 days.

You can also buy a combo with London Eye and TWO of the attractions listed above. Click here for details. 

No.5: London Eye and River Cruise

Buy a London Eye River Cruise deal, including the 4D cinema from £33 per person.

The standard London eye price on the door starts from:

• £30 for adults (16+), and
• £24 for children.

Save money by buying online (from £27 adults, and £22 children)

Children under 3 are FREE!

There are no London eye concessions for pensioners or the elderly.

There are London Eye student tickets.

No.6: London Eye family ticket

These start from from £30 for adults (16+), and £24 for children at the door.

Family standard tickets are a little cheaper if you buy online:

• From £26 adults, and
• £20 children.

You must book a minimum of one adult and two paying children aged 3 or older.

Children under 3 are FREE!

London Passes and Vouchers

No.1: London Explorer Pass

The London Explorer Pass includes the London Eye.

Save up to to 40% off entry fees for top London attractions with this pass.

Select a 3, 5 or 7 choice credits package.

Enjoy huge savings vs. attraction gate prices.

Click here for details. 

No.2: London Eye vouchers

Book London Eye tickets for a gift.

Print their ticket & pop it in a gift card.

No.3: London Pass London Eye

Please note, the London Pass DOES NOT include the London Eye.

How to get to the London Eye Experience

By Tube:

• The closest tube to London Eye? It’s within easy walking distance from several London Underground stations: Waterloo, Embankment, Charing Cross and Westminster.
• Waterloo is the closest tube station to the Coca-Cola London Eye. Waterloo is about five minutes walking distance. Exit the station following signs for the South Bank.
• Embankment and Charing Cross stations are close together on the north side of the River Thames. Both tube stations are a ten-fifteen minute walk to reach the Coca-Cola London Eye. From the station, cross over Hungerford Bridge.
• Westminster tube station is the closest station to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. From Westminster tube station, take exit one and follow signs for Westminster pier.

By Train:

• The closest rail stations to the Coca-Cola London Eye are Waterloo and Charing Cross.
• Waterloo is the closest rail station to the Coca-Cola London Eye. Waterloo is about five minutes walking distance; take exit six for the South Bank and follow the signs.
• Charing Cross is about a fifteen minute walk to the Coca-Cola London Eye. Cross over Hungerford Bridge

By Bus:

• Buses to the Coca-Cola London Eye include the 211, 77 and 381. The Coca-Cola London Eye is on most London sightseeing bus tours and on the RV1 route that connects the London Eye to the Tate Modern and Covent Garden

By Car:  If possible, we suggest going by public transport. Driving is a hassle in London.

Best Car Park near London Eye?

• The closest car park is at the Southbank Centre
• Alternative car parks are also available within walking distance of the London Eye.
• Please note that the Coca-Cola London Eye is within the Congestion Charge Zone.

On our last visit to London, we tossed up between the Tower of London, or the London Tower Bridge Experience.

Obligatory ‘Scared’ Photo!

No.4: Tower Bridge London

What got my boys over the line was the Tower Bridge Glass Walkway.

 The kids and I were intrigued!

Asking the question, can you walk across Tower Bridge in London?

The answer is YES!

Sneak Peek at our Tower Bridge Glass Floor Video

Upon arrival, and with City Cruises Combo Ticket already in hand, we were ushered into a group and taken directly to the lift up to the start of the Tower Bridge Glass Floors Walkway.

(I’m not sure if the ‘fast pass’ letting us through was because of our pre-bought ticket, or the fact I had two busy active boys with me).

If you don’t like lifts, you can walk up the grand Victorian staircase instead.

Once at the top, we headed out along the High Level Walkway straight to the SUPER DOOPER FUN Tower Bridge Walkway! This new glass floor is the drawcard.

The TOWER BRIDGE GLASS FLOOR is 42 metres ABOVE the River Thames in London, a view you won’t find anywhere else in London city.

My boys showed NO fear at all.

They, along with other children, LAID DOWN on the floor almost immediately to get the closest view possible.

Paradoxically, there were quite a few adults who had to be coerced to put even a foot on the glass. (Myself included!)

Self preservation perhaps.

Something feels innately wrong with stepping out onto the Tower Bridge glass floor!

To walk over Tower Bridge is kind of freaky, but super fun at the same time!

The highlight of standing 42 metres above the River Thames on the Tower Bridge glass floor was watching as iconic Red London buses, Black Cabs and tiny people traversed across the bridge in peak hour traffic.

We waved as City Cruise ferry boats sailed beneath.

Inside Tower Bridge Experience

There’s something unique about this Tower Bridge Glass Walkway.

The glass walkway acted as a conductor of friendship under the most unlikely circumstances.

I listened to FIVE different people share their stories of how they came to be afraid of heights!

As we continued on with our explorations, we shared smiles, glances of recognition, and hi-fives with fellow achievers who beaten the Tower Bridge glass walkway challenge at the same time as us.

This was the highlight of this London tourist attraction.

How delightful it was to move through a London tourist destination with real-life interactions, laughter, and sharing stories with fellow explorers.

It was a noticeable change to the avoid-conversation-at-all-costs experience that is all too common in gimmicky and expensive tourist attractions.

Tower Bridge inside

There’s so much else to see from the walkways too.

The two most famous iconic London landmarks are:

• St Paul’s Cathedral and
• the Tower of London, being the two most famous.

There’s also an information display showing the 40+ great bridges in the world.

One thing WE DID NOT KNOW was that numerous times during the day, the bridge OPENS for passing boat traffic.

If you time your visit right, you can be standing on the glass walkway above it when it does!

The Tower Bridge lift times of the Tower gateway  can be found here.

Now, we’ll have to go back!

Visit the Tower Bridge Museum

Following the visit to the Tower Bridge glass floor walkways, it’s time to head down to the Victorian Engine Rooms.

For the kids, this Tower Bridge engine room might actually be the highlight.

They’ll see machines that were once used to power the raising of the Tower Bridge ‘roads’ including: 

• huge steam engines
• furnaces and
• other gadgets, and machinery

There’s some hands-on stuff for the kids here too.

London Tower Bridge Facts for kids

Here’s 10 of the best Tower Bridge fun facts! 

No.1: How often does Tower Bridge open?

The Bridge is raised around 850 times each year. 

Check here for Bridge Lift Times.

No.2: Who designed Tower Bridge?

Horace Jones, the City Architect, in collaboration with John Wolfe Barry, was the man behind the design chosen from over 50 submissions in 1884.

No.3: When was Tower Bridge built?

Tower Bridge finally opened in 1892, a bridge designed to ease road traffic after eight years work by five major contractors.

Over 432 construction workers toiled and sweated from dusk to dawn over the eight years to build Tower Bridge.

No.4: How old is Tower Bridge?

Over 120 years old!

No.5: What’s the height of Tower Bridge?

It’s ‎213 ft (65 m) tall.

No.6: Does Tower Bridge have a glass floor?

Yes. The glass floor measures 11 metres long and 1.8 metres wide and comprise of panels weighing 530 kilograms each

The installation took a 20-strong team to construct it!

MORE about Tower Bridge For Kids 

No.7: How much did it cost to build the Tower Bridge?

According to Measuring Worth, the total cost of construction was £1,184,000 (equivalent to £132 million in 2018)

No.8: What is inside Tower Bridge? 

A fascinating exhibition showcasing:

• the history of the bridge
• spectacular London architecture
• a sneak peek into the old engine rooms
• film archives showing the history of the bridge’s construction, plus
• amazing views of London.

No.9: Tower Bridge History

In 1952, a London bus driven by Albert Gunter had to leap from one bascule to the other when the bridge began to rise with the number 78 bus still on it!

In 1977, Tower Bridge was painted red, white and blue to celebrate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee.

(Before that, it was painted a chocolate brown colour).

In 1982, Tower Bridge opened to the public for the first time since 1910, with a permanent exhibition inside called The Tower Bridge Experience.

Credit: Tower Bridge History. 

No.10: Last Tower Bridge information

Did you know 40,000 people cross Tower Bridge each day.

Things to do in Tower Bridge? Best Tower Bridge Family Activities

Each month, the staff at Tower Bridge dedicate a whole day to family friendly activities inside Tower Bridge.

Download the Family Activity Day Programme to see what’s coming up!

No.1: Tower Bridge Exhibition App

While we collected stickers for a Tower Bridge Exhibition Passport, visitors to Tower Bridge now have a BRAND NEW APP  to explore Tower Bridge like never before!

Designed especially for families, this app is all about hands-on interactive learning about Tower Bridge.

SUPER FUN!  

Check out some of the features below:

• Transform your mobile device into a working wrench and tighten the bolts of a shaky engine
• Shovel coal into the boiler to power the bridge
• Steer your boat to safety along the Thames by tipping your phone from side to side!

Available on Apple iOS and  Android now.

No.2: Tower Bridge Family Trail Booklet

There’s also a new Family Trail booklet for those who like old-school paper-based fun!

The booklet aims to entertain, encourage imaginative learning, and ensure everyone in the family has a modern day of fun and laughter.

• Unearth amazing stories from the Bridge’s history as well as discover the way Tower Bridge functions.
• Instructions to build your very own paper boat
• Join in a game of eye-spy using the panoramic views of London from the high-level Walkways,

Ask one of the helpful hosts for your copy of the Family Trail booklet.

No.3: Free Family Activities Pass on a Tower Bridge Visit

Join us inside Tower Bridge for a Family Activity Day and you’ll receive a complimentary 6-month Family Activity Pass.

This pass allows you and your family FREE entry into Tower Bridge on any Family Activity Day within six months of your visit.

When you return, simply bring along your original ticket and your pass, which you’ll receive on your first visit, and a form of ID and you can enjoy family activities for free.

No.4: Autism Friendly Early Opening

Tower Bridge opens early on selected Saturdays for children with autism and other needs, as well as their siblings, families and carers.

Families are able to explore the Towers and Engine Rooms in a calm, relaxed atmosphere and also take part in a family craft activity if they wish.

Download the visual story to help prepare for your visit.

Best Fish and Chips at Tower Bridge?

Head over to the food outlets outside Tower of London and grab yourselves some hot chips, wrapped in faux newspaper, or fish and chips in a box.

Visit:

• Josef’s Fish and Chips, or
• Teds Fish and Chips.

They are next to one another.

A very touristy thing to do, but delicious all the same, and the kids will think it’s great!

The Tower Bridge for Kids Sticker Book 

On our visit, the kiosk lady handed both boys a Tower Bridge Exhibition Passport, and one set of stickers and explained to me that we should collect the rest of the sticker packs at locations further on.

(Three more sticker packs were necessary to complete the passport properly)

We were instructed to collect any sticker packs we missed along the way at the gift shop before we left.

This passport was designed to help children move from room to room, picking up a few handy facts about Tower Bridge to keep them engaged along the way.

This was the BEST family friendly activity book I’ve ever seen at any London attraction to date, and the boys looked at it for weeks afterwards. It’s a shame it’s no longer.

Tower Bridge Experience – Location, Tickets, Opening Hours

Address: Tower Bridge Exhibition Experience, Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 2UP, United Kingdom.
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7403 3761 (09:30 – 17:00 GMT Mon-Fri)
Website: Click here
Email (guest relations): [email protected]

When does Tower Bridge open?

Tour Bridge exhibition hours are:

• All year: 09:30 – 17:00 (last admission)
• Tower Bridge Exhibition is closed 24 – 26 December and open from 10:00 on 1 January.
• Visitors are advised to allow additional time for validating their online booking, security checks and lift access up to the Walkways.
• Entry into the glass walkways cannot be guaranteed for a specific time at peak times, or during bridge lifts.
• Be sure to catch a BRIDGE LIFT.

Tower Bridge Walkway Tickets 

Tower Bridge London tickets cost:

• £9.80 adults
• £4.20 for children (ages 5 -15)
• Seniors £6.80,
• Children under 5 FREE!

All Tower Bridge tickets include entry to the glass floor. 

Tower Bridge discount tickets: Buy your Tower Bridge Experience tickets online here to save a few pennies on each ticket.

Can you buy a Tower Bridge voucher?  [email protected] to enquire.

Where is Tower Bridge?

Tower Bridge is 5 minutes walk from the Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels, and Traitors gate. The closest tube station to Tower Bridge is Tower Hill.

Tower Bridge entrance

The main entrance and ticket office for Tower Bridge is located at the North West Tower of the Bridge.

The entrance to the Victorian Engine Rooms is located on the south side of the Bridge at river level on Shad Thames.

Follow the painted blue line on the ground to connect the two parts of the attraction.

How to get to London Tower Bridge Glass Walkway

London Eye to Tower Bridge is 22 minute by tube, or 23 minutes by City Cruises.

By Tube:

• Tower Hill station can be accessed from the District and Circle lines to the north side of the Bridge.
• London Bridge station is served by the Northern and Jubilee lines and brings you to the south bank of the River Thames. Tower Bridge is just a short walk away.

By Boat:  Riverboats stop at St Katherine Pier and Tower Pier on the north bank and at London Bridge City Pier on the south bank. The Tower Bridge Exhibition is a short walk away.

By Bus: The following bus routes will take you to Tower Bridge: 15, 42, 78,100, RV1.

By Train: Reach Tower Bridge Exhibition from either London Bridge, Fenchurch Street or Tower Gateway DLR Stations.

By Cycle: Cycle hire docking points are available at St Katherine Way on the north bank of the river and on Tooley Street and at One Tower Bridge on the south side of the river. It’s a few minutes walk from these cycle parking bays to Tower Bridge Exhibition.

By Car: We suggest visiting by public transport as it’s so hassle free, and more budget friendly.

Tower Bridge Car Park 

• Tower Bridge does not have its’ own car parking. The nearest car park is Tower Hill Coach and Car Park situated at 50 Lower Thames Street, London, EC3R 6DP, situated next to the Tower of London.
• Download the Parking information PDF here

No.5: Harry Potter Studio tour

A trip to the Harry Potter Studio Tour is a must for every HP fan.

Details coming soon! 

No.6: London Transport Museum

The London Transport Museum is not somewhere that immediately springs to mind when you are planning a trip to London with kids.

BUT, the LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM in Covent Garden is one of the best places for kids in London as it’s all HANDS ON!

My boys love everything to do with transport and vehicles, so the London Transport Museum Covent Garden was a done deal for us but it’s fun for boys, girls, teens and families.

Stop asking is the London transport museum for kids worth a visit?

IT IS! 

London Transport Museum is a favourite of local London families

This is our pick of things to do in London with toddlers.

The London Transport Museum is the world’s leading museum of urban transport, but the best spot for kids is the All Aboard exhibition, the Museum’s exciting new play zone which opened in March 2015, for children 0 – 7 years old.

Just for starters, kids can

• Repair a mini Tube train with toy spanners
• Work and play in the ‘Lost Property’ office
• Make driver announcements
• Help customers at the mini information desk using the magnetic message board, maps and clocks.

There’s also a dedicated baby-space infants at the ‘Baby DLR’ with an interactive wall and building blocks.

Kids LOVE the Transport Museum in London (sometimes mistakenly called the London Bus museum, but it’s not. That museum is in Surrey. )

The London Transport Museum is the world’s leading museum of urban transport.

The London Transport exhibitions include All Aboard, the Museum’s exciting new play zone which opened in March 2015, for children 0 – 7 years old.

There’s also a dedicated baby-space infants at the ‘Baby DLR’ with an interactive wall and building blocks. It’s on ground floor and level 1 of the Museum.

Covent Garden Transport Museum ALL ABOARD exhibition

Here’s a list of things to do at the London Transport Museum London ALL ABOARD

No.1: Role Play

Role play in dress-up uniforms and become:

• drivers
• cleaners
• station announcers
• mechanics (as pictured above) and
• river captains aboard ferry boats too!

Repair a mini Tube train with toy spanners, 

No.2: Work and play in the ‘Lost Property’ office

No.3:  Play on the Transport Museum vehicles for kids

• Play on a mini fleet of vehicles
• ‘Sailing’ the Thames Nipper
• Serve passengers in the Nipper café

• Drive a London taxi black cab 
• Fly the Emirates Air Line cable car

No.4: Make driver announcements

And search for the ‘noisy seats’ on some of the vehicles which make funny sounds when sat upon.

Kids can also help customers at the mini information desk using the magnetic message board, maps and clocks.

Singing stars of the future can play musical instruments at the busking spot.

All Aboard exhibition is located on the ground floor and Level 1 of the museum.

That’s not all!

MORE Hands on Activities at the British Transport Museum

Try these activities throughout the Transport Museum in London:

• Drive Tube train simulators
• Pick up a free stamper card and collect transport stamps around the Museum galleries

No.1: Board a bus

• Board real buses, trains and trams and get in the driver’s seat!
• Meet costumed actors who bring some of the exhibits to life
• Dress up in historical outfits
• Eat fun food in our cafe (see below!)

No.2: Choose some activities from the family station. 

Activities include:

• folding your own bus and driving it between the vehicles
• spotting shapes around the Museum through shape spotters, and
• opportunities to make up your own transport story.

Available at weekends and school holidays. Suitable for families with children aged 3 – 12

London Transport Museum cafe

Wondering where to eat at the London Transport Museum? 

No.1: Upper Deck Cafe

Do not miss the super fun food at the Museum’s Upper Deck café: 

• Tube line milk shakes
• train shaped pasta dishes,  or
• collect a bus shaped lunch box to take to the indoor picnic area.

There’s more hot & cold food and drinks including smoothies, which are available throughout the day.

Check the menu here

Situated at the front of the Museum above the gift shop, enjoy views over the Piazza in Covent Garden.

