Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with toddlers, or on your own, London is a destination that offers something for everyone. From world-class dining and museums to historic landmarks and incredibly walkable neighborhoods, it’s an ideal place to explore on foot. Add in one of the best public transit systems in the world, and the need for a car becomes minimal.

Last summer, my family and I had the chance to visit London. For me, it was my first time back in ten years, and for my wife, her first visit in over thirty. It was also our kids’ very first time, which made the trip even more meaningful. Beyond exploring a new city, they were able to reconnect with family and meet cousins, aunts, uncles, great-aunts, and great-uncles, making this experience truly special. On previous trips, I had focused mostly on the classic tourist spots like Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Piccadilly Circus. Those highlights were still part of the plan for my wife and kids, but this time we also made it a priority to explore as many London neighborhoods as possible, getting around primarily by the Tube. It turned out to be an incredibly fulfilling trip in so many ways, and it was easily the highlight of our summer. After all, time spent with family is priceless. Below is a breakdown of our London itinerary.

Trip Preparation

Unlike my last visit to London, U.S. travelers now need to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA) to visit the United Kingdom for tourism. The cost is sixteen British pounds per passenger, and everyone in your travel party (including children) must have their own authorization. The ETA is valid for two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

We received our travel authorizations via email within a few minutes of applying, and we submitted our applications about 5 weeks before departure. Approval can take up to three business days, so don’t panic if it doesn’t arrive in your inbox on the first day. You can apply for the ETA on this website: Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK: Overview – GOV.UK

Unlike most other countries, the United Kingdom only requires that your passport be valid for the duration of your stay, rather than 3-6 months beyond your trip. However, if you plan to leave the UK to travel to other European countries, the 3-6 month post-trip validity requirement may still apply. To be safe, it’s best to have at least a six-month cushion.

Day One

We departed New York City (JFK) on Virgin Atlantic’s evening flight to London Heathrow, marking our first experience with the airline. It turned out to be an excellent choice. Virgin’s modern Airbus A350 aircraft offered a comfortable ride, with spacious seating, a robust in-flight entertainment system that kept the kids happily occupied, and ambient purple lighting reminiscent of the now-retired Virgin America brand, one of my favorite domestic airlines prior to their acquisition by Alaska Airlines.

We touched down at Heathrow Terminal 3 at 10 a.m., the main hub for Virgin Atlantic arrivals from the United States. Navigating rideshare pickup can be a bit confusing here. After baggage claim, you’ll need to take the elevator marked “Car Park 3” up to the third floor, then cross an enclosed pedestrian bridge into a parking garage where Uber pickups are located at Row A. Thankfully, helpful airport staff at the information desk are always available to guide passengers in the right direction.

From Heathrow, we took an Uber to Wimbledon, in the borough of Merton, where we stayed at the Premier Inn. This was our base for the first four days in London. Premier Inn hotels are widespread across the UK, offering clean, comfortable accommodations with reliable service at a fair price. The proximity to the Wimbledon Underground station made it particularly convenient for exploring the city.

Since we were all jet-lagged, we waited until evening to venture out. With the Wimbledon tennis tournament just days away, the neighborhood was electric. There were huge crowds of out-of-town visitors, which added to the energy, and we enjoyed walking the lively streets lined with cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and independent shops. Grocery stores were open until midnight and were just a short walk from the hotel. This was very convenient while traveling with three kids.

Wimbledon proved to be the perfect introduction to London for the kids: safe, family-friendly, with a lively, electric atmosphere, and a short walk from Wimbledon Station, allowing us easy access to almost all of London.

Day Two

Natural History Museum, London

Our first stop on this day was one of the most renowned and respected museums in the world, the Natural History Museum in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The Natural History Museum quickly became one of our favorite stops in London. The building features Romanesque architecture, with soaring ceilings and detailed stonework. The museum has several excellent exhibits, such as Earth Hall, Mammals and Marine Life, and the Treasures Gallery. However, the star of all the exhibits for my kids was the dinosaur exhibit. The animatronic T. rex looked and roared like the real thing. There were fossils of several of their favorite dinosaurs, including T. Rex, Triceratops, and Iguanodon. They even had staff gather kids in a circle and answer any questions they had about their favorite dinosaurs. If your kids love dinosaurs, this is one of the best museums in the world to see dinosaur fossils and get an educational, entertaining experience.

