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Top 10 Best Sightseeing Places in London with Kids

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What do you do in London with kids in tow?  What are the best sightseeing places in London for them? There are so many options that you can’t possibly do them all in a single trip unless you have a month or more to explore. That just means you should take the time to consider your options and choose only the sightseeing opportunities that appeal to your family.

Best Sightseeing Places in London We Love:

Best Sightseeing Places in London We Love

There’s no wrong way to do London with kids, so let’s jump right into our list of the top 10 best sightseeing places in London for families:

1. County Hall

The current County Hall building once housed the London County Council. It was central to London’s government but has since transferred ownership to a Japanese company. You can now find some of the city’s best attractions for kids inside the building, including:

  • Sea Life London Aquarium
  • London Dungeon
  • Shrek’s Adventure
  • London Film Museum

There are other kid-friendly attractions in the same building and in the surrounding area.

2. Wellington Barracks

Located close to Buckingham Palace, the barracks are where you go to see the royal guards perform the changing of the guards in the courtyard. It may not sound like something your children would enjoy, but it’s a stellar show that grabs the attention of adults and kids alike.

3. Leicester Square

Think of Leicester Square a hub of entertainment for adults and kids alike. While it comes to life after dark with clubs and bars, it’s also home to daytime attractions like the Lego store and the M&M’s store. There are a lot of restaurants and shops in the area, and many of them hold events for the kids at special times. This is also a great place to attend the theatre.

4. King’s Cross Railway Station

One of the most popular and best sightseeing places in London, King’s Cross,  is a popular railway station with a long history. It’s now home to one of the most noteworthy attractions for kids in London: The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾. The store offers interactive activities that many adults enjoy right along with the littlest Harry Potter fans.

There are also a variety of restaurants in the area along with other shopping venues.

5. Regent’s Park

One of eight Royal Parks in London, Regent’s Park covers nearly 400 square feet and is an outdoor wonderland for all ages to enjoy. Some of the biggest attractions include:

  • London Zoo
  • Queen Mary’s Gardens
  • Avenue Gardens
  • Open Air Theatre

6. Kew Gardens

The botanical gardens at Kew are home to more than 50,000 plants plus a beautiful lake, an arboretum, and a rock garden. Kids may also enjoy walking through the grass garden, the bamboo garden, or the kitchen garden. The kid’s garden is full of interactive features and educational stops that teach the basic concepts of how plants grow.

7. Leadenhall Market

You’ll find the upscale shops, family-friendly restaurants, and heritage sites of Leadenhall Market on Gracechurch Street. It was built on the former site of the Roman Basilica and has a rich history that dates back to the 1st century.

8. Hyde Park

Hyde Park allows you to swim in open waters, dine at a waterside café situated near a beautiful lake, and relax by the memorial fountain dedicated to Princess Diana. It has some wild and untamed parts that are fun to explore as well, and you may catch live outdoor entertainment and a variety of events held in the park throughout the year.

9. Piccadilly Circus

If you look beyond the flashy boutiques selling high-end merchandise, department stores selling everything under the sun, and world-class museums, you’ll find courtyards and parks tucked into small corners of this famous London street. You’ll find yourself ducking in and out of stores, stopping for a bite to eat, browsing museums, and then relaxing in a secret paradise that not everyone is lucky enough to find.

You can easily spend a full day exploring the sights and sounds of Piccadilly Circus, especially if you look for the hidden green spaces and enjoy a good meal or perhaps a stop for tea.

10. Kensington Gardens

Head to Kensington Gardens when you want to mix outdoor recreation with history, architecture, and artwork. It’s home to the Serpentine Galleries and contains a lot of open green space that allows children to run free on warm days. Kids also love the giant pirate ship that is featured on the playground.  

When visiting London with kids, it’s important to think about the interests, ages, and maturity level for each of your children. While many kids enjoy some of the museums, other children may not do well in that environment. The same goes for visiting the parks, playing in fountains, strolling through shops, or any other activity in the city.

You have endless options for the best sightseeing places in London, and there’s something suitable for children of all ages. Choose wisely and make your London trip unique and unforgettable.

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