If you have made the exciting decision to take the kids to London but you are looking for a bit of extra information, you will find the following tips useful:
Getting Around
1. Tube
Very few of the London Underground Tube stops have lifts. – there are mostly long escalators. If possible, avoid taking buggies on the underground. Papooses can be handy.
2. Buses
London Bus Drivers are notoriously unhelpful and sometimes they will not allow buggies on crowded buses and they have been known to drive off without waiting for you to fold it!
3. Taxis
For Safety reasons it is always advisable to take a Black Cab because they are licensed. Most mini-cab companies, although cheaper, are unlicensed. One exception is Addison Lee which is very reputable but busy, so book in advance.
4. Foot
London is a large city but it is a great place to walk around. It is very flat and there are fairly wide pavements everywhere. If you do choose to walk, you might be surprised how close some of the better known places are eg Covent Garden, Leicester Square (pronounced Lester Square), and Trafalgar Square.
Safety
1. Appearance
Try your best not to look like a tourist. Backpacks, shorts, trainers with white socks and large cameras are a dead giveaway.
2. Plan Your Route in Advance
If possible, avoid opening a map on a street corner and staring at it for ages. You will be better off planning your journey and asking if you get lost. If you do
3. Stay Close
London is an extremely busy city and it is easy for children to become lost. Keep your eye on excitable young children and stick together as a family.
4. Pick Pockets
Most of the major tourist attractions, such as Harrods, will be hunting grounds for pick pockets. The best way to avoid losing your wallet is to have a shoulder bag with a zip. Carry it trapped under your arm as much as possible. If you do stop in a restaurant, put your foot through the handles so no one can take it without you noticing.
Supplies
1. Nappies/Diapers, medicines etc
The largest chain of chemists is called Boots. Wherever you are staying you will find one near you. They will have everything you need from Calpol (liquid paracetemol for kids) to Baby Wipes.
2. Food
It can be costly buying sandwiches and drinks at cafes so you might choose to buy your food in advance. The largest supermarkets are Sainsburys and Tescos. The larger superstores are based slightly outside the centre and have car parking. However, if you do not have a car you will find mini supermarkets like Tesco Express on Oxford Street and the like.
London Culture
1. No Speaking on Tube
Generally you will find that people do not speak to each other on public transport and avoid eye contact. If Londoners are travelling together they talk quietly and frown on anyone who does otherwise.
2. Quick Walking
Everyone walks extremely quickly and they are usually in a rush to get wherever they are going, so people might seem aggressive.
3. Willing to Help
Whilst people may not seem very friendly, if you need any help you will usually find people are more than willing to point you in the right direction.
Where to go
1. Restaurants
There are the usual fast food chains as well as family friendly places such as Pizza Express and The Rainforest Cafe. However, if you do a bit more research you will discover some childfriendly local pubs and restaurants.
2. Museums
Probably the best museum for kids is the Science Museum. They might also enjoy the London Eye, which is next to the Aquarium and there are other favourites like Madam Tussauds , the London Dungeon and Hamleys Toy Shop.
3. Parks
One of the best things about taking kids to London is that no matter where you are there will be a park nearby. There are great playgrounds at Holland Park and Kensington Gardens (Princess Diana Memorial Playground). Battersea Park has an adventure playground and London Zoo is right next to both and Regent’s Park have zoos.
4. Day Trips
There are lots of places to see just outside London. You might want to consider visiting Legoland, Diggerland or if you fancy a bit more culture you could try Windsor Castle , Leeds Castle (which is actually in Kent!) or RHS Wisley Gardens.
Find out where you are staying and then use this site to find the best museums, days out, childfriendly restaurants and more near you. Feel free to share your own experiences as well.
London is a great city for kids and a place to be enjoyed. There is no need to worry unnecessarily and if you plan ahead you will have a wonderful trip that the whole family will remember. You will find that no matter what your interests or aims there will be something for everyone.