High chairs are available.

Upper Deck Cafe Opening Hours

• Sunday to Tuesday 10.00 to 6.30pm
• Wednesday to Saturday  10am to 7pm

No.2: Lower Deck Cafe & Indoor Picnic Area

This London transport museum cafe is situated in the main museum the Lower Deck café offers:

• a range of sandwiches
• snacks
• hot and cold drinks
• English homemade gelato
• frozen yoghurt
• milkshakes,
• plus award winning coffee from trained baristas!

Lunchboxes are available for kids – choose any four items and get cucumber & carrot sticks for free

• Open Saturday and Sunday* 10:00 to 16:30
• During school holiday periods the Lower Deck ice cream cafe is open daily from 10:00 to 16:30

No.3: Picnic Area

The museum has a small indoor picnic area where you can eat your own packed lunches

London Transport Museum Events

The London Transport Museum Covent Garden has some extra special family-friendly activities and events.

Click here for details of current family events at London Transport Museum.

Click here for details of events for children under 5. 

You can also take a Behind the Scenes Tour.

London Transport Museum app & guide

Download the free London Transport Museum Covent Garden App on iPhone or Android.

Download the Family Guide to the London Transport Museum Covent Garden.

(There’s some tips on what you should NOT miss!)

Transport Museum London – Location, Tickets, Opening hours

Phone: +44 20 7379 6344
Website: Click here
Email (guest relations): [email protected]

London Transport Museum Opening Times

Museum Galleries: 

• Monday-Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 10.00 – 18.00 (Last entry 17.15)
• Friday 11.00 – 18.00 (Last entry 17.15)

The London Transport museum tickets

The London Transport museum prices are:

• Children, and young people under 18 enter for FREE! (Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult).
• Adult £18.00; Concession £17

There is no London Transport Museum entrance fee for carers – one carer is admitted for free when accompanying a concession paying adult.

London Transport Museum Covent Garden tickets allow unlimited daytime entry to all Museum galleries and temporary exhibitions for a whole year.

(Terms and conditions apply. See website.)

London Transport Museum Discount tickets

No.1: Book discount tickets to London Transport museum 

Click here (Get your Guide)

No.2: London Transport Museum 2 for 1 tickets

These come up from time to time.

Keep your eyes peeled.

How to get to London Transport Museum London

Get to the London transportation museum:

By Underground

• Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Holborn, Embankment, Charing Cross
• Plan your journey with Transport for London

By Bus

• Strand or Aldwych (RV1, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 139)

By Rail

• Charing Cross and Waterloo Mainline StationsPlan your journey with National Rail

By Boat

• Save with our joint ticket for London Transport Museum and MBNA Thames Clippers.
• Embankment Pier is the closest pier to the museum, a 10 minute walk away.
• Plan your journey with Thames Clippers

By Bicycle

• Get here using Santander Cycle Hire.
• Nearest Docking Stations are available behind the museum on Tavistock Street and a short walk from the Museum on Wellington Street.
• There is also a public cycle rack located a few minutes walk from the museum in Russell Street.
• A comprehensive list of cycle parking locations across Westminster can be found on the Westminster Cycling Campaign website.

By Car: Click here for google map directions to London Transport museum

London Transport Museum Parking

• There is a very limited number of parking spaces available near the Museum.
• These spaces are charged at £4.40 per hour, with a maximum stay of around 4 hours.

The ParkRight app for mobile, developed for the City of Westminster, can provide you with real time parking space occupancy information.

Facilities at the Transport Museum in London

• Baby changing room
• Baby feeding room
• Ramp /lift access to all galleries
• Buggy park for strollers
• Picnic area
• Seating around the galleries so you can breastfeed if you need

Take a break at Transportorium on the Moquette seats! (pictured below) 

Hot Tip: The London Transport Museum Depot Acton

Did you know, the London Transport Museum Depot at Acton is a secondary storage yard and holds the majority of the Museum’s collections which are not on display in the main Museum in Covent Garden?

It opens to the public for special events, including themed open weekends and guided tours.

• London Transport Museum Depot is located at 118-120 Gunnersbury Lane, Acton Town, London W3 9BQ.
• The closest bus stops to the Museum Depot are Gunnersbury Lane (Acton Town station) 70 or E3.
• The closest Underground station is Acton Town (2 mins).
• There is no parking at the Depot except for disabled badge holders

Visit London Museum of Transportation during an Open Weekend!

The London transport museum depot open day weekends happen twice a year, typically around March and September.

There’s make-and-take workshops alongside engineering challenges, quizzes and trails.

Above all you can explore over 370,000 items spanning 200 years of London’s public transport.

No.7: Changing of the Guard ceremony

See British Pageantry come to life at the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

More details coming soon… 

Image credit: Alistair Ross via Wikipedia CC BY 2.0

No.8: Best Things to do at Stratford Olympic Park Playground

Dont miss this place.

No.1: Orbit Slide at Olympic Park London

The first thing that comes into view is the Olympic Park Orbit (real name: ArcelorMittal Orbit) sculpture, the statuesque red spiral tower with the giant Olympic Park slide.

Head towards it.

Did you know you can RIDE THE SLIDE at the ArcelorMittal Orbit? 

It’s the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide, and it’s inside this amazing sculpture artwork! 

Be prepared to whiz down at speeds of up to 15 mph! 

Family friendly for kids who are at least 1.3 meters in height and a minimum of 8 years old.

Buy tickets here through Get your Guide

No.2: The Waterworks Fountain 

Right in front of the Orbit, the Waterworks Fountain, a labyrinth-shaped water park made up of 195 shooting jets of water, danced in a rhythmical pattern.

Ned dodged the freezing streams of water, but the toddler couldn’t quite beat the unpredictable streams and drenched his ONLY pair of shoes!

Uh oh.

No.3: Olympic Park Carnival Rides

To the right, the Vintage Carnival Rides caught our eye.

Ned flew down the super fun Helter Skelter slide,

Jack rode the carousel of cars.

No.4: Olympic Park playgrounds

See PLAYGROUNDS SECTION below to learn about Tumbling Bay playground and Pleasure Gardens playground.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – Location, Tickets, Opening Hours

Address: The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Kids Playground for children is on Olympic Park Ave, London E20 1DY, UK
Entry fees: FREE  (Vintage Rides & the Orbit cost extra.)

MORE Things to do near Stratford London for Kids

If you’re in the area, stop by: 

• V & A Museum of Childhood London
• Old Spitalfields Market for a peek around the stalls if it’s the weekend.
• Discover Children’s Story Centre London

Olympic Park London Opening Hours

 9am to 5pm

Olympic Park Water Fountain Opening Times

The Olympic Park fountains opening times are from 9am to 5pm.

Water fountains operate from March to October, and are closed during the winter months due to lower temperatures.

How to get to Olympic Park London by tube, train & car

By Tube: Stratford station (20 minute walk) is served by the following:

• Central & Jubilee lines
• Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
• National Rail services operated by Greater Anglia and C2C.
• London Overground

By Train: Stratford international station (20 minute walk) is served by the following:

• Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
• Southeastern High Speed 1 services

Pudding Mill Lane station (10 minute walk) is served by the District Light Railway (DLR)

Hackney Wick station (20 minute walk) is served by the London Overground

By Bus or Bike: Please click here for details

By Car: Don’t bother. Take public transport.

Olympic Stadium Parking

The closest car parks to London Stadium are at Stratford Westfield.

MORE OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN LONDON WITH KIDS

No.1: Thames River Cruise 

One heavenly blue-sky day in London with kids in tow, we made our way through Hyde Park to the Thames river via Big Ben.

The kids were awed by the great brown river in front of them, much more so than the historical significance of any of the buildings around them.

So we made a snap decision to take advantage of their fascination with the poo-coloured water, and booked a Thames River Cruise family ticket in London. 

With the London Eye shining brightly to the left, we made our way to the City Cruises ticket office on the Westminster Pier (via a steep staircase below the Westminster Bridge in London that was NOT pram-friendly).

Guide to Booking a Thames River Cruise Family Ticket

City Cruises sightseeing cruises depart every 40 minutes from piers at Westminster, London Eye, Tower and Greenwich.

They also run circular cruises from Tower and Bankside pier.

We rode from Big Ben to Tower Bridge London.

It takes in so many of London’s big sights!

With snacks and a few sweet treats in hand, the kids were happy to take a break from all the walking and strollering, and kick back on the boat for this London River Cruise .

We took a seat on the far left side of the boat, heading in the direction of Tower Bridge but as long as you claim ‘window’ seats, the kids will be happy.

There’s cultural sights on both sides of the river, and they are big enough to spot without having to jump up and down.

On our Thames river boat cruise, we had a very funny tour guide sharing stories of England, new and old.

Even Ned could keep up, and laugh along he did!

Fun London Sightseeing on The River Thames for Kids 

Between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge, Thames River Boats pass lots of London tourist attractions and famous London landmarks.

See if the kids can spot:

• Houses of Parliament (as if they’d want to!)
• Palace of Whitehall
• Big Ben
• London Eye
• Oxo Tower
• St Paul’s Cathedral
• The strangely shaped ‘Gherkin’ building
• The Shard
• HMS Belfast
• Waterloo Bridge
• Millenium Footbridge
• London Bridge
• Tower of London
• The Tower Bridge

While the kids may not be in awe of these historical buildings on any London boat tour, YOU will be!

London sightseeing is exceptional.

Thames Cruise Boats have café-bars with sandwiches, snacks, soft drinks, wine, beer and more.

You can also book a London river cruise with afternoon tea, or a lunch cruise.

Image credit: Neil Willsey via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

The River Thames Facts for Kids

Here’s a bunch of facts about the River Thames for kids.

No.1: Where is the River Thames?

The central Thames River location is at Westminster, near Big Ben.

But it runs through lots of British cities including:

• Cricklade
• Lechlade
• Oxford
• Abingdon
• Wallingford
• Reading
• Henley-on-Thames (home of the Royal Regatta)
• Marlow
• Maidenhead
• Windsor
• Staines-upon-Thames
• Walton-on-Thames
• Kingston upon Thames
• Teddington
• Westminster
• London

No.2: How long is the River Thames?

215 miles long, the longest river in England.

It’s also the second longest river in the UK. 

No.3: How deep is the Thames River?

Want to know the answer to how deep is the River Thames? 

It’s reportedly about 20 metres at its’ deepest point, but depends on the tides. 

No.4: How wide is the River Thames at its widest point? 

Can you believe a mammoth 18 miles wide at the mouth of the river.

True! 

No.5: Where is the source of River Thames? 

Where does the Thames start?

The start of the River Thames is at Seven Springs near Cheltenham.

(Although there’s some schools of thought that say that the River Thames mouth at Thames Head near Cirencester in the Cotswolds is the true source.)

No.6: Where does the River Thames end?

At the North Sea via the Thames Estuary at Southend. 

No.7 : River Thames History

Click here for a full run down of the history of the Thames River from Roman times, through the middle ages, past the Victorian era and into the 20th Century. 

It’s been a maritime route, played the role of a boundary in marking land ownership, has been a fresh water and food source for daily life, and now encourages locals and visitors onto the water for boat rides, water sports, & racing. 

No.8: River Thames Pronunciation

No.9: Thames River Festival

Check out the Totally Thames festival that runs during September.

It endeavours to celebrate the River Thames with:

• arts events, music, choirs and singing
• film showings
• active adventures
• environmental initiatives, and 
• heritage and education programmes.

Check it out here.

No.1o: River Thames Fireworks

Fireworks light up the sky over the Thames River on New Years Eve every year. 

There’s also more Thames River fireworks on Guy Fawkes night on 5th November. 

This is the perfect time to book a river cruise too! 

Image credit: Garry Knight via Flickr CC By 2.0

Thames River Cruises – Location, Tickets, Opening hours

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 77 400 400.
Website: Click here
Email (guest relations): [email protected]

City Cruises Opening Hours

• Departures begin from around 10am.
• Cruises depart every 40 minutes
• They run extra services during peak periods
• In summer/spring, river cruise London boats operate until around 7pm.
• In Winter/Autumn, the last cruise of the day finishes earlier.

For last boats of the day, please check with staff or visit here to view timetables.

River Cruises London with City Cruises continue in all-weather on every day of the week, all year round, from four piers in the heart of London:

• Westminster
• London Eye
• Tower of London, and
• Greenwich.

Facilities on board: Full toilet facilities on board each boat

Image credit: Gail Frederick via Flickr CC BY 2.0

City Cruises London Prices 

Let’s take a look at the best London river cruise deals for families here.

Hot tip: Book online and save.

City Cruises London 24 hour Hop-on Hop-off Family Pass –

A 24 hour Hop-On Hop-Off Family Pass (2A + 3C) is the cheapest way to go. This Thames River cruise family ticket is a bargain at £39 if there’s two adults in your family.

If there’s less people in your family, individual 24 hour pass Rover Tickets cost:

• Adults £19.50
• Children £12.50

Combo Ticket – Save up to 20% on a Top London Attraction + River Cruise

We bought a Tower Bridge Combo ticket including a Hop-on Hop-off all day sightseeing 24-hr pass River Cruise from Westminster to Tower Pier, with entry into the Tower Bridge exhibition.

The cost of the package is £23.10 for adults, and £13.20 for kids 5 -15.

Jack was free, as children aged 0 – 4 years go FREE!

Image credit: Robert Pittman via Flickr CC BY-ND 2.0

MORE OPTIONS for a City Cruises 24-hour Sightseeing Pass & One London Attraction

You can also combine a City Cruises 24-hour sightseeing pass, with one of fifteen other top London attractions with their tour packages.

Pick the London attraction of your choice from this list.

NB: Combo Ticket prices vary depending on the attraction.

• The London Dungeon
• Tower of London
• Greenwich Explorer Pass
• Royal Observatory
• Cutty Sark
• Madame Tussauds
• London Sea Life Aquarium
• London Eye
• Shrek’s Adventure!
• The View from the Shard
• The Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Exhibition & Tour
• St Paul’s Cathedral
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kews Garden

See package prices, and buy tickets here.

Image credit: It’s No Game via Flickr CC BY-2.0

You can also buy individual tickets (not combos) 

Children tickets are valid for kids 5-15  years.

Under 4’s free.

Single Tickets – One Way (taking you from one pier to the next)

• Westminster/London Eye to Greenwich  – online price from £13.25 adults, and £11.25 children
• Westminster to Tower, or Tower to Greenwich, or vice versa – online price from £16.00 adults and £10.75 children

Return Tickets

• Westminster/London Eye to Greenwich, or vice versa  – online price from £17.50 adults, and £8.50 children
• Westminster to Tower, or Tower to Greenwich – online price from £10.75 adults and £7.00 children

How to get to the City Cruises London Boat Terminal

Westminster Pier

The pier is situated next to Westminster Bridge, by the entrance to Westminster underground station, which connects you to the Circle, District and Jubilee lines.

London Eye Pier

Occasionally known as Waterloo Millennium Pier, this is close to Waterloo underground and railway stations and across the river from Embankment and Charing Cross underground and railway station.

The pier is located directly beneath the capital’s London Eye.

Tower Pier

Tower Pier is close to Tower Hill underground station, Tower Gateway DLR station, and London Bridge train station is not far off.

Greenwich Pier

Greenwich Pier is near to Cutty Sark DLR station (Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich).

It is also close to Greenwich railway station.

No.2: Shrek’s Adventure Tour at Southbank London

Southbank is an entertainment centre opposite Big Ben, and next to the London Eye.

There’s lots to see and do including street entertainment,

If you do go to Southbank on the Thames, don’t miss DreamWorks Shrek’s Adventure Tour.

It’s touristy, yes, but lots of fun for kids, young and old.

DO NOT MISS THIS. 

I’m not one to spruik super touristy stuff, but this is hilarious! 

No.3: Namco Funscape London

In the Southbank Promenade, on the Westminster Bridge side of the London Eye, is the County building housing the Namco London Funscape Carnival Arcade.

Namco Arcade London entertainment venue is a three-storey games arcade with everything you need for a rainy day in London to entertain the kids.

There’s:

• ten-pin bowling
• American pool tables
• the latest arcade games
• Pac-Man arcade games
• dodgem cars
• an escape room and
• ping pong!

Namco Funscape London is the first place we’ve ever ridden the Typhoon “rollercoaster” slot car ride. Awesome fun!

You don’t even need to leave when hunger strikes. There’s a cafe & bar on site!

Namco Funscape in London is a fabulous place to take a break from the serious side of London sightseeing when the kids can’t bear another castle, relic, or slice of history.

Bright lights, big city! Walking in here is every kid’s dream come true.

This entrance level floor is FILLED with the latest video games, AND lots of prize-winning ticket games.

Level 1: Ground Floor for Arcade Games in London

Ned and Jack were more than happy to wander about, check out all the games, and play a few on this entrance level at Namco Funscape in London.

Try your luck on:

• dance machines
• coin pusher machines where you try and win a handful of change
• cuddly toy claw machines with the latest popular soft toys 
• a claw crane game filled with MR POTATO HEAD stuffed toys! 
• Shooting ranges shoot’em-ups
• basketball hoops
• air hockey, and
• lots of cherished retro style games I remember from childhood including PAC MAN!

Lots of the games spit out tickets as your winnings.

Collect as many as you can, then visit the Prize Shop on Level 2 to redeem a gift.

There’s lollies and sweets, soft toys and branded merchandise including Marvel action heros and Super Mario stuff.

Games range in price from 30p and £3 so it’s not too hard on the hip pocket.

