The Ultimate London Destination Guide for Families with Teens and Adult Kids
Curated By
Brenda Tolentino
Curator’s statement
London feels like a second home to my family. Our kid attends St. Andrews University, so we often meet here during breaks or spend a few nights in London before heading up to Scotland. Our family also lived in Hampstead for six months, and we particularly cherish London during the festive Christmas season. Its charm, elegance and diverse experiences have left a lasting impression on us — there’s always something special to discover.
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Things to do in London
Word on the Water in Little Venice. Photo by Brenda Tolentino
Stroll along the Thames & visiting the Tower of London – Take in London’s skyline from the banks of the Thames and delve into the fascinating history of the Tower of London.
Shop at Liberty London, Fortnum & Mason and Harrods – Indulge in luxury shopping at some of London’s most iconic stores. Fortnum & Mason is a treasure trove of gourmet food and gifts, while Liberty London offers eclectic fashion in a Tudor-style setting.
Visit world-class museums like the V&A and British Museum – Marvel at art, fashion and historical artifacts in two of London’s most prestigious museums.
Take a guided street art tour of Shoreditch – Explore the creative hub of East London, famous for its bold and eclectic street art scene.
Enjoy London’s markets: Borough Market & Spitalfields Market – Sample delicious street food and browse artisanal goods in these lively, bustling markets.
Explore Hampstead Village and Hampstead Heath – Experience the quaint, charming streets of Hampstead Village and the natural beauty of Hampstead Heath, with its breathtaking views and peaceful walking trails.
Visit Neal’s Yard and Cecil Court – Discover colorful facades, charming shops and cozy cafes tucked away in central London.
Explore Hampstead Heath & Kenwood House – Enjoy panoramic views of the city from Parliament Hill and visit the beautiful Kenwood House, surrounded by tranquil gardens.
Visit historic bookstores in London – Explore iconic literary spots like Hatchards, the oldest bookstore in London, known for its elegant atmosphere and incredible selection of rare books. Other noteworthy bookstores include Daunt Books on Marylebone High Street, famous for its beautiful Edwardian interiors and travel section, and the charming Word on the Water in Little Venice.
Places to eat & drink in London
Breakfast at the Wolesley. Photo by B. Tolentino
The Wolseley – Classic breakfast spot with glamorous Art Deco interiors, located on Piccadilly.
Din Tai Fung (Covent Garden) – Known for its expertly crafted soup dumplings and modern, elegant atmosphere.
Duck & Waffle – High-rise dining with panoramic city views, offering creative dishes in a stylish setting.
The Wigmore – A modern British pub with an upscale yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying traditional dishes with a twist.
Brat – Michelin-starred restaurant serving Basque-inspired dishes in a chic, rustic setting.
St. John Restaurant (all locations) – Iconic for its nose-to-tail dining philosophy, offering bold, inventive dishes with a classic British twist.
Rovi – Contemporary dining with a focus on vegetable-led dishes, featuring bold flavors and creative pairings.
Ottolenghi (Hampstead) – Fresh, vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a casual yet stylish setting.
La Creperie Hampstead – A quaint, iconic spot serving delicious crepes from a charming street-side stall.
The Holly Bush – A cozy, traditional pub in Hampstead offering hearty dishes and classic British ales.
Need to know
Best time to visit: London is magical during Christmas with festive lights, ice-skating rinks and cozy pub evenings.
Getting around: The Tube is convenient and efficient, but black cabs are a quintessential London experience — just do it once and it’s enough.
Hidden gems: Cecil Court for charming, Victorian-era bookshops. Hampstead Village.
Cultural etiquette: Brits are reserved but friendly. Always mind the queue! Being polite goes a long way.
Packing tips: Bring layers — London’s weather can be unpredictable.
Travel Advisor
Brenda Tolentino
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our London page.