We were very impressed by the way the museum balanced education with entertainment. Interactive exhibits, touchscreens, and hands-on activities made it engaging for the kids, while detailed scientific displays were informative for adults. We always try to incorporate educational experiences into our travels, and this world-class museum gave us the perfect opportunity to do just that. If you’re visiting London, I would pin this museum as a must-visit. The museum is free to visit, but you still need tickets to reserve a time slot for the day you wish to visit. I strongly recommend getting tickets online to skip the long lines during peak season. It is difficult to get tickets online the day of your visit, so consider booking them at least a few days in advance. You can click on the following link to book your tickets: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit.html

Harrod’s- London Borough of Knightsbridge

After our visit to the Natural History Museum concluded, we walked about 20 minutes and stopped by Harrods, the iconic department store with 7 floors and over one million square feet of retail space. Harrod’s is geared more toward high-end luxury fashion, unlike Macy’s Herald Square in New York City, which offers a mix of high-end and more affordable items. What really stood out to me were the famous food halls, packed with gourmet chocolates, teas, and delicacies from around the world. It felt almost like a museum of fine food. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, wandering through Harrods is a must in London, both for the atmosphere and the stunning architecture, and food scene. Harrods set the standard for luxury retail in London.

Knightsbridge & Hyde Park

After we concluded our visit to Harrods, we walked around Knightsbridge and window-shopped at the many retail shops in the area. This area is known for beautiful and elegant townhomes, and there is certainly a sense of opulence when walking around here. It is one of London’s most prestigious residential districts, and I highly recommend just walking around and exploring this neighborhood.

We continued walking north towards one of London’s most famous green spaces, Hyde Park. Spanning 350 acres, Hyde Park is one of London’s largest and most beautiful green spaces, and it’s a perfect place to slow down after a busy day of sightseeing. With wide walking paths, open lawns, and the peaceful Serpentine lake, it feels like a quiet escape right in the middle of the city. The park has a nice playground area with a café on the premises. Our kids got to interact with other kids and really enjoyed the playground and their time here. I would pin Hyde Park as a must-visit when in London.

Piccadilly Circus

Our final stop of the day was Piccadilly Circus, in the borough of Westminster, just a 20-minute walk from Hyde Park. If I had to describe it, I’d call it a more refined, sophisticated version of Times Square. Piccadilly Circus has a nice vibe, but without the chaos of costumed characters chasing you for a photo.

Like its New York counterpart, the square is lit up by bright LED billboards at night. What makes Piccadilly Circus unique is its role as a hub that connects you to some of London’s best neighborhoods. From here, you’re just steps away from the theaters of the West End, the luxury shops of Regent Street, the food scene in Soho, and the nightlife around Leicester Square. Whether you’re planning to catch a show, sit down for dinner, or simply wander and soak in the atmosphere, Piccadilly Circus should be on your list of places to visit in London, especially if you are a first-timer in the city. I would pin this area as a must-see when in London.

For dinner, we went to a Korean Restaurant called Mukbang Pocha in Soho. They offer halal items, and everything we ordered was excellent. This was the conclusion of our second day in London. The best part of this day was exploring all these places on foot. All the places we visited were within walking distance of one another. You will get your steps in, but it is absolutely worth it.

Tip

If I could have a do-over, I would have planned to do Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens together as part of one trip. Even though their combined area is vast, with over 650 acres, they are connected and form a continuous green space that is separated by Serpentine Lake. We did not do them together because Hyde Park closes late at night, while Kensington Gardens closes at dusk. Since we arrived about 2 hours before sunset and stayed until 10 minutes before sunset, we did not want to rush through Kensington Gardens and the Diana Memorial Playground. If you get a really early start to your day, you can see the Natural History Museum, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, and Kensington Gardens/Kensington Palace in a single day. It may be a lot if you’re traveling with toddlers, but if you have older kids or strictly adults, it is doable. You can see the map below to get an idea of where things are.