Level 2: Basement – Namco Bowling Central London

The main reason people visit Namco Funscape in London is to go indoor bowling!  It’s the place to go if you are looking for bowling places in London.

Head DOWNSTAIRS to Level 2 – I know, the levels here are back to front – into the basement to kit up for a session of indoor bowling at this bowling alley London style.

Namco Bowling Prices

Namco Bowling prices start from £6.95 per person per game, if you play BEFORE 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Simulator Rides at Namco County Hall

You’ll also find:

• More video games and simulators including Ned’s favourite, the Typhoon.
• More Prize-winning ticket games
• Fruit machines
• A Cotton Candy making machine!
• Lazer maze
• Private Karaoke
• Race car simulators
• More simulators including downhill skiing, skateboarding or cyber cycles

Rides start from £1 a go.

Namco Funscape Prizes counter

If you collect prize tickets as you go round the arcade games, you’ll need the Prize Shop located on this floor.

The range of Namco prizes also includes everything from:

• keyrings
• pencils
• rubber erasers
• plastic toys
• soft toys, and

If you are very good at arcade games (or spend a lot of money), the top prize is a games console!

Fun Dodgems at Namco Amusement Park in London

If you haven’t yet introduced your kids to the fun and laughter of Dodgem cars, why not now?

The dodgems in London here at Namco station are the fastest dodgem tracks in Europe!

Dodgem Bumper Cars cost £3 per ride per person.

Max 2 people per car.

Level 3: Sub-Basement – Ping Pong

Level 3 in the sub-basement – there’s that strange floor guide naming thing again – is for the BIG kids (adults!)

There’s:

• More video games, and simulator rides
• A Pool Hall filled with full size American pool tables.
• Bar and Lounges with Sky TV, and Costa Coffee

Challenge your kids to a game of ping-pong!  (from just 25p per minute happy hour price, or 50p per minute otherwise)

Namco Funscape Escape Room

The newest addition to the Fun at Namco arcade Southbank is the Escape room.

This is the challenge where you must escape the room in just 765 seconds by solving a puzzle designed to trick you and your friends! 

There’s lots of clues to help but it’s a brain teaser for sure.

From £30 for up to 6 people.

Take the whole family in!

Namco Funscape Cafe

The Namco Funscape cafe at the main bar sells hot and cold drinks including hot chocolate for the kids, tea, coffee, cappuccino.

Kids meals are £4.99 and include a main (burger, pizza, nuggets, fish fingers or sausages) served with chips and either baked beans or spaghetti hoops.

Plus a dessert of ice cream, and a drink.

Adults can snack on food from the Namco funscape bar cafe.

Order mozzarella panini bread, loaded nachos, wedges or fries, or if you are really hungry, order something from the grill. 

There’s the full selection of:

• burgers
• steaks
• pizza
• scampi
• fish and chips
• ribs, and
• wings.

There’s also a SHARING PLATTER of chicken wings, wedges, breaded mushrooms, onion rings, garlic bread, and nachos if you can’t decide!

Download the current menu here.

Should we visit Namco Arcade London? 

If you are in the area after visiting SEALIFE London Aquarium, London Dungeon, or one of the other things to do near London Eye, and have a spare hour or two, this arcade near London Eye is a fun spot.

It’s one of those places you can just walk in and play.

No real need to book bowling unless it’s Friday night after work, or Saturday night.

Don’t make a special journey unless you are desperate to go indoor bowling in Central London.

McDonald’s is just next door, so pop in to pick up a cup of your fave blend for a budget price, and take it with you as you follow the tribe around.

There are change machines available, but no ATM (automatic teller machine/cash point).

Families and kids should stick to Levels 1 and 2.

The sub-basement level is a little too dingy and grungy for me.

I wouldn’t take my kids there, but there’s no need with all the really fun stuff for kids on the first two levels anyway.

Namco Funscape London Opening Times, Location and Prices

Address: Namco Westminster can be found at Southbank, County Hall, Riverside Buildings, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB, England
Telephone: 020 7967 1066
Website: Click here 
Email (guest relations): [email protected]

Open: 10am until midnight daily

Namco Funscape Prices 

• Entrance is FREE
• Pay per use on games, simulators and rides

How to get to Namco Funscape 

By tube: Namco Funscape is located within easy walking distance from several London Underground stations: Waterloo, Embankment, Charing Cross, Blackfriars and Westminster. Jubilee Line stations have disabled access.

By rail: The closest rail stations are Waterloo and Charing Cross.

By boat: You can travel to the Namco Funscape on the Thames Clippers. Exit at London Eye Pier.

By bus: Bus routes include The Riverside Bus (RV1) and sightseeing tour buses. Visit TFL to plan your journey.

By car: Click here for google map directions

South Bank London parking

As well as meter bays located around the streets of South Bank there are also a number of car parks.

Try:

• The Hungerford Car park
• Hayward Gallery Car Park
• National Theatre Car Park and
• The Union Car Park

Please note that County Hall at Southbank is within the Congestion Charge Zone. 

Map of Namco Station in London

MORE Namco UK Entertainment Centres

Namco Funscape has 6 more easily accessible entertainment centres across the UK too.

Here’s the list of venues:

• Funscape Braintree bowling
• Namco Funscape Manchester
• Funscape Gateshead
• Namco Funscape Norwich
• Funscape Romford
• Funscape Tamworth

They also host parties for both kids and groups of adult friends, and corporate functions too.

No.4: More Things to Do Near London Eye

For more things to do near London Eye, visit southbanklondon.com

Or check out our list of attractions near London Eye. London South Bank activities include:

• Florence Nightingale Museum
• SEA LIFE Centre London Aquarium
• The London Dungeon
• London Duck Tours

WHERE TO SHOP IN LONDON FOR SOUVENIRS, GIFTS AND MORE

No.1: Hamleys Toy Store London

Visit the BIGGEST TOY STORE in London, Hamleys Toy Store in London. 

Hamleys London is the biggest toy shop in London with loads of interactive games and activities for the kids on all floors. Their team members are friendly, and inclusive, and laugh a minute fun.

Give the kids a budget to spend before you go, to avoid arguments at the checkout.

Hamleys London is on one of London’s most picturesque streets too.

Hamley’s is also very close to a few fabulous playgrounds in Regents Park, but to get there, you have to walk past iconic London fashion stores and famous London Department stores. 

Sounds like the perfect place for a win-win! Shop longer by promising the kids a big play at the park afterwards.

No.2: Harrods Department Store London

Harrods with Kids is an awesome day out!

Visit the iconic HARRODS Department Store and pretend to be posh for the day!

(Hot tip: Join the Kids Club before you visit and join in special themed events with the locals – read how in our full review of Harrods for kids) 

No.3: Benjamin Pollocks Toyshop

Visit Benjamin Pollocks toyshop in Covent Garden and pick up a timeless classic toy from Victorian days

Buy all the best British toys and whimsical puppet theatres. 

No.4: Covent Garden

Oh yes. This place.

Check out the Apple Market in Covent Garden.

As well as the shops.

(The London Transport Museum shop is a must do too, even if you dont go into the museum itself – have a look inside below)

No.5: Old Spitalfields Markets

Old Spitalfields Markets is a great rainy day adventure for shoppers

No.6: M and M World London

Or you can go Souvenir Shopping for chocolate treats and more at M and M World London

No.7 Portobello Markets

Do not leave London without trying at crepe at the Portobello Market.

The market was also the famous setting for the romantic comedy Notting Hill, featuring Hollywood stars Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant!

No.8: The London Transport Museum Shop

Do not miss this fabulous gift shop in London for London souvenirs. 

Browse the heritage and contemporary design collections inspired by London’s public transport system and iconic London landmarks, both above and underground.

London Transport Museum Shopping Guide

We bought the BEST Christmas jumpers with London Bus icons from the London Transport Museum shop.

(This is us wearing them, meeting the REAL Santa in Lapland Finland. Read all about it here)

At the London transport shop, you can buy:

• London underground posters and prints
• London transport posters
• London underground lightbox signs
• Recommissioned luggage racks just like they used to have on the British trains
• mugs and models of classic London buses and trains.
• exclusive products from Transport for London
• London tube maps
• teatowels and kitchenware
• scarves and socks

All purchases support the Museum.

London Transport Museum shop opening hours: 

• Sunday – Tuesday 10.00 – 18.30
• Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday 10.00 – 19.00
• Friday 11.00 – 19.00

Keep an eye out for the London Transport museum shop sale! 

Hot tip: London Transport Museum Pressed Penny souvenirs

Do find the Souvenir penny machine if you are a collector like we are. 

No.9: The London Museum of Childhood Shop 

Do not pass by the Museum of Childhood London shop. 

A plethora of SO many lovely things for kids and adults including: 

• a range of beautiful children’s books, including classics such as Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, a Christmas Carol and Treasure Island
• design books
• science books
• homewares,
• aprons and tote bags 
• Peter Rabbit soft toys
• V & A London bus t shirts
• Custom prints 
• Queen Victoria decorations (& Prince Albert decorations too)
• Christmas ornaments
• colouring in pencils, and craft kits
• inflatable toys and mini cooper toy cars 
• wooden bird whistles and puzzles 
• Winnie the Pooh toys 
• London souvenirs

Plus fun toys, some of which the kids might be able to buy with their pocket money.

No.10: The Natural History Museum Shop in London

Do not miss the NHM shop near Hintze Hall and the Cromwell Road entrance.

It’s full of science and nature toys including:

• the cutest dinosaur homewares such as a T Rex Egg Cup or dinosaur plant holders
• dinosaur models
• dinosaur t-shirts
• science wall prints
• dinosaur board games and toys
• dress ups, and
• themed LEGO toys.

Take a sneak peek here.

Cranbourne Boutique 

There’s also the grown up shop, the Cranbourne Boutique for elegant gifts and souvenirs including:

• fashion
• specimen replicas
• homewares
• fashion accessories and more.

Find it in the red zone opposite the Coffee House. Open daily, 10-5pm.

London Natural History Museum Dino Store

Dino Store is the spot for models, soft toys, games, puzzles, mugs and baby clothes.

Find it at the exit of the Dinosaurs gallery.

No.11: Tower Bridge Gift Shop

Yes, there’s an official gift shop at Tower Bridge too. 

Stop in to pick up unique London souvenirs including:

• Dora Designs British Bulldog doorstop
• Happy Socks London Union Jack gift pack of three pairs of socks
• UK coin sets
• Tower Bridge magnets
• Tower Bridge children’s books
• 3D models of Tower Bridge
• Tower Bridge coffee table books
• Tower Bridge Christmas ornaments
• To Home from London mugs (pictured above)
• Bridge Master’s Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Tower Bridge Whisky glasses

Check out the full collection of current Tower Bridge gifts here. 

Profits go towards supporting the City Bridge Trust’s charitable work across London.

No.12: London Science Museum Shop – Level 0

Stop at the Science Museum London Shop.

The Museum of Science Gift Shop has an amazing range of lifestyle products and gadgets for everyone including:

• tech products
• science kits
• science themed homewares
• fun fashion and science t shirts
• children’s toys

Look out for the range of unique London gifts & souvenirs inspired by the Science Museum’s exhibitions, galleries and collections.

WHERE TO EAT IN LONDON WITH KIDS 

Eating out in London with kids in tow is not as easy as other places. 

No.1: Harrods Food Hall

The Harrods London Food hall is a must-see too.

No.2: Pret a Manger

Need a quick budget breakfast before a big day of London sightseeing? We love the bakery chain, Pret a Manger – it’s a quick and healthy breakfast stop that won’t break the bank.

We recommend trying their soups for lunch too.

No.3: Brick Lane Markets 

Try all kinds of world cuisine at these affordable Sunday food markets.

You’ll roll out!

No.4: Places to eat near London Eye

If you are looking for places to eat near the London Eye, Southbank has lots of different dining options.

No.1: South Bank restaurants

Walking just a few yards along the Thames past the London Eye you will find:

• Gillrays steakhouse and bar at the Marriott Hotel County Hall
• Great British Fish and Chips
• Pret a Manager
• Shippo cafe
• Locale, Belverdere Rd

No.2: Royal Festival Hall eateries

Heading the other direction towards Royal Festival Hall, you’ll find:

• a Pizza Express near London Eye at the Royal Festival Hall, Unit 3 The White House, 9c Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8YP.
• Le Pain Quotidien
• Honest Burgers Southbank
• Wagamama
• Riverside Terrace Cafe
• Skylon restaurant
• Strada Southbank, classic Italian restaurant

No.3: Afternoon Tea near London Eye

If you are in need of a boost, eat the Mary Poppins Afternoon Tea near London Eye at the Shard with magnificent views of the city!  Served daily from 1pm to 5pm, the afternoon tea is priced at £49 per person.

More details here.

Or enjoy a budget afternoon tea at Canteen, at the Royal Festival Hall for £12.50.

Children welcome. Daily, 2.30pm to 5pm.

You’ll enjoy a selection of fresh sandwiches:

• Ham and mustard,
• Egg mayonnaise and watercress, and
• Homemade soda bread rolls with Smoked salmon and cream cheese.

Plus:

• scones with homemade jam and clotted cream
• a piece of freshly baked cake of the day, and
• a hot pot of tea

No.5: Cafes near London Eye?

The closest coffee shops to Coca-Cola London Eye are Zen Cafe, Jenny’s Cafe and Starbucks, both located on Belverdere Rd. 

Tokyo Bakery is there too.

BEST PLAYGROUNDS IN LONDON FOR KIDS

Visiting London with toddlers or kids?

We suggest going on a London playground hunt find the best London playgrounds for kids.

People often ask us if London is kid friendly?

It is, especially if you break up a day of visiting London museums and historical sites with a play at a local playground.

The thing we love most about these London playgrounds is their enormous footprint of GREEN space, despite being right in the middle of one of the busiest cities in the world!

If you or the kids are feeling overwhelmed with the crowds, the noise, the beeping horns, the bus fumes, or the awesome chaos of London, visit a London park for a breath of fresh air.

It’s also a chance to mingle with London locals.

Take a look at our list of London’s best parks for toddlers and kids here.

Hot tip: Regents Park Playgrounds 

Regent’s Park is one of the Royal Parks of London.

It’s our second favourite London Park (after the archetypal London Park that is Hyde Park of course) because it has a bunch of very fun playgrounds for the kids.

it’s lovely to wander this historical park surrounded by iconic London homes and buildings

The Regent’s Park is home to London Zoo too!

(Our next favourite parks to visit in London are Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Both have a certain charm on a sunny day in London. They are part of the Royal Parks London collective. The Green Park, the Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, Greenwich Park, and the St James Park London playground are also part of Royal Parks in London.)

But they are not the only nice parks in London, and definitely not the only parks in London with playgrounds.

Check out these City of London parks in detail below.

No.1: Marylebone Green Playground

1. Jumbo fallen logs to scramble over? Tick.

2. A modern-design concrete “Castle” climbing frame with a slippery dip of epic proportions? Tick.

3. A Super Dooper Dun playground for children with the BEST STREET ADDRESS in London?

YES. YES. YES.

All this, and SO MUCH MORE, at Marylebone Green Playground in Regents Park, London.

 

The Marylebone Green playground is a mix of:

• ultra modern concrete parkour zone
• a traditional fort and slide combo, and
• across the pathway, a fabulous nature playground for kids in London full of fallen logs to clamber over, and branches to weave between.

Marylebone Playground in Regent’s Park London

Marylebone Green Playground, on the corner of Park Square West and Ulster Terrace was given a major “re-imagination” a few years ago

(That’s so much more fitting than calling it a ‘refurbishment’, don’t you think?).

Now it’s like having THREE parks in one. 

Beautifully maintained, with plenty of green hedging and open space, this is one park to put on your “London Family Travel Bucketlist” when planning your next visit to this elegant city.

Hot tip: Finish your adventure with a walk down Regent Street to Hamleys Toy Store! 

It’s a 20 minute stroll away, on one of London’s most iconic streetscapes.

Don’t miss this famous London sight. 

Marylebone Playground Regents Park has:

• A standard playground area, with a big blue and yellow climbing fort with bridges and slides
• A swing area with swings for big kids, and those classic “box” swings for babies and toddlers (These box swings are typical of London parks but we’ve not seen anything like them anywhere else in the world!)
• A spinning mini-carousel
• A seesaw

The modern interpretation of clever playground design has:

• A super fun concrete climbing gym/castle, with a super fast slippery slide, concrete hidey-holes to crawl through

• A giant rocking rope hammock swing

• A huge sandpit area with water play area, where kids can build sandcastles and enjoy messy sand play on waist-height tray tables

• A Rock Climbing ‘wall’ with a difference!

• A musical Glockenspiel wall to play

Marylebone Regents Park Nature Playground

Marylebone Green Playground has a nature play area too!

It’s separate to the modern playground, so keep an eye out, or you might miss it. Walk out the gates of the main playground and it’s on the opposite side of the pathway.

My boys loved this London nature playground more than the purpose-built one!

There’s:

• A nature playground with giant-size logs for clambering over
• A willow branch tunnel to dance through
• Giant boulders to jump across
• A pathway of natural log stumps of differing heights where kids can challenge their dexterity. These are cleverly hidden within a maze of upright timber poles – the perfect place to hop, skip, and jump your way along
• A horizontal log balancing beam that sways from side to side.

Watch our Marylebone Playground video!

Marylebone Playground in Regent’s Park London – Location, Tickets, Opening Hours

Address: Entrance to Marylebone Playground is at the Corner of Park Square West and Ulster Terrace road, Regent’s Park, Greater London NW1 4, United Kingdom
Telephone: 0300 061 2000
Email: [email protected]
Website: Click here

Regents Park Opening Hours

Open 10am daily. Closing times vary with the month of the year but around 5pm – 7pm  (Shorter hours in winter – 4pm close)

Regents Park Closing Time

Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.

