London Top 10 Attractions for Kids
What are London's top 10 attractions for children? This is a hard question as there is so much for kids to do in the capital. We have had a go at working out the best ten attractions for children in London. If you are looking for more inspiration check out our children attractions directory.
10. Hampton Court Palace:
Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU
Hampton Court is one of the last two remaining palaces owned by King Henry VIII (Second monarch of the Tudor Dynasty most famous for his six wives, many of whom met untimely deaths). The palace is said by many to be haunted; children will have great fun seeking out the various ghosts and hearing the ghoulish tales which surround the many, many deaths. In addition to the spooky attractions, the palace also provides a massive insight into the history of the era. The grand interiors of the palace and its vast grounds show children life before iPads and the internet (can you imagine), yet the experience is so much fun they will barely realise how much historic knowledge they accumulate. The Palace serves as a cracking day out for children of all ages, features include a full size maze, original Tudor kitchens, costumed tours and a ghostly trail.
Price: Adult - £17:60 Children Over 5: £8.80 Children Under 5: FREE
9. Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter
Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Hertfordshire WD25 7LR
A day out to Warner Bros Studios is a must for any children who love the stories of Harry Potter. A trip out there is best done by train from London Euston to Watford and you will need to pre book in advance to make sure you don't miss out as well as plan your day. You can also mix in the day with a visit to Platform 9 3/4's at Kings Cross station which is a short walk from London Euston Station.
8. Hamleys
188-196 Regent Street, London, W1B 5BT
This is London’s famous flagship branch of Hamleys toy shop based in Piccadilly Circus. The shop contains 7 floors which feature various categories of toys, ranging from life sized giraffes to the latest gadgets for children. The shop also features free regular toy demonstrations and creative activities for children who attend.
Free Entry
7. Chessington World of Adventures.
Leatherhead Rd, Chessington, Surrey KT9 2NE (One 35min train ride
Based just outside of London, Chessington World of Adventures is a great day out for children of all ages. Not only does the theme park include great rides and rollercoasters, it also features a Zoo and Sea Life centre.
Prices -
6. Museums of London
British Museum: Great Russell St, London, WC1B 3DG
Take your children on an adventure through human history, exhibits range from Ancient Greece, to Ancient Egypt and Imperial China. The British Museum is filled with iconic symbols, art, sculptures and relics from many historical eras. Check out the website for family events which feature daily.
Admission is free for all (some exhibitions may vary).
Natural History Museum: Cromwell Rd, London, SW7 5BD
Dedicated to the natural history of planet earth, the museum is a gold mine for any children interested in finding out about the planet and its non-human inhabitants. Children are given the chance to see real dinosaur skeletons as well as various other species now extinct today. Star attractions include the enormous, interactive T.rex, which is sure to have children fooled for at least a moment.
Admission is free for all (some exhibits may vary).
Science Museum: Exhibition Rd, London, SW7 2DD
London’s Science museum is extremely child friendly; it includes tons of interactive exhibits for fun learning. Children can learn about areas such as medical history, space and energy, whilst also seeing the scientific oddities such as mummified cats and an obese mouse. The museum also houses an IMAX cinema which regularly screens films and documentaries.
Admission is free for all (some exhibits may vary).
5. London Zoo:
Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY
Based in the heart of Regents Park, London Zoo is a great day out for children of all ages. The zoo features hundreds of animals including; Giraffes, Tigers, Meerkats, Gorillas and more. The zoo runs events for children regularly, check the website to see what’s on this week.
4. London Duck Tours:
55 York Rd, London, SE1 7NJ
Opt for the London Duck Tour as an alternative to the traditional bus tours of central London. Children can see all the London sights from inside the rubber duck shaped boats, whilst sailing along the River Thames. Themed tours are also offered such as the ‘James Bond Tour’, which takes you to see some of the famous locations as seen in the films.
Standard Tour: Adult £11.50 Child (aged 1 – 12) £7.50 Youth ( aged 13 – 17) £8.50 [Infants, under aged 1 go free]
3. London Dungeon: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, City of London, Greater London SE1 7PB (Next to the London Eye)
A jaw dropping experience not to be missed by children visiting London. Not suitable for very sensitive children, the dungeons are a themed journey through London’s murky past. Featuring real actors, theatrical displays and special effects, visitors are treated to a guided tour in which they will encounter the likes of Jack the Ripper and Sweeny Todd. Look out for the victims of the bubonic plague and the grizzly torture chamber.
Adults £19.50 Under 16s £14.95 (Based on online prices)
2. Covent Garden:
(WC2)
The vibrant streets of Covent Garden are a perfect place to take children on a sunny day. The area is a frequent haunt of buskers, street performers and random stalls. Covent Garden is also home to Benjamin Pollocks Toyshop (44 The Market, WC2E, one of London’s greatest toy shops featuring traditional toys. The Apple Market is also a great place to trawl through with children, it’s full of bright colours and trinkets which give it an air of mystery and magic.
Free for all.
1. Princess Diana Memorial Park:
W Carriage Dr, Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
Opened in June 2000 in memory of the late Princess Diana, the memorial playground is arguably the finest in London. The playground admits children aged up to twelve years; for adults who are not accompanying children are only admitted between 9.30am – 10.00am. The facilities are inspired by the Peter Pan stories and include a pirate ship surrounded by a beach, large teepees and plenty of exciting toys for all ages.
