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20 Best Tours + Experiences in London for Families With Kids Using Tripadvisor

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This article on the best experiences in London with kids was done in partnership with + sponsored by Tripadvisor.

When planning a trip to London , it can be overwhelming to decide which tours and experiences will be the best for families with kids. From Big Ben to Buckingham Palace, this vibrant city’s bustling streets are filled with iconic landmarks and historical sites that make it a perfect destination for families to explore together. Fortunately, Tripadvisor offers a comprehensive selection of tours for all ages! From double-decker bus tours that whisk you through the city while providing insightful commentary on its history and culture to interactive castle tours where children can engage with exhibits and dive into the past, there is something for every family’s taste and interest.

On this list, we’ve put together our favorite options to help you plan your next London itinerary with kids. Keep reading to learn more about the best experiences and tours in London with kids! Then, save 10% on any Tripadvisor tour with our code: FLT10 .

Best London Sightseeing Tours for Families

Sightseeing is a must when visiting London, especially if you want to get a glimpse at iconic landmarks like Westminster Abbey or St. Paul’s Cathedral. Here are our favorite options for some classic sightseeing tours and experiences in London for families with kids! 

Here are the Best Museums In London For Kids (By Age) ! 

Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London 

Families looking for a different way to see London will love taking a boat tour on the River Thames! TripAdvisor offers a Westminster To Greenwich Sightseeing Cruise which lasts around an hour and will take you by some of the most iconic landmarks in London. Along the way, you’ll get to see attractions like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and Shakespeare’s Globe. You’ll get to learn about each place as you pass it too, and the guides do a good job of keeping it entertaining for kids. It’s a great way to switch up your sightseeing adventures. And, since it’s available for kids as young as 5, it’s also a good option for families. 

Landmarks & Gems: London Bike Ride +Historic Pub + Graffiti 

If you’re traveling with teens or older kids, one of the best experiences in London with kids is to take a bike tour! Recommended for ages 12 and up , this three-and-a-half-hour London Bike Ride and Historic Pub + Graffiti Tour offers families a chance to venture off-the-beaten tourist route and see some lesser-known attractions. Still, you’ll also get a chance to stop by places such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and Westminster Abbey. Then, you’ll continue to Convent Garden for a traditional pub visit. Kids can try some classic pub grub, while parents stop in for a pint! Then, budding artists will love visiting Bansky’s famous street art tunnel near Waterloo. The tour guide will bring some spray paint for them to try, so all they need is their imagination!

London Royal Parks Bike Tour

Wondering what to do in London with kids? Why not take a bike tour of its famous parks? London is known for its leafy and scenic green spaces, and exploring them via bike on a tour is a great way to escape the chaos of the city center! With this London Royal Parks Bike Tour , which lasts around 4 hours, kids of all ages can learn more about London’s history and culture while seeing landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Nelson’s Column, and Buckingham Palace. Of course, you’ll also get a chance to pass through London’s most beautiful parks – namely Hyde Park, Green Park, and St. James Park. The ride concludes at the London Eye, so families can even explore that area and hop on for an aerial view over London! Lastly, since it’s available for all ages, it’s also a great option for everyone. 

See Over 30 Top London Sights! Fun Local Guide! 

If you’ve ever wanted to see London through the eyes of a local, don’t miss this Tripadvisor tour that lets you See Over 30 Top London Sights With a Fun Local Guide ! This small group tour , which lasts around 5 hours, offers families a more personalized and cozy experience as you explore London’s bustling city center. It’s recommended for kids of all ages since the tour guides are very flexible and can easily tailor the experience to your group. You’ll get to see a wide range of landmarks, including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey. Though you won’t get to go inside any of the paid attractions, your tour guide will make the excursion even more interesting with captivating stories and interactive questions! No wonder this is one of the best experiences in London with kids.

London: Harry Potter Walking Tour + Hop-on Hop-off Bus + River Thames Cruise

Harry Potter fans can’t miss one of the best tours in London for families! If you want to save on sightseeing and bundle some of your tours in London, this London: Harry Potter Walking Tour + Hop-On Hop-Off Bus + River Thames Cruise provides a combination of three experiences in London for families! You’ll start with a two-hour walking tour in the morning, where your entertaining guide will take you through some of the landmarks that appear in the movies and answer any questions your kids may have about the films. Plus, you’ll get to learn fun facts about the landmarks themselves, like Big Ben’s real name! Then, included in your ticket purchase, you’ll also get to take a 30-minute sightseeing cruise along the River Thames.

Plus, your ticket includes a hop-on, hop-off bus ticket, which is valid for 24 hours, so you can explore elsewhere in London at your own pace! This tour is open to all ages .

Fully Guided Tour of Warner Bros Studio London – The Making of Harry Potter

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic movie with a Fully Guided Tour Of Warner Bros Studio In London ! Ideal for all ages , this six-hour tour includes transportation to and from Warner Bros Studio, which is slightly outside of London. Then, you’ll get to skip the line on the Making Of Harry Potter exhibit and take a special tour with a guide who will give you all kinds of special tidbits about the making of the movies. From Dumbledore’s office to Diagon Alley, you’ll get to watch your favorite scenes from the films come to life. Plus, your kids will even get to see and hold some special props! For Potterheads, this is certainly one of the best experiences in London with kids.

The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea

There’s nothing more quintessentially British than high tea, and Kensington Palace is a wonderful place to enjoy this classic English pastime! On a Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea Tour , which lasts around 2 hours, you’ll get to enjoy High Tea with sandwiches, cakes, and scones. Then, families can learn more about Hyde Park and the gardens Prince Albert created by strolling through the palace grounds. Your guide can tell you all different stories about the royal family that will really make the experience come to life! Plus, as one of the best small group London tours, it offers an intimate experience for 15 people or less, ideal for ages 2+ . 

Best London History Tours for Families

History buffs can’t miss a chance to learn more about the city on a specially designed tour! If your little ones love history or you want to make the experience more enjoyable for them, there are a variety of tours that will bring the city’s past to life in a unique and engaging way. Here are some more options for the best experiences in London with kids. ! 

Secret Old London Guided Walking Tour

Want to discover a hidden side of London? Take a Secret Old London Guided Walking Tour ! Recommended for ages 5 and up , this hour-and-a-half-long walking tour is fantastic for history buffs who want to explore London’s rich past. You’ll get to pass to pass through a historic area called Smithfield, as your guide tells you tales about medieval fairs and the Tudor era. It includes lots of glimpses at historic architecture, plus a stop at Smithfield Market, Postman’s Park, and the William Wallace Memorial, where you can see where “Braveheart” met his demise.

Though this tour is recommended for ages 5 and up, we suggest using your discretion, since it contains some subject matter about death (but nothing too dramatic). 

Ghost, Ghouls, and Gallows Walking Tour With Boat Ride

Dive into the spookier side of London’s past on a Ghost, Ghouls, and Gallows Walking Tour With Boat Ride ! On this two-and-a-half-hour tour, your guide will take you through some of London’s most famous sights without the daytime crowds, from Berkeley Square to the Tower of London. Along the way, you’ll get to hear some ghost stories and other tales about London’s dark history. Kids who are into horror and all things spooky will love passing through dark parks, seeing haunted houses, and learning about some little-known legends. Then, you can pass some of London’s landmarks on a boat tour on the River Thames! As one of the best tours and experiences in London for families with kids, this excursion welcomes all ages . Certainly, it’s a great option for families with tweens or teens. 

VIP Tower of London and Crown Jewels Tour with Private Beefeater Meet & Greet

One of the most unique things to do in London with kids is to take a VIP Tour of the Tower Of London ! This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a popular attraction on many families’ London itineraries. Still, with a three-hour tour, you’ll be able to explore the Tower with an experienced guide and learn about aspects only an insider would know. For example, the tour starts with a Beefeater meet-and-greet – kids can ask these “guardians” of the Tower all kinds of questions about working there, take pictures with them, and even hear some stories. Then, you’ll get to see attractions like the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, and the Tower Green. Plus, as one of the best tours and experiences in London for families with kids, it’s fantastic for all ages ! 

Best of Royal London Including the Tower of London, Changing of the Guard, and Cruise

One of the best ways to beat the crowds at the Tower of London is by arriving early. With a Best Of Royal London Including the Tower Of London, Changing Of the Guard, and Cruise , families can get a first glimpse at the Tower and its iconic Crown Jewels early in the morning before everyone else arrives! You’ll even get to see the Beefeaters perform the opening ceremony. Then, you can climb aboard a boat tour that will take you along the River Thames to see the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and more. Your tour will conclude with a visit to Buckingham Palace, where you’ll get to witness the changing of the guard! This tour lasts around 4 hours and is wonderful for all ages . 

The Tower of London Small Group Tour with a Local Expert

Families can see the Tower of London through the eyes of an expert on a small group tour ! Meeting at the nearby Tower Hill Underground Station, this three-hour tour features a maximum of 15 people per group, so you can guarantee you’ll be getting a personalized and personable experience. Plus, your guide has insider knowledge of The Tower since they’ve been leading tours for more than two decades, so you’ll get an in-depth learning experience you won’t be able to find anywhere else. This makes it perfect for kids of all ages who get bored easily. See the Crown Jewels and check out the houses where the legendary Beefeaters live! 

Best Private London Tours for Families

Nothing says the ‘London royal experience’ quite like taking a private tour! If you’re tired of the crowds and want an intimate experience with a guide who gives your kids personalized attention, then consider one of these private tours in London for families with kids! 

Wondering Where To Stay In London With Kids? Here’s A Guide To The City’s Best Neighborhoods ! 

Private Tour of Iconic London Landmarks

If you’re overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things to do in London with kids, let Simon, a seasoned Londoner and tour guide, help you maximize your time! With a Private Tour Of Iconic London Landmarks , you can explore the city with a qualified London taxi driver, all the while traveling in style in a sleek black taxi! Simon will take you to see iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and St. Paul’s Cathedral while telling you some fun facts others may not know. Plus, you’ll also pass some hidden spots and get to see the real London through the eyes of a cabbie. Personal touches, like Simon’s great photography skills, make this a nice option for families with kids of all ages who want a small-group experience. It can last anywhere between 3 and 5 hours. 

The Ultimate Full-Day London Private Tour 

Looking for the best things to do in London with kids? Check out this ultimate full-day London private tour ! Ideal for families with kids of all ages who want the details taken care of for them, this 6-hour tour will take you through some of London’s best landmarks with your own private driver! You’ll get to travel at your own pace and in an authentic black cab, which epitomizes the essence of London, while your guide makes personal recommendations. From the iconic Tower of London to St. Paul’s Cathedral, the guides will present each place’s history in a fascinating way. You can add stops along the way if you want, making this a truly personal and customized experience!

London Day Tour with a Local Guide: Private & Tailored to Your Interests

Families who want a completely custom and tailored experience can book a London Day Tour With A Local Guide ! Whether you want to see Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, or some of the city’s more hidden gems, this small-group tour lets you experience London with a local host who knows some of the best spots. You can choose either a 4-hour option or an 8-hour option, and it’s perfect for kids of all ages since the guide can give suggestions and personalize the experience for them. Plus, if your hotel is in a central location, they’ll even pick you up! Even after your tour is over, your guide can give you some more tips on what to see or do next. 

Best Day Trips from London to Take with Kids

Sure, London is great, but families who have a little extra room in their itinerary can also take it upon themselves to explore elsewhere in the country. Here are some of the best day trips from London to take with kids! 

Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath With Pub Lunch In Lacock

Families who want to explore rural England without the hassle of public transport can take a Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath Tour With A Pub Lunch in Lacock ! Ideal for ages 3 and up , this guided tour starts in London and whisks you off to Winsdor, where you can upgrade your ticket to see the iconic Windsor Castle. Then, you’ll continue to Stonehenge, where kids can marvel at the prehistoric rocks (admission is included in your tour). You’ll also have the chance to stop in Bath and the cute town of Lacock, where you can enjoy a classic lunch at a traditional English pub. 

Cotswolds Small Group Tour from London

Escape to the charming English countryside on a Cotswolds Small Group Tour From London ! Suggested for ages 3 and up , this 10-hour experience will take you through the Cotswolds, a natural area in the United Kingdom that spans over 800 miles and five English counties. Plus, you’ll get the chance to pass through quaint English villages that seem straight from a fairytale, like Bibury and Bourton-On-The-Water. A guide will take care of all the navigation and tell you more about the history of each place, so all you have to do is focus on the scenery! 

Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle, & White Cliffs Guided Day Tour from London

One of the best tours and experiences in London for families with kids is the Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle, & White Cliffs Guided Tour From London ! This full-day tour (around 10 hours) is ideal for families with kids of all ages as you’ll be traveling on an air-conditioned coach through southeast England (though be aware there is some walking involved.). Families will get to hear live commentary and also visit places like the Canterbury Cathedral, where you can wander the charming cobblestone streets of the surrounding town afterward. Then, continue to Dover, where you can see the iconic Dover Castle and explore the white cliffs. Entry and admission to the Cathedral and Castle are included in your tour. 