Entry Fees

FREE!

No.2: Gloucester Gate Playground

The kids playground called Gloucester Gate playground in Regents park has recently undergone a much needed renovation.

We stumbled upon Gloucester Gate Regents Park playground by accident, and had a fabulous time hanging out with locals and their kids.

This is not an adventure playground in London that tourists frequent very often, so you can be assured of real-life interactions with British folk.

That’s exactly the kind of immersive, real life experience we love to find when we travelling in London with kids.

Gloucester Gate playground had retro-style playground equipment, including one of those quirky spin-around merry go rounds that were everywhere when I was a kid.

I adore retro playground equipment with all my heart, and love to show it to my boys.

It’s not often you find old-school playground equipment anymore, so I treasure those retro playgrounds when we do.

Latest News about this London Playground Makeover

Since the 1930s, children have been swinging, sliding and climbing in Gloucester Gate Playground, just to the east of London Zoo.

The change has made it into a more natural inclusive playground – removing the metal slides, tired forts, and old equipment that is in need of repair and renovation. New elements will be incorporated into the playground to honour the history of the Regent Park play area in Royal Parks.

The designers worked hard to overcome the barren look of the current playground with natural materials and inspired design.

New additions include:

• small hills to mimic the nearby mounds formed from rubble during the Second World War.
• new hedges, trees and flowers to help the new playground to blend seamlessly into the historic landscape of The Regent’s Park
• updated architecture landscape featuring natural materials such as wood, rope, bark and willow
• a 50-metre zip wire
• bespoke climbing equipment and climbing frames
• water pumps
• swings, slides, and sandpit of a traditional playground.

Accessibility has been at the forefront of the design, so there’s a wheelchair accessible roundabout and bridge as well as a wide slide and raised tables for water and sand play.

The project has been made possible thanks to a generous donation from the London Marathon Charitable Trust and a mix of public and private donations.

The Trust has also funded a Play Co-Ordinator to work across The Regent’s Park and Greenwich Park.

Gloucester Gate playground – Location, Tickets, Opening Hours

Regents Park Address for Gloucester Gate park: Cnr Gloucester Gate and Outer Circle, Regents Park
Entry: Free

• Children’s toilets including an accessible toilet
• Baby change facilities in the communal area of the girls’ toilet.

Sadly, no cafe kiosks truck or park deck chairs as yet in Gloucester playground.

Nature Playground near Gloucester Gate Playground entrance

Did you know there’s also a London nature playground near the Gloucester Gate playground entrance?

What’s near this Regents Park Playground Gloucester Gate?

Broad Walk cafe is a 5 minute stroll from the Gloucester Playground.

London Zoo is not far either, an 8 minute walk to the main entrance.

Visit:

• Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens
• the Japanese Garden island
• the Triton fountain, and
• the Boy and Frog statue in the Inner Circle, off Chester Road.

Find information about all these things at the Regents Park information map as you enter the park, or ask at the information park deck.

No.3: Hanover Gate Playground

We love this combo playground called Hanover Gate playground near the Regents Park boating lake, especially the timber tree castle fort and moat ramp!

Guide to visiting Regents Park Playground Hanover Gate

On a bright sunny day, this place is packed with Londoner’s but if you visit on a day like we did, overcast and chilly, you have it mostly to yourselves.

It lies within north-west London, partly in the City of Westminster and partly in the London Borough of Camden.

There’s three parts to this playground.

The main attraction is the modern fort playground and rope carousel, painted in bright blue and yellow.

The modern playground has an old-school spiral slide that was the highlight for these busy boys.

The Tree Castle Fort nature playground in Regents Park is next.

This London nature playground is better suited to kids over 5 or 6.

The Ultimate Parkour Playground Regents Park! 

It’s definitely a challenge for kids to traverse all those rope swings, rope bridges, “Mt Everest” diagonal climbing frames, ladders, and nets.

Awesome for parkour enthusiasts!

Lastly, there’s a giant sandpit and a row of swings.

Inside the sandpit is:

• a water play area
• a water pump with timber channels, and
• raised tables set in sandpit area.

You’ll also spy a swinging hammock nearby.

BYO Picnic to Hanover Gate London

There’s picnic tables, and this playground in London central is fully fenced.

There’s also toilets, pram parking and an undercover shelter should you suddenly need to take cover from the rain!

My boys spent most time between the blue and yellow playground, and the tree fort nature playground.

Jack didn’t even venture over to the swings, quite surprisingly.

We stayed for two hours!

Where is Hanover Gate Regents Park childrens playground?

To find the Boating Lake and the Regents Park play area, enter the park through the Baker Street entrance. 

You’ll see an information signboard and map on your right.

Walk past that, and you’ll see a body of water and LOTS of pigeons in front of you!

Turn left, and walk the path along the water’s edge.

Regents Park Boathouse Cafe

About 500 metres along, on your right, you’ll spot the Regents Park Boathouse Cafe, and the Boating Lake.

On the day we visited, it was WAY too cold for that kind of nonsense, so it was straight to the Regents Park Playground Hanover Gate for us.

But we did enjoy the wander through the Regents Park gardens. Even in the cold, there’s a beauty about this wide open space in the centre of London city.

Regents Park Cafe Menu

There are food and drink outlets in the Park.

Visit here for details of the menu. 

Hanover Gate playground – Location, Tickets, Opening Hours

Regents Park Address: Hanover Gate road, Regents Park
If you are using a mobile device, the postcode for the park is NW1 4NR, but note this is for guidance only as the park covers a large area.

Telephone: 0300 061 2000
Website: Click here
Email contact details:  [email protected]

Entry Fees

FREE entry!

Regents Park Opening Times

• 9am opening.
• Closing time varies with the season: Winter 4pm.  Summer 7pm approx.

How to get to Hanover Gate Playground London

The Tube stations closest to Regent’s Park are:

• Regent’s Park (Bakerloo line)
• Great Portland Street (Hammersmith & City, Circle & Metropolitan lines)
• Baker Street (Hammersmith & City, Circle, Jubilee, Metropolitan & Bakerloo lines)
• St John’s Wood (Jubilee line)
• Camden Town (Northern line)

Baker Street station is the best for Hanover Gate. Entrance to Regents Park Playground Hanover Gate via Baker Street.

Buses that stop around the park are:

• 74 Baker St Station – Roehampton (BEST ONE)
• 2 Marylebone Station – Crystal Palace
• 13 Aldwych – Golders Green
• 18 Euston – Sudbury
• 27 Chalk Farm – Turnham Green
• 30 Marble Arch – Hackney Wick
• 82 Victoria – North Finchley
• 113 Oxford Circus – Edgware
• 139 Waterloo – West Hampstead
• 189 Oxford Circus – Brent Cross Shopping Centre
• 274 Angel Islington – Lancaster Gate
• 453 Marylebone Street – Deptford Broadway
• C2 Oxford Circus – Parliament Hill Fields

Map of Playground Hanover Gate Regents Park

This Regents Park playground in London is a dream come true for kids who love to practice parkour moves.

How to get to Regents Park London

By Bus: Click here to plan your journey by bus to Regent’s Park

By Tube/Underground: The closest Tube Station is Regent’s Park Tube Station.

By Car:

• Be mindful when driving to the Regent’s Park area that there is a Congestion Charge is an £11.50 daily charge for driving a vehicle within the charging zone between 07:00 and 18:00, Monday to Friday. 
• The easiest way to pay is by registering for Congestion Charge Auto Pay.
• Exemptions and discounts are available.

The Regents Park Parking

• Pay and display parking is available in the Regents Park carpark everyday from 9.00am – 6.30pm. 
• The postcode for electronic device users is NW1 4NR, but please note this is for guidance only as the park covers a large area.

Charges for pay and display parking are:

• Monday to Saturday  – £2.40 per hour (60p per 15 minutes, 4 hours maximum stay)
• Sundays and Public Holidays – £1.40 per hour (35p per 15 minutes, no maximum stay)

Nearest takeaway coffee and/or food options:

• BYO Snacks and drinks as food venues are few and far between in the Regent’s Park.
• Find kid-friendly cafes and food outlets, including Starbucks and Nandos, about 10 minutes walk away.

Toilets: Yes, there are toilet blocks including a baby change table inside the ground

No.4: Princess Diana Memorial Playground

Princess Diana Memorial Playground in Hyde Park (Kensington Gardens) is very busy but a must-do playground for kids in London. Go early!

This is our pick for the best park in London for toddlers and kids under 12.

The Princess of Wales Memorial Playground is HUGE but luckily it’s gated, and manned so the little ones can’t escape.

Whimsical, and enchanting, the Princess Diana playground is Peter Pan themed, with a monumental pirate ship taking pride of place.

Scattered around the ship, you’ll find:

• swings
• log cabin hideouts
• life size musical instruments to play
• log tractors to ride
• secret tunnels
• meandering pathways
• rocking horses and
• a sensory garden.

In the summertime, this Hyde Park London playground also has one of the best water parks in London and it’s FREE!

We LOVE it, and it rates as one of  the best parks for kids in London without doubt.

Another Kensington Playground 

Kensington Memorial Park has a fenced water play area, as well as a spaceship structure and slide, twirly swing seats, tyre swings and a zip line.

No.5: Pleasure Gardens Adventure playground (1 of 2 Olympic Park Playgrounds )

Pleasure Gardens adventure playground in London at Olympic Park was a surprise find, but a fun one at that.

This London playground at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has:

• climbing walls
• a climbing frame
• rope bridges, and
• a wide slide to share with all your new friends!

Kids can climb big boulders at this playground near Olympic Stadium

Pleasure Gardens Playground Olympic Park was our final stop for the day, a big afternoon of adventure play and parkour jumping that wore them out.

The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Playground Stratford features a GIANT sized sandpit!

BYO sandpit toys. 

And, a super wide silver slides for racing your friends

• Oversized swings (spider web swings for multiple kids)
• Freestanding climbing walls

Boulder Walls

There’s a vibrant red climbing wall with handholds for bouldering.

Leaping from structure to slide to boulder wall is the ULTIMATE PARKOUR adventure.

We stayed until dark!

How to get to Pleasure Gardens playground

From the Vintage Carnival rides, turn right and walk along this wide pathway (above) until you spy giant upright logs standing to attention.

Walk towards them, then turn left to enter this Olympic Park playground.

Image credit: https://landezine-award.com/tumbling-bay-playground/

No.6: Tumbling Bay Playground

The Tumbling Bay nature playground is whimsical and full of quirky timber treehouses with netted walkways, wobbly bridges, and rope bridges too.

Tumbling Bay playground has giant slides, a hands-on sand play area, bark pathways, and more.

This natural environment nature play area features:

• very cool rock pools with water pumps
• fountains and wooden platforms
• swings, and
• plenty of space to run about.

It’s the best nature playground in London to play hide-and-seek with your newly found friends.

The Tumbling Bay kids playground in London sits alongside the Timber Lodge community centre and café. Parents and kids can relax with a range of fresh, home-cooked food and drink.

How to get to Tumbling Bay Playground Olympic Park

The actual Tumbling Bay playground in Olympic Park is further away in the northern part of Olympic Park.

To get there, walk towards Westfield Stratford City, and crossed the pedestrian bridge, heading towards the London Olympic Park Aquatics Centre.

Tumbling Bay Olympic Park playground is 10 minutes walk from Stratford station (if you can get further than we did!), or enter via Abercrombie Road if you arrive by car.

The Olympic Park playgrounds are two of the best parks in London for kids with LOTS of space to run, climb, and race.

No.7: Jubilee Gardens Playground near London Eye

This playground near London Eye  is a nature playground.

This playground in London has the best views of the London Eye, the Thames is just metres away, and it’s surrounded by traditional posh British terrace houses.

Roam the Gnome and I were instantly transported into the world of Mary Poppins, with chimney spouts, arched brick windows with shutters, decorative wrought iron railings, and buildings shaped like my childhood drawings.

Standing among these architectural beauties, I felt a big sprinkle of temporary POSHNESS rain down upon me!

One can dream of a Royal life from time to time, can’t one!

You want more?

This natural playground in London is fenced! 

Happy days all round.

Plus, Jubilee Gardens playground has recently been updated and refreshed!

This find, spotted from our capsule on the London Eye, goes straight to the top of our list of cool architecturally-designed play spaces for kids.

The sign on the gate says “Adventurers must be under 11 years old, AND accompanied by a parent” but I don’t think this policy is policed regularly.

This playground near London eye is a teenager’s dream hangout zone.

I don’t blame them. I wanted to join in too!

Jubilee Adventure Playground is a SUPER DOOPER FUN climbing playground for all ages.  We’d rate it as one of the best parks in London for kids.

Jubilee playground is divided into two sections.

The main structure for the older children is a series of large logs criss-crossed and bolted together to form a wonderful 100-metre long web of walking planks with rope nets and planks the kids can use on their quest to scamper from one end to the other.

Rope nets at Jubilee Play London

Teenagers love to ‘hang’ on this structure, climbing up and sitting right on top.

This playground near London Eye is a modern day version of how we climbed trees, finding hidey-holes and perch seats in the branches for our private kid-only conversations.

Jubilee Playground in London with Toddlers & 3-6 year olds

Visiting London with toddlers?

Smaller kids have a toddler playground, a miniature version to the right of the big one.

There’s also a fort with slide. 

At Jubilee Gardens London, there’s a:

• walk-the-plank swing log
• smaller version of the giant net, and
• two rope swings.

A barnyard of wooden animals gather by the front gate, ready to “greet” this younger bunch.

Jubilee Park London Eye

Jubilee Gardens is a public park on the South Bank in the London Borough of Lambeth.

Created in 1977 to mark the Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II, the site was formerly used for the Dome of Discovery, and the adjacent Skylon during the Festival of Britain in 1951.

Jubilee gardens redevelopment inclusions

The brand new Jubilee gardens playground was made as of the redevelopment to turn the area from a concrete carpark into a sustainable green space for the community with:

• new flower beds
• granite pathways and seating edges
• 97 trees and
• a contemporary playground.

Jubilee Gardens South Bank was built in 2012.

Source.

Jubilee Gardens playground – Location, Tickets, Opening Hours

Jubilee Gardens Address:

• Jubilee Gardens South Bank is located at Jubilee Gardens, Belvedere Road, Waterloo, London, SE1.
• This playground near London Eye is located on London South Bank opposite the Houses of Parliament.

Email: Click here
Website: Click here for information about Jubilee Gardens Southbank
Opening Hours: This adventure playground London is generally open from dawn until dusk every day.
Entry Fees: FREE entry!

How to get to Jubilee Gardens London Adventure Playground

By tube: Jubilee Gardens adventure park London is located within easy walking distance from several London Underground stations: Waterloo, Embankment, Charing Cross, Blackfriars and Westminster. TheJubilee Line tube near London Eye has disabled access.

By rail: Train stations near London Eye are Waterloo, Waterloo East, Charing Cross and Blackfriars.

By boat: You can travel to the Jubilee Gardens on the Thames Clippers. Exit at London Eye Pier.

By bus: Bus routes include The Riverside Bus (RV1) and sightseeing tour buses. Visit TFL to plan your journey to Jubilee park London.

By car:  Please note that Jubilee Gardens childrens playground is within the Congestion Charge Zone. 

Car Parking near London Eye and Jubilee Gardens

As well as meter bays located around the streets of South Bank, there are numerous car parks near London Eye including:

• the Hungerford Car park
• the Hayward Gallery Car Park
• National Theatre Car Park and
• The Union Car Park.

Map of Jubilee Park Adventure Playground

Facilities at Jubilee Park London Eye

Toilets: The nearest toilet facilities to this childrens park are located by the North West corner of the Gardens. These facilities are open from 10am daily and are charged. Please note these are not owned or managed by the Jubilee Gardens Trust.
Disability access: Limited
Enclosed: Fenced all round.

Image credit

No.8: Battersea Park Adventure Playground 

Visit the fenced Battersea park playground for toddlers in London with. 

Find it at Battersea Park near the corner of Prince of Wales Drive and Albert Bridge road.

There’s a state of the art Battersea Park adventure playground right next door, whose best feature is the whopping red twirly slide. The statuesque pyramid fort & climbing wall with tubular silver slide is spectacular too.

High in the sky next to it, you’ll see the treetop challenge run by GoApe. 

You need to have your wits about you for this one – the tree rope challenge course is double the height of most other GoApe locations!

There’s a brand new third playground featuring a sunken wooden pirate ship and a spider web swing off East Carriage drive near the Pear Tree cafe and boating lake.

Address: Battersea Park, Albert Bridge Road, Battersea London

 Click here for opening hours, & directions for the Battersea adventure playground

Image credit 

No.9: NEW! Holland Park London playground

The brand new Holland Park adventure playground recently opened and now features:

• a 25 metre zip wire ride
• a TEN PERSON see saw
• a  56 metre hill coaster
• 110 metres of water channels for water play fun
• an 11 person dragon swinger

The Holland Park adventure playground park is open daily from 7.30am until 30 minutes before dusk.

THIS is the biggest playground in London, so don’t miss it. 

Image credit 

There’s a Holland Park toddler playground just 5 minutes away too.

Address: 55 Abbotsbury Rd, Kensington, London W14 8EL, UK

Click here for opening hours & directions to Holland Park adventure playground NEW

Image credit: TripAdvisor

No.10: Hampstead Heath Playground 

The Parliament Hill adventure playground at Hampstead Heath is popular with local families and tourists who flock to the place for the epic views of London from the hill vantage point.

