Curator’s statement
While London, England is known for its rich and long history, iconic landmarks like Westminster Abbey and Big Ben and, of course, its Royals, it is also home to a spirited cultural scene, a world-class theater district and an eclectic food scene. Our family of 5 ventured "over the pond" for Spring Break, where we found ourselves diving headfirst into life as Londoners.
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Where to stay in London
Things to do in London
Take the "Under the Bearskin" tour and learn about life "behind the scenes" at the Palace and what it takes to get the precision just right for royal and state occasions. Then, head off to the Household Cavalry Museum, where you can imagine what life is like for a palace guard in this "living museum." If you visit on a Monday when the museum is closed, you can even even try on the various uniforms that the soldiers wear for their duties as Royal Guards.
Tour Westminster Abbey, Britain’s most important religious building and the site of coronations, royal weddings and burials of Kings and Queens and even a few (very wealthy) civilians.
Visit Churchill’s War Rooms, located beneath the Treasury Building in Westminster. The War Rooms were used by Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his cabinet as the underground headquarters of the British government during World War II. Preserved as a museum, visitors can explore the tiny rooms where huge decisions were made that helped lead to an Allied Victory.
Take a Rib Ride down the Thames. Sure, anyone can take an Uber boat, but how about a high-speed, adrenalin-pumping trip down the river, all while hearing James Bond pump from the speakers? This is an hour of action-packed sightseeing from the water!
Off-the-beaten-path, explore the East end of London with its melting pot of cultures and history. This neighborhood is a vibrant and eclectic area with a varied food scene and amazing street art culture. Take a food tour and taste some of Britain’s best, from Poppies Fish and Chips to a true London Beigel (or Bagel, as we in the US know it). You won’t be disappointed.
While in the East End, set up a Graffiti workshop where you can create a massive mural with spray paint as a family. When we finished, we realized our mural was neighbor to a Banksy!
See a show! What is more British than the Royals? Nothing. What is more royal than Henry the 8th? His SIX wives! We saw "The Six" while we were there - it felt so "on brand" with the trip and the show was incredible, but the theater district is full of shows for all ages and interests; the experience is not to be missed.
Day trips from London
As if the city doesn't offer enough, traveling further afield is so easy with the train (tube) system. You could visit Windsor Castle, explore the historic Oxford University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, go to Stonehenge to marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage Site and ponder its mysterious origins, or if you’re really feeling adventurous, take the Channel Tunnel to Paris!
Places to eat & drink in London
Gymkhana - This restaurant is inspired by the colonial Indian gymkhana clubs, which were social and sporting clubs popular during the British Raj. It features a mix of classic and contemporary Indian dishes, prepared with high-quality ingredients and expert culinary techniques.
Dishoom - This restaurant is known for its modern take on traditional Indian cuisine, featuring a mix of classic Indian dishes inspired by the Iranian cafes of Bombay (now Mumbai). The first Dishoom restaurant opened in Covent Garden in 2010, and since then, it has expanded to multiple locations across London, as well as in other cities such as Edinburgh and Manchester.
Hakkasan - This restaurant is known for its menu that showcases modern interpretations of classic Cantonese dishes, prepared with high-quality ingredients and expert culinary techniques. Signature dishes may include dim sum, Peking duck, stir-fried dishes and seafood specialties.
J. Sheekey - An iconic restaurant located in London, known for its long history, exceptional seafood dishes and elegant dining atmosphere. Located in the Covent Garden area, J. Sheekey first opened its doors in 1896. Renowned for its focus on seafood, offering a wide range of fresh fish and shellfish dishes. Some of the signature dishes at J. Sheekey include their famous fish pie, Dover sole and seafood platters featuring oysters, lobster, crab and more. Great place for a meal before or after taking in a show
The Ivy - Established in 1917, its iconic Art Deco facade and classic interior decor contribute to its timeless charm. The menu features modern British cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
Burger and Lobster - The menu at Burger & Lobster is straightforward: Burgers and Lobsters. This laidback concept started in London and has since expanded into a number of other locales. The food is straightforward and delicious.
The Wolseley - This restaurant occupies an Art Deco building and is known for its elegant atmosphere, impeccable service and European-inspired cuisine. They have a diverse menu that includes classic dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel, Eggs Benedict, Steak Tartare and Dover Sole Meunière. They also serve afternoon tea featuring a selection of teas, sandwiches, scones and pastries.
Home Slice - This restaurant offers a variety of pizza options, known for their thin crusts and generous toppings, ranging from classic Margherita to more adventurous toppings like spicy lamb with savoy cabbage and sumac yogurt or mushroom, ricotta, pumpkin seeds, chili oil and lemon zest. This restaurant is laidback, with communal seating and it's a great spot to enjoy a casual meal with friends or family.
Circolo Popolare - a beautiful Italian restaurant situated in the Fitzrovia area of London and renowned for its colorful and eclectic decor, which includes thousands of fairy lights, hanging plants and an abundance of quirky and whimsical decorations. The restaurant's atmosphere is lively and bustling, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike.
Markets
Spitafields - The Old Spitalfields Market is housed in a covered Victorian market hall and is open seven days a week. Browse through stalls selling everything from clothing, accessories and homeware, to artisanal food and handmade crafts. The market often hosts special events, including vintage markets, art exhibitions and food festivals. Next to the Old Spitalfields Market is the Spitalfields Traders Market, which operates primarily on weekdays. This section of the market is known for its eclectic mix of independent traders selling unique and one-of-a-kind items. In addition to shopping, Spitalfields Market is also home to a variety of restaurants, cafes and street food stalls offering cuisine from around the world. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditional British fare to international dishes and gourmet street food.
Borough Market is one of London's most renowned food markets and is steeped in history. Located in Southwark, near London Bridge and the River Thames, the market has been in operation for over a thousand years, making it one of the oldest in the city. Its origins can be traced back to at least the 12th century. Famous for its diverse range of high-quality food and drinks, visitors can find everything from fresh produce like fruits, vegetables and meat, to artisanal cheeses, baked goods and international delicacies. There's also a wide selection of street food stalls offering dishes from around the world. The market is close to the Tate Modern, the Shard and the Globe Theater, making it a great stop for a quick bite while touring.
Need to know
Traveling with teenagers can be challenging, but with the right mix of educational and fun tours coupled with delicious food, London proved to be a perfect spring break locale for our family.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Luxury Family Trip to Rome, Italy. This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to London.