Windsor Castle Half-Day Trip from London

If you’re searching for the best family experiences from London, nothing beats visiting Windsor Castle on a half-day trip ! Full-day tours can be a bit daunting or too long for some finicky kids, but a 4-hour half-day tour is ideal for all ages who want to see something different outside of London. Your ticket includes a round-trip bus ride with a guide who will provide commentary along the way and entrance to Windsor Castle. Here, kids can explore the royal bed-chambers, see Queen Mary’s Doll House, and roam through the gardens. If you have some free time left, you can also feel free to explore the town of Windsor, with its various cute shops and restaurants. Finally, this tour is open to all ages .

Shakespeare’s Stratford-Upon-Avon and Cotswolds Tour from London

Travelers who are tight on time can fit a lot of attractions in with a 10-hour Shakespeare’s Stratford-Upon-Avon and Cotswolds Tour from London ! Perfect for families who don’t have time to plan a full itinerary, this tour will take you through the Cotswolds, a stunning natural area in England, which is home to Shakespeare’s hometown, Stratford-Upon-Avon. Not only will you learn more about the English playwright’s life, but you can also see homes that belong to other celebrities, like Anne Hathaway, who owns a cottage. Plus, visit other scenic towns such as Bibury and Burford! Undoubtedly, this is one of the best experiences near London with kids!

Happy Travels!

Photo Courtesy (L-R): Kelli Wein, Michal Parzuchowski, Tram Dao

We hope you liked this list of the Best Tours + Experiences in London for Families with Kids! From Harry Potter walking tours to day trips outside of London, there are so many things to do in London with kids. Enjoy your family vacation in London! 

*Unless otherwise noted, all images within this article are courtesy of and belong to Tripadvisor .

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.

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The Only Itinerary You Need For A Visit To London With Kids

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If you’re thinking about a family vacation in London, it can feel a little overwhelming which is why we’ve put together a London itinerary for a visit with kids.

London is brilliant and yes, we’re biased.

Most of The London Mother staff were born and raised here and we wouldn’t want to do what we do or raise our families anywhere else.

Consider us your friendly virtual tour guides and just the right people to show you around.

We’ll show you the best things to do in London with kids (of all ages) and what to do if you’re only in town for three or five days.

If you’re researching family vacations to London , this guide will show you the best things to do in the capital with kids (of all ages) even if you’re only in town for three or five days.

Where to stay in London with kids

Where to stay really comes down to personal choice and budget.

Staying in Zone 1 is the most expensive but means you’re close to all the tourist attractions and traveling back to your hotel will be easy.

The further away from Zone 1 you go, the cheaper things will be.

Our favourite family hotels in London include:

• Park Plaza County Hall
• Europa House
• CitySpace Leicester Square
• The Zetter Hotel
• Corinthia London

Check out our full guide to the best family hotels and another article on the best family apartments in London .

Things To Do In London With Toddlers

If you’re visiting the city with little people, we suggest the following:

• Visit the London Transport Museum
• Take them to play at the Princess Diana Memorial Playground
• Explore The Barbican Centre
• Let your tot interact and experiment at The Science Museum
• Go to The Unicorn Theatre and watch their baby and toddler-friendly shows

Get more inspiration via this article for 11 things to do with toddlers (all under £10).

London Itinerary with Tweens and Teens

Tweens and teens need activities specially designed to appeal to their likes (and social media feeds).

Why not try:

• Shopping on Oxford Street
• A thrilling climb across The 02
• Singing, acting, producing or writing at The Roundhouse’s workshops and courses for young people
• Visiting the amazing street art that London has to offer
• Climbing The Monument
• Seeing one of London’s top theatre shows
• Going for a wander around Covent Garden Market
• Grabbing lunch or dinner at sketch
• Playing laser tag

Read this article for more things to do with tweens and teenagers .

Top 10 London Attractions for Kids

If time is short or you’re searching for what to do for a day in London with kids, add the following places to your must-visit list:

Science Museum

Natural History Museum

• Hamley’s Toy Store
• Coca-Cola London Eye

Tower Bridge

Tower of London

Buckingham Palace

• SEA LIFE Centre London Aquarium

Covent Garden

Princess Diana Memorial Playground

Itinerary for 3 days in London with family

If you’ve only got three days in London with kids, we suggest:

The Changing of the Guards takes place from 10.45 am daily, which you can view from outside the Palace forecourt.

There is a playground on the southwest corner of St James Park that you can take the kids to whilst you’re waiting for the Changing of The Guard.

Arguably the most iconic symbol of London, its official name is actually the Elizabeth Tower. Big Ben is actually the largest of the tower’s five bells and weighs 13.7 tonnes!

The London Eye

A must-do whilst you’re in London, a ride on this giant Ferris wheel offers unrestricted views across London and beyond.

Every ticket comes with The London Eye 4D Experience, a multi-sensory show that captures the history of The London Eye through to incredible special effects.

Queues can be long, so make sure you purchase fast-track tickets or try going towards the end of the day.

SEA Life Aquarium

SEA Life has 350 species of sharks, octopuses, piranhas and more for the family to discover.

For an extra special visit, book one of their VIP experiences, which can include a behind-the-scenes tour with the experts or even a chance to feed the penguins.

The Natural History Museum is an excellent place for everyone to learn and discover – whatever the weather.

Free family activities include the famous Dinosaurs gallery, an investigation centre where kids and adults can hold fossils, talk with scientists and more.

There is an outdoor gallery is open all year round, with more than 3,000 species of creatures and plants to explore throughout the seasons. 

The Science Museum always offers interactive and educational activities for families.

‘The Garden’ is an excellent multi-sensory play space for kids to discover all things scientific.

Constructed in memory of the late Princess Diana, the playground has a huge wooden pirate ship that kids will love climbing.

There are also different sculptures to climb and a water play area.

As London’s largest Royal Park, it covers more than 350 acres and its fine scenery will be a welcome change to the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Tower is a renowned historical castle and fortress famous for being home to the Crown Jewels.

Another legendary part of visiting the Tower of London is the Beefeaters, so make sure you book the Yeoman Warder tour, where the Beefeaters will enlighten you on the history of the Tower.

They also have plenty of anecdotes to keep the kids entertained.

Another iconic symbol of London that has much to offer families.

The bridge has a dedicated rota for young visitors full of fun activities, and their interactive Family Trail app and booklet will keep them entertained as they learn.

See if the kids (or the adults) have the nerves of steel needed to walk across the glass floor!

Borough Market

One of London’s most popular food markets, you can try pretty much any food from around the world.

Perfect for both foodies and fussy kids.

5 Day London Itinerary With Kids

Days 1 – 3 as above

Covent Garden is one of London’s most popular tourist spots, and for good reason.

You can watch the street performers, browse the interesting shops and markets or dine at one of the restaurants (Cafe Murano is great for kids).

The London Transport Museum is a great place for families to visit, full of interesting exhibitions and displays, and it has a play zone for kids aged 7 and under.

Have Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea has become a vital part of a visit to London.

When you’ve got kids in tow, you don’t need to miss out on this regal tradition.

Many of London’s top hotels and restaurants offer afternoon tea for children, with fun themes like ‘Mad Hatters’ and ‘The Tiger Who Came to Afternoon Tea’.

We’ve got a guide to the best afternoon teas for children here. 

Catch a show in London’s West End

Seeing a show is one of the most exciting ways to spend time together as a family while you’re in the city.

Classics like The Lion King will please kids and adults alike.

Or why not try newer productions like Mary Poppins and Back to the Future?

Try and book in advance so you can get your theatre tickets at a cheaper price.

Whatever your personal taste, London offers many f amily-friendly stage productions.

Hamleys Toy Store

Hamley’s at Regent Street is the world’s largest toy store, with seven sprawling floors of toys to explore.

There are many activities for kids to do here, including joining Hamley’s and Hattie (the shop’s famous bears) to help them open the shop, and then take a selfie with them afterwards.

Madame Tussauds

We know that many capital cities now have one, but the very first Madame Tussauds opened in London over 180 years ago.

Since then it’s charmed many with its realistic collection of waxwork A-List celebs, superheroes, sports stars and more.

Kids (and adults!) will love posing next to their favourite film characters like Beyonce, Yoda and Spiderman.

Kitschy but worth the trip.

Battersea Children’s Zoo

It’s hard to find a more family-friendly attraction in London than Battersea Zoo as it was created with younger ones in mind, aiming to offer a more personal experience at the zoo for families.

Check their website for animal feeding times, as kids can experience feeding otters, meerkats or even monkeys!

We recommend taking the River Bus to Battersea Park to visit the Children’s Zoo

It’s a great way to see some of the sites on an alternative mode of transport.

If the weather is against you (always carry an umbrella; London’s reputation for rain, rain and more rain is deserved!) try one of London’s indoor playgrounds .

London’s Best Parks

If the weather is on your side, London has some fabulous, free parks with lots of family-friendly activities on offer.

Our favourites are:

• Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
• Victoria Park
• The Green Park
• Clissold Park
• Greenwich Park
• Hampstead Heath
• Kensington Gardens
• The Regent’s Park + Primrose Hill
• Richmond Park
• St James Park

These parks are great for a general walk around, a picnic (food is important to Londoners so there are supermarkets, cafes, coffee shops and takeaway spots on most streets).

Some offer rowing on their lakes, which is harder work than it sounds!

If you’re visiting in summer, pack some swimwear as London is home to some great outdoor swimming and water play areas .

London’s Best Markets

If you want to pick up something a little different, try one of London’s many markets:

Brick Lane – East London

You never know quite what you’re going to find here but that’s part of its charm.

We love the saris and genuine Indian food.

Portobello Road, Notting Hill – West London

Nothing like the film (sorry) but great for vintage finds in music, vintage, art and fruit and vegetables.

Greenwich Market – South East London

Small business owners sell a curated selection of food, clothing, beauty, art and homewares.

The market owners are very fussy about who they allow to sell here so you can buy with confidence knowing you aren’t being ripped off or buying rubbish (South East London).

You’re also close to the delights of Greenwich .

Spitalfields Market – East London

A short walk from Shoreditch station, you can find everything here – food, fashion, art, vintage, beauty.

It’s not the cheapest market but it’s one of the most unique.

Camden Market – North London

Always overflowing with tourists and locals, it’s an odd mixture of everything.

Maybe not the best advert for London but worth a visit nonetheless.

Broadway Market – East London

Fabulous food, fashion and furniture.

Expect the weird and wonderful.

We hope our guide enables you to have the best family vacations in London.

From iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace to family-friendly attractions like London Zoo and the Harry Potter Studio Tour, create unforgettable memories while exploring the vibrant city.

Would you like a free e-book all about visiting London with kids and how to best navigate your trip – where to go, where to stay, where not to go?!

We hope our itinerary for a family trip to London comes in handy during your vacation.

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15 Lovely London Tours for Families Worth Booking

Posted on Last updated: March 18, 2024

Home » Destinations » Europe » England » 15 Lovely London Tours for Families Worth Booking

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Planning a trip to London with kids and looking for family-friendly tours? Keep scrolling to check out the coolest London tours for families that we’ve done and loved!

This list of kid-friendly london tours for families was written by family travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Planning a trip to London with your family?

Check out our list of the best kid-friendly tours in London! You won’t find this information anywhere else.

We have personally tried all of these tours (or our friends have) and recommend them wholeheartedly. These are the best things to do for kids in London. Your children will love learning about London while having fun too!

Book one (or more) of these London family tours today and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Don’t have time to read a bunch of London blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting London with kids.

Popular London Tours/Activities

• London Eye (this is a relaxing adventure where you can see a birdseye view of London)
• Double-Decker Bus Tour (this one has a 2-hour guided tour option)
• Harry Potter Walking Tour (this one is especially for families)
• WB Studios in London (this is a MUST-DO for any Harry Potter fan)
• Afternoon Tea (this one takes place on a vintage double-decker bus)
• Flytographer Photo Shoot (this is an easy and affordable London photography option)

Kid-Friendly London Hotels

• Crowne Plaza London Kings Cross (this is right by Kings Cross Station, which is really convenient)
• The Clermont London (this is an easy walk to the London Eye and Buckingham Palace)
• Georgian House Hotel (this is perfect for Harry Potter fans)

15 Amazing London Tours for Kids Worth Booking

Our family loves spending time in London. We most recently went on a London family vacation in June 2022 with our 8-year-old and 5-year-old. We love doing tours, so we added a bunch to our London itinerary .

These are the ones that we recommend to anyone visiting London with kids.

Double-Decker Bus Tour of London

I’ll be frank, my kids HATE having to walk miles every day when we visit London. So, I’m always looking for ways we can sit down but still go sightseeing.

London has a ton of double-decker bus tours that are pretty awesome and you really can’t go wrong with any of them.

There is one that is specifically designed for kids, though. It’s with Tootbus (I promise they will laugh at the name) and it’s only 45 minutes long. Check the latest rates and availability .

Private Harry Potter Walking Tour for Families

To be honest, there are LOTS of Harry Potter tours in London that are pretty cool. But this one is perfect for families.

Embark on a magical 3-hour private tour with your family, exploring Harry Potter’s filming locations in London.

Visit famous spots such as Diagon Alley, the Ministry of Magic, and Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station, all while enjoying captivating Harry Potter stories. Check the latest rates and availability .

Harry Potter Locations Sightseeing Bus Tour

While I personally think that Harry Potter walking tours are the way to go, there’s also an option to do a bus tour instead.

