Discovering London with Kids

What to Do/See

• Black Cab Tour: This was the perfect way to start our trip in London. We booked a Black Cab tour through an amazing DMC, Queen of Clubs. Our driver, Matt (who was fantastic with our kids), picked us up at our hotel and showed us all the classic sights: the 5 palaces, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the best spot to see the Changing of the Guard, where the King lives (supposedly it’s not Buckingham Palace), Harry Potter spots, and much more. With jet lag and a few pairs of little legs, this tour allowed us to cover so much more than we could have on our own. I highly recommend it!

• London Eye: After our Black Cab Tour, we headed to the London Eye. As one of the main city attractions, this is a must-do. You will see incredible panoramic views of the city from up in the sky. The lines can be long, so definitely get fast-track tickets and book ahead.

• Tower of London: I have a son who loves history, so we booked a private tour of the Tower of London. Our guide, Paul, was fabulous! He was very engaging with our kids (even our 3-year-old was into it). He shared stories, pictures, and made it very interactive. The Tower of London also houses the Crown Jewels.

• Tip: Book the tour early in the day to avoid the crowds.

• Buckingham Palace: Only open during the summer when the Royal family is on holiday. This is a must-see! We toured the State Rooms, which are opulent and over-the-top in the best possible way. They provide an audio guide for both adults and children, which my kids enjoyed. The tour ends in the garden, where there is a kids' play area with arts & crafts and a dress-up area.

• Tip: This is a timed entrance and takes about an hour to walk through. There are no bathrooms at the start of the tour; they are only available at the end.

• Changing of the Guard: This was a fun tradition for our family to see. It occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. We received a great tip from our Black Cab driver, Matt: Arrive early around 10:00 am on Marlborough Road, right next to St. James's Palace. You’ll get to see the band warming up, the horses getting into position, and then the procession towards Buckingham Palace.

• Tip: Line up on the opposite side of the street, where the guards are getting ready, for the best view.

• Kensington Palace: Say hi to Prince William and Princess Kate!

• The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground: Located on the other side of Hyde Park, this is an incredible place to take your kids. Our children were in heaven with multiple areas for kids of all ages, including a water play area with a pirate boat, swings, and wooden houses. They have clean bathrooms as well as a small café.

• Harry Potter Landmarks: All over the city, you can find little bits and pieces: Leicester Square, King's Cross, Australia House, and Goodwin's Court. If you have time, book a walking Harry Potter tour.

• Shopping: Oh, the shopping! It’s so good. London has it all! If you stay in Mayfair, you are a quick stroll from all the hot spots: Harrods, Selfridges, Hamleys and Liberty. There is no shortage of shopping.

Day Trips:

• Harry Potter Studios: If you have an extra day, I highly recommend making the journey out to Leavesden, just about 20 miles outside of London. You can take the Harry Potter Bus, train or private transfer. It's an incredible experience for Harry Potter fans. It's interactive and engaging, and kids of all ages will be enamored by it all. They have a cafe on site. I highly recommend trying the Butter Beer. You could easily spend a whole day.

• Cotswolds: Easily a day trip, but I suggest spending a few days exploring the English countryside and stay at a Manor.

Where to Eat

• The Wolseley: Classic British fare in the most elegant setting. This was a great spot for our first night in town; it was a 5-minute walk from our hotel, Flemings Mayfair

• Sketch London: Sketch is an experience! It combines art, music, food, and drinks all in one. The spaces are beautiful. I highly recommend the Gallery; it's great for afternoon tea and dinner. And don’t forget to visit the bathrooms!

• Dishoom: This is a must-visit if you come to London and is recommended by everyone! With multiple locations around the city, it offers Bombay-inspired Indian cuisine in a casual setting. Known for breakfast, but also great for lunch and dinner. You can make reservations, but you can often get a table at some locations without one. We loved the Murgh Malai and Chicken Ruby.

• Daphne's: A wonderful Italian restaurant in Chelsea, surrounded by some of the most exclusive shops. This is the perfect spot for an elegant lunch, even with kids in tow. The kids loved the meatballs, and we devoured the Tagliatelle con Gamberoni.

• Chiltern Firehouse: By far our favorite spot in London. Located in Marylebone, the food and service were just perfect. We had a table on the patio, which was lovely on a warm August night.

• Jacuzzi: The interior of this restaurant is to die for—gorgeous! One of the Big Mamma Group restaurants, it serves classic dishes like Neapolitan pizzas, lobster risotto, and tiramisu. The portions are HUGE, so definitely come with an empty stomach or a group of people.

• Borough Market: This might be one of the busiest places in all of London, but for good reason. This food market has it all, from TikTok-viral chocolate-covered strawberries to the famous Black Pig sandwiches and delicious paella. It’s the perfect place for even the pickiest of eaters.

• Afternoon Tea: Do as the English do, drink tea! There are many places to experience a classic afternoon tea, such as Fortum & Mason or Claridge's or if your little ones are into a theme, check out Peter Pan Tea or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.