The Hampstead Heath adventure playground is fully gated, with soft rubber flooring to prevent scrapes and bumps.

This modern playground is much loved by every kid who visits. There’s a paddling pool too, for under 10 year olds.

Parliament Hill Fields is open from 10am to 3.30pm throughout winter, and until 5.30pm in summer.

Find the playground on this Hampstead Heath map. (Bottom right on map)

Address: Hampstead Heath, HR6P+8P London, United Kingdom

By Tube: Take the Northern Line to Kentish Town​. It’s the closest tube station to Hampstead heath playground.

Click here for directions to Hampstead Heath playground

No.11: Green Park London

FYI, there is NO children’s playground in Green Park London.

No.12: Avondale Park London

Avondale Park has a gated toddler playground with a sandpit, a colourful train, and climbing equipment, plus an adventure playground for bigger kids with nets, rope swings, and web platforms to traverse. Plus an accessible carousel ride, and a ‘spider’ climbing net

You can also find more toddler playgrounds & play areas in London at popular London attractions for kids.

No.13: Battersea Park zoo playground

The Battersea Park zoo adventure playground for kids has:

• a sandpit and water pump
• spinning disks
• a climbing pyramid
• a life size helicopter
• motor-powered toy boats to sail, and
• a fabulous timber fort.

No.14: Coram Fields playground

Coram Field’s has an adventure playground with zip line, children’s play areas, paddling pool, swings, sensory playground and sandpits. Find it at 93 Guilford Street in Bloomsbury.

You can also visit these London museums with playgrounds or interactive play areas:

• Wonderlab & The Garden at London Science Museum
• The All Aboard play area at the London Transport Museum
• The AHOY gallery & the All Hands Gallery at National Maritime Museum  (FREE!)
• The National Army Museum play area and obstacle course
• Discover Children’s Story Centre in Stratford also has two levels of interactive play areas in Story World 

The V & A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green is a whole building devoted to interactive play for kids. You can spend the better part of a day here with no trouble.

LONDON ART GALLERIES, MUSEUMS, AND LIBRARIES 

There’s tonnes of family friendly museums with hands-on activities to help kids learn about London. Our favourite of the bunch is a toss up between the Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green (otherwise known as the Toy Museum London), or the Discover Story Centre in Stratford.

If you have time, visit both!

No.1: Tower of London 

Did you know you can book a VIP experience with early access to the Tower of London where you can watch the official opening ceremony, AND see the Crown Jewels before the crowds arrive, AND visit the Tower Bridge to walk the glass floor? 

I know! 

How cool is that.

No.2: Discover Story Centre in Stratford 

Discover Children’s Story Centre has the ultimate outdoor adventure playground in London!

The Discover Story Centre is opposite the Stratford Tube Station on High Street.

We HIGHLY recommend this place for kids under 10.

Awesome!

DON’T MISS THIS PLACE.

Discover Story Centre is the UK’s FIRST Hands-on Creative Literacy Centre for children 0 to 11 years old.

Take the kids to discover Story World, two levels of themed interactive fun. But the best thing about the Discovery Story Centre is the Adventure Playground outside.

Plan to spend at least half a day.

Remember to finish the day with a run around the two awesome Olympic Park playgrounds nearby – Pleasure Gardens playground and Tumbling Bay playground.

Address: 383-387 High St, London E15 4QZ, United Kingdom

No.3: V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green

London’s best kept secret for kids is the MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD

This child-friendly museum in Bethnal Green sits at the TOP of our list of SUPER FUN places to visit with kids in London.

Plus, The London Museum of Childhood is FREE!

Who could ask for more?

A family visiting London with kids can easily spend 1/2 a day here, but if my kids had their way, we would have stayed ALL day.

There’s that much to see and do, at this museum for toddlers and kids including:

• kids activities
• themed children’s trails where they can collect a leaflet, set off on a walking tour, find all the different historical objects throughout the museum  and note down their answers
• art and craft workshops
• interactive exhibits
• a play area with opportunities to play with old school games and vintage toys
• YUMMY food to eat

Plus, there’s a beautiful bookshop & toy shop to browse as you leave.

Inside the Museum of Childhood London

The Museum of Childhood London is arranged into four main galleries:

• the Front Room Gallery
• the Moving Toys Gallery
• the Creativity Gallery on the Ground Floor, and
• the Childhood Galleries on the first floor, along with the Special Exhibition space.

Download a map of this Games & Victorian Toys museum in London here

Make your first stop the Front Room Gallery, a place for kids to play with retro toys from childhood.

Head to the Creativity Gallery next, an interactive place for kids to explore their creativity.

Check out the Sensory Pod of lights, the moving toys gallery, the childhood galleries showing Victorian toys from yesteryear, and the current exhibition too.

Front Room Gallery at the V and A Museum of Childhood London

This was our first stop, and luckily we arrived just as the staff were conducting demos, and setting up games and childhood toys for the kids to play with.

It’s such fun to see the old-school vintage toys from MY childhood such as Mr Potato reappear! 

But equally fun to see the boys play with them with such gusto!

The child in all of us didn’t want to leave this room, ever.

But soon enough, it was time and we headed off to explore the rest of the museum.

Creativity Gallery at the V & A Museum of Childhood Bethnal Green

One of the goals of the museum is to inspire imagination and creativity in children.

They do this by giving them new, interesting and expanded opportunities to play, which they can use to fire up their own adventures.

On the left hand side of the building, this interactive gallery has four sections to look at the ways children express their creativity:

• Imagine
• Be Inspired
• Explore
• Make it Happen

Then gives them chances to do so.

V&A Museum of Childhood Sensory Pod

The Sensory Pod, a multi-sensory space in the Creativity Gallery, with it’s rainbow light beams, was SUPER FUN!

The dress up/storytelling space with the spinner guide in the Make Believe area at the far end captured Ned’s imagination for a while too.

Moving Toys Gallery at Bethnal Green Toy Museum

Around the corner, we headed into the second gallery, Moving Toys exhibition, divided into four sections:

• Pushes and Pulls
• Springs and Cogs
• Circuits and Motors
• Look See.

The Moving Toys Gallery has a wide variety of interactive activities for children to engage with, including:

• Victorian rocking horses they can ride on
• Robbie the Robot
• a peep show, and
• zoetrope.

Touchscreen interactives featuring moving toys games and quizzes are also situated throughout the gallery.

The highlight?  Model trains they can watch go round, and round, for 20p.

There’s also plenty to see:

• pull-along toys
• complex clockwork and battery-operated toys.
• optical toys that create visual special effects.
• robotic toys
• jigsaw puzzles
• push and pull toys worked by strings – jumping jacks, yoyos, pull along toys, wrestling pairs, collapsing animals, spinning ballerinas and gymnasts, jumping jacks, and spinning monkeys
• moving and changing pictures cabinet (Phenakistocopes or Fantascopes from 1830 -1840)
• structures where wooden cars, marbles, and Meccano vehicles roll around some kind of track from top to bottom (sometimes YOU build the track!) in the Gravity, magnetic and spinning cabinet

The Childhood Galleries at Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood

The Childhood Galleries, located on the First Floor, has four sections that explore a different aspect of childhood:

• what home means
• how babies are cared for
• what children wear, and
• what children will be when they grow up.

Museum of Toys collections

There’s collections of:

• Old World historically and culturally important dolls and teddies
• Victorian dollhouses and ride-on toys

More Vintage Victorian toys and mid-century toys

• teddy bears, tea parties and other mid-Century Toys
• model steam engines
• zoos and circuses – animal toys, jigsaws, books
• trains and vehicles – including Melody train!

And more…

• Fisher Price Toys
• seaside toys – bucket and spades, shovels, sifters, plastic trucks, floaties, swim rings
• musical instruments and toys for special occasions, including weddings, christenings and parties.
• examples of toys related to magic and fortune telling including magic sets, wands and tricks.

On the left side of the building, children can:

• try on shoes to try on from throughout the ages
• dress up and drive a bus
• cook in a play kitchen with a dining table, and
• explore Lego.

There’s also an under 3’s area at the back of the building.

Victorian Playground Games at the Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood

On the right side of the building, The Good Times area of the Childhood Galleries has a seaside area with large sandpit for children to play in.

Nearby was an accompanying jukebox, and an interactive Punch and Judy toy puppet theatre with Punch and Judy puppets to play with.

Hammock chairs were at the ready for mums and dads who need a “seaside” rest!

There was also Board game tables with checkers and chess.

Fun Fact

Did you know that in the 1700’s, the nobility visited health spas, many of these were on the coast? 

It was from here that the ‘seaside holiday’ concept took shape.

Soon there was a whole seaside entertainment industry that continues today with:

• donkey rides
• amusements on the pier
• bandstands
• English rock candy, and
• candy floss.

The Childhood Museum Cafe Benugo

Cafe Benugo on the Marble Floor at the back of the museum is open from 10am to 5pm.

They sell:

• lunches
• fresh sandwiches
• salads
• cakes
• award-winning coffee
• a kids ‘pick and mix’ menu.

We were really impressed with the range of ‘take-away’ foods on offer – healthy, delicious AND reasonably priced.

That’s another thing to love about kids museums.

If there’s a cafe on site, it’s always well priced and affordable, including drinks.

Highchairs are available from Benugo café.

Please do not eat, or let children eat, in the museum galleries.

For visitors wishing to eat their own packed lunch, outdoor picnic tables are located in the Museum’s grounds.

There is also a picnic area inside the museum you can use for your snacks and drink breaks.

V& A Museum of Childhood Events

The Museum runs free, drop-in, all ages activities for families every day, including:

• tours
• storytelling
• table games, and
• arts and crafts.

You can pick up a Montessori family backpack at the front desk, and explore the museum using one of their trails.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Look out for a volunteer team member (blue shirt) if you have any questions.

Exhibitions at Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood

Next to the Childhood Galleries is an exhibition space.

When we visited, the current exhibition was “At Home in a Doll’s House – Small Stories”.

This was a chance to take a peek behind closed doors of the tiny inhabitants of 12 of the Museum’s most treasured doll houses through audio, lighting, and life-size recreations of some of the rooms.

Plus a specially commissioned Dream House where 20 of London’s best artists and designers were commissioned to create a magical miniature room.

An opportunity to see an exhibition is the cream on top. Click here to see the line up of current exhibitions. 

Victoria and Albert Children Museum Sleepover

From time to time, the museum hosts museum sleepovers.

Check the website for details.

Heads up: The V&A Museum of Childhood is currently closed for a massive transformation from East London’s first museum into a Museum of Design and Creativity for Children, Families and Young People.

Keep in the loop here. 

Young V&A – Location, Tickets, Opening Hours

Address: V&A Museum of Childhood London, Cambridge Heath Road, London.  E29PA.
Telephone: 020 8983 5200 (Switchboard)
Website: Click here
Opening Hours:

• Open daily 10- 5.45pm.  Last entry 5.30pm.
• Closed December 24-26, and 1st January.
• Hot tip: Plan your arrival for after 2pm to take advantage of a quieter experience with no school groups present.

Entry Fees: ADMISSION IS FREE!

How to get to Museum of Childhood by train, bus or car

By Tube

• Underground, Bethnal Green, Central Line, Zone 2
• The Museum is less than five minutes walk from Bethnal Green Underground station.

By Overground

• The Museum is a short bus ride or 20-25 minute walk from Shoreditch High Street (Bus 8 or 388) and Whitechapel (Bus 254 or 106) Overground stations.

By Rail:

• The Museum is less than 10 minutes walk from both Cambridge Heath and Bethnal Green railway stations.
• The nearest main line station is Liverpool Street, which is less than a five minute Underground journey from Bethnal Green.

By Bus: D6, 106, 254, 309 and 388 stop outside the Museum and 8, 26, 55 and 48 stop nearby.

By bike: The Museum is less than a five minute cycle ride from Regents Canal. Bike stands are available in the Museum grounds. A Barclays Cycle Hire docking station is situated across the road from the Museum.

By Car: The Museum is not in the congestion charging zone.

Museum of Childhood parking: The nearest pay and display bays can be found on Cambridge Heath Road.

Facilities at this London Children’s Museum

There’s a few lounges and chairs dotted around where you can discreetly breastfeed while your other kids play. Breastfeeding  is welcome anywhere in the Museum.

Toilets are located on the Lower Ground Floor.

Baby changing facilities, nappy bins and family-sized cubicles are available in both the male and female toilets. The Quiet Room on the Lower Ground Floor has an en-suite family-sized toilet cubicle and a bottle warmer.

A buggy park is located near the stairs in the Front Room Gallery. Items are left at the owner’s risk.

The front lift can access all floors, including:

• the Lower Ground Floor (for access to toilets and baby changing)
• Ground Floor (entrance / exit, shop and cafe)
• Mezzanine (Moving Toys and Creativity galleries) and
• First Floor (Childhood galleries).

Children’s Parties

The Museum of Childhood London hosts children’s parties!

A private room is available for hire on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am – 1pm or 2.30pm to 5.30pm and they provide all the activities to keep the kids entertained.

These activities can even be themed! (Popular themes include Puppets, Superheros, Pirates, or Princesses.)  Click here for details.

Free Wifi!

Free WiFi is available throughout the Children’s Museum London UK Museum.

Socials

Check out the Museum Facebook page to keep up with current events

Hot tip: Just outside the Children’s Museum London UK, on your left as you head back towards the station, is this lovely park. Nice spot for a post-museum run.

No.4: Natural History Museum of London 

Wondering what to do in London with kids at the Natural History museum in London? The question is where to begin?

The Natural History Museum has the BEST entrance to a museum we’ve ever seen!

The London Natural History Museum for kids is AWESOME fun but not without its’ challenges for family travel in London!

This is the most confusing museum layout we’ve ever encountered, with up and down levels randomly encountered, and it’s so easy to miss stuff.

Hot tip: Spend the £1 and buy the map, then make a rough plan before you go in.

Lesson learned. It doesn’t always pay to be cheap!

Also, hold onto your kids.

There are so many entrances, doors, and separate rooms that if you lose one of the kids even momentarily, it’s time for a freak-out moment as you decide where you should look first.

This is one place where you need to contain wandering-prone toddlers in London.

If you have older kids in tow, strap the baby or toddler into the stroller for as long as humanly possible!

Challenges of logistics aside, this London museum for kids is a winner.

RED ZONE at the London Natural History Museum

When you enter the Exhibition Road entrance and hit the Red Zone, with Earth Hall and a Stegosaurus skeleton, spot the super imposing monstrous Earth Ball escalator.

It’s SPECTACULAR!

The escalator leads you upwards into Volcanoes and Earthquakes, where you can experience a Japanese earthquake for real.

Then walk down into Earth’s Treasury to find treasures from the earth including a piece of KRYPTONITE!

Look out for these magical treasures with the kids too:

• mineral marvels that glow in the dark
• REAL GOLD nuggets
• Stonehenge rock

When you’ve seen it all, head back to the ground floor, and into the Green Zone.

GREEN ZONE at Natural History Museum London

The Green Zone is home to a wall of fossils, and the Investigate Centre where the kids can explore the collections with microscropes and other scientific tools.

Both boys were fascinated by the fossil marine reptiles and the skeletons on show.

Many of the fossil displays are pretty impressive, behind glass, and mounted almost floor to ceiling.

There’s also birds, creepy crawlies, and a hands-on Investigate Centre in this zone.

The Investigate Centre is where children and adults can explore animal, plant and geological treasures from the collection and use microscopes and other scientific tools to examine specimens to learn more about the natural world.

Open to the public in term time afternoons from 15.30-17.00.

Also open, and free to the public during weekends and holidays 11.00-17.00.

Last entry is 16.30.

This part of the building, with it’s brick corridors, archways, and timber floors remind me of the film ‘Night at the Museum‘.

There’s definitely a certain air of history, mystery and mayhem to the place.

We shared our time with a few school excursions so it was pretty busy and make keeping my eye on the kids even more difficult.

This is a daily thing, so the only way to overcome it is to go later in the day to avoid some of the crowds.

Do go to the Vault to see a rare piece of MARS rock!

Natural History Museum Diplodocus

Hintze Hall’s is an impressive backdrop to the Museum’s highlights, including the Natural History Museum DIPPY Dinosaur Diplodocus skeleton cast.

There’s also a woolly mammoth skull and tusks, Darwin’s statue, and the coelacanth fish (the most famous fossil of an animal that is still in existence today).

Take a look at the preserved timber slice of the 1,300-year-old giant sequoia tree from California, on display in the NHM since 1893!

Natural History Museum Blue Whale Skeleton

Look up to see the 25.2 metre long Blue whale skeleton too.

Natural History Museum architecture

For me, this room was the highlight of my visit.

The Natural History Museum architecture featuring the cathedral-like structure and the staircase is breathtaking!

This is what a real science museum SHOULD look like!

Things to do in the Natural History Museum BLUE ZONE

Turn left into the highly popular Dinosaur Walkway exhibit.

Prams are not allowed in here, so find a park for it.

There were TONNES OF PEOPLE along this walkway when we went in, a surging crowd of bodies, and the kids did have a hard time actually seeing the dinosaurs over the heads of grownups.

But at the end of the walkway, you head back to ground level and are able to pass each exhibit again, this time in close up.

Dinosaurs rule the Blue Zone.

This dinosaur walk alone makes this one of the best museums for kids in London.

What kid can resist standing next to a GIANT DINOSAUR skeleton?

Hall of Mammals

On the right of this hall are the Mammals – think stuffed animals behind glass.

