London with kids - My top tips

London with kids is a brilliant day out but some planning makes the trip a lot easier.  There is so much to see and do that a little research before you go will make a huge difference.  If you can stay overnight this is beneficial as it can be tiring especially with little ones.

London with the kids - My top tips

• Plan your visit. Have a rough idea of what you want to do & order. We knew we were visiting the Tower of London so I found a hotel within a few minutes walk from there. 

Raven's at The Tower of London

Tower of London

Tower of London

• Don't worry. I thought the children might find the rush & tube daunting but they were totally unfazed.

• Rest. There's so much to do you can have the tendency to squeeze everything in but this just results in tired/grumpy children & no fun for anyone.

• Premier Inn offer free breakfasts for children & have loads of locations with family rooms. We stayed at London Bank (Tower) hotel.

• If you have a Merlin Pass you can visit Madame Tussauds, Sea Life London, Shrek's Adventure, London Dungeon and the London Eye for FREE.  Please check terms and conditions as some passes have restrictions on peak time.

• If you are able stay on a Sunday most hotels offer a better rate.

• The tube is free for children 11 years old and under.  Walk through the larger section and just tap in using your debit card and they walk through with you for free!

• A hop on hop off bus is a good way to see lots in a short space of time and save tired little legs.

Trafalgar Square

Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower)

View of the London Eye

• Check for voucher codes at restaurants.  We went to Zizzi and saved £15 with an offer on their own website.  Can definitely recommend great kids menu and lovely food.

Lego Store - Leicester Square

National History Musuem

• Remember there's loads of free activities.  Hyde park with the Diana memorial fountain, play area and Serpentine, St James Park near Buckingham Palace famous for it's resident Pelicans and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with the Tumbling Bay playground.  The National history museum, Museum of London Docklands, The science museum, for Harry Potter fans visit Platform 9 3/4 at King's Cross Station. Visit Covent Garden to see the street performers and watch the Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace or simply stroll around taking in the sites, my son was thrilled to see Big Ben in real life. For rainy days I recommend the Lego store & M&M store both in Leicester Square.  Fab places to browse although the kids might bug you to purchase something.  Hamley's on Regent Street is another place to browse and hide from the rain. My kids love the Harry Potter floor. In the warmer months there are several free fountains for kids to splash in dotted about.  I know of Somerset House, Granary Square, Lewis Cubbitt Square and Goodman's Fields and of cause the Diana Memorial Fountain which I'd describe more as a water circuit than fountain.

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Emma xxx