You’ll still see a lot of the same filming sites and even get off the bus to take photos. And your kids might not complain as much since they aren’t walking.

This Harry Potter bus tour covers King’s Cross Station, the Millennium Bridge and more. Check the latest rates and availability .

Get Our FREE London Travel Planner

Harry potter studio tour.

If you have any Potterheads in your family, you’ll definitely want to do a day trip to the WB Studios in London .

We did this specific tour because it included transportation from Victoria Station and we didn’t have to stress about getting there on our own.

Plus, we could just relax on the bus ride to and from the Warner Brothers Studio Tour.

The studio tour itself is INCREDIBLE! You won’t run out of things to do/see or photos to take. It’s seriously impressive! Check the latest rates and availability .

Afternoon Tea Double Decker Bus Tour

While there are TONS of London afternoon tea spots, it’s really fun to enjoy it on a double-decker bus !

For kids, they have the option of doing hot chocolate instead of tea and it comes in a tumbler with a LID! And there are tons of great food items for the whole family.

You’ll ride around London on a sightseeing tour WHILE enjoying afternoon tea. It’s great for people short on time or attention spans. Check the latest rates and availability .

Book a Family Photo Shoot

Whenever we travel, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy, affordable, AND guarantee that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code HAWAIITRAVEL.

Wizard Afternoon Tea at The Wands and Wizard Exploratorium

Another unique afternoon tea experience is this Harry Potter version . Yes, it involves casting spells with wands!

While you’ll get to enjoy tasting afternoon tea items, you’ll also learn about molecular gastronomy and use technology to create your tea concoctions. Check the latest rates and availability .

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

It would be a shame to visit London without seeing the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace .

It’s a formal ceremony in which the soldiers currently on duty, known as the Old Guard, are relieved of their responsibilities by a new set of soldiers, called the New Guard, all choreographed to military music.

While you can do it on your own for free, it’s really helpful to do a tour because your guide will know the best place to stand, can explain to kids what’s going on, and knows the backup plans in case of rain. Check the latest rates and availability .

Paddington Bear Walking Tour

If your kids love the Paddington Bear books or movies, this is such a cute tour for families ! You’ll get to hang out in Paddington Station and see the famous statue of Paddington Bear.

You also get to walk past the site of Mr. Gruber’s antique store and see the inspiration for Windsor Gardens, (where the Brown family lived).

The tour guide will ask kids lots of trivia questions and keep them engaged as they explore London. Check the latest rates and availability .

British Museum Private Tour for Kids & Families

Our family LOVES doing private museum tours when we travel. It’s a great way for our kids to stay engaged while learning about art or history from an expert.

While you can visit the British Museum for free, I highly recommend booking this tour because you’ll get to see tons of historic treasures and find out why they are important.

Plus, your guide will tell cool stories and play games with your kids. Check the latest rates and availability .

Tower of London Kid-Friendly Private Tour

The Tower of London is a historic castle that has served various purposes since its construction in the 11th century, including a royal palace, prison, treasury, and even a zoo. It’s now home to the Crown Jewels of England.

You can just get tickets and explore on your own, but it’s super helpful to do a kid-friendly tour because you’ll get to hear cool stories about the Tower of London and the spooky ravens.

It’s also so helpful for kids to have an expert to answer their (many) questions about British history and all the weird stuff that happened at the Tower of London. Check the latest rates and availability .

Kid-Friendly Natural History Museum Tour

The Natural History Museum is one of the coolest London museums for families.

This fun, family-focused tour of the Natural History Museum , designed for kids, makes learning exciting with a collection of dinosaur fossils and a huge blue whale skeleton.

Your private guide, an art historian, will lead the way, and the tour price includes your entry tickets. Check the latest rates and availability .

London Westminster Abbey Kid-Friendly Tour

Explore the famous Westminster Abbey , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a stress-free family tour that includes skip-the-line tickets.

Your tour guide will keep kids engaged with interesting stories about the history of this iconic London landmark.

After the Abbey, your private guide will lead a walk around Westminster, showing you notable landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and St. James’s Park. Check the latest rates and availability .

Tate Modern Art Gallery Private Guided Tour for Kids & Families in London

On this private family tour of the Tate Modern , enjoy a journey through the world of modern art, where masterpieces by artists like Picasso and Dali are on display.

The guide makes the visit fun and engaging for kids with stories, games, and activities as you explore this unique museum set in a former power station. Check the latest rates and availability .

Kid-Friendly National Gallery Tour in London

Take a fun and educational family tour of London’s National Gallery where you’ll see famous artworks by Van Gogh, Picasso, and more.

Led by an art historian, this 2.5-hour tour blends learning with enjoyment and includes a visit to Trafalgar Square. Check the latest rates and availability .

Family Day in London Tour

If you are looking for a kid-friendly London tour that hits all the city’s highlights, this is a great private tour option for the whole family.

It’s a half-day customized tour based on your own family’s interests. So, it could include parks, museums, or attractions. It’s up to you! Check the latest rates and availability .

Fun Things to Do in London with Kids FAQs

What are the best family-friendly attractions in london.

London offers numerous family-friendly attractions such as the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Tower of London , the London Zoo , the London Transport Museum , and the Sea Life Aquarium . Don’t forget the iconic sights like the London Eye , Buckingham Palace, and the Changing of the Guard.

Is public transportation in London family-friendly?

London’s public transportation is extensive and very accessible. The Tube (London’s subway system) and buses are easy to navigate and children under 11 travel free when accompanied by a paying adult. Plus, the iconic double-decker buses and river cruises on the Thames can be fun for kids.

Are there any outdoor activities suitable for families?

London is full of beautiful parks such as Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Kensington Gardens where families can have picnics, rent paddle boats, or visit playgrounds.

There’s also the London Zoo and various city farms. A trip to Greenwich can include a walk up to the Observatory for a great view of the city and standing on the Prime Meridian Line.

How can I keep the cost of a family trip to London low?

Many of London’s top museums and attractions are free for children or offer family discounts. For sightseeing, consider a family pass for the London public transportation which offers unlimited travel for a day or week. Also, consider packing lunches some days as dining out in London can be expensive.

Can we tour famous kid-friendly movie locations in London?

Absolutely! There are Harry Potter-themed tours that take you to various filming locations, such as Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station. There are also tours for Paddington Bear and Mary Poppins fans.

Are there any kid-friendly theatre shows in London?

London’s West End has a variety of kid-friendly shows such as “The Lion King”, “Matilda”, and “Aladdin”. Some theatres also offer behind-the-scenes tours that could be exciting for older children.

Tours in London with Kids Wrap Up

Exploring London with kids can be an enriching and delightful experience, with a plethora of engaging tours catered to younger audiences.

From the regal Buckingham Palace to the iconic London Bridge, the city provides an exciting historical playground that sparks the imagination of children and adults alike.

Tour options range from the intrigue of Harry Potter’s magical world to the fascinating collections of the Natural History Museum, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Visiting London with your younger kids isn’t just about seeing a city; it’s about immersing them in history, culture, and stories that they will remember for a lifetime.

So pack your bags and make London your next family adventure destination!

Looking for more London family travel resources? Check out my top London travel tips , kid-friendly London 4-day itinerary , best things to do with kids in London , hidden gems in London , things to do in London at night , family-friendly hotels in London , top London photography spots , best weekend trips in Europe , Europe travel tips , 1 day in London , 11 Terrific Things to Do in London with a Toddler , 8 Exciting Things to do in East London With Kids , and how to book a London family photographer !

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London , London Tours & Experiences , Travel , UK Travel · June 10, 2024

7 Best London Tours for Families (2024) — from a London Travel Blogger

Looking for the best London tours for families? Here’s your ultimate guide to the best family-friendly options in the city.

This post may contain affiliate links. Check out my  Disclosure & Privacy Policy  for more information.

LOOKING FOR THE BEST LONDON TOURS FOR FAMILIES?

Planning a family vacation to London? You’ve picked a great place! And yes, as a London Travel Blogger I am biased…

London, with its rich history, iconic landmarks, gorgeous parks, interactive museums, and fun activities to do, is a great city for people of all ages.

And what better way or exploring it than with a family-friendly tour?

Don’t have time to read the whole article? The best London tour for families is the Paddington Bear Walking Tour of London .

This tour is 2½ hours long, featuring movie and book locations with an incredible guide and the star of the show himself — Paddington Bear!

London tours are great for learning about the city’s history in an interesting way, getting up-close-and-personal with popular places seen in movies, or simply enjoying the city in a more structured and less stressful way. All whilst keeping the sense of adventure in your little ones!

So, if you’re ready to create unforgettable memories together, here’s a list of the best London tours for families — handpicked by a London Travel Blogger!

Top 3 Picks: Best London Tours for Families

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Paddington Bear Walking Tour of London ✔️ Filming locations from the movies ✔️ Covering ground from 15 books ✔️ Meeting at Paddington Bear shop

London Tootbus Kids Tour with Bespoke Live Guided Commentary ✔️ On a double-decker bus ✔️ Interesting facts and fun stories on London’s most famous sights

Original Harry Potter Locations Tour ✔️ Friendly expert guide ✔️ Harry Potter movie trivia

Best London Tours for Families

1. Paddington Bear Walking Tour of London

If you’re looking for a fun experience with the most beloved bear in the country, this is the one to book .

⭐️ Rated: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes |  Check rates & availability

If any of your family are Paddington Bear fans, you’re all in for a fantastic treat!

This walking tour starts at the popular Paddington Station where Brown met our tiny friend — and is perfect to discover all the wonderful neighbourhoods and attractions in London related to the sweet story of Paddington Bear.

“Our tour guide Fiona was very enthusiastic and shared so much interesting information about our beloved Paddington. My daughter was given an important role in holding the Paddington teddy bear . “ – LENE ( SEE MORE REVIEWS )

You’ll have an expert guide covering all the important trivia and behind – the – scenes of the movies, while spotting iconic places of London most tourists miss in their trip.

Of course, it’s perfect for the fans of the sweet bear, but also for anyone trying to see the city from a furry new perspective!

Join in from £15.50 per person !

2. London Tootbus Kids Tour with Bespoke Live Guided Commentary

If you’re looking for a fun and educational adventure in London , this is the one to book .

⭐️ Rated: 4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Duration: 45 minutes |  Check rates & availability

The London Tootbus Kids Tour has everything that the best open bus tour in London can offer, plus a funny guide explaining the most iconic sites of the city in a deliriously entertaining way.

This eco-responsible adventure allows your kids to enjoy London in a cool, safe ride, while you learn and see everything London 101.

“‘Jez’ the tour guide was entertaining, informative and pitched the tour perfectly for both adults and children. Well worth the money – you get to see lots of landmarks up close.” – GEMMA ( SEE MORE REVIEWS )

With breathtaking views of all major sights, information designed for curious kids and the amazing price starting at £18 per person , you can guarantee a good investment of time for your trip!

3. Original Harry Potter Locations Tour – London

If you’re looking for a perspective of London full of magic, this is the one to book .

⭐️ Rated: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Duration: 2 hours |  Check rates & availability

These days, coming to London or anywhere in the UK means doing at least an hour of something Harry Potter related. Well, with this walking tour you’ll have two, and very well spent!

The Original Harry Potter Locations Tour is an amazing opportunity to discover the places in Central London that inspired the popular movies we all rewatch at least once a year. All while an expert guide delves into interesting trivia… and even Harry Potter quizzes!

“Great way to learn more about the movies and enjoy a morning with kids around London. Well structured and interactive.” – ELIAS ( SEE MORE REVIEWS )

All the family will be delighted with fun Harry Potter games from the moment the tour starts (where you’ll be sorted into your Hogwarts house). You can’t miss it!

Discover all the magic of London’s streets and spots from £20 per person.

4. Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise

If you’re looking for the best sights of the city, this is the one to book .

⭐️ Rated: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Duration: 1 to 2 hours |  Check rates & availability

Hopping on a cruise is always fun, am I right? Well, in London, it’s also a stunning opportunity to see the city from its most important river, the Thames.

Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise is one of the best options for families, as you get to see all the popular sights plus a few more that most cruises miss, like the modern Canary Wharf and the gorgeous Greenwich !

“Very nice activity, we were able to see the evening slowly setting over London, with very beautiful lights.” – TRAVELLER FROM BELGIUM ( SEE MORE REVIEWS )

This one’s a perfect option for all ages, as you’ll all be seated comfortable and engaged with a downloadable audio commentary.

You can do this family tour in London from £14.90 per person.

5. Thames River Sightseeing Cruise with Afternoon Tea

If you’re looking for the traditional experience but in a fun setting, this is the one to book .

⭐️ Rated: 4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes |  Check rates & availability

Afternoon tea is an absolute must experience, and this London tour is perfect for families that want to take advantage of their time in style.

The Thames River Sightseeing Cruise with Afternoon Tea will take you to the iconic London landmarks while enjoying luxurious cakes, sandwiches and teas. All from the best seats in the city — the River Thames!

“This was a fun activity for our 1st day in London, we really enjoyed the service and the food was surprisingly good for a large group.” – CHIYON ( SEE MORE REVIEWS )

This afternoon tea experience is an incredible way to start your trip like royalty or to finish it with a bang.