We walked through this gallery to yet another highlight, the Mammals, and the Blue Whale room!

Natural History Museum Blue Whale Model

The Blue Whale model is suspended from the ceiling, along with other marine mammals including:

• dolphins
• whales and
• porpoises.

These marine creatures swim over a ground floor display of:

• extinct mammoths
• giant elk
• giraffes
• hippo
• rhinos and
• horses.

Hands on exhibits

Upstairs, there are hands-on exhibits (including this ‘moving picture’ machine) around the edges of the room and interesting facts (be sure to find the species that inspired mermaid stories) , but really, the star of the show here is the GIANT Blue Whale.

You MUST see it to believe it!

There’s also Fishes, Amphibians and Reptiles, hands-on exhibits on Human biology including this fellow above, and Images of Nature.

We didn’t go to see the Images of Nature, but I have heard there’s a a drawing wall, where you can contribute your own picture, and interactive screens, where you can explore a variety of artworks.

Kids would love that.

Things to do in Natural History Museum Orange Zone & Attenborough Studio

The final section is the Orange Zone with the infamous Cocoon, the Attenborough Studio; a Wildlife Garden, and the Zoology spirit building.

We missed this entirely (but not on purpose).

We simply never found it as we moseyed around.

This is why it pays to take a last look at the NHM map before you leave the museum.

(Hot tip: Download the Natural History Museum London map before you go here. )

Inside the Cocoon, you can see:

• hundreds of museum specimens
• marvel at beetles and butterflies
• metre-high plants
• huge tarantulas, and
• historic herbaria.

Kids can see scientists at work.

There’s also opportunities to drop in to daily events in the high-tech Attenborough Studio, hear talks with scientists, and watch live shows.

Check out current events here.

London Natural History Museum Cafe & Restaurants 

No.1: The T Rex Grill Restaurant.

Find hearty meals including burgers, steaks, pizzas and puddings. Kids welcome.

Open 11.00-16.00 daily.

No.2: The Kitchen.

The menu features sandwiches, wraps, seasonal salads, cakes, pastries and muffins.

For kids, there are special lunch and activity packs.

In the Red Zone.

Open 10.00-17.00.

No.3: The Coffee House.

Stop for an artisan coffee with a side of freshly baked pastries or cake.

In the Red Zone, next to the Lasting Impressions gallery.

Open 10.00-17.00.

No.4: The Central Cafe.

Sandwiches and salads, along with a range of crisps, cakes, pastries and fruit.

In the Blue Zone.

Open 10.00-17.30.

High chairs are available for babies and toddlers.

No.5: Darwin Centre Cafe.

More sandwiches and salads, crisps, cakes, pastries, muffins and sweet snacks.

In the Orange Zone.

Open 10.00-17.00.

Best Natural History Museum Events

No.1: Sleepover National History Museum Overnight Stay

Book your kids into an overnight DINO SNORE sleepover at the Natural History museum.

For kids 7 -11, it’s a chance to explore the Museum after dark.

Kids will take part in:

• a torch-lit trail
• a dinosaur t-shirt-making workshop
• an educational science show with a Natural History Museum scientist

All before going to sleep around midnight under iconic exhibits in the Hintze Hall, on the ground floor and the first floor.

The following morning, breakfast is served bright and early, and there’s a live animal show before the Museum opens to the public at 10am.

Please read the FAQ before you book.

Tickets:

• Adult: £60
• Child: £60.

No.2: Natural History Museum Lates

The Museum comes alive at night.

• Explore our galleries, exhibitions and shops after hours
• Join in exciting late-night activities including science demos and talks, and
• Enjoy a drink or dinner too.

Click here for dates & details.

Last Friday of the month. Free entry. No ticket required.

No.3: Natural History Museum Kids Only Events for Families and Children

Looking for activities in London?

Visiting London with a toddler?

Or need half term London things to do?

A visit to this children’s museum in London is the perfect family day out in London, with free or low-cost activities running daily. 

Enjoy family exhibitions, plus plenty of hands-on, interactive activities and action-packed school holiday programmes too.

Click here for details. 

This is one of the BEST museums in London for kids. Even better, it’s one of the best FREE museums in London too!

Wander the Dinosaur Walkway exhibit, and pop into the Dino Shop to pick up all your Dinosaur souvenirs.

On your way out, visit the Science Museum shop for unusual London souvenirs and gifts too.

London Natural History Museum – Location, Tickets, Opening Hours

Natural History Museum Address: The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD.

• The main entrance is on Cromwell Road, just five minutes’ walk from South Kensington Tube station. Enter via Exhibition Road for that grand entrance and an escalator ride through the centre of the Earth.

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7942 5000
Website: Click here

Natural History Museum Opening Times

• The Natural History Museum opening hours are 10.00-17.50.
• Last entry 17.30
• Open daily
• Closed 24th – 26th December

Natural History Museum Prices

• The permanent collections are FREE to visit!
• Donations however, are always welcome (donation boxes are by the entrance/exit doors) or spend money in the shops, restaurant or cafes. Every dollar helps!

Natural History Museum London Prices for Ticketed Exhibitions & Events:

• There are also ticketed exhibitions and after-hours events.
• Buy Natural History Museum London tickets online or at the ticket desks in the museum.  Click here for events and pricing.

Entrances to Natural History Museum in London

The Museum has three entrances, on Cromwell Road, Exhibition Road and Queen’s Gate.

No.1: Cromwell Road (access at the corner of Exhibition Road)

This entrance is open and has step-free access.

Closest Tube station: South Kensington.

No.2: Exhibition Road

This entrance is open and has step-free access. 

Closest Tube station: South Kensington

No.3: Queen’s Gate entrance

This entrance may be open during busy periods, such as holidays and half term.

Closest Tube station: Gloucester Road

Where is the Natural History Museum? 

South Kensington, next to the London Science Museum and just a few minutes walk south of the Royal Albert Hall,  Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.

How to get to the Natural History Museum in South Kensington

By Tube

• The nearest Natural History Museum tube station is South Kensington. This is on the District, Circle and Piccadilly lines and is a 5 minute walk from the Museum. A pedestrian subway connects South Kensington station to the main entrance.
• Gloucester Road tube station is also on the District, Circle and Piccadilly lines and is a 15 minute walk.
• Find out the latest Transport for London tube status updates.

By Bus:

• Bus routes 14, 49, 70, 74, 345, 360, 414, 430 and C1 stop outside South Kensington Underground Station.
• Bus routes 9, 10, 52, 452 and 70 stop outside the Royal Albert Hall on Kensington Gore.

By Bicycle:

• Transport for London Barclays Cycle Hire docking stations are available outside the Museum on Exhibition Road and on Thurloe Place near South Kensington tube station.There are no dedicated bicycle stands, but folding bicycles can be left in the cloakroom on the lower ground floor.

By Car:

Click here for google map directions

Natural History Museum parking

• There are no car parking facilities and local parking is very limited. There is no visitor parking in Exhibition Road.
• The nearest pay and display car parking is in Prince Consort Road and Queen’s Gate.
• Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea have more information about parking near the Museum.

No.5: The Household Cavalry Museum

Take a sneak peek behind the scenes of Royal Life at this central London museum.

It’s the place to see troopers from the Queen’s Life Guard ceremony working with the horses in the original 18th century stables.

It’s also the location for the impressive Changing of the Queen’s Life Guard daily ceremony, a kid-friendly alternative to the massively crowded Buckingham Palace Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Kids can dress up in costume, learn about the history of the Life Guard uniforms, take part in art and craft activities, and follow an interactive audio visual tour.

Skip Buckingham Palace – take the kids here instead to see Royal Life at work

Address: The Household Cavalry Museum, Horse Guards, Whitehall, London SW1A 2AX

No.6: Wonderlab at the Science Museum of London

The Wonderlab exhibition is arguably top of the list of London attractions for kids aged 7-14.

Do yourself a favour and head Straight to the THIRD FLOOR WONDERLAB for Kids aged 8 -14!

The Wonderlab Science Museum age is NOT just for kids 8 -14, as the brochure said. 

My boys (aged 2 and 7), and our cheeky never-ageing Gnome, LOVED it.

We think you’ll love it too.

What is Wonderlab at the Science Museum? 

There’s something for everyone in this gallery in London with over 50 hands-on science experiments, exhibits, demonstrations and activities.

The Science Museum has another three levels of interesting science exhibition too.

In total, there’s SEVEN zones for kids to explore and join in real science experiments, and there’s a team of Explainers on site ready to help kids understand how the science experiments work.

Toddlers, preschoolers and big kids can:

• join in live experiments at the Chemistry Bar in the Matter Zone
• watch lightning strike in the Electricity Zone
• race your friends on the three giant friction slides in the Forces Zone
• play with colour in the Light Zone (hot tip: wear white!)
• explore space and planets in the Space Zone
• investigate shapes and modelling in the Maths Zone
• use the thermal imaging camera to find out how hot and cold things are
• move liquid using magnets in the Matter Zone
• touch sound and feel it in your body at the Sound Pods in the Sound Zone

Launchpad Science Museum

Sadly, the Science Museum Launchpad is no longer, but this is an awesome replacement.

There’s FOUR fun science shows for the big kids to enjoy too.

No.1: Flash, Bang, Wallop for kids aged 7-12

All things fire and explosions. It’s LOUD!

No.2: Live Wire! for kids aged 7-12

A chance to discover the secrets of electricity.

No.3: The Rocket Show for kids aged 9-14

Watch the launch of a rocket, learn about rocket fuel, and discover HOW astronauts get into space and back without imploding!

No.4: Prime Time for kids aged 9-14: 

A look at maths in the real world in daily life, including architecture, design, and playing games.

Wonderlab Tickets & Wonderlab Prices

A daily pass to Wonderlab Interactive Gallery starts from  £8.00 for kids aged 4-16, and  £10.00 for adults.

Toddlers and babies under 3 enter for FREE. 

A family discount applies for groups of three or more.

You must prebook your entry time when you buy tickets as they have rolling entry into this hands-on exhibition. Time slots start every 15 minutes.

However, once inside the gallery, you can stay as long as you like.

Hot tips for visiting the London Science Museum on a School Excursion Day

It pays to visit when there’s a school excursion on sometimes, even though it’s busy! 

Some of the experiments work better when there are LOTS of kids to man all the stations and contribute their energy to the task.

But if you don’t want lots of kids around, go after 2.00pm.

The crowds of school kids are there one minute, gone the next.

Plan to spend at least two hours at the Science Museum Wonderlab.

Bring a book just in case. You won’t get them out of here in a hurry.

Take a look at the video above for a sneak peek into the Wonderlab science museum.

The video shows just a tiny fraction of the fun things to do at the Science Museum, but it’s a good start.

When the kids have had enough of the Wonderlab area, it’s time to explore the rest of the Natural Science Museum in London.

There’s no wonder this place ranks so highly on the list of things to do in London with kids.

It’s extraordinary!

Level 3 at the London Science Museum for Kids

No.1: Fly Zone

There are two flight simulators on Level 3 in the Fly Zone.

Kids aged 4 + and families can sit in on the Red Arrows 3D Science Museum flight simulation theatre for a sensational aerobatic display, or jump into the Typhoon Force and fly a low-level mission in the cockpit of a RAF Typhoon jet. (Ticketed)

Fly Kids is a chance for younger kids to fly with the Red Arrows!  This is a 2D pod ride for ages 3 -5. (Ticketed)

No.2: Flight Gallery

Check out over 100 aircraft models from the history of flight from the earliest pioneers to modern jumbo jets in the Flight Gallery

Level 2 for Kids at the London Science Museum

No.1: Information Age

Has it’s own InfoAge+ app. Download it before you come, and set your kids up with some tasks such as finding a news story in the gallery or creating a video report.

This gallery showcases the technological advances of information and communication equipment over past 200 years.

No.2: The Clockmakers museum

No.3: Mathematics

Lots of maths games to challenge the thinking. 

Level 1 for Kids at the London Science Museum

No.1: Who Am I? Gallery 

Discover more about the human being and morph your face to see what it will be like as you age!

Level 0 for Kids at the London Science Museum

No.1: Pattern Pod Science Museum

Touch screens, playful science games, and experiments with water, shapes, and patterns, perfect for 5 -8 year olds.

No.2: Making the Modern World

Kids can check out the cultural history of our world and how things have changed from the 1750’s to today

They’ll love the planes, trains and automobiles on display!

No.3: Explore space

See a real piece of the moon, then find out how astronauts breathe, eat, drink and go to the toilet in space!

Lots of rockets, satellites, space probes and landers to check out too.

No.4: IMAX theatre 3D & 2D movie experience.

If you’ve not done IMAX with the kids before, now’s the time.

See current shows and book tickets here. 

Basement Level for Kids at the London Science Museum

No.1: The Garden at the Science Museum

Did you know there’s also a dedicated zone for toddlers at the Science Museum.

Visit The Garden, on basement level, a place for kids aged 3-7 to explore science through play. 

Explore the Science Museum Garden.

This child-centred interactive gallery is where preschoolers and toddlers in London can learn about science in a fun, engaging way through games and activities.

This science centre for toddlers and kids aged 3 -7 years has “Museum explainers” on hand to help answer questions or join in the games.

If you are on the fence and wondering is the Science museum good for toddlers, or is the Science museum suitable for toddlers, we say YES in bold.

They’ll be entranced.

No.2: The Secret Life of the Home

Kids can:

• flush a loo to see how it works
• see horse-drawn vacuum cleaners
• explore pop-up toasters
• learn about other everyday household objects and
• see how they’ve changed over the years.

No.3: Family Amenities

There’s also:

• a Family room
• buggy parking
• a picnic area and the Basement Café

Science Museum App

Download the London Science Museum App – Treasure Hunters- to create your very own tour of the museum.

Download from the App store
Download from Google Play

What to eat at the Science Museum London Cafe

No.1: Energy Cafe – Level 0, next to the shop

Grab and go food with seating on two levels. Cakes, sandwiches, hot and cold dishes, hot specials, made to order pizza, cold drinks, teas and coffees on offer.

Monday–Sunday 10.00–17.30 (until 18.30 during school holidays)

No.2: The Diner – Level 0

Feast on an extensive menu of burgers, salads and desserts at our family restaurant.

Monday–Sunday 11.00–15.00 (until 17.00 on weekends and during school holidays)

No.3: The Basement Cafe – Level 1

Coffees and cakes, juices, smoothies and teas.

Watch out – there’s pick and mix sweets on the shelves too!

Monday–Friday 11.00–15.00, Saturday–Sunday 11.00–16.00

No.4: Gallery Cafe – Level 2

Extensive range of vegetarian food, salads and hot and cold drinks.

Monday–Sunday 10.00–16.00 (until 17.00 during school holidays)

No.5: BYO picnic – Level 1 & 3

Ask a staff member to point you in the direction of a picnic area. (There’s a few around the museum)

No.6: The Wonderlab Milkshake Bar – 3rd floor

Design your own ice-cream tub with a range of toppings, or indulge in a made-to-order ice cream milkshakes.

• Monday–Friday 11.00–15.00
• Saturday–Sunday 11.00–17.00

Science Museum Lates

Science Museum Lates are adults-only, after-hours theme nights that take place in the museum on the last Wednesday of every month.

London Science Museum – Location, Tickets, Opening hours 

Address: The main entrance is on Exhibition Rd south, Kensington, London SW7 2DD, UK
Telephone: +44 870 870 4868
Website: Click here

• Interactive Gallery open daily 10am to 6pm.  
• Last admission 5.15pm.
• Galleries start to close at 5.30pm
• Closed 24-26 December

Entry fees 

• FREE entry.
• Some exhibitions and attractions are ticketed. Look out for the ‘ticket’ shaped sign as you go around. Book individual tickets at any of the ticket desks.

Sign up for the newsletter to find out about current and upcoming events and exhibitions.

How to get to the London Science Museum

 By Underground

• The nearest Science Museum London tube station is South Kensington. This is on the District, Circle and Piccadilly lines and is a 5 minute walk from the Museum. A pedestrian subway connects South Kensington station to our main entrance.
• Gloucester Road tube station is also on the District, Circle and Piccadilly lines and is a 15 minute walk.
• Find out the latest Transport for London tube status updates.

By Bus

• Bus routes 14, 49, 70, 74, 345, 360, 414, 430 and C1 stop outside South Kensington Underground Station.
• Bus routes 9, 10, 52, 452 and 70 stop outside the Royal Albert Hall on Kensington Gore.

By Bicycle

• Transport for London Barclays Cycle Hire docking stations are available outside the Museum on Exhibition Road and on Thurloe Place near South Kensington tube station.
• We do not have dedicated bicycle stands, but folding bicycles can be left in our cloakroom on the lower ground floor.

By Car

• We do not have car parking facilities and local parking is very limited. 
• There is no visitor parking in Exhibition Road.
• We suggest catching public transport as it’s much easier

Science Museum Parking 

• The nearest pay and display car parking is in Prince Consort Road and Queen’s Gate.
• Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea have more information about parking near the Museum.

No.7: The Pollocks Toy Museum

Take a walk back in time to see Victorian toys on display at Pollocks Toy Museum on Goodge St.

Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Victorian toys can be found at Pollocks Toy Museum on Scala street in London.

This weird but whimsical museum is home to tens of toy puppet theatres, many of them made by Mr Pollock himself.

The upstairs collection also houses puppets, toys, teddy bears and unusual dolls from history, including the oldest toy in existence, a 4000-year old toy mouse made from Nile Clay.