Day Three

Legoland Windsor

This day was all about the kids and reconnecting with family at Legoland Windsor. If you’ve visited any Legoland parks around the world, you’ll quickly notice that most rides and attractions are geared toward children under 14, which makes it an ideal family destination. We took an Uber from Wimbledon, and with London traffic, the trip took about 1.5 hours. The train wouldn’t have saved much time either, showing a travel time of roughly an hour and thirty-five minutes.

Several rides felt familiar to those at other Legoland locations, including The Dragon, Ninjago The Ride, and Lego City Driving School. The Miniland here features impressive LEGO recreations of iconic London landmarks like Big Ben, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and Tower Bridge, along with famous sites from cities around the world.

The park typically opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m., so arriving right at opening is key if you want to make the most of your day. We chose the Reserve & Ride package, which reduces wait times by up to 50% and lets you queue virtually. This is a huge time saver, and if your goal is to jump on as many rides as possible, I recommend purchasing the Reserve & Ride package.

Tips

Bring any Lego figurines you don’t want that are in good or better condition, and you can trade them with staff members for a different figurine.
On hot days, the refillable souvenir soda cup is a lifesaver, paying for itself after just two or three refills thanks to the Coca-Cola Freestyle stations scattered throughout the park.
We took a taxi from Legoland to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station, then the South Western Railway back to Wimbledon.
If I could do things differently, I would have booked a tour at Windsor Castle, stayed overnight in Windsor, and then visited Legoland the following morning. Legoland is only a 10-minute car ride away from Windsor Castle.

Day Four

Kensington Gardens

On this day, we took the Tube to the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea and walked around Kensington Gardens and the surrounding area. We also got a nice view of Kensington Palace. Kensington Palace is one of London’s most important royal residences. Built in the early 17th century, it became a favored royal home for over 300 years. Princess Diana lived there, and today, it’s still the official residence of Prince William and Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, making it deeply tied to modern royal history. Today, it remains both a working royal residence and a public museum. We didn’t tour the palace because our kids aren’t old enough to understand or appreciate its significance just yet, but we’ll put a pin in this for a future trip when they’re a bit older. As I mentioned earlier, Kensington Gardens is connected to Hyde Park, forming one continuous green space.

A short walk away, we found the Princess Diana Memorial Playground, where our kids had an absolute blast. The Diana Memorial Playground is an excellent stop for families visiting London, especially if you’re traveling with young kids. Located in Kensington Gardens, this beautifully designed playground was created in memory of Princess Diana and is inspired by Peter Pan. The centerpiece is a huge wooden pirate ship surrounded by sand, giving kids plenty of space to climb, explore, and use their imagination. There are also sensory trails, teepees, swings, and quiet areas for kids who need a break. It’s fully enclosed and staffed, providing an extra layer of security. Staff will not allow adults in the playground area unless they are there with kids. London does a wonderful job of integrating play areas into historic parks, and this is a perfect example. If you are traveling to London with kids, I would make Kensington Gardens and the Diana Memorial Playground a must-visit.

Hackney

Our stop in Hackney was all about reconnecting with family. We gathered for dinner at Aziziye Restaurant, where I reunited with relatives I hadn’t seen in over a decade and where our kids met for the very first time. The food was excellent, but it was the laughter and conversations that made the evening memorable.

On a personal level, Hackney has always had a homely feel. On earlier trips to London, I stayed here since much of our family lives in East London. The borough has such a distinct character, shaped by its incredible cultural mix. From Caribbean and Turkish to Indian, Pakistani, Vietnamese, Kurdish, and Orthodox Jewish communities, Hackney is one of the most culturally diverse boroughs in London.

In the last twenty years, the borough has changed so much for the better. Two decades ago, mentioning that you were staying in Hackney often prompted people to look at you with concern. While I never personally experienced any crime, I certainly witnessed my share of physical altercations that spilled into the streets. The area definitely had a rougher edge back then. Today, it feels transformed, walkable, vibrant, and more inviting to explore than it once was. If you’re in East London, Hackney is worth checking out.

