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Family Weekend In London
Like any capital city, London has a reputation for being expensive. However, many visitors are surprised at the wealth of opportunities for vacations on a budget, particularly when the whole family needs to be entertained. A little bit of advance planning plus strategic use of available discount voucher offers will ensure that the best deals available will save money on family activities, and everyone will have a great time. Vouchers are available for attractions, transport options, accommodation and eating out.
Tower of London
There are popular attractions that everyone wants to see, and the Tower of London is one of the favorites with visitors. Here the adults can marvel at the world-famous Crown Jewels, whilst the kids focus on the replicas of historical torture instruments in the rooms where prisoners were kept. A friendly Yeoman Warder is usually more than happy to recite a grisly tale or two. The Tower is very family-friendly and organizes appropriate tours and activities year-round. Use the Tower Hill underground station for easy access.
Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds, the renowned waxworks museum, offers reduced prices for family tickets when bought online, and there is no charge for children under four years old. Combination tickets are also available that offer three additional top London attractions at a discounted rate, namely the EDF Energy London Eye, the Sea Life London Aquarium and the London Dungeons. Check out the discount vouchers too as they are good for most major attractions.
London Eye
This is a great way to get an overview, literally, of the city. Perched on the edge of the River Thames, the huge Ferris wheel with pods at its perimeter takes families and groups on a slow tour of London, with maps enabling visitors to spot the significant city landmarks, such as St Paul's Cathedral and the Millennium Bridge.
Top Free Things to do in London
The major London museums and galleries host free children's activities during school vacations and most have free family trails that are available all year round, especially at weekends. In South Kensington the biggest museums are the Victoria and Albert (V&A), the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. If dinosaurs are of interest, the Natural History museum is a must, and the Kids Only section with interactive fun activities is well worth a visit. The Science Museum has lots of electronic fun, and screens amazing films in IMAX and 4D formats.
The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham palace is always popular and some families bring a picnic if the weather is good. Children up to 12 years old can have fun at the wonderful Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens.
One treat for little ones is to take the Dockland Light Railway to the Museum of London Docklands: Mudlarks Play Area. Sit at the front of the (driverless) train and youngsters can pretend to drive, and then enjoy the educational and interactive museum facilities when you arrive. These are themed around how life was lived in the London docks, and there are different activities for kids under five and those up to 12 years old.
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