Address: 1 Scala St, London W1T 2HL. Enter from 41 Whitfield St, W1

No.8: London Airforce Museum

Looking for something different to do?  Visit the London Airforce Museum with kids

The Airforce Museum in London has a themed outdoor playground for kids 

The Air Force Museum in London is the place to take kids who LOVE planes & vehicles of every kind.

London Airforce Museum playground

But ALL kids will love the brand new themed Adventure Playground at the RAF Museum.

The London Air Force Museum houses a world-class collection of aircraft, aviation artefacts and memorabilia.

Take the pilot’s seat and fly in the Simulator Zone in Hangar 1, or climb aboard the Typhoon Simulator or enjoy a 4D ride with the Red Arrows in Hangar 3.

Address: Royal Air Force Museum Grahame Park Way London, NW9 5LL

Image credit 

No.9: The National Maritime Museum

Head straight to the AHOY! Children’s Gallery for kids 0-7 years where kids can discover more about polar exploration, become a swashbuckling pirate, and join in the fun of playing shops in the fresh fish marketplace.

The gallery is free to enter but ticketed on weekends. Check the inside scoop for details.

Travelling in London with bigger kids?

Visit the All Hands children’s gallery on the second floor for 6-12 year olds.

Kids can:

• fire a cannon and battle a naughty pirate ship in the signature interactive game
• enjoy pretend play opportunities where kids can load cargo in the port
• explore the ship Seahorse, and
• learn about what sailors ate on long journeys at sea.

Image credit: Leslie Archard via Flickr CC by ND- 2.0

The Maritime Museum London for kids

There’s loads more family friendly activities at the National Maritime Museum including trails to follow, opportunities to play with giant ships, try interactive games, and explore the globe on a giant atlas.

Address: National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, Greenwich SE10 9NF

No.10: National Army Museum Chelsea

Pick up an activity backpack when you arrive. It’s full of fun activities for the whole family. On a Mission for kids 2-7 helps families learn more about the day-to-day life of a soldier.  Visiting with older kids?

Museum film crew backpacks for kids aged 8+ contain everything your family needs to make your own museum-inspired film. Each pack includes a Hollywood-style clapper board, Directors hat and activity book.

There’s very cool events and workshops for all the family too.

Join in parachute man target practice or a nerf gun water fight battle target challenge.

You might be lucky enough to find a tank challenge where you race a remote controlled tank through mini-London! Check the current schedule here.

Then it’s time for both younger and older kids to start exploring the 10 galleries at the National Army museum in the city!  There’s a play area, obstacle courses, places to practice your army crawl, dress up as a Guardsman, and climb aboard a tank!

Address: National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London United Kingdom SW3 4HT

No.11: The Postal Museum London

THIS was an unexpected find, but SO GOOD for kids and families.

There’s SO much to do including:

• ride the underground Mail Rail train and see the virtual film 
• visit the hands-on Postal Museum exhibition 
• book a session in Sorted! The Postal play space for kids 

Address: The Postal Museum 15-20 Phoenix Place London WC1X 0DA

Image credit: Jim Linwood by CC by 2.0

No.12: The London Museum of Water and Steam

Based in the historic buildings of the former Kew Bridge Waterworks, the London Museum of Water & Steam is where you go to find out about the history of London’s water supply.

The best thing about this Water Museum?

Playing at the brand new outdoor splash zone in the Waterwheel Courtyard.

Kids can move water using gears, wheels, buckets, levers, pumps, pipes and more!

There’s stuff to do for older kids too, including a chance to take a trip to the sewers to see what happens after your water disappears down the sink!

This surprise find is one of the fabulous museums for toddlers in London.

Address: Green Dragon Lane, Brentford, London, TW8 0EN

Click here for entry fees, opening hours, & directions

Image credit: Alh1 via CC BY-ND 2.0

No.13: The Design Museum

Introduce kids to the history of contemporary design at the London Design Museum.  Kids can watch the 3D printer in action, design a car in the Design Maker app, or expand their creative thinking as they ponder all the current exhibitions and pop-ups.14Pick up a free Family Explorer trail for kids aged 5-11. This guide takes you through all the different exhibits on show.

You can also join in a program of free and ticketed workshops and gallery experiences for kids.

Make something (a spinning animation, a hand-made badge, paper craft?) to take home at the drop-in Create and Make drop-in activity inspired by the museum’s exhibitions.

Address: 224-238 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 6AG, UK

Click here for entry fees, opening hours, & directions

No.14: The Bank of England Museum

Ever wanted to hold a gold bar? The Bank of England Museum is THE place to do it.

Did you know this building sits on top of one of the world’s largest stores of gold? Find out why!

Plus, there’s opportunities to learn the history of paper money, and how the banks protect notes from counterfeit.

Take a look at the Stock Office, a replica of what the Bank of England looked like 200 hundred years ago.

Pick up a free activity sheet from our information desk. Get a small reward if you fill one in!  There’s events for kids too. Check for upcoming family events here. 

Address: Bartholomew Ln, London EC2R 8AH, UK.

(If you are facing the Bank of England’s main entrance on Threadneedle Street, they are around the corner on the right.)

Click here for entry fees, opening hours, & directions

No.15: The Cartoon Museum

The Cartoon Museum is the home of cartoon and comic art in London, with over 6,000 original cartoon and comic artworks, and a library of over 8000 books and comics!

Their ever-changing museum exhibition lineup aims to highlight the value of cartoons and comics to modern British culture and society by hosting exhibitions, and events that engage families, children, locals and visitors.

It’s the spot to reflect on Britain’s cartoon and comic heritage too.

Take the kids to join in one of their hands-on workshops. Kids can make a mini comic book, meet local cartoonists, draw a Beano front cover, learn how to draw characters from myths and fairytales, explore manga comics, or join in an animation class.

Find a cool curated range of comic-themed books, Cartoon Museum publications, greetings cards, cups, mugs, homewares, gifts and stationery too.

Address: 63 Wells St, Fitzrovia, London W1A 3AE, UK

 Click here for entry fees, opening hours, & directions

Image credit: Jelm6 via Flickr CC by 2.0

No.16: The Charles Dickens Museum

It’s now possible to visit the home of Charles Dickens, the famous British author who wrote Oliver Twist, The Pickwick Papers and A Christmas Carol, featuring the infamous Scrooge. It’s where he first achieved international fame as one of the world’s greatest storytellers.

There’s self-guided activity trails for families, audio guides specifically aimed at our younger visitors, period costumes to dress up in down in our kitchen and a friendly indoor and outdoor cafe space.

Check out their current family events here.

Pop into the Curiosity Shop to buy exclusive London souvenirs and gifts too, including Dicken’s mugs, tea towels, posters, key rings, and the fabulous range of ‘Please Sir, I want some more’ plates, bowls and cups!

Address: 48-49 Doughty Street, Holborn, London, WC1N 2LX

Click here for entry fees, opening hours, & directions

Image credit: D.A

No.17: The Royal Institution of Great Britain & Faraday Museum

The Royal Institution is the home of science in the heart of London.

The RIGB hosts family masterclasses for kids aged 7-12, and also holiday workshops for all ages covering topics in science, mathematics, computing and engineering.

The best part of the RIGB is the Faraday Museum, three floors showcasing the history of science, and the science instruments people have been using for the past 200 years.

Address: Albemarle St, Mayfair, London W1S 4BS, UK

Click here for entry fees, opening hours, & directions

No.18: The Florence Nightingale Museum

Find out about London’s most famous nurse,the Lady with the Lamp, at this iconic London museum.

Pick up your free family trail from the front desk when you arrive.

The family trails let you explore the museum together and find out about the life of Florence Nightingale, and her role in changing the face of the nursing profession to this day.  Suitable for children between 6 and 12 years old.

Small kids under 5 can play the I-spy game, where they help Athena (Florence’s little pet owl)  and her friends find all the objects in the museum.

For those who love engaging with the digital world, download the Florence Nightingale museum app to explore the museum on this interactive trail.

Address: 2 Lambeth Palace Rd, South Bank, London SE1 7EW, UK

Click here for entry fees, opening hours, & directions

Image credit: Regine Debatty via Flickr CC BY SA-2.0

No.19: The Horniman Museum

Take a look at all the things you can do here at the Horniman museum!

• Home to alpacas, goats, sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens and more, the Animal Walk is a walk through the centre for a close up view of the animals.
• Spy poison dart frogs, tropical tree frogs, wobbly jellyfish, and a live coral display at the renowned Aquarium
• Enjoy time with hundreds of fluttering butterflies in the tropical indoor garden at the Butterfly House (timed entry ticket needed)
• Wander the gardens or the nature trail
• Explore Nature Base and see hundreds of live bees and Britain’s smallest rodent the Harvest mouse
• See hundreds of taxidermy stuffed animals, skeletons and specimens preserved in fluid at the Natural History Gallery
• View over 1300 instruments from the Horniman’s internationally renowned collection, explore interactive sound tables, and make music of your own at the Hands On Space
• Handle thousands of amazing real objects from around the world in these interactive exhibits, try on costumes, and investigate things up close

Address: 100 London Rd, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ, UK

Click here for entry fees, opening hours, & directions

Best London Museums for Kids Map

We’ve made a MAP just for you, with the pinned locations of all these museums to help you plan your London itinerary with kids.

Click here for access

FAQ about London Museums

No.1: Is it true that all museums in London are free of charge?

Quick answer. No.

But lots are.

No.2: Are museums in Britain designed for children and young families?

Resoundingly, across the board, YES! 

Never assume a boring sounding museum in London won’t impress the kids.

We’ve been shocked by how family friendly some museums are.

Case in point, the London Army museum.

No.3: What are the best free museums in London?

If you’ve only got limited time, visit the Natural History Museum and the London Science Museum.

Both are free, although you do need to buy a ticket to the Wonderlab science exhibition in the Science museum.

ANIMALS, WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES AND ZOOS IN LONDON

No.1: London Zoo 

Check out all the fun you can have at London Zoo in Regents Park London.

It’s the best zoo in London for sure.

• Eat afternoon tea at London Zoo
• Read about the  Bedbugs Sleepover with kids experience at the zoo
• Animal lovers should check out the Junior Zoo Keeper for the Day programs
• Once in a lifetime experience – stay in a safari tent at the Zoo

Did you know there is a new interactive exhibition at London Zoo called the Land of the Lions?

Get up close and personal with mighty Asiatic lions in this Indian themed display.

It’s really quite something!

But that’s not all.

There’s places to play, penguins to giggle with, BUGS, and so much more. 

The Zoo has an animal-themed adventure playground!

London Zoo Animals You Must See!

There are so many animal exhibits at London Zoo, including:

• The Australian Outback exhibit
• London Zoo endangered animals, and,
• London Zoo monkeys

We’ve listed our favourite must-see animals in London for kids to see here.

No.1: Lions (of course) 

In the Gir Forest. Don’t miss them.

No.2: Galapagos Tortoises

Check out the Galapagos tortoises – Dolly, Polly and Priscilla!

These guys live for 150 odd years.

Here’s an interesting fact.

Spanish sailors who first visited the  islands thought that some of the tortoises’s shells looked like saddles on a horse. The Spanish sailors named the islands ‘Galapagos’ which means ‘saddles’ in Spanish.

No.3: Tiger Territory

Come face to face with Sumatran tigers through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows  in the Indonesian-themed Tiger Territory

No.4: London Zoo Gorillas

Meet the zoo’s colony of western lowland gorillas.

Impressive male silverback  Kumbuka and his mate Mjukuu have two bubs:

• a baby girl named Alika, and
•  a male called Gernot.

The group is completed by females Effie, the guts of the group, and Zaire, who is the definition of a ‘cheeky monkey’!

They live in Gorilla Kingdom, an engaging environment mimicking their natural habitat.

No.5: Tiger Territory

A replica of the Indonesia jungle filled with tall trees for the tiger to climb, it has floor to ceiling glass windows so visitors can observe these beauties in safety.

No.6: Aquarium

The aquarium has THREE halls full of fish.

But our favourite thing to do is spot the cute seahorses!

No.7: Reptile House at London Zoo

Kids who adore snakes and lizards need to visit Reptile House at ZSL London Zoo first to see their top notch collection of reptiles and amphibians, including:

• snakes
• lizards
• frogs and
• the odd crocodile!

Hot tip: Did you know they filmed a key Harry Potter scene for the first film inside this building ? 

No.8: Into Africa Exhibition

Enjoy the African-themed environment where you’ll meet giraffes, zebras, okapis, warthogs and African hunting dogs too.

See the two pygmy hippos, Thug and Nicky, in their new home.

These West African animals have two loves in life – sleeping and bathing. The roof of the enclosure has solar panels that keep the water in their territory at a warm temperature all year round.

Close by, giggle with the otters and laugh at the meerkats antics too.

No.9: Penguin Beach

Penguin Beach at London Zoo is the BEST animal exhibition area we’ve ever seen.

Centrestage, a huge underwater pool with glass-fronted viewing all round, so you can watch the penguins swim underwater.

Twice a day, you can see the keepers feeding the penguins there too.

London Zoo Walk-Thru Exhibits

Not only are there animals, there are world-first interactive exhibits. London Zoo animals are amazing.

No.10: In with the Spiders!

Fancy meeting spiders FACE to FACE?

Then walk-through this exhibit of amazing arachnids from around the world.

Yes, you walk in and under them! Oooohhhh!

This walk-through spider exhibition in London is the only one in Europe!

No.11: Rainforest Life

The only place in London to see a sloth in real life!

Monkeys, bats, and rats call this area home too.

No.12: In with the Lemurs!

Another walk-through exhibit lets you come close to delightful Lemurs in a Madagascan shrub forest where the Lemurs will be leaping, climbing and lounging within metres of you.

No.13: In with the Monkeys!

Visit the black-capped squirrel monkeys in the open-topped walk-through eco-safari habitat designed to mimic the Bolivian rainforests as closely as possible.

No.14: Butterfly Paradise

Butterfly Paradise is the last of the ‘walk though’ environments in London Zoo, with hundreds of butterflies from south-east Asia, Central and south America and East Africa meeting up in this global community.

It’s the perfect place for kids to learn about butterfly life cycles, biodiversity and climate change.

But the best bit of all for kids?

The brand new Animal Adventure Zone Children’s Zoo. 

With opportunities to meet eagle owls, porcupines, mongoose and meerkats up close and personal, the Animal adventure zone is tonnes of fun for kids.

This area has specially designed low barriers to help kids have a better experience of what it’s like to see animals in the wild.

Chat to the zoo keepers to learn about nature and it’s special creatures, and listen to the daily talks.

The Farmyard (London Zoo petting zoo)

The Farmyard encourages children to get hands-on with domestic animals.

Kids can groom and feed the goats and sheep, then meet the zoo’s donkeys, llamas and kune-kune pigs.

London Zoo Playground

Your last stop should be the London Zoo Adventure Playground!

It’s located near Penguin Beach, and the entrance of the Butterfly Paradise.

There’s a brand new play area with:

• mini climbing wall, and
• a water splash zone too.

Image credit: Paul Downey via Flickr CC BY 2.0

Places to eat at London Zoo with kids

No.1: Animal adventure kiosk

Parents are catered for with a new Animal Adventure Kiosk – grab a coffee, or a snack to eat while you watch the kids play.

Entry is included in the ticket price.

No.2: London Zoo Terrace Restaurant

The Terrace restaurant’s most popular food is the stone baked pizza, and fish and chips.

But on a cold day, you can chow down on curries, soups, and big hearty burgers.

During summer, the menu swaps to lighter meals including wraps, salads and picnic foods.

There’s a kids meal called Little Keepers, where they can make their own lunch pack choices with a selection of hot and cold foods including pasta, fish cakes, chicken fingers, and the English fave, bangers and mash.

Cakes are available in the displays all day long.

From time to time, you can enjoy Afternoon Tea at London Zoo as a special high tea event. Check with the zoo for details.

No.: Street Food Counter

In a hurry?   Pick up burritos or a roti bar

The Terrace Restaurant is situated in Barclay Court, opposite the Amphitheatre and next to the Zoo shop and exit.

No.4: Aquarium Kiosk

The other food option is near the entrance to the Zoo, next to the Aquarium.

Fancy an ice cream?

This is the place.

It’s also the place to pick up hot pastries, hot and cold drinks, fairtrade coffee, tasty sandwiches and cakes.

No.4: Picnics at London Zoo

You are welcome to bring your own picnic food to eat at the picnic tables around the park.

Need sheltered space?

Find it in the foyer area in the B.U.G.S exhibit and the Aquarium.

London Zoo Facts for Kids

No.1: (Are) Is there elephants at London zoo?

Not at this kids zoo London. Try Whipsnade zoo.

No.2: What is the list of animals at London Zoo?

We’ve listed 90% of the animals here, but if you want to know what animals does London zoo have in total, see the full list. 

No.3: How many animals are there in London Zoo?

Lots!  London zoo is home to more than 17,000 animals across over 750 species.

No.4: What is the rarest animal in London Zoo?

That’s a tough question.

Sumatran tigers might be the rarest animal in London Zoo, but there’s quite a few animals at London Zoo on the edge of extinction.

Click here to read all about them.

London Zoo Information

No.1: Who owns London Zoo?

ZSL (Zoological Society of London) is a charity, founded by Sir Stamford Raffles and Sir Humphry Davy in 1826. Her Majesty The Queen is The Patron of ZSL. The zoo will be 200 years old in 2026!

No.2: How long does it take to visit the London zoo?

Allow at least 3-4 hours to make the most of your trip.

No.3: Is London Zoo animal friendly?

All of our animals are fed diets which are specifically designed for their needs. They even have indoor areas in the exhibitions for those animals who don’t like the rain or cold.