Day Five

We started the day by moving our base camp from the Premier Inn Wimbledon to the Holiday Inn London-West in North Acton. The trip to Heathrow Airport is much shorter from here than from Wimbledon, and the hotel is only a five-minute walk from North Acton Station, making it convenient to reach other parts of London. The hotel is only a 7-8-minute drive from the United Kingdom’s largest mall, Westfield London. As my wife and I are both fans of European fashion, this was a good day to explore this enormous mall with over 300 retail stores. Another huge plus was the dining, as they have a food court with a variety of multinational halal options.

The steak from Morty and Bob’s, the udon noodles with beef from Wok and Fire, and the fried chicken wings from Seoul Bird (Korean-style wings) were all fantastic, and I would highly recommend them. After walking around the mall, we were off to East London to spend some quality time with family.

Bishop’s Gate

This part of London wasn’t on our itinerary, but we stopped by while connecting at Liverpool Street Station on our way back to the hotel. This area is technically part of the City of London—a distinct square mile that serves as the city’s financial hub and is home to some of its most impressive skyscrapers. Bishop’s Gate offers plenty of shops and restaurants, including favorites like Eataly, Gaucho, Revolve, and The Botanist. We got the kids some gelato from Eataly and some coffee for ourselves.

The highlight for our kids was Yayoi Kusama’s Infinite Accumulation, a mesmerizing sculpture made up of gleaming silver spheres linked by twisting metal wires, forming serpentine arches that stretch overhead. Just like in many other historic cities, the best way to truly experience this part of London is simply to wander on foot. We loved this area and were thrilled to step out of Liverpool Street Station to explore.

Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with toddlers, or on your own, London is a destination I highly recommend, a city that truly offers something for everyone. From world-class dining and museums to historic landmarks and incredibly walkable neighborhoods, it’s an ideal place to explore on foot. Add in one of the best public transit systems in the world, and the need for a car becomes almost nonexistent.

Day Six

Nottinghill

Notting Hill is one of London’s most famous and colorful neighborhoods, known for its pastel-painted houses, eclectic vibe, and lively cultural scene. Located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, it sits west of Hyde Park and is one of the city’s most desirable (and photographed) areas. Notting Hill is also known for Portobello Road Market, which stretches for over a mile.

Weekends are busy with antiques, vintage clothing, and street food, drawing visitors and locals alike. If you have visited the Bo-Kaap neighborhood of Cape Town, South Africa, Notting Hill has a similar DNA, with its bright pastel-colored homes.

While we were there, we stopped by a place called Cheeky Scone to get English-style scones and tea. It was delicious, and I highly recommend coming here if you’re in Notting Hill.

Hampstead Heath

Our next stop for the day was Hampstead Heath in North London, in the Borough of Camden. If you want a break from the fast-paced atmosphere of Central London, Hampstead Heath is the place to go. It feels more like the countryside than a city park, with rolling meadows, woods, and ponds. A good starting point is Parliament Hill, where you’ll get one of the best skyline views of London, and it’s perfect at sunrise or sunset if the skies are clear. Our kids loved Parliament Hill Playground and interacting with other kids, locals, and tourists. There is also a paddle pool adjacent to the playground, but it was closed during our visit. Hampstead is one of London’s more affluent neighborhoods and home to celebrities, politicians, and professional athletes. This was another neighborhood I had never visited on previous trips, and we’re glad to have spent time here on this trip.

Day Seven

Malieu Café-Acton

Our first stop on this day was Malieu Cafe in the London Borough of Acton, just a short Uber ride away from our hotel. The reviews for this place on Google were very high, so there was built-in optimism that it would not disappoint. Somehow, this place exceeded our already lofty expectations. The food, the service, the atmosphere, every single aspect of our visit was first class. They have a French-inspired menu, and we ordered the malieu brisket mash, French toast, scrambled eggs on toast, mocktails, and iced coffee. Everything we ordered was delicious, and had we discovered this place earlier in our trip, a repeat visit would have been a certainty. Needless to say, wherever you are in London, this is a place worth making the trip to Acton. If you’re heading towards Heathrow from Central London or East London, leave an hour earlier and stop by. You’ll thank me later.

