Thinking of taking a family trip to London? With so much to do in the city, it’s one of the best places to visit for kids and adults alike. Plus, the fantastic transport links make getting around with buggies and backpacks easy-peasy.
In this blog, we’ll share 10 must-visit attractions for families in The Big Smoke!
1. Hamleys
Located on Regent Street in the West End, Hamleys is a seven-floor toy store and certainly a must-see attraction for families. First opened over 140 years ago in 1881, it’s the oldest and largest of its category in the world. Inside you can find all the latest toys with demonstrations from upbeat entertainers. There’ll be lots of classics to be found too, including Barbies and Lego, plus plenty of cuddly toys. And you can even fill up your wardrobe with an abundance of fancy dress clothing! But don’t think this magical toy store is just for the little ones – young and old alike will have a blast inside the famous walls of Hamleys toy store.
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2. Shrek Adventure World
Ready to step into the magical kingdom of Far Far Away at Shrek’s Adventure London? This brilliantly immersive experience helps fellow swamp lovers get up close and personal with Shrek, Princess Fiona, Donkey, and many other characters. And with over 10 fairytale-themed live shows to get involved in, you’re certainly in for an unforgettable day. You’ll begin with the 4D Flying Magic Bus before stopping off at The Swamp, the Poison Apple Pub, Farquaad’s Dungeon, and many other locations from the DreamWorks movie. If this fantastic adventure world isn’t on your family’s London bucket list, it definitely should be!
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3. SEA LIFE London
If you’re obsessed with sea life, there’s simply no better day out than a family trip to the SEA LIFE London Aquarium. Taking pride of place along the River Thames on the South Bank, this exciting adventure is super easy to get to. But it’s what’s waiting inside that’ll have kids and adults alike bursting with excitement. With 500 species to see in 14 themed zones, you’ll no doubt spend the entire day there. Take a peek at the Gentoo Penguin Colony in the Polar Adventure zone, check out the UK’s largest jellyfish experience inside Ocean Invaders, and touch real Starfish in the Rockpool. But there’s so much more to see, including sharks, octopuses, stingrays, and turtles!
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4. Science Museum
Fascinated by all things science-related? The Science Museum is the ideal attraction to top up your knowledge. Year round there are so many ways to immerse yourself in all the place offers, from some of the biggest events to family-friendly activities, incredible exhibitions and interactive galleries. There’s even an IMAX cinema – perfect for watching the latest shows and presentations. And for the thrill-seekers, there are multiple simulators to try out. Immerse in a 3D Red Arrows experience or discover what it’s like to fly in an RAF Typhoon jet. With 3.3 million visitors per year and free admission, this is without a doubt one of the best family attractions in The Big Smoke.
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5. London Zoo
When you’re craving a momentary escape from busy city life, London Zoo is the place to be. Nestled inside the beloved Regent’s Park, this wildlife haven provides a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of The Big Smoke. There’s an abundance of animals to see, from lemurs to lions, axolotls to African wild dogs, bushbabies to butterflies, and many more. You can even see their incredible 193 kg silverback gorilla! There’s a play area to keep the kids busy in between seeing their favourite animals, plus lots of daily talks to help you understand a little more. And with food and drink facilities on-site, you can really make a day of it, whether simply grabbing a quick bite on the go or enjoying a sit-down meal.
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6. Tower of London
Dating way back to the 11th century, the Tower of London is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Owned by King Charles III, it once functioned as a royal fortress and a prison. Although now, it is the home of The Crown Jewels, a collection of ceremonial objects with over 23,000 gemstones belonging to the Royal Family. If you fancy a trip, you can get up close and personal to the treasured jewels, enjoy a guided tour with a Yeoman Warder, and meet the ravens, AKA the guardians of the tower. Located on the north side of the River Thames across from Tower Bridge, this is one of the easiest ways to immerse in London’s history.
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7. Natural History Museum
If dinosaurs are your thing, then the Natural History Museum is an attraction you simply cannot miss. As soon as you step inside, you’ll be greeted by an abundance of skeletons suspended from the ceilings. Check out the incredible T. Rex, the titanosaur – one of the largest creatures known to inhabit the earth, and observe the spectacular Stegosaurus. You can even see an array of birds, minerals including jaw-dropping gems, and real fossils from volcanoes and earthquakes. Whether you take a guided tour or explore the museum yourselves, there’s lots to keep everyone entertained. And when you’re ready for a sit down, just head to the on-site cafes!
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8. Kidzania
Got kids aged 4-14? Kidzania London is the ultimate play experience! The adventure begins when you check in at the airport and enter the city. You’ll be equipped with kidZos (pretend money) to spend or save, and you can even earn whilst you’re there. Secure a job at a cleaning company or the pet wellbeing centre, party hard at the dance club, go shopping at the supermarket, or learn how to cook as a burger chef. There’s plenty to do for adults, plus children aged 0-3 can even get involved with storytelling, baby disco, and loads more!
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9. HMS Belfast
Fancy a step back in time? Climb aboard one of London’s most iconic landmarks, HMS Belfast, located on the River Thames. This famous ship played an important role in World War II and the Korean War, and is the largest surviving vessel. Inside, there are nine decks to explore, all accessible via ladders and hatches, helping you immerse in the real HMS Belfast experience. You can hear the stories of the 950 people who lived and served on board, solve puzzles, and learn how to steer the ship whilst you’re there. Make sure to take lots of photos with the family – this is definitely an experience you’ll want to remember!
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10. Warner Bros Studio Tour
Obsessed with the Harry Potter film series? The Warner Bros Studio Tour in Watford gives dedicated fanatics a chance to go behind the scenes and immerse in the making of the world-famous movies. Throughout the tour, you’ll explore sets used in the films, discover an array of props, and take a peek at the outfits worn inside the wonderful Wizarding World. You can even find out how the SFX and creature effects all came together to look as realistic as possible. And of course, no trip would be complete without tasting the infamous Butterbeer with a Chocolate Frog!
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