You can say hello or goodbye to London while you sip your cuppa from £41.65 per person .

6. Tower of London for Kids & Families Private Guided Tour with Pre-Booked Tickets

If you’re looking for a historical and extremely engaging experience, this is the one to book .

⭐️ Rated: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Duration: 3 hours |  Check rates & availability

A majestic castle, the coolest armours, some spooky stories from the prisoners and even the crown itself! A visit to the Tower of London is so worth it, but if you really want to enjoy the site to the fullest I’ve got the best way to do it.

The Tower of London for Kids & Families tour is more than incredible. It’s convenient because you’ll have your tickets ready, and it’s extra interesting as a Blue Badge guide will teach you personally about all the history of the landmark in a fun and engaging way for the kiddos.

“My family (including an 8 and 10 year old) really enjoyed the tour! Our guide made the information she shared accessible and interesting to our kids.” – LYNN ( SEE MORE REVIEWS )

For 3 whole hours, you and your little ones will be immersed in the stories of the past. And I promise you’ll discover the place in a way only a very few do.

The price varies by group size, but you can book it from £86.67 per child and £279.27 per adult .

7. High-Speed Thames River RIB Cruise in London

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-packed tour in London, this is the one to book .

⭐️ Rated: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Duration: 50 minutes |  Check rates & availability

Everyone does a cruise on the River Thames (as it’s undoubtedly one of the best ways to see the iconic landmarks in London). But no one’s doing it this way!

The High-Speed Thames River RIB Cruise in London gives you and your family an amazing story to tell, as you’ll have so much fun conquering the waters while you learn about the sites’ history from a thrilling speedboat ride.

“Still laughing at how fun this was. Max & Simon were exceptional, truly blew us away! Brilliant way to see so much along the Thames.” – AMBER ( SEE MORE REVIEWS )

Your expert guide will entertain you with interesting commentary but also iconic British songs. Plus, the numbers are limited to 12 people you a small-group experience is guaranteed!

Be part of this spectacular intense activity from £41.21 per person .

Other Family-Friendly Things to Do in London

While taking a tour is one of the best ways to keep things highly efficient, there’s just a lot of things to do in London that are family-friendly and just as fun. Here’s a list of some of the best!

Book a Popular Attraction

For a real family treat, look no further than some of London’s most popular attractions , all located in Central London!

Of course, the most popular is The London Eye, with its spectacular views of Parliament, the Tower of London, and more.

Read More : Is the London Eye Worth It?

Visit a Famous Museum

London is popular for its museums, most of them free. But there’s more to it than the British Museum (although this one’s unmissable in my opinion).

You can rub your shoulders with (wax) stars at the popular Madame Tussauds , where your kids can meet their idols and heroes.

Or you can all play detectives at the thrilling Sherlock Holmes Museum , where the 221B Baker Street transforms into the real home of the famous character.

And for a more light-hearted day out, The Cartoon Museum brings comic art to life like you’ve never seen before, filled with colourful displays that inspire the imagination.

Connect with the Natural Side of London

Kick off your exploration of London’s natural world at the Natural History Museum , home to intriguing exhibits from giant dinosaur skeletons to beautiful collections of butterflies.

Or focus on what’s alive now with a visit to the London Zoo , the world’s oldest scientific zoo, where you can come face-to-face with exotic animals from across the globe.

For an underwater odyssey, don’t miss Sea Life London’s Aquarium with its astonishing variety of sea creatures, interactive displays, and enchanting underwater tunnel.

Or, in all fairness, there’s nothing as simple yet super satisfying than strolling the beautiful and massive parks in London — Hyde, Regent’s, Victoria or St James’…all remarkable and unique in their own way!

Read More : 50+ Beautiful Parks and Gardens in London To Explore ASAP! (2023)

Catch a Play in the West End

London’s West End has long been the pulsating heart of British theatre, offering fun performances perfect for every member of the family.

One of the top experiences is Disney’s classic, The Lion King , with its breathtaking visuals, enchanting score, and captivating story.

Another option is the sensational Frozen: The Musical , where the audience is whisked into a winter wonderland to enjoy the spectacular and popular story.

Or for something a bit more “local”, make your way to The Play That Goes Wrong , a feel-good family comedy that combines slapstick humour and delicious disaster.

FAQs on London Tours for Families

💭 are london tours worth it.

London tours are definitely worth it as they provide curated experiences, valuable insights and convenience in exploring the city. Not only are they efficient, but also personalised and designed for specific tastes! Like family-friendly tours.

💭 How many days to stay in London with kids?

A stay of about 5 to 7 days allows you to explore a lot of London with kids, without rushing or stressing because you’re all tired. But if you all have high energy levels, then 4 days can be enough.

💭 What tours should I take in London?

That’s absolutely up to what you like. Choose the tours that includes activities and sites you’d like to do and see.

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, go for something that mixes London’s history with amazing trivia . If you want something productive and traditional, why not the afternoon tea cruise ?

💭 What age is the Tower of London suitable for?

The Tower of London is suitable for all ages, but it tends to be most enjoyed by children aged 5 and above due to its historic nature.

💭 Is London good for families?

Yes! As you can see above, London is excellent for families, boasting a variety of child-friendly attractions, activities, parks, museums, and entertainment options!

Thanks for reading my Best London Tours for Families Guide. If you enjoyed it, let me know on  Instagram !

Check out more london with kids guides:.

• 99 Fun Things To Do in London With Kids
• The Best Harry Potter Tours in London
• The Best Afternoon Tea for Kids in London: A Fun Guide
• The Best London Hotels for Families: A Fun Stay in the City
• How to Pay For Kids on the Tube: A Local’s Guide

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London Family Tours and Experiences

Are you coming to the great city of London with your family, but are overwhelmed with possibilities? Don’t worry, we are here to help! We have crafted some fun and captivating family activities with awesome, kid-friendly Welcomers to help you make your trip to London the best ever!

London has many amazing things to offer: Big Ben, the River Thames, Soho, the Tower of London, the world of Harry Potter, tea-time and scones, the Royal Family, and much more !

Join us in one of our London family tours done with kids-experts!

But as you know, just because there won’t be a language barrier between you and the English doesn’t mean that your kids will automatically be engaged. This is why we have hand-picked the most entertaining and knowledgeable guides London has to offer to be your Welcomers, so that you can be sure to learn while having fun!

Even if each of your loved ones has a different interest, we are sure to have something to please the whole gang. We have truly magical Harry Potter tours with wizardly souvenirs , detective inquiries to discover the main sites of London, a treasure hunt in the British museum , and so much more! With these amusing and inquisitive activities, your kids might just turn in to the next Ms. Marple or Mr. Holmes! If you aren’t finding exactly what you’re looking for in our list of activities, just contact one of the members of our superhero team- we love crafting memorable family experiences! We can’t wait to see you in London , and until then- cheers!

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London Family-Friendly Tours and Fun Things to Do with Kids

Whether you grab a London family-friendly tours guide or explore on your own, there is never a shortage of things to do with kids in London.

There are so many family friendly attractions and destinations in London that you could spend months exploring and never get bored. The catch is that your family may not have an interest in every tour or attraction. You know the interests and personalities of your children better than anyone else, and you get to make the decisions on what activities fill your time while visiting London.

What we can do is recommend some of the most popular family friendly tours and activities, giving you ideas. We want to show you what type of tours and fun destinations are available so that you make informed decisions for your family.

Let’s jump right into the details. What London family-friendly tours will you choose for your next family trip?

London Family-Friendly Tours

When you want to learn about the culture and history of a foreign land, going on a tour with a knowledgeable guide is as good as it gets. If you think of tours and yawn, you haven’t experienced some of the best London family-friendly tour guides. 

The best family-friendly London tours start with animated guides or clear instructions and then take it to the next level with some of the following perks:

• Interactive Themes  – Scavenger hunt tours are great examples. Your family picks up clues and races around the city, brainstorming together to get the right answers. You learn about London while creating amazing memories and spending quality time with one another.
• Unusual Destinations  – There are some unique places in London, and tours are the safest way to learn about them and see them upfront. One example is the walking tour of Camden Town.
• Beloved Characters  – Harry Potter tours are popular with kids of all ages and many adults. Some of the best tours allow your kids to explore familiar characters in a foreign land.
• Mystery and Intrigue  – There are many London tours that reveal secrets and delve into unsolved mysteries from the past and the present. Some may have a spooky feel that isn’t appropriate for smaller children, but teenagers often love the darker themes.
• Holiday Themes  – If you visit London for Christmas, New Years, or Halloween, look out for special tours that allow you to see everything the city has to offer for the holiday. 
• Delicious Food  – If your children enjoy eating or have an interest in cooking, they may enjoy food tours. You may even get to enjoy a cocktail or two as you cruise through some of the best dining hot spots in London.

Whether you walk, drive, bike, ride a bus, or glide through River Thames, you can’t go wrong with including London family friendly tours on vacation. Consider the age and interests of your children when determining which options fit your needs best.

Other Fun Things to Do in London with Kids

• Catch at least one kid-friendly musical before leaving London.  Some of the best entertainment takes place on the stage inside the city’s many theatres. There are many designed just for kids and the kids-at-heart.
• Show the kids the Royal riches of London at the Royal Mews . Kids are often mesmerized by the horses and the collection of elaborate coaches, including the Gold State Coach and the Glass Coach. There are also luxury cars used by the British monarchy, including the Queen’s Rolls-Royce. If you visit in September, they can go inside Buckingham Palace to see the real riches.
• Check out the hop-on hop-off bus tours.  A guide will teach your family about attractions as you pass by, and you can get off the bus to explore attractions that catch your attention. When you’re ready to see something new, you hop back on and continue the tour. It’s a great way to let your children choose where you go as you move through the city.
• Make time to play outdoors , even if you must do it between downpours in the rainy season. London is packed with parks, gardens, fountains, and playgrounds. It’s free entertainment that may wear your kids out so that they sleep soundly even while away from home.
• Don’t underestimate the fun of stopping for afternoon tea . It’s not something most kids outside of England do regularly, but many kids find it enjoyable. Even if they don’t like the tea, they’re likely to love the cakes and other treats that are also served.

Is your mind spinning with ideas for your upcoming London vacation? If it’s difficult to determine the best London family-friendly tours and activities for your family, get your kids involved in the decision making. Tell them about the tours you think they’ll enjoy and show pictures and videos online. Watch their faces and listen to their reactions to determine what tours may get them the most excited or teach them the most.

There’s so much to do in London. What will your kids get to do on your next big adventure? 

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Going on a Roman holiday vacation can be exciting. However, sometimes traveling with kids can be a challenge. There’s a lot to do and see in London, but not all kids can endure several hours of touring, especially in venues where they are told to stay quiet and not touch anything.

Children are curious and they experience life differently than adults. We recognize their needs as much as your desires to take in the history and culture of London. We make it fun for both you and your kids to go on a tour with us.

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The ultimate 3-day itinerary for visiting London with kids

Ever since my 5-year-old son caught a glimpse of Big Ben in one of his books, he's been utterly fascinated by London' s iconic clock tower. His curiosity soon spread to everything London-related, and he would ask question after question about the British capital.

When it came time to plan our next family vacation, the decision was obvious. We were going to London, and what's more, we let him take the reins in planning the itinerary.

The result? Three days of kid-filled fun (that I thoroughly enjoyed too). From the grandeur of the changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace to the whimsical Peppa Pig bus tour, our trip hit the highlights from a kid's perspective.

So, whether you have a little one obsessed with Big Ben or are simply looking for a family-friendly destination, London offers many attractions to delight children and adults alike. Here's my three-day guide to help you make the most of your family vacation in this vibrant city.

Day 1: Iconic landmarks and 360-degree views

A ride on the london underground.

If there's one thing I've learned from traveling with a little one, it's to keep the days manageable, especially the first one. So, after landing in the morning, we made our way to the hotel — Hotel Cafe Royal — on the Underground (an activity my son loved) to drop off our bags and have lunch. I'd recommend eating at the hotel or very close by to limit the amount of transit time after what was already a big day of travel.

Once we fueled up, we made our way to the London Eye, where we had 3 p.m. tickets. Buying the fast pass (which we did) allows you to skip the long line (and avoid a meltdown) and get on the famous Ferris wheel quickly. Once on, it's a 30-minute ride where you can see many of the city's highlights. It's a great way to start the trip with a literal overview of London and doesn't require any physical effort.

After taking in the London skyline, we took a five-minute walk across Westminster Bridge to fulfill my son's dream of seeing Big Ben. And his desire couldn't have come at a better time since the famous clock only recently opened after several years of restoration. Although going inside is only available to U.K. residents, we timed our stroll at the base of the clock at 4 p.m. to hear the famous bell ring (it goes off every hour).

Dinner at The Dorchester

We finished up the day with dinner at The Dorchester. The luxury landmark recently underwent a massive renovation, including The Promenade restaurant perched in the center of the hotel. Each seating area was outfitted with a cozy couch, making it the perfect spot to unwind for the day. They had an incredible kids menu with plenty of options, even for the pickiest eaters.

Then it was back to the hotel for an early bedtime and a good night's rest to prep for the action-filled next day.

