London Waterloo attractions are some of the most famous ones in the city. Your family will definately want to stop and spend some time here.
The Waterloo train station in London covers more than 25 acres of land and is Britain’s largest train station. While visiting the station itself is a lot of fun, there’s a lot more to see and do when you step out onto the streets of Waterloo, London.
Where is Waterloo?
Waterloo is a district in London that includes three central areas:
- South Bank
- The Cut
- Lower Marsh
South Bank (or Southbank), is the most popular region of Waterloo. It runs along the southern bank of the River Thames and includes many of the most popular London attractions. The area is also home to many restaurants, entertainment venues, hotels, and theatres.
The Cut is home to two popular London theatres plus an assortment of restaurants and bars. The Lower Marsh features a food market by day plus a line of smaller shops and some restaurants.
To help you find the best London Waterloo attractions for families, we created a quick list of our favorites. You could easily spend a day or two just exploring Waterloo, so there are plenty more options to consider.
Top Family-Friendly London Waterloo Attractions:
BFI IMAX
Located at 1 Charlie Chaplin Walk in Waterloo, Odeon BFI IMAX is the largest screen in Britain. It stretches from the floor to the ceiling and from wall to wall. You’ll feel like you’re in the movie as you kick back in comfortable seating and enjoy popcorn, candy, and other standard movie theatre concessions.
You can book tickets online in advance. A wide range of shows hit the screen each year, so make sure to check what’s on once you set your travel dates in stone.
Goosebumps Alive
Are your kids obsessed with Goosebumps books? Maybe you’re a fan from your own childhood and want to pass on the creepy fun to your little ones. There’s no better way to bring the books to life than through a real-world experience in London.
Goosebumps Alive is an immersive experience that takes place beneath the Waterloo train station. You won’t find it anywhere else in the world!
Think of it as a theatre production that takes you along for an exciting adventure. You stay on your feet moving through the entire experience, so it’s not recommended for pregnant women or anyone with a heart condition. Some kids may also find it a bit too scary, since it does take place in an underground tunnel in the dark.
Although it is one of the best London Waterloo attractions for kids, the standard Goosebumps Alive production is recommended for adults and kids at least 11 years old. There is a special Goosebumps Kids production, which is recommended for kids between ages 5 and 11 plus their parents. These are recommendations, not restrictions, so parents are free to pick the best production for their kids.
London Dungeon
You can walk to the London Dungeon within a few minutes from the Waterloo train station. You’ll find it on the South Bank next to the London Eye and Sea Life Aquarium. It’s a theatrical experience that introduces you to some of the darker themes of London’s history. You’ll experience costumed actors plus rides and exhibits for a well-rounded experience.
While they have Dungeon Lates for adults and an extra escape room experience, standard tickets are more than enough for most families. You can save up to 20% when you book your tickets online.
The recommended age limit for the London Dungeon is 12. Younger children are welcome at the discretion of parents, but keep in mind that there are some dark themes like stories of Jack the Ripper.
London Eye
Head 443 feet into the sky on a giant observation wheel. Located on the South Bank, this oversized Ferris wheel allows you to look out over the river and across London while relaxing with your family in a safe compartment. You may even order a glass of wine if you want to take relaxation to the next level.
There is no age restriction for the London Eye, but kids under age 15 are required to stay with an 18+ chaperone at all times. You can book tickets online in advance.
Sea Life London
Where do the sharks and jellyfish roam in London? At the Sea Life Aquarium, of course! You can take your little ones to explore creatures of the water at this large aquarium conveniently located on the South Bank. It is one of our all-time favorite London Waterloo attractions to visit with kids of all ages.
Book your tickets online in advance, and consider taking advantage of the multi-attraction tickets to save money on other London Waterloo attractions.
How to Find Waterloo in London
Waterloo isn’t difficult to find since it has its own tube station. Once you step out of the station, you’re in the heart of the district and a quick walk from many of the leading attractions in London.
For directions on reaching Waterloo from specific areas of London, we recommend looking at Mapway.