Camden Market

Located in the borough of Camden in Northwest London, Camden Market was one of our favorite places to visit during this trip. It is vibrant, fun, and eclectic, with something for everyone. The market has rows of stalls selling vintage clothes, handmade jewelry, quirky art, and the kind of souvenirs you only find in places that are as vibrant as this one. There was a shop selling old-school items from the 90’s, such as Game Boys, the original Tamagotchis, older Polaroid Cameras, and the large, bulky VHS camcorders that your parents likely had back in the day. In addition to its shops, Camden Market is known for its food selection. Camden has everything from Venezuelan arepas, Japanese ramen, Ethiopian platters, and Spanish churros. You can enjoy your food in one of several igloo-style dining pods.

If you cross Chalk Farm Road, you will arrive at an area of Camden Market called Hawley Wharf. This is a relatively new addition to Camden Market, situated along Regent’s Canal. Hawley Wharf is a multi-level food hall with indoor seating, a rooftop terrace, and several international food vendors in an area where you can enjoy your food in a quieter setting. If you’re traveling with younger kids, Hawley Wharf has diaper changing stations and an elevator to accommodate strollers.

Queen’s Walk

Once we concluded our visit to Camden Market, we got on the Tube and took the Northern Line to the London Bridge station. It is only a few minutes to get to Queen’s Walk (South Bank) from the station. Queen’s Walk was one of our favorite ways to experience London with kids. Running alongside the River Thames, this wide, stroller-friendly promenade offers fresh air, open space, and nonstop scenery. You can walk the entire route from Lambeth Bridge to Tower Bridge, and you will get views of landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye, Oxo Tower Wharf, Tate Modern, and the decommissioned warship HMS Belfast. Since we had reservations for the London Eye the following day, we walked the promenade between London Bridge and Tower Bridge (0.5 miles or 800 meters). If you walk the entirety of the promenade, the distance is about 2.5 miles or 4km.

There are plenty of benches and riverside spots to take breaks, grab snacks, or simply sit and people-watch. Cafés and casual food stands nearby make it easy to stop for ice cream or lunch, and the flat pathways are ideal for strollers. To reach the promenade from London Bridge Station, we had to fold our stroller and walk down several stairs, which is something to keep in mind if your children are asleep in it. During the summer, the best time to walk the promenade is about 90 minutes before sunset. The temperatures are comfortable, and the evening sky provides excellent photo opportunities.

Day Eight

River Thames Cruise

On our last full day in London, we had two activities on the agenda. First was the Thames River Cruise, followed by the London Eye. We embarked at Greenwich Pier and took the informative one-hour cruise to Westminster. One of the most memorable moments is cruising directly beneath the iconic Tower Bridge. Seeing it from the water gives you a completely different perspective, and it’s easily one of the best photo opportunities of the entire journey.

As we continued west, we spotted famous sights, including the decommissioned warship HMS Belfast and the Tower of London. Further along, we saw the contemporary skyline and high rises of London’s Central Business District to our right, and the tallest building in England, The Shard, on the left. London does a great job of blending contemporary architecture with historic neighborhoods and buildings.

***The tallest building in the UK -The Shard.***

As we hit our final stretch, iconic landmarks such as the London Eye, Big Ben, and Westminster Palace came into view. We chose to disembark at Westminster Pier for its central location near several points of interest, and also because it was just a 10-minute walk from the London Eye, our next stop.

Since we had about 45 minutes to spare, we walked around Westminster Palace, the famous building which encompasses Big Ben and where the UK Parliament meets. This is also home to the House of Commons and House of Lords. We also walked around Westminster Abbey, the nearly thousand-year-old Anglican Church that has been the site of nearly every royal coronation since 1066.

London Eye

Sitting right along the River Thames on the South Bank, the London Eye offers a slow, panoramic ride above the city, offering excellent views of London. Each enclosed glass capsule holds about 25 people and rotates gradually, giving you plenty of time to move around, take photos, and soak in the views. The capsules are climate-controlled, making the London Eye an attraction you can plan for year-round.

Each rotation takes about 30 minutes, which is the perfect length for traveling with kids. From the top, you’ll spot major landmarks like Big Ben, the Palace of Westminster, St Paul’s Cathedral, and even Tower Bridge in the distance. Here are a few tips when planning your visit:

Book tickets in advance to save time
Sunset rides are beautiful but busiest
Morning rides tend to be quieter
Allow about 45–60 minutes total, including boarding, if you book standard admission
Fast track tickets reduce wait time by 35-45 minutes but cost up to 70 British pounds.
Combine your visit with a walk along Queen’s Walk afterward for riverside views and street performers.