Day 2: Trains, tea, toys and tradition

Postal museum.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel (I often recommend booking a hotel package that includes breakfast to make it easy), we set out for our first activity of the day. Along with loving Big Ben, my son is also a train fanatic. So, we got 10 a.m. tickets for a lesser-known attraction: the Mail Rail exhibit at the Postal Museum.

This off-the-beaten-path museum dives into London's fascinating postal history with an interactive exhibit that includes a ride on an actual underground train. We wove through the old tunnels, making stops along the way where we learned about the old underground railway system that once moved the city's mail. Although slightly claustrophobic at times (the train is very tiny), it was very entertaining for both kids and adults. A postal-themed play space for kids under 8 features a small-scale village with roads, structures, trams and tunnels.

Changing of the guard

Then it was off to witness the changing of the guard around 11 a.m. We opted to take a taxi to cut down on travel time and made it to the iconic ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. While we couldn't get up close to the gates, plenty of British pomp and pageantry along the Mall entertained my son for a little while.

We kept watching as we made our way to St. James's Park playground, which was just a few minutes' walk from the palace. My son loved climbing on the rocks, walking across the mini bridge and digging in the sandbox. We could see more of the changing of the guard parade from the playground.

Afternoon tea

As you can imagine, we were hungry at this point, and my son requested afternoon tea while in London. We chose The Guardsman as it was just a few minutes' walk and was supposed to be one of the top spots for the quintessentially British experience. We chowed down on sandwiches and pastries, and they gave my son a stuffed bear dressed as a beefeater (a perfect souvenir for what we had just witnessed).

With some renewed energy, we had one last outing for the day. Of course, my son also requested we visit a toy store in town. And there's no better one than Hamleys. It's one of the world's largest and oldest toy stores, with seven floors of gadgets and gizmos. It can be overwhelming as people are dancing, clowns are blowing bubbles and drones are zipping around, but my son had a blast looking at everything. He settled on a small truck as his toy before we returned to the hotel.

Dinner at Cake & Bubbles

With such a busy morning, we decided to spend the afternoon and evening at the hotel. We made it back for the children's hours (4-6 p.m.) at the pool and took a little late-afternoon dip before an early dinner at Cake & Bubbles (attached to the hotel). While the family-friendly restaurant is known for its desserts (the cheesecake is a must), it also has a delicious savory menu of small bites. We enjoyed burgers, pasta, salad and some dessert for a sweet ending to a fun-filled day.

Day 3: Playgrounds and Peppa Pig

The diana memorial playground.

My son always wants to check out the playground scene no matter what city we visit. And one in London is a must-see: the Diana Memorial Playground. After our hotel breakfast and a morning swim (we wanted to keep the morning low-key), we hopped on a local double-decker bus (another request of my son) and made our way to the far edge of Kensington Gardens.

Next to the late Princess Diana's former Kensington Palace home, the Diana Memorial Playground is inspired by the story of Peter Pan. The centerpiece is a large wooden pirate ship surrounded by a sandy beach and "buried treasure." Other features include sensory trails, various toys and play sculptures, all set within a carefully landscaped area. My son loved climbing into the crow's nest and zipping down the hidden slides.

Peppa Pig bus tour

After some playtime, it was time for one final kid-approved activity: the Peppa Pig bus tour. Since my son requested afternoon tea and a double-decker bus ride on the trip and is a fan of the "Peppa Pig" cartoon, I was elated when I learned an option included all three.

The whimsical tour involved driving around the city in a historic double-decker-bus-turned-restaurant seeing the major sites (including Big Ben again) while nibbling on mini pizzas and scones. The kids were served hot chocolate in cups with lids, while the adults had a choice of teas. Individual screens played "Peppa Pig" clips that described the historic sites we drove past. And an onboard emcee played games and sang songs with the kids whenever we were stuck in traffic.

Dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

After the tour, we had some downtime at the hotel before making our way to the final dinner of the trip. Since everything else had been kid-focused, my husband and I opted for a nicer dinner at Pavyllon in the Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane.

Although geared toward adults, the staff was incredibly accommodating and had a kids menu available. They even brought my son's food out first, so he didn't have to wait. And they rushed our dishes, too, so we could have a speedier meal that aligned better with a 5-year-old's patience. We brought a deck of cards and played War throughout dinner, which entertained my son thoroughly.

After dinner, we returned to the hotel for our final night before taking a flight out the following day.

Where to stay

When planning a family stay in London, a plethora of options cater to the needs of both adults and children. For families, areas like South Kensington, Covent Garden and Westminster are ideal due to their proximity to major attractions like the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the London Eye.

Hotel Cafe Royal

We opted for Hotel Cafe Royal (part of the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection ) in Piccadilly Circus. It is near multiple modes of transportation to reach anywhere in the city and within walking distance of numerous attractions, including the Hamleys toy store. What's more, it's incredibly family-friendly. The rooms are spacious, and the property even worked with a former royal nanny to curate the family programming. So, we had a tent with toys set up in the room, and there was a white-noise machine ready to help us all get a good night's sleep. Plus, if you book through the Chase travel portal , you get daily breakfast, a complimentary upgrade and a $100 property credit.

Other properties to consider

But there are plenty of other family-friendly options too. The Hilton London Bankside (available for around $267 or 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night) has a host of family offerings like connecting rooms and an indoor pool. Kids eat free at Holiday Inn London — Oxford Circus, with rooms available for around $328 or 39,000 IHG rewards points a night.

Planning a trip to London? Check out some of our other stories and planning tips:

• 27 of the best free things to do in London
• The complete guide to flying to London on points and miles
• 7 London hotels used by actual royalty
• The best hotels in London
• Chic but a bit cramped: A review of The London Edition

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Embark on a journey of family fun and discovery in London and beyond. Learn about history and culture, get on an adventure, and create unforgettable experiences together. Whether you're into family-friendly attractions or together day tours from London, check out our extensive family tours in the UK.

For a touch of magic, venture into the enchanting world of Harry Potter with a visit to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. 

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Epic Castles and the White Cliffs – Rochester and Dover Castle

Venture on a historic odyssey as you journey through time to Rochester and Dover Castle and catch a glimpse of the White Cliffs of Dover.

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Step into the wizarding world as you stroll through Diagon Alley, board the Hogwarts Express, and discover the sets and props from the film series

Harry Potter Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter

Our Harry Potter Studio Tour is one of our highest-rated tours and is available daily from Central London with comfortable return transportation. Discover the wonders and secrets of Hogwarts and get a glimpse behind the scenes. Step through the doors of the spectacular Great Hall into the dining room, where the Sorting Hat famously sorted Hogwarts students into their houses.

Oxford by Rail Overnight with Harry Potter Highlights Walking Tour

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You have heard of Warner Bros. Studios, where you can experience the magical Harry Potter World and its enchanting attractions, exactly like it is in the movies. You probably also watched the films and read the books by J.K. Rowling, but have you tried any of the Harry Potter podcasts online? There are plenty!

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Evan Evans Harry Potter Filming Locations in the Cotswolds

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From the famous London Eye to afternoon tea on a vintage bus, here's a handful of suggestions to plan your visit in London.

Chessington World of Adventures

With over 40 rides and attractions in 10 themed lands, a Zoo and SEA LIFE centre with over 1000 exotic animals, Chessington World of Adventures Resort offers a world of excitement for the whole family!

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Testimonials

Your London Tours - UK, 2023

Myra & George Dietz - USA, 2023

Malskis Family - USA, 2023

Sandra & Sally Hauger - USA, 2023

Angela & Whit - USA, 2022

Flemings Family - USA, 2022

Burke Family - USA, 2022

Frank & June, Virginia & Pat - USA, 2019

Linda & Alan - USA, 2019

Bremer Family - USA, 2019

Binenfeld & Loventhal families - USA, 2019

Ellie, Talia & Mayah - USA, 2019

Mills/Leduc/Washburn family - USA, 2018

Joan, Nate & Tammi - USA, 2018

Dorothy & Paul - USA, 2018

Mary & ‘Swanny’ - USA, 2018

Pat Majewski - Australia, 2018

Nolan family - USA, 2018

Laird Sanderson & friends - Canada, 2017

Jan, Lois & Pat - USA, 2017

Caramonta family - USA, 2017

Vicki Norby & Nancy Weller - USA, 2017

Jog family - Canada, 2017

Lelliott family - Australia, 2017

Joan, Elaine & Jim - USA, 2017

General Kenneth Israel, USAF - USA, 2016

Plax family - USA, 2016

Gaerlan family - Philippines, 2016

Keith, Vicky, Katelyn, Madison - USA, 2016

Gibson family - USA, 2016

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● Sunday Times Travel magazine: Feature article. ● Travel Agent Central :  Feature article. ● London Evening Standard: Feature article. ● Luxury Travel Guide magazine:  Awards section. ● BBC News: UK news section of the website. ● Trip Advisor : ‘Things To Do in London’. ● Magna Carta Trails: Tours section of website. ● New York Times: ‘About’ section. ● Time Out London: ‘Around Town’ section.

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Experience With Tauck

Visit Château de Versailles, a 2,300 room palace built by Louis XIV, hearing what life was like in rooms such as the Hall of Mirrors; walk in the formal gardens

Tauck Value Includes

All gratuities to Tauck Director, local guides, and drivers

An interactive London "Spy Walk"

A guided tour through the British Museum

Private double-decker bus tour of London and a private capsule, sightseeing high above the city on the London Eye

A speedboat adventure on the River Thames

A bicycle ride adventure through the London Royal Parks

Tickets to a hit show in London's West End theatre district

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.

World Travel. Family Discovery.

History, art and royalty come to life on our landmark family trip to London and Paris. Seek clues on a London spy walk… see sights aboard a private double-decker bus… enjoy a speedboat adventure on the Thames… catch a hit play in the West End. Across the Channel, stroll through a fairy tale French palace… discover a hilltop treasure trove... and explore Paris' skyline landmark attractions.

Private capsule on the london eye, soaring over london aboard the london eye.

Your family will feel as though they are part of the London skyline when they get a bird's-eye view of the city while soaring high above it in Tauck's private observation capsule. Centuries of history are put into perspective as you gaze down from your unique perspective 450 feet above the Thames River... truly the world's most exciting observation wheel!

Speedboating on the River Thames

James bond-style adventure on the river thames.

Your family combines thrills galore with London's top sights on a speedboat adventure through history along the River Thames. The view from the river is completely different than what you've seen before... the commentary is witty and enlightening... and iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, London Bridge, and St. Paul's Cathedral take on a different perspective with the thrill of turbo powered speed...

Guided visit – Château de Versailles

Discover 5 centuries of french history on a guided visit through one of the world's most extravagant palaces.

Château de Versailles was born as a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII – but by the era of the Sun King, Louis XIV, his renovations put the palace on its way to becoming one of the world's most extraordinary palaces and estates. Today, Versailles is one of France's premier museums with over 60,000 treasured art works; a guided tour shares historic insights and great stories.

Our tour director Barnaby called us "rockstars." For the group photo, he bought all the "rockstars" berets. Thanks to Barnaby, I had a memorable vacation and I hope to take another one soon!

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Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into the United Kingdom and France; however, you do not need a visa for either country for the short duration of this tour.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact an embassy or consulate of the United Kingdom and of France to determine what travel documentation is required.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*) in day-by-day descriptions, participation is at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN:  If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

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Deposits & Final Payment

Deposits and fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $600 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  90  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Guest Protection

Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.
• Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $425  per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPINTL .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person 

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

90 days or more before departure = $600 per person

89-8 days before departure = $900 per person

7-1 days before departure = $1500 per person

Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Please advise your Tauck Director on tour if you or the children traveling with you have any serious allergies. Also, adults may want to bring along children's aspirin or medicines as a precaution, as access to these may be limited.

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition which might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATIONS  

If you are a resident of the U.S. traveling internationally, no vaccinations are currently required for travel to the United Kingdom or France. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country traveling internationally, please contact an embassy or consulate of the United Kingdom and of France to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

The Castles & Kings tour is relaxed and the pace is leisurely. You should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances over uneven terrain, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. London and Paris are home to innumerable historic buildings and sites, some dating from antiquity. Therefore, roads, walkways and architecture may present difficulties for you if you have physical limitations. You will encounter cobblestone streets, narrow passageways, and some steep and winding staircases. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do at the various sites and towns is at your discretion.

PLEASE NOTE:  We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

The weather in London and Paris is variable. Generally, daytime temperatures in the spring and fall range from 50 to 65°F (10 to 18°C) and in summer, 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C). Rain falls evenly throughout the year and averages 1.5 to 2.5 in (38. to 64 mm) per month. Europe has experienced unusually warm temperatures during the summer months in recent years, so do include some lighter clothing in your travel wardrobe.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website by clicking here.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with New Headings who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

The weather in London and Paris is changeable and unpredictable. We suggest that you dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is recommended. A light sweater or jacket will provide warmth on a chilly early morning walk or a late night stroll. Rain falls evenly throughout the year in both cities; however, the relative humidity in Paris is 10% higher than in London. In summer, the heat and humidity in Paris causes some moderate discomfort.

For the welcome and farewell receptions, casual resort wear is appropriate; formal wear is never required for dining with your fellow guests at a Tauck provided dinner. When dining on your own, you may have the opportunity to dine at an upscale restaurant, which may require men to dress in coat and tie, and women in more elegant eveningwear. It is advisable to avoid wearing jeans, sneakers or shorts for dinner.