No.4: Is London zoo good for animals?

SL (Zoological Society of London) is an international conservation charity working to ensure wildlife thrives. They are working to bring wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

Through the work of their pioneering scientists, dedicated conservationists and their unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos, they guide and enable others in the UK and all across the world.

No.5: Can I stay at London Zoo?

Yes!  You can stay over at London Zoo in two different ways- Safari Tents in Gir Forest, OR in the Bugs room! 

Click here for details about a London Zoo Safari Sleepover experience.

London Zoo Gift Shop

Is there a London Zoo shop?

Yes! With lots of lots of London souvenirs to purchase.

Read our guide (coming soon) 

London Zoo – Location, Tickets, Opening hours 

Founded in 1826, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international scientific, conservation and educational charity whose mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats.

Address: Outer Circle, Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4RY
Telephone: 0344 225 1826
Website:  Click here
Email (bookings): [email protected]

ZSL London Zoo is open every day of the year except Christmas Day.

London Zoo opening hours are:

• From 31 March 2019, opening 10am – 6pm
• From 2 September 2019, opening 10am to 5.00pm
• From 27 October 2019, opening 10am to 4pm

Last admission is one hour before advertised closing time

Some animal exhibits may close up to 30 minutes before closing time

London Zoo Prices

London Zoo ticket prices include flexible pricing options now. It’s most expensive to visit during peak times, but now they offer standard, off peak, saver and super saver prices too.

Flexible ticket prices make it easier for you to plan your visit as you can browse through different ticket prices across the year and choose the perfect time to visit based on your budget.

• Looking to purchase London Zoo discount tickets? Buying London Zoo tickets online in advance is the quickest and cheapest way for you to get into ZSL London Zoo. Save 10% instantly off gate prices.
• An adult ticket during peak season is £35. (£31.50 online). The super saver is £26 on the gate. (£23.40 online)
• A child’s ticket aged 3 -15 is £22.75 at the gate. (£20.47 online).  The super saver cheapest tickets is £16.90 on the gate (£15.21 online)
• Children 2 and under are FREE!
• There is a reduced rate for people 65+, those with a disability, and students
• There is no longer a London Zoo family ticket available

London Zoo deals

You can also get in for FREE with a London Pass!

Prepare for your London Zoo Trip

Ground Plan of London Zoo:  Download a map of London Zoo Animals before you arrive so you can get your game plan ready.

London Zoo App:

• Download ZSL London Zoo’s official app on iPhone
• Find out more about your favourite animals, create your own bespoke tour or follow one of theirs, find out about all of the exciting daily events and set yourself reminders, and play the Walkabout Game, where you find and photograph animals to win Explorer trophies and Spotter badges!
• Buy tickets, get directions and plan your visit, and use the “What’s on” section to find out about daily animal talks and events.

Take the Nature Trail at London Zoo:

• Pick up a copy of the Nature Trail map at the main gate or information kiosk at the Zoo. Or download a copy before you arrive here.
• There’s 9 activities for kids and families to complete, and it takes you all round the zoo in a logical way so you don’t miss anything.

Daily activities at London Zoo

There’s talks and shows all day long at London Zoo. Check out the timetable at the entrance when you arrive.

Don’t miss the Penguin Beach live show, or the Tiger interaction at lunchtime to see their skills in action.

You can follow the keepers all day long as they enter different exhibits and walk through areas to showcase the animals there.

SPECIAL Things To Do at London Zoo

No.1: London Zoo Junior Keeper for the Day

Do you have kids who are interested in the behind the scenes work of caring for the animals at the zoo?

This experience a great start. 

No.2: London Zoo Safari Sleepover 

Yes, you can stay overnight at the zoo in safari tents, a taste of Africa without leaving London. 

No.3: London Zoo Bedbugs Sleepover for kids aged 7 to 11 years

Book this exclusive overnight experience inside the zoo for kids. 

Make memories for your kids with these VIP activities. 

London Zoo Events

No.1: London Zoo nights

London Zoo special events happen from time to time, including the popular Zoo Nights, in the summer where you can visit London Zoo at night. A look at the animals after dark, with a party like atmosphere, street food stalls, animal lanterns, activities and entertainment.

No.2: London Zoo Special events

There’s history tours, and for kids, opportunities to become a zoo keeper for the day.

London Zoo Christmas is another exciting time.

Enquire at the information desk or on the website for what’s on.

Image credit: Matt Buck via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

How to get to London Zoo By Tube

ZSL London Zoo is within walking distance of Camden Town and Regent’s Park stations, and short bus ride from Baker Street station.

Visitors are advised to check the services to these stations before starting their journey.

For more information visit Transport for London’s service update page.

Image credit: Caitlin via Flickr CC BY-2.0

From Regent’s Park station to London Zoo (a 20 minute walk):

• Exit the station and turn right.
• Cross the Marylebone Road and turn left immediately into Park Square East.
• Continue until you reach the entrance to Regent’s Park on the corner of the outer circle.
• Walk through the Park along the Broad Walk (heading north) until you reach the outer circle again.
• Turn left onto the outer circle.
•  ZSL zoo entrance is 200 metres on the left

Image credit: Elliott Brown via Flickr CC BY-2.0

From Baker Street Station to London Zoo:

• Catch the 274 bus from Baker Street to Ormonde Terrace
• Or if you fancy a 30 minute walk, exit the station on Baker Street.
• Turn right and walk to the end of Baker street, cross over Park Road and turn left onto the outer circle.
• Follow this road until you reach the zoo’s main entrance on your right.

Image credit: Oliver Mallich via Flickr CC BY-ND 2.0

From Camden Town Station (a 15 minute walk):

Camden Town is the nearest tube station to ZSL London Zoo with its Northern Line connection.

• Exit the station on the right-hand side and walk along Parkway.
• Continue walking up Parkway for about 6 minutes until you reach Prince Albert Road.
• Turn right into Prince Albert Road and continue for about five minutes until you reach the traffic-light controlled pedestrian crossing.
• Cross left here and walk over the Regent’s Canal footbridge.
• Turn right and it’s then 200 metres up the road on the left-hand side

Please note:

• On Saturdays and at other busy times, Camden Town station operates a one-way system.
• Access to the Northern line is via a spiral staircase. Buggies must be folded.
• Please top up your Oyster card to cover your return journey as the ticket hall is very busy.

Please note:

• On Sundays, Camden Town station is exit-only between 1300 and 1730.
• Please use nearby Mornington Crescent, Chalk Farm or Kentish Town stations for your return journey.

How to get to London Zoo from London Bridge station

From London Bridge station, walk 2 minutes to the London Bridge underground station. 

Catch the Northern Line Edgware via Bank to Camden town.

Walk 15 minutes to the zoo from here, as above. 

Image credit: Nigel Swales via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

How to get to London Zoo By Train

The nearest mainline station is Euston.

• At Euston Station go to bus stop G and take bus number 253 towards the Narroway/Hackney Central to Camden High Street.
• At Camden High Street go to Stop T and take bus number 274 towards Victoria Gate and the front entrance.

Image credit: Chris Sampson via Flickr CC BY-2.0

How to get to London Zoo by Bus

274 Bus Route London TFL 

• Service number 274 runs from Marble Arch and Baker Street, to Ormonde Terrace.
• View the 274 bus route and times

How to get to London Zoo from Victoria Station on the C2 Bus 

• Pick up the C2 from Victoria station, Oxford Circus or Great Portland Street to Gloucester Gate.
• The C2 bus starts at Victoria Rail Station and goes along Albany Street alongside Regents Park

Finding any more details on the C2 bus is near on impossible. The safest, quickest bet is to catch the 274 above. 

Image credit: Elliott Brown via Flickr CC BY-2.0

By London Overground train

The nearest London Overground station is Camden Road station.

• Turn right out of the station and follow Camden Road until you get to Camden Town Tube station.
• Cross the road and walk along Parkway.
• Continue walking up Parkway for about 6 minutes until you reach Prince Albert Road.
• Turn right into Prince Albert Road and continue for about five minutes until you reach the traffic-light controlled pedestrian crossing.
• Cross left here and walk over the Regent’s Canal footbridge.
• Turn right and the entrance is 200 metres up the road on the left-hand side

London Zoo By Bike

The zoo has a bike shed for public use in the car park opposite the main Zoo entrance. 

Please note that ZSL takes no responsibility for any damage or theft of any cycles left in our cycle stands.

There are also two TfL Barclays Cycle Hire scheme docking stations:

• one in car park opposite the main Zoo entrance. and
• one in the Zoo’s main Gloucester Slips car park.

Image credit: Elliott Brown via Flickr CC BY-2.0

London Zoo By Waterbus

• The London Waterbus Company runs a scheduled service along the Regent’s Canal between Camden Lock or Little Venice and the zoo.
• For full details call the London Waterbus Company 020 7482 2550.

How to get to London Zoo By Car

Click here for google map directions from your location

• The zoo has extensive parking facilities, and is outside of the congestion charge.
• Parking requires payment.

Further help with London Zoo Directions?

If you need any further help with getting to London Zoo UK, visit the London Zoo website or call 020 7722 3333.

London Zoo parking

Parking for Zoo visitors is available in the Zoo’s Gloucester Slips Car Park and is payable on the day at a cost of £14.50.

The Zoo’s Main Gate is situated on the Outer Circle of Regent’s Park NW1, which is outside of the congestion charge zone.

Pay and display parking is also available on the Outer Circle at £2.40 per hour Monday to Saturday and £1.40 per hour on Sundays from 9am to 6.30pm each day.

There is a 4 hour max stay Monday-Saturday but no maximum stay on Sundays.

Facilities at London Zoo for Kids

• Self service storage lockers from £1 per hour for a medium sized locker or from, £2 per hour for a large locker. Unfortunately they cannot be reserved and there are a limited number available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
• Pram Hire
• Trike hire

You can also visit Whipsnade Zoo if you are not yet zooed out.

BEST LONDON EVENTS AND FESTIVALS 

There are so many events happening in London, I can’t keep up.

Firstly, check for the major events in London on the London Tourists and Visitors schedule here. 

The problem is there’s no ONE place to go to find ALL the best London events.

Pick a Theme

My tip is to pick your theme/topic/niche/hobby (for example, arts and craft, embroidery and Japanese boro stitching, painting, running, handmade markets, Sunday markets, plant dyeing fabrics, weaving, fishing competitions, train enthusiasts, plane spotters, school fetes, amateur theatre etc) and find the leading website in that field in the city.

These are my kinds of events. I’m not keen on the major events on the Tourism Calendar, unless it’s Wimbledon.  These kinds of events are packed with people, expensive, and impersonal.

I much prefer turning up to something community-minded, where the food is handmade by the friendly community volunteers or parent helpers, and is priced for my traveller’s budget.

This is where the magic of travel happens too – meeting the locals, and digging deeper into the way of life.

If you happen to be in London in May, take the kids back in time to enjoy the enchanting Punch and Judy Festival in Covent Garden.

Where are the best places to go in London on a weekend for free?

In the warmer months, take a picnic to visit any of the Royal Parks.

This amazing network of green parks around the city are an untapped resource for travellers to London, and we’ve whiled many an hour or day here, feeding the ducks, wandering the pathways, playing on the nature playgrounds, and watching flowers bloom.

You can also visit the free museums in London, including:

• the British Museum
• The Natural History Museum of London
• London Science Museum
• National Gallery
• Royal London Air Force museum
• National Army Museum
• Museum of London Docklands
• V & A museum (Victoria and Albert Museum)
• Imperial War Museum
• the National Portrait Gallery
• our favourite London Museum, the Museum of Childhood!

If you are hunting for things to do in London on a rainy day, look no further than the list of museums in London above.

WHERE TO STAY IN LONDON WITH KIDS

Best London hotels for kids?

On our most recent trip, we stayed at the Grand Plaza Apartments in Bayswater.  It’s in the best area to stay in London with family. 

Notting Hill, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and the Princess Diana Memorial Playground are on your doorstep, and the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum of London (pictured above) are just a 15 minute stroll away.

If you are wondering where to stay in London with family, you will NOT find any better location in the city for a family stay. This bonus is, this posh-looking Victorian townhouse style hotel makes you feel like near-royalty.

FAQ about London

Looking to visit London on a Budget?

You can save LOADS of money with London Pass for the family.

A London Pass (like a New York pass) gives you access to 80 attractions and a 1-day hop-on-hop-off bus tour. You can buy access for 1, 2, or 3 days, or a week, then visit as many places as you can in that time.

Or, click here for a bunch of London discount coupons.

London Weather

What is the weather in London today? 

Click here to find up-to-date London Weather reports.

What is the best time to visit London with Kids?

It depends on where you are going – England, Ireland, Scotland or Wales.

Aim to visit the northern parts of Great Britain in the warmer months – June and July for the best chance of blue skies, and warmish temperatures.

The best time to visit Ireland and Wales is in April and May, and then again in August- early October. These shoulder seasons are less busy, with milder temperatures.

The best time to visit London, and Britain in general, is on either side of the summer holiday break to avoid peak crowds.

Spring and autumn weather is pleasant for travelling and touring too.

March to May, or September to October to miss the major London summer rush and overcrowding. 

The weather is mild too – not boiling hot, but not cold either.

What month is the best to visit London?

If you are wondering when is a good time to visit London, you need to think about your goals.

What is the best winter month to visit London?

December is perfect if you are after a traditional Christmas experience with pretty street lights, fireworks displays, vintage Christmas trees, and royalty. But it’s cold.

April is our favourite month to visit.

It’s warming up, but many locals are still thawing out so there’s not so many people about.

April is the BEST time to visit all the popular London tourist spots such as Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey or Tower of London.

Is March a good time to visit London?

Yes, we visited London in March on our last trip. It was still very fresh in the mornings, and the sun was gone by 4pm, but with a good scarf, coat, and thermal underwear, you can head out and about easily.

What are good places to go with kids in London when it is wet and cold?

• Shrek’s Adventure Tour is a fun activity for a rainy day
• The London Science Museum, or the Natural History Museum is our pick. Both museums are FREE, and right next door to one another.

Getting around London

Click here for the Visit London Official Visitor Website for all the details of getting around London on foot, by bus, by tube, by taxi, by rail, and by ferry.

Should I visit London or Paris for my first visit to Europe?

We vote London.

It feels safer, and you don’t have to worry so much about pickpockets or scammers trying to trick you.

It’s a fabulous introduction into Roman culture and history, and there’s ROYALTY, and a palace in the centre of the city!

Where should I visit for two weeks in the UK?

Plan to visit at least two or three of these iconic popular cities in Britain. Start in London for a minimum of three-four days.

Scotland

• Edinburgh – Scotland’s Capital. Visit the Royal Mile shops and Edinburgh castle.
• Glasgow – Clyde waterfront
• St Andrews – famed home of the St Andrews golf course, and university.

England

• Bath – spectacular Georgian architecture, Roman baths
• York – wonderful Gothic architecture, narrow streets, lots of character and atmosphere
• Oxford – medieval university colleges, riverside walks
• Liverpool – home of the Beatles
• Brighton – beachside resort town, Brighton pier, old school amusement arcades
• Cornwall – Land’s End, the most southern tip of England, spectacular coastline views
• Manchester – home of one of England’s premier soccer teams, Imperial War Museum
• Lake district – beautiful scenery and landscapes that inspired many a poet and writer including William Wordsworth
• Windsor- home to Windsor castle, the location for Meghan and Harry’s wedding, and Frogmore Cottage. Also Ascot racecourse, and LEGOLAND Windsor.
• Stratford upon Avon – Visit Shakespeare’s childhood home in this medieval town around the river.
• Dover – see the White Cliffs of Dover, and Dover Castle

Ireland

• Belfast – Titanic Belfast Museum, Ulster Museum, St Anne’s cathedral

What visa do I need for the UK?

Click here for details of what visa you will need for the UK.

What travel accessories do I need in the UK?

• powerboard
• UK travel adapter

LOOKING FOR MORE FUN CITIES TO VISIT WITH KIDS?

If you are visiting London, there’s a good chance that someday you’ll want to take advantage of London’s close proximity to two of the world’s greatest cities – Paris and Rome.

Take a peek at our favourite kid-friendly places to visit in Paris and Rome below.

• Best Things to Do in PARIS with Kids

• Best Things to Do in ROME with Kids

If you are travelling to Rome with kids, take our advice and book the Gladiator Tour in Rome.

This rates in our top FIVE travel experiences EVER!

(Pick up a Roman Gladiator dress up suit for the kids too. It’s the best souvenir in Rome for kids.)

You can also check all our Destination Guides below.

• Best Things to Do in TOKYO with Kids

• Best Things to Do in SYDNEY with Kids

• Best Things to Do in MELBOURNE with Kids

• Best Things to Do in CANBERRA with Kids

• Best Things to Do in HELSINKI with Kids

• Best Things to Do in ROVANIEMI with Kids – Santa in Lapland Finland

• Best Things to Do in EUROPE with Kids

• Best Things to Do in BALI with Kids

• Best Things to Do in AUSTRALIA with Kids

• Best Things to Do in BRISBANE with Kids

• Best Things to Do on the GOLD COAST with Kids

• Best Things to Do in BYRON BAY with Kids

• Best Things to Do in NEW ZEALAND with Kids

• Best Things to Do in ROTORUA with Kids

• Best Things to Do in AUCKLAND with Kids

• Best Things to Do in NAPIER with Kids

• Best Things to Do in TAUPO with Kids

• Best Things to Do in NEW YORK with Kids

• Best Things to Do in LOS ANGELES with Kids

• Best Things to Do in SINGAPORE with Kids