Ultimate Family Adventure: Travel Tips for Your London Trip with Kids

Exploring England with Kids:

Planning a family trip to England can be both exciting and daunting, especially when aiming to cater to children of varying ages. Our family embarked on a six-day journey through London and its surroundings, uncovering a blend of historical landmarks, interactive experiences, and culinary delights that captivated both adults and children alike. Whether you're visiting for the first time or planning a return trip, England offers a variety of engaging and immersive activities for families.

From themed afternoon teas and thrilling speedboat rides to world-renowned historical sites and interactive exhibits, London and beyond proved to be an incredible destination for families. Below, we break down our favorite experiences to help you plan the ultimate trip with kids.

Check out this photo spot across the Thames River. Easily accessible by foot and no tourists in your family photo! The pathway runs parallel to the river.

Afternoon Tea Experiences for Kids

One of the highlights of our trip to London was indulging in the city’s uniquely themed afternoon teas designed with children in mind. Afternoon tea is an iconic British experience, and while the traditional setup of finger sandwiches and scones may not immediately sound appealing to younger travelers, these themed versions transformed the experience into an exciting, interactive, and delicious event. Each tea we attended offered a different type of magic, making every visit unique.

• Science Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel – This tea was an interactive and engaging experience where our children were given beakers, plungers, and ingredients to create fizzy lemonade experiments. The hot chocolate was served with chocolate beads and a giant chocolate astronaut, while the pastries came in planet-shaped chocolate balls and fog-filled trays, making the entire experience feel like a science experiment. Watching our kids light up as they created their own drinks and desserts made this a highlight of our trip. For parents, it offered a rare moment of peace to sip tea while the kids were fully entertained. We recommend pairing this experience with a visit to the Natural History or Science Museums. (LINK)

  
  

• Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Tea at One Aldwych – This experience transported us straight into Willy Wonka’s world with whimsical elements like bubbling, smoking drinks, chocolate milk, cotton candy, and a variety of imaginative sweet treats. Even our youngest child was engaged by the servers’ interactions and the overall atmosphere. The golden ticket-style invitation to this tea set the tone for a playful and indulgent afternoon. (LINK)

  
  
  

  

  
  
  

• Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard – With sweeping views of the city from the 31st floor of London's tallest building, this tea experience felt like a trip to Neverland. The sandwiches were served on a stand resembling Big Ben, and the desserts were presented in a floating pirate ship, complete with a treasure chest of chocolates. Our kids loved the storytelling aspect of this tea, which truly made it an unforgettable dining experience. (LINK)

  
  
  

  

  
  
  

Afternoon Tea Tip: Many of these themed teas book up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons, so we recommend booking in advance. Additionally, if traveling with young children, check the menus in advance to ensure they offer kid-friendly options beyond sweets.

Day Trips from London

London serves as an excellent base for venturing out to explore some of England’s most historic and fascinating locations. While there is no shortage of things to do in the city, these day trips added variety and gave us the chance to experience England beyond the capital.

• Stonehenge – No trip to England is complete without a visit to Stonehenge. This UNESCO World Heritage site left us all in awe, and the visitor center provided insightful exhibits on its history and construction. Walking the grounds and taking in the mystery of the massive stone formations was a surreal experience for the entire family. We recommend arriving early or booking a timed ticket to avoid large crowds. (LINK)

  
  

  

  We highly recommend an in person tour guide as our kids had so many questions that we did not know the answers to!

  
  

• Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter – As major Harry Potter fans, this was an absolute must! From walking into the actual Great Hall to seeing real props and interactive exhibits, this experience brought the magic of the movies to life. Our youngest was mesmerized by the Book of Monsters, which he watched snap shut multiple times. A particular favorite was using a green screen to fly a broom over London. The massive gift shop also had unique house-themed items not found anywhere else. Allocate at least four hours for this visit as there is so much to see! We also HIGHLY reccomend booking this months in advance as tickets sell out quickly, especially for prime time slots! (LINK)

  
  
  

  

  
  
  

• Whipsnade Zoo – Unlike traditional zoos, Whipsnade Zoo felt more like a wildlife park, with animals having vast areas to roam. Particular highlights included the white rhinos, penguins, and the elephant encounter, where our older kids had the chance to get up close, feed, and learn about these incredible animals. The staff was exceptionally knowledgeable and shared how Queen Elizabeth had championed elephant conservation efforts. Pre-booking this experience is essential. (LINK)

  
  
  

  

  
  
  

Other Family-Friendly Activities in London

From history to high-speed thrills, London has no shortage of family-friendly activities. Here are some of the best experiences we enjoyed.

• Big Ben & Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace – A visit to London isn't complete without stopping by two of its most famous landmarks. Big Ben’s towering presence was awe-inspiring, and watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace was a fascinating tradition that our kids thoroughly enjoyed.

  
  

• Thames Rockets & The London Eye – A thrilling combination of adventure and sightseeing, we started with a high-speed Thames Rockets boat ride, which was a huge hit with our older kids. Following that, we boarded the London Eye for a relaxing ride with panoramic views of the city. Booking a combo ticket saved us money and made the logistics seamless. (LINK)

  
  

• Winston Churchill War Rooms – This underground bunker provided a deep dive into World War II history, offering an educational experience that captivated our older children while still being engaging for younger visitors. (LINK)

  
  

• Hamleys Toy Shop – A must-visit for families, Hamleys is the world’s oldest toy store and offers multiple floors of interactive experiences, live demonstrations, and endless options for children to explore.

  
  

• Le Petit Chef – For a dining experience like no other, Le Petit Chef uses projection mapping to bring a tiny animated chef to life on your table, guiding you through an interactive meal. This was entertaining and delicious, making it an unforgettable family meal. (LINK)

  
  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  
  

Tips for Families Traveling to England

• Stroller Accessibility: London is stroller-friendly, but having a stroller that allows for naps on the go is essential for long sightseeing days.

• Restroom Planning: Not all venues have public restrooms or baby-changing facilities, so planning ahead is key.

• Transportation: While many opt for the Tube, we found renting a car to be more convenient with children, making transitions between activities smoother.

  
  

If you have any questions or would like more details on any of these activities, feel free to email us at sansburyadventures@gmail.com.