You will find a hair dryer and bathrobes located in your hotel guest room. Irons and ironing boards are available upon request. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are also available for a fee.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription (or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you), a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your trip to London and Paris:

• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• An optional jacket and tie for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

Each child 17 and under will be sent a complimentary backpack from Tauck Bridges! If the child resides in the continental United States, the backpack will be sent to his or her home approximately two weeks prior to the tour departure date (please note backpacks cannot be sent to P.O. boxes). If the child resides outside of the continental U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, the backpack will be waiting on arrival at the first hotel on your itinerary.

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First Timer’s Guide to London with Kids (+ 17 Things to Do for Families)

By: Author Leslie Harvey

Posted on Published: October 31, 2022

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After a long break from international travel, our family recently hopped across the pond for the kids’ first trip to Europe. We spent a full week of a two week vacation exploring London, England. We were in town just weeks before Queen Elizabeth passed away, so were able to experience some of the final days of her Jubilee Celebration as well as the many offerings the city always has to offer.

My sister lived just outside London with her family the last couple of years so we had a bit of the inside scoop in planning our own trip thanks to her experience (and also thanks to a neighbor of ours who lives part-time in London). But even without the help of locals, we found the city supremely easy to navigate with kids. We found London had a wealth of family-friendly activities as well.

As with all cities, there’s a learning curve. My husband and I had both been to London several times before, but we were seeing the city anew this trip visiting it with kids for the first time. Here are all the basics that other first time visitors to London with kids need to know, from transportation tips to the very best things to do in London with kids.

(Trips With Tykes uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through links in this post. See our full disclosure policy linked in the menu at the bottom of this site.)

Getting to London with Kids: Airports & Trains

First things first – if you are a first timer to London, what are the best options for getting there?

Many Americans arrive by air, as London has multiple airport choices and is often used as a gateway city for travelers ultimately planning to visit multiple places in Europe. There are 6 total airports in the London area but the two that North American travelers are most likely to arrive into are:

• London Heathrow (LHR) : The largest international airport in London, Heathrow has non-stop flights to and from nearly every major city all around the world. The airport is served by nearly all major airlines.
• London Gatwick (LGW) : Located south of the city, London’s second largest airport has non-stop flights to several larger North American cities, mostly on JetBlue and British Airways, as well as lots of low cost carriers offering intra-Europe flights.

Related : Tips for Flying EasyJet

If you are coming from elsewhere in Europe, your family may be arriving by train instead of by plane. Most trains from more distant destinations arrive into San Pancras Station (we took the Eurostar out of Saint Pancras station ourselves leaving London to head to Paris next). But trains from many destinations within the United Kingdom come into a number of different stations in the central part of the city.

No matter what station you arrive into, it’s usually a pretty easy connection on the London Tube at that station to get where you need to go (more on local transportation below). The most important thing to note for train arrivals if you are coming from outside the United Kingdom is that Brexit has complicated train travel a bit. You’ll have to clear international borders and likely will need to plan for more time at your departing station than ever before.

Where to Stay in London with Kids

We did an enormous amount of research on where to stay in London with kids, trying to find a perfect combination of location and amenities at the right price ( Related : find out how much a trip to London costs ). The choices in a city so large are likely to be pretty overwhelming to other first time travelers as well.

London is of course quite expensive and many Americans should expect some sticker shock. We live in San Francisco so are pretty accustomed to high hotel prices. We were actually pleasantly surprised to find prices not entirely out of the stratosphere. Even in the high summer season, finding 4+ star accommodations for a family of four in the city center is entirely possible for under $500 a night.

Of course, prices fluctuate quite a bit with the changing exchange rate. Prices have gotten even better for Americans since our visit, as the British pound has reached rough parity with the American dollar as of the date this post is published.

Like elsewhere in Europe, hotel rooms are smaller than might be customary in the United States, and the slate of amenities and furnishings aren’t going to be quite the same. We found that these features were the ones most important to scrutinize in comparing London hotels and lodging:

• Bed types : Many rooms that sleep 4 in London have just two double beds. Can you and your partner share a double? If you have more than one child, can your kids? Look out for family suites or deals for families to get 2 rooms with the second at a discount rate if you need more beds (see, for example, Marriott’s 50% off a 2nd room offer for select London hotels ).
• Air conditioning : England is usually pretty chilly, but if you are visiting during peak summer months like many tourists, you may experience some pretty hot and humid days. Not all hotels and accommodations have AC, so if you need that to be comfortable, check carefully.
• Elevators : Some historic buildings in London do not have “lifts.” We found that some apartment style accommodations would mean dragging suitcases up several flights of stairs. This might not be a great choices for families with younger kids – especially travelers with kids of stroller age.
• Breakfast : A lot of London hotels have excellent breakfasts as an optional add on to your room rate – often at a very reasonable price. Price compare carefully!

We ultimately ended up staying in a one bedroom flat in Mayfair at 9 Hertford Street , which ended up being ideal for our family of four for a week. It had some of the amenities of a hotel, including top notch warm and personable service, with a lot of the conveniences of a larger vacation rental. We ordered grocery delivery from Sainsbury’s to fill our fridge with breakfast foods and snacks and made much use of the washing machine in the flat as well. The property is located within a 7 minute walk of the Green Park tube station. The location was exceptionally convenient, putting us on three Tube lines (Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria).

Other hotels and flats we seriously considered and researched extensively:

• Clermont Hotel, Charing Cross : Located near Charing Cross station, this hotel is also very centrally located. We initially booked and held a Deluxe Family Room, but a Studio Suite would have fit our family as well. Be sure to become a member on the site which entitles you to 10% discounts right away.
• The Cavendish Hotel, London : Idea for families of 3, this hotel makes sofa beds available in its larger rooms to accommodate a third person and also has cribs available. The hotel is close to Mayfair and Piccadilly. Breakfast for kids under 12 is free with a paying adult.
• St. James Hotel & Club : This luxury hotel specializes in interconnecting rooms for families, offering discounts on the second room. We found the Deluxe suite with living area and king bed that interconnected to a superior room with queen size bed was the best fit for our family of 4.
• 10 Curzon Street by Mansley : these serviced apartments are similar to the ones we ultimately chose at 9 Hertford Street. The two bedroom apartments sleep up to four people, but note that the building does not have an elevator.
• Athenaeum London : The priciest option we considered, this luxury hotel in Mayfair has residence style rooms ideal for families (including a California king bed and pop up bunk beds) as well as a children’s concierge.

Getting Around in London with Kids

London has one of the best public transit systems in the world and that’s a major reason it’s an ideal destination for family travelers. Tourists really can easily get anywhere they need to go with minimal time at a cheap fare.

Figuring out the rules and fares is a little tricky (my husband did the deep dive and found this post amazingly helpful). Kids under age 11 travel for free with a paying adult. There are discounts available for older kids and teens as well.

We found that a Travelcard that covered all public transit in Zones 1-2 (£38 for 7 days) covered us for every destination we wanted to visit except Heathrow Airport and a Premier League game in a stadium located outside of the city center. Load the Travelcard as well as additional funds for pay-as-you-go fares onto an Oyster card and the computers apply the best fare for you. We bought a pay-as-you-go Oyster card for my 13 year old daughter, because the Young Person’s discount for ages 11-15 was the cheaper option for her even if we used public transit extensively.

London Underground (the Tube)

London has a massive and extensive subway system (referred to as the Tube) that reaches almost everywhere in the city that tourists are likely to want to go. Trains come every few minutes and are comfortable and safe, albeit crowded during commute hours, as you might expect.

If you are using the Tube with a child 10 and under who travels for free, enter and exit via the handicapped turnstiles which open slowly enough for two people to walk through together. Like a number of places in older cities of Europe, some of the Tube isn’t entirely accessible. If you have babies and toddlers in strollers (especially more than 1), it’s going to be harder to navigate. But I did notice how kind and helpful Londoners were when they saw a parent struggling with a little one on the Tube – multiple people stepped up to assist which was unlike anything I’ve ever seen in a major US city.

London’s famed double decker buses are another easy and convenient public transportation option all over the city. We were blown away by how frequently they ran. We used them mostly as more direct routes between some places when traveling on the Tube would have involved a change to another line or a little bit of a walk to a station. My kids loved going up to the second deck and sitting in the very front row where the windows above the driver give great views of the city streets below. Oyster cards and Travelcards can be used to pay fares on buses just like the Tube – scan is upon entry only.

Hop on, Hop off Bus

Many tourists opt to take a different kind of bus to travel around London – a hop on, hop off. While touristy and not official public transportation, definitely don’t dismiss this as a potential form of transportation. These buses hit a lot of the city’s highlights and offer multiple routes, plus they offer audio commentary to help you learn about the city and get your bearings. Bus companies to consider include Big Bus Tours, City Sightseeing London, and the Tootbus.

Cabs in London aren’t as ubiquitous as they used to be, but there are still plenty of taxis to be had if you prefer a private ride around town. All London black cabs now offer contactless payment options in addition to accepting cash, so they are more flexible than ever.

Uber & Ridesharing

Ridesharing is alive and well in London. There are a couple of companies that Americans may not be familiar with that some locals use, but Uber is truly everywhere as well. We used Uber on several occasions (especially when transporting luggage) and were able to get cars of varying sizes and had fast response times even at off hours.

Best Times to Visit & How Long to Stay in London with Kids

When should you go to London and how long should you stay with kids? The right answer of course first depends on your family’s schedule.

Summer is peak season for family travelers as that is when most kids have substantial time off of school. Of course that means larger crowds and higher prices. But the warm weather is more pleasant than much of the rest of the year, when London can be pretty cold and dreary.

If your family has a more flexible schedule, shoulder season in May and September often has the the right combination of good weather and lower crowds. Spring break is another solid possibility for American visitors. But it can still be quite chilly in March and April, so pack accordingly!

We visited during the first week of August (when English schools are on a break between terms). The weather can be very hot and humid in August some days, which is a down side to this time of year. Because of the school break, however, traffic in the city was more reasonable and most activities were open 7 days a week so it was easy to schedule all the things we wanted to do. Plus, because a lot of US schools go back for the year in early to mid-August, we also found the crush of American tourists had dropped off a lot by the time we visited, which helped with crowds at tourist attractions.

As for how long you need in London, the longer the better! I’d recommend a bare minimum of 3 days in London with kids, but a visit of 5-7 days or more is ideal. Even with our full week in town going pretty much non-stop, we just scratched the surface.

Top 17 Things to Do in London with Kids

So now that the logistics are out of the way, let’s get to the good part. What should you plan to DO while in London with kids?

Few cities in the world have as many iconic attractions and must-dos as London. And so many of these things to do are family-friendly, so you are going to have a hard time picking and choosing.

Start by gathering the family and making a list of everything that interests you. Your list is likely going to be very long. We put all of our family’s choices into Trip Advisor so we could easily see on the map which ones were close to one another and possible to do together in a single day.

Here are 17 of the best things to do in London with kids (with a map to all of them to assist in your navigation and planning).

Some of course will be better for younger kids and some will be better for older kids and teens, so I’ve indicated age recommendations for many of them. Whenever available, I’ve also linked below to standalone articles from bloggers I personally know and trust for more details on each of these attractions if you want to do a deeper dive.

Tower of London

Both of my kids named the Tower of London as one of their favorite stops in London. Built by William the Conquerer over 1000 years ago, the Tower has played a central part in many major events in English history. Must-sees include the Crown Jewels, the Yeoman Warders (elite guards responsible for the Tower’s safekeeping who give engaging must-do tours too!), the ravens, and the Royal Armouries. History comes alive here in engaging ways for kids with tales of battles, torture, and execution among the ancient buildings.

The Tower of London is a very popular attraction that gets crowded, so I highly recommend getting tickets for the earliest entry time to beat the crowds. Plan for a visit of at least 2-3 hours with kids to be able to see the highlights. More details in this family-friendly guide to the Tower of London .

Westminster Abbey

As the site of the coronation of many monarchs and the final resting place for many of them as well, Westminster Abbey plays an important role in both the religious and political history of England and Great Britain. Entry into the church includes an audio guide, and there is a version available for children that explains the stories in a more accessible format in about an hour – just the right length for younger attention spans. (More tips for families in this article from my friend Allison about what to expect at Westminster Abbey .)

While most visitors explore the church only, we went a little out of the way to sit in the College Garden as well, which is a lovely and peaceful green space for toddlers and younger kids to explore with amazing views of the Palace of Westminster for parents. Westminster Abbey is within easy walking distance of both Parliament and the Churchill War Rooms (both listed below), so it’s possible to do two or even three of these attractions in a single day if you plan the timing carefully, which is what we did.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s is the famed cathedral featured in the “Feed the Birds” scene of Mary Poppins that is also the site where Princess Diana and Prince Charles were wed. It is the people’s church in London and turned out to be even more popular with my kids than Westminster Abbey. Take one of the shorter free guided tours to learn a little of the history (or use the included audio guide). And definitely make time to climb to the top of the dome for magnificent views of the city on clear days – not for the faint of heart but well worth it!