Westminster

Following the London Eye, we spent the evening walking around Westminster. We focused on areas such as the Theater District, SOHO, Chinatown, and Oxford Circus. If I could pick one neighborhood I wish I had discovered earlier and could have dedicated more time to, it would be SOHO. It’s compact, walkable, and packed with restaurants, cafés, independent shops, and theaters, offering something for everyone. Oxford Circus is London’s version of the Champs-Élysées in Paris or Fifth Avenue in New York City. It is home to a mix of luxury, fast-fashion, and flagship retail stores, and is one of the busiest shopping districts in Europe.

Westminster is also home to Chinatown, and it is worth stopping by. The entire borough is so walkable, and if you can find an affordable hotel or Airbnb to make the area your base camp for a few days, you will be within walking distance to some of the most popular sites in London. The next time we are in London, this is the area we will focus on.

Day Nine

From the North Action Station, we took the Elizabeth Line to London Heathrow as our glorious time in London concluded. The airport was very busy, and our goal was to arrive about 4 hours before departure, just to be on the safe side when traveling with kids. All in all, this was a very fulfilling trip that checked so many boxes and one that we will look back on with nothing but warm memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do kids need an ETA to visit London?

Yes. Every traveler, including children, needs their own UK Electronic Travel Authorization. It is valid for multiple visits over two years. Apply early so you are not stressing right before departure.

Is London stroller-friendly?

Most of the time. Sidewalks are generally wide and walkable, but many Tube stations have stairs and no elevators. From our experience, the Tube was still more convenient than the bus, so pack a lightweight, easily foldable stroller. We used the Zoe Lightweight Double Stroller (as we have for every trip since our second child was born), and it worked without many issues. This is a stroller we highly recommend; you can look into it here (it is not an affiliate link, and we do not have any business relationship with Zoe).

What are the best areas to stay in London with kids?

For families, consider:

• South Kensington, close to major museums
• Westminster, walkable to major landmarks
• Covent Garden, central and lively but manageable
• Greenwich, quieter with more of a neighborhood feel

We loved the Wimbledon area, but if there is one drawback, it is that it is a bit further from the main attractions. However, if you’re there during the Wimbledon tennis tournament, the atmosphere is incredible and worth staying in the area to experience.

Are London hotel rooms really small?

Yes, especially compared to U.S. hotel rooms. Look for family rooms, apartment-style hotels, or suites if you are using points. Extra space makes a big difference after long sightseeing days. Airbnbs are also a great option if you are using strictly cash.

Is London safe for families?

London is generally very safe for tourists. Like any major city, stay alert and watch for pickpockets in crowded areas. Most family-friendly neighborhoods feel comfortable and walkable, even in the evening. It feels ridiculous to even address this, but contrary to what you may have heard on certain media outlets about “no-go zones” in the London area, they simply do not exist. We walked around countless ethnic enclaves, and the idea that there was a religious litmus test for someone to walk around freely had no premise. Of course, you have to take precautions in any large city you visit, but there are no such things as “no-go zones.”

Many major museums are free, including:

• Natural History Museum
• Science Museum
• British Museum

Donations are encouraged but not required. This makes London surprisingly budget-friendly for families.

Airfare Breakdown

One-way tickets on Virgin Atlantic cost 12k points per passenger. Since Virgin Atlantic is a transfer partner for Chase, AMEX, Citi, Wells Fargo, Capital One, and Bilt, it was very easy to aggregate the 120k points needed for a round-trip family itinerary. The taxes were $75 per person for departures from the U.S. For the return, the taxes were a whopping $290 each for me and Ayesha and $170 each for the kids. I looked at it as if the points that we used for the award redemption were the tax. Still beats paying strictly in cash, but just understand that Heathrow is the worst airport in the world to depart from if you plan to use airline miles. While you may get excellent award redemptions on premium cabins to fly into and out of London, the taxes regularly exceed four figures for the privilege of doing so.