Churchill War Rooms (Imperial War Museum)

Kids can learn about one of Great Britain’s most famous prime ministers as well as a lot about World War II history in a visit to the Churchill War Rooms. This museum is located in the underground bunkers where Churchill and his cabinet rode out the bombings of London during the Blitz, ultimately directing the Allies on to victory. An audio guide (including a “family” setting with descriptions more understandable for kids) is included in the price of admission.

I was worried that the Churchill War Rooms would be too much boring history for my younger child (who was 8 years old and about to enter 3rd grade at the time of our trip). Its underground location, the walk-through layout of the museum, and its many multimedia exhibits turned out to be surprisingly engaging. My son especially enjoyed the interactive screen where visitors can listen to Churchill’s most famous quotes and quips. Plan on at least 2 hours to visit – more with teens who may be more deeply in to the history.

Parliament (Palace of Westminster)

The Palace of Westminster is home to Great Britain’s House of Commons and House of Lords, and it may come as a surprise that tours are offered here! Tours with a live guide as well as self-guided audio tours (both about 90 minutes) are available. We opted for the guided tour, which was a little more expensive but worthwhile to mix things up, as many London tourist attractions have audio guides.

Parliament was one of the favorite stops for my 13 year old. Seeing the room she had previously viewed only on TV and YouTube while watching the famous Prime Minister’s questions was especially meaningful to her. But the tour was probably a little too dry or at least too long for my 8 year old, so this is one attraction I might save for older kids who have a deeper understanding and appreciation of government and politics.

London Bike Tour

I have never thought of London as much of a biking city, but the government has installed a massive amount of biking infrastructure in recent years which has drastically changed the landscape. And that means that it’s incredibly easy to explore a number of city highlights on two wheels.

We took a private family tour with BrakeAway Bike Tours to get our bearings on the first morning of our stay in London. Our tour guide was knowledgable and upbeat while also giving us practical tips along the way and taking all the necessary measures to keep us safe. Everyone in the family ranked it one of our absolute favorite activities.

There are multiple quality bike tour companies (we investigated them all!), including Tally Ho! , the London Bicycle Tour Company , and Fat Tire Tours London . Many of the tour guides are actors and entertainers and have the skills to keep kids engaged. Most tour companies offer trail-along bikes and even trailer attachments so it’s possible for families even with toddlers and younger kids to enjoy this activity. Families with younger kids (under 10 or 12 years old) usually are required to book a private tour.

For amazing views of London, head to the city’s most visited attraction: the London Eye. This giant ferris wheel towers over the southern banks of the Thames River, rotating slowly one revolution each half hour so riders can take in the views. Because of its popularity, it’s essential to book tickets well in advance. This is one of the most expensive attractions in London and queues can be brutal. If you plan to do it, especially with impatient younger kids or if you are on a tight schedule, I’d highly recommend paying even more for the Fast Track tickets to skip the queue.

The same company that owns the London Eye also operates nearby Sea Life Aquarium, Madam Tussauds, the London Dungeon, and Shrek’s Adventure. As several of these attractions are replicated in a lot of cities around the world and are pretty touristy, we skipped them, but many families enjoy them. Combination tickets can save you some money if you plan to do more than one.

Afternoon Tea

Many of the luxury hotels in London offer decadent afternoon teas, and we highly recommend partaking in at least one during a family vacation. Most of these teas welcome children with special theming and kid-friendly food selections, so it’s very hard to pick among the many excellent choices.

We decided to go with a classic experience at the Savoy Hotel’s Thames Foyer for our family of four (my husband and I also took tea at the Ritz London as an adults-only date night). Also recommended for families is tea at St. Ermin’s , the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych , and the Original Sweetshop Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair . (See more family-friendly London tea recommendations.)

Sunday Roast

While we are on the subject of food, one other must-do meal is a traditional Sunday Roast. Compared to many European countries, England isn’t exactly known for its amazing cuisine, but we had heard from friends and family that the Sunday meal is one worth experiencing. They were so right.

Sunday roast consists of a hearty plate with a roasted meat (usually chicken, beef, or lamb) covered in gravy with side items like potatoes, vegetables, and a Yorkshire pudding. Any local pub will likely do the job in spades. We ate our Sunday Roast at the Chesterfield Arms in Mayfair near our hotel and the meal was one of the very best of our trip. Some pubs serve this dish all weekend long, so you may have more than one night a week to get your fill.

Borough Market

Borough Market is one of the largest public markets in London with a history of over 1000 years. Today, it is full of sights and smells that capture kids’ attentions. There are a number of food stalls to grab a quick meal or snack on the go or table service restaurants surrounding the market itself for a more leisurely meal.

Hamleys Toy Shop

Hamleys Toy Shop is a child’s dream come to life – seven floors of every toy from around the globe at its main location on Regent Street. There are play stations throughout the shop where kids can see some of the toys in action and even play with a few themselves.

You’ll find a wide selection of toys that may not be available back home, including lots of Peppa Pig, Paddington, and Harry Potter as well as Hamleys’ own label of toys that includes an iconic red London bus and a teddy bear (with a new design each year). There’s even a Build-a-Bear station that includes outfits unique to London like a Beefeater costume. It was hard getting my kids to leave, so consider yourself warned!

London is full of beautiful parks to explore with kids, but Hyde Park is one of the largest with multiple offerings that families will enjoy. On the east side, families can rent paddleboats on the Serpentine Lake or hire a lawn chair to sit and people watch or enjoy an ice cream.

On the west side, the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground is one of the top things to do with younger kids. The play structure is shaped like a pirate ship. Kensington Palace is also located adjacent to the park. This Royal Palace is open to the public, with viewings of the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments as well as Kensington Gardens. It’s one of the most popular attractions for visitors wanting to explore Britain’s royal history.

Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard

Speaking of palaces, Buckingham Palace nearby is another must-see with kids. The famous Changing of the Guard there usually happens daily in June and July, but only 4 days a week the rest of the year (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays), so plan carefully and prepare for large crowds.

For limited periods (usually in late summer and early fall), the palace opens to the public for tours. The tours are quite expensive and not necessarily a must-do on shorter trips (particularly if you plan to visit other royal sites), but worth considering. The children’s audio guide is hosted by Rex the Corgi – a cute touch.

British Museum

The British Museum has one of the largest and most magnificent collections from historical sites around the world, from Egyptian mummies to the Rosetta Stone to the Parthenon’s Elgin marbles. It is an engaging place to introduce kids to history and archeology. You can really customize your experience and the time you spend there to match the ages an interests of your children, so it is one of the best things to do in London for all ages. And it’s free!

The enormous size of the museum is pretty overwhelming so I’d recommend looking at the offerings in advance and having a plan to navigate it. Check out this guide to the British Museum with kids for the top things to see.

All Things Harry Potter

Harry Potter fans will find a wealth of activities to do all over London. For the superfans with plenty of time to spare, the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour is an experience farther outside of the city center (more like a day trip) that requires something approaching a full day to see. There are also plenty of walking tours and bus tours of the sights of the Harry Potter films as well. More casual fans should at least consider popping by Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station for a photo opp and to visit the gift shop selling Potter merchandise.

See more offerings in this post with 9 Harry Potter things to do in London .

Premier League Match

Thanks to Ted Lasso, English Premier League football is hotter than ever among Americans right now. Attending a Premier League match is an amazing opportunity to have a much more local experience in London… if you can get tickets. We had to join the club for Tottenham Hotspur to even have the right to purchase tickets direct. Then we had get up in the middle of the night twice and refresh the website frantically to get the seats we did. But it was well worth it! Premier League matches run roughly from August to May.

One mistake we made when attending that other families of young kids should know about – Premier League games are loud – louder than any other sporting event I’ve ever attended. Consider bringing ear protection for younger and more sensitive kids if you do manage to score seats.

West End Show

London has a thriving theater district on the West End that rivals New York’s Broadway for the number and quality of shows it offers. There are always a number of kid-friend shows available. Some have age minimums or recommendations, so check carefully to make sure the show you choose is suitable for everyone in the family.

We watched Back to the Future: The Musical on our visit, which debuted in London and will soon also be showing in New York. It was a massive hit with everyone in the family, but most especially my husband who has surely watched the movie a few hundred times. Other family-friendly shows running in 2022 include: The Lion King, Matilda, Disney’s Newsies, Frozen, Mary Poppins, and Wicked.

Tips for Booking & Saving Money on Attractions in London with Kids

While it’s hard enough to narrow down what you want to see in London, figuring out how best to book tickets and not spend too much money can be even trickier. A few London travel tips to consider when it comes to the logistics of booking and visiting attractions (plus see even more in this list of helpful European travel tips ):

• Book Direct! : If you just want tickets to most attractions, book direct, unless you are booking a combination ticket that bundles multiple attractions at a discount. A number of travel websites and blogs will direct you to ticket middlemen like Viator and Get Your Guide for tickets (I won’t do that just to get an affiliate commission). While these sites do offer a number of in-depth tours worth considering, many listings on these sites are merely glorified marked-up admission tickets.
• Book in Advance : While there are some attractions in London where you can walk up and purchase tickets, everything is much more planned in advance these days. To avoid long lines or being shut out of an attraction entirely during peak tourist season, purchase tickets in advance (timed entry is required at many places).
• Check for Closure Days : A lot of London attractions are open 7 days a week (more than any other city in Europe we experienced), especially in peak summer months. But not all of them. Be sure to keep track of any days that activities are closed when planning out your travel itinerary so you don’t miss out.

Here are a few ways we discovered families can get a discount on multiple attractions in London:

• Family Ticket Bundles : A number of London attractions offer family tickets directly on their website that can help you save money on admission (most often these for adult/child combinations of 3-5 people). Be sure to read all the ticket options offered to find which one adds up to be the best deal for your family. Look for “concession” rates for discounts – this is a term that Americans may not immediately know the meaning of!
• National Rail 2-for-1 Discounts : If you are traveling to London by rail, you are eligible with your train ticket for a number of 2-for-1 discounts for many activities. Details on how to book and claim are on the National Rail website .
• London Pass by Go City: The London Pass by Go City is a discount pass that allows you to bundle multiple attractions and save. It includes Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London, a hop on hop off bus tour, and many others. If you plan to do 2-3 attractions per day that are offered under its umbrella, you’ll likely come out ahead, but you have to do the math.

Final Thoughts on London with Kids

Our family had an amazing time in London. It is just the right place to start European travels with kids . The city is so easy to navigate without wasting any time, and London has a wealth of family-friendly things to do. Even though it’s an enormous city, the neighborhoods feel compact, welcoming and friendly. It’s a city we can see ourselves returning to many times, so we highly recommend other families give it a visit as well!

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Family Tours

Child-Friendly Tours For My Kids in London

Our family-friendly tours can be adapted for children of all ages - toddlers, tweenies, teenagers...and even the accompanying adults , these tours can be stand alone or combined, there is almost always an outdoor component to these tours so dress appropriately (we have lots of showers, it can be cold, wear comfy shoes) and do bring snacks and drinks to keep your little ones happy, email us now for a quotation.

You can scroll down for all our tours, or click on the links here:

A Knight’s Tale at the Tower of London

Your Royal London Adventure

Your British Museum Quest

Your National Gallery Adventure

Your Animals in Westminster Hunt

Your St Paul’s Cathedral Adventure

Your Hampton Court Palace Adventure

Your Kensington Palace Adventure

Your World War II Adventure

a knight’s tale at the Tower of London

The Tower of London tour - fun for all the family!

Accompanied by your guide, holder of the elusive Blue Badge, you will seek out The Tower of London (A Royal Fortress, Palace, Prison and place of execution), locate the priceless and irreplaceable Crown Jewels, and judge the security of the Tower.

On the way The Holder of the Blue Badge (your guide) will help you locate the following: The Beefeaters and the Ravens – you must find out why they are both essential to the security of the Crown Jewels, then report back to the Holder of the Blue Badge.

Tickets not included : Tower of London. Prices can be found here , but please contact us before purchase so we can find the best way of doing things.  Meeting Point: Hotel or at Sundial next to Tower Hill Underground Station Ages : All ages are fascinated by the stories of the Medieval Tower. The Tower is toddler friendly, although a little difficult to push a buggy around as there are lots of cobbles, but it is possible. There are buggy parks where you can leave the buggy. No buggy access in the White Tower but they can be left outside. Lots of running around opportunities.

If you want an historical experience choose the Westminster Abbey family tour.

Accompanied by your guide, holder of the elusive Blue Badge, you will locate Westminster Abbey, the Church where Kings and Queens are crowned in the Coronation, explore it and assess whether the Abbey is suitable for a Coronation. If it is suitable, is it ready for one?

If the Queen’s Guards are Changing, you will watch and make sure they are protecting the Queen and her palace. If the Guards are not changing, you will walk around Royal London and hear stories of past Kings and Queens – decide which were good and which were bad, and report back to the Holder of the Blue Badge (your guide).

Tickets not included : Westminster Abbey. Prices for Westminster Abbey , but please contact us before purchase so we can find the best way of doing things. Meeting point: Hotel or West Front of Abbey Ages : This tour can be done for all ages. Westminster Abbey is very historic and not a lot of opportunities to run around but we can provide activities and stories suitable for little ones. Buggies not suitable in the Abbey – have you got a fold up one that can be carried or a baby carrier? Walk suitable for all ages with running around space, squirrels and ducks, and buggy suitable!  

Your British Museum quest

Even toddlers will be able to recognise a column by the end of this family experience at the British Museum!

Accompanied by your guide, holder of the elusive Blue Badge, you must locate the famous British Museum, which contains some of the most important objects from the ancient world.

You must find, with the help of the Holder of the Blue Badge (your guide): The Rosetta Stone (which allowed Egyptian Hieroglyphics to be deciphered), the famous Parthenon Marbles (Very important Ancient Greek Statues) and the Egyptian Mummies.

Can you find these objects so that the Holder of the Blue Badge (your guide) can tell you their secrets and help you understand their importance?

Tickets not included . None. The British Museum is free entry although donations are welcome. Meeting Point: Hotel or central Cafe in Russell Square park. Ages : All ages. Reins suggested for little ones in museums to stop them touching the objects and for your peace of mind. Walk gives lots of opportunities to run around, buggies suitable. There can be quite long queues for the British Museum in peak season, but we can regale you with stories while we wait and prepare for the visit within! Neal’s Yard and Covent Garden are fun for teenagers.

Your National Gallery adventure

You might not think teenagers, tweenies or toddlers would enjoy an art history tour... but give this tour a go - you might be surprised!

Accompanied by your guide, holder of the elusive Blue Badge, you must locate The National Gallery, one of the most important art galleries in the world.

The Holder of the Blue Badge (your guide) will help you locate and identify some of the most important masterpieces in the collection painted by very famous artists. Can you find by: Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli or Van Gogh – or have they been taken away, and if so why?  

If you can find the most important paintings, the Holder of the Blue Badge will tell you the stories behind the paintings, their hidden meanings, and the stories of the men and women who painted them.

Tickets not included : None. National Gallery is free entry, but donations welcome. Meeting Point : Hotel or inside the Sainsbury Wing entrance on Trafalgar Square Ages : all. Reins suggested for little ones in galleries to stop them touching the objects and for your peace of mind. Walk gives lots of opportunities to run around, buggies suitable. Street performers in Trafalgar square are fun for tweenies and teenagers.

Animals in westminster hunt

Once you and your family start looking you will discover animals everywhere on this London walking tour...

Accompanied by your guide, holder of the elusive Blue Badge, you must locate The City of Westminster. The Holder of the Blue Badge has clues and riddles to help you locate and identify the sometimes well-hidden animal statues around the City of Westminster.

Unravel the clues and find these beasts so that the Holder of the Blue Badge can help you discover why they are there, what they mean and how they link to the history of Great Britain.

To begin with you must locate: A lion, a unicorn and a horse, but there are many, many others.

Tickets not included : None. Meeting Point : Hotel or West Front of Westminster Abbey Ages : all. Walk gives lots of opportunities to run around, buggies suitable.

Your St Paul's cathedral Adventure

Accompanied by your guide, holder of the elusive Blue Badge, you must locate The People’s Church - St Paul’s Cathedral. You must discover why it is called the People’s Church - is it to do with World War II, or to do with Royal Weddings, or to do with it’s history? Can The Holder of the Blue Badge help you?

Once inside you must uncover the building’s secrets - what is the secret of the Dome? What is hidden in the crypt? Where is the architect buried?

Explore the Church with the Holder of the Blue Badge who can help you discover why they are there, what they mean and how they link to the history of Great Britain.

Tickets not included : Tickets needed for St Paul’s Cathedral, you can find prices here , but please contact us before purchase so we can find the best way of doing things. Meeting Point: Hotel or Steps of St Paul's Cathedral. Ages : All ages. Reins suggested for little ones to stop them touching the objects and for your peace of mind. Walk gives lots of opportunities to run around. If you walk up to the top of the Dome there are some tight spaces so not ideal for claustrophobia.

Your Hampton Court Palace adventure

A most stimulating tour for everyone in your family - words are not adequate - you have to see it for yourself!

Accompanied by your guide, holder of the elusive Blue Badge, you will locate Hampton Court Palace, once home to the notorious Henry VIII. Can you find traces of his 6 wives, perhaps even the ghost of one who was beheaded?

With help from the holder of the Blue Badge can you identify the three different palaces - the Tudor Palace, the Stuart Palace, and the Hanovarian Palace? And finally can you find the golden gates, fish and enormous vine in the gardens? Report back to the Holder of the Blue Badge (your guide) to complete your mission.

Do you accept the Quest?

Tickets : Tickets needed for Hampton Court Palace. You can find prices here , but please contact us before purchase so we can find the best way of doing things. Train tickets from Waterloo to Hampton Court Palace. Meeting Point : Entrance of Hampton Court Rail Station Ages : all ages. Suitable for buggies although easier if you leave them in the buggy drop to explore the palace, and much of the garden is gravel, but I have done it with a buggy! Lots of opportunities to run around in the gardens, and visually it is a feast so lots of changes of environment which I find keeps young minds engaged.

Kensington Palace adventure

This family-friendly tour gives you a bit of everything - relationship gossip for the teenagers, some running around outside for the tweenies, lots of toddling for the toddlers and history, art and architecture for you!

Accompanied by your guide, holder of the elusive Blue Badge, you will locate the small but beautiful Kensington Palace, where many royals have lived.

You must locate the rooms of a princess called Victoria and find out about her childhood and how she prepared to become Queen. Ask the Holder of the Blue Badge (your guide) to tell you about the other royals of Kensington Palace, and decide what it takes to be a good King or Queen, and then report back to the Holder of the Blue Badge.

Tickets : Tickets for Kensington Palace. you can find prices here , but please contact us before purchase so we can find the best way of doing things. Meeting Point : Hotel or in front of Kensington Palace Ages : all ages. Reins advised for Kensington Palace for crawlers. Lots of walking/running and fresh air in the parks if needed.

your World War II adventure

You can't plan your family travel experience without doing the Changing of the Guard Tour - great fun for all ages!

Accompanied by your guide, holder of the elusive Blue Badge, you will locate The City of Westminster, learn about its strategic importance as the heart of Government and Royal Power, and collect information on how Londoners survived bombing during the Blitz of World War II.

If the Royal Guards are Changing you will assess their readiness for battle.

Once completed, you must locate the secret underground bunker where Winston Churchill, the great wartime leader, directed World War II. You must gain access, judge it’s security and find the most secure room. Then report back to the Holder of the Blue Badge (your guide).

Do you accept the quest?

NB. Changing of the Guard does not take place everyday, and it will be called off if raining. We may be able to see Changing of the Horse Guard. We'll let you know what is possible. Tickets : Tickets needed for the Churchill War Rooms. Meeting Point :  Hotel or Entrance of Churchill War Rooms Ages : Suitable for all ages. Toddlers love the music of the Changing of the Guard but I’d recommend reins as Changing of the Guard is very busy. Reins/baby carrier/buggy in National Portrait Gallery. Buggy suitable throughout tour.

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London & Paris Cultural Walking Tour

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London and Paris are much more than two of the world’s most famous and beautiful capitals. For many travelers, these two accessible and easily walkable cities are where they first discovered their love of travel. This trip is a modern-day tale of two cities, a perfectly paced journey hand-crafted to create that same opportunity for all of the generations of your family. In London, you’ll see the sights, of course. But then you’ll go even further with a private-access visit to Stonehenge at sunset and a Harry Potter-style afternoon tea. In Paris, you’ll skip to the head of the line at the Louvre Museum, cruise the Seine and go for a bike ride in the vast gardens of the Palace of Versailles. Based in perfectly located luxury hotels and in the constant company of expert local guides, you’ll explore with seamless ease and have fun every step of the way.

• Explore London and Windsor Castle with your expert local guide, on foot at eye level 

• Take in the panoramic views of the city from the top of the towering London Eye wheel 

• Enjoy a guided walk to iconic sites like Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral 

• Get the 'only with Classic Journeys' visit to Stonehenge before it's open to the public

• Explore the Tower of London, walk Tower Bridge, and sit down to a Harry Potter-style afternoon tea

• Ride through the Chunnel under the English Channel to Paris 

• Enjoy a skip-the-line visit to the Louvre Museum to see the Mona Lisa 

• As the sun sets, watch the City of Light sparkle from the deck of a boat on the Seine 

• Visit Saint Chapelle Cathedral then meet with a chocolatier 

• Bike ride through the 2,000-acre gardens filled with flowers, and fountains at the Palace of Versailles.

Starting Point:

Ending point:.

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Walking Level

Daily mileage options: 2-5 miles, route notes:, dates & prices.

The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won’t be charged to transfer to a different trip before final payment is due.

Select our “Family Departure” to travel with other families.

Why Choose Classic Journeys

Travel + Leisure has awarded Classic Journeys the #1 World’s Best Tour Operator multiple times and says, "Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe." Here’s what that access means for you.

• Experience the world on foot and at eye level. Each day, join your guide on the most cinematic footpaths in the region.
• Exceptional full-time local guides who become your well-connected friend . Our amazing guides are with you throughout each day of the tour, share their lifelong connections as well as engaging anecdotes about the history and culture of the region.
• Small groups that provide you unrivaled access . An average of fewer than 10 guests per departure means we can offer you special access to sites like Stonehenge so you experience the stone circle when it’s closed to the general public, a guided visit to Zion Narrows that other companies cannot arrange because of larger group sizes, and vineyard walks with a count and countess in Tuscany.
• Award-winning hotels are waiting for you at the end of every day . Luxuriate in the finest and most distinctive accommodations in the region you’re exploring, including rainforest lodges, 16th century villas, and award-winning properties that show up on World’s Best and Gold lists.
• Eat like (and with) the locals . Food is a foolproof way into the hearts, homes and history of the places you visit with us. From gourmet picnics to coveted local restaurants, our meals offer you opportunities to explore native food traditions and fine dining.
• Handcrafted itineraries with all activities included . With our long-term friendships, we know our walking tour regions more personally than anyone else. So you get thoughtfully curated itineraries that combine explorations of the villages, organic farms, archeological sites and the people who know them best.
• Sustainable travel that supports the places you’re visiting. We put our local currency into the pockets of the people who live where we travel. It’s your guarantee that you’ll have authentic, up-close experiences on your trip. Best of all, our person-to-person approach helps sustain their ways of life.

Accommodations

We spend years cultivating personal relationships with our hoteliers to provide you thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region. Here is a sampling of our favorite hotels on this tour. 

The Ampersand Hotel

Completely reimagined in 2012, this luxury boutique hotel is in London’s world-famous South Kensington neighborhood near Hyde Park. This 19th-century property uses bold graphics to put a lively contemporary spin on Victorian concepts.

Hotel des Grands Hommes

Perfectly sited in the heart of Paris’ historic 5th arrondissement, the Hotel des Grands Hommes is a beautiful upscale hotel. Built in the 18th century, you’ll enjoy the classic French decor, modern amenities, and attentive hospitality during your stay.

What’s Included

• Award-winning boutique hotels that provide you unlimited access to the people and places, culture and history you came to experience
• All breakfasts, 3, lunches, and 5 dinners
• Full-time experienced guide(s) who are with you throughout the trip and handle behind-the-scenes logistics
• Admissions to tastings, historic sites and other scheduled events as noted in the detailed daily itinerary
• Gratuities for hotels, meals, and baggage
• All land transportation during the trip

Above & Beyond Benefits

Invisible check-in.

• When your group arrives, we whisk you and your bags to your room immediately. No waiting – no tipping.

Privileged Access Events

• One-of-a-kind access to remarkable people, places and activities arranged just for you.

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International travel documents for children

See what documents a child needs to travel to or from the U.S. alone or with a parent or relative.

Children traveling to the U.S.

All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents such as a passport or document from a Trusted Traveler Program to enter the U.S. If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents:

• If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. The letter should say "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
• If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.
• Parents who frequently cross the border by land with a minor must always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.

U.S. citizen children traveling abroad

Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction . If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel. 

If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian. If a minor is traveling abroad and is not accompanied by both parents or a legal guardian, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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Lady Louise Windsor Rewears Her Coronation Dress for Trooping the Colour 2024

The 20-year-old channeled her aunt Princess Anne's love for royal rewears.

For Trooping the Colour today, Lady Louise —the only daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh—rewore the floral Suzannah London dress she was first seen in at King Charles and Queen Camilla's coronation last year. She accessorized with a Jane Taylor hat previously worn by her mom.

The dress, Suzannah London's 'Kumiko' Iris silk design , was collaboration with the art of French photographer Rachel Levy. Per the brand, "Levy is a celebrated French botanical photographer whose work has been featured in numerous galleries and books. Her stunning photographs of iris from the gardens of Richard Cayeux, a fourth-generation iris grower from rural France, capture the beauty of these flowers in stunning detail. The Cayeux family have been growing iris for generations, and supplied Monet's Giverny estate with these flowers, which likely inspired some of Monet’s famous iris paintings."

Lady Louise, 20, is the youngest granddaughter of the late Queen Elizabeth . She's currently a student at St. Andrews University in Scotland—famously, St. Andrews is the university where Kate Middleton and Prince William met , and first began dating . While she is not a senior working royal, her parents the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are, so she joins them on occasion at major royal events like Trooping the Colour. Her younger brother, James, Earl of Wessex , did not appear to be in attendance today.

Